Orlando Kicks off the New Year with New Attractions and Must-See Events
The Theme Park Capital of the World® is wasting no time in 2020, with major events and new openings kicking off from day one. Visitors can catch theme park expansions, new luxury resorts, must-see festivals, live performances and much more, all within the first quarter of the year. Get updates on new attractions and planning tips at VisitOrlando.com.
 |
| Epcot International Festival of the Arts runs Jan. 17 – Feb. 24. |
JANUARY
Theme Parks- Epcot International Festival of the Arts (Jan. 17 – Feb. 24) - Included with regular theme park admission, the event features world-class food, visual art exhibitions and live entertainment.
- Epcot Unveils New Experiences (Jan. 17) - At Walt Disney World Resort, Epcot is undergoing one of the biggest transformations of any Disney park in history. A new Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along will open at the France pavilion in the World Showcase, while two new film experiences will be added to park: Awesome Planet, at The Land pavilion and Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360 at the Canada pavilion.
- The NFL Pro Bowl (Jan. 26) – Returning to Orlando at the Camping World Stadium for the fourth year in a row in 2020. The game will take place Sunday, Jan. 26, but a week of festivities leading up to it bring in fans and players of all ages for events like the Pro Bowl Skills Showdown and the NFL Pro Bowl Experience.
 |
| The Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts and Humanities runs Feb. 1-2. |
FEBRUARY
Theme Parks
- Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort (Feb. 1- April 2) - Included with regular admission, this celebration offers a nightly parade, authentic Cajun cuisine, live music and plenty of beads.
- The Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld Orlando (Weekends Feb. 7 – May 3) – Included with regular admission, this event offers street food and craft beer from around the globe. This tasty weekends-only event also hosts popular musical performers, including standouts from rock, country, Latin and more.
- Epcot International Festival of the Arts continues through Feb. 24.
Beyond the Parks
- The Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts and Humanities (Feb. 1-2) - Returning to Historic Eatonville once more, this celebration of African American culture is inspired by the great American Author known for her novel, “Their Eyes were watching God." The weekend outdoor festival of the arts features handcrafted goods, live music and educational elements.
- Orlando Philharmonic Presents Havana Nights (Feb. 22) - This evening of fiery music includes orchestral and vocal selections from the classical Spanish Zarzuela period combined with the exciting Afro-Cuban rhythms of the Mambo Kings.
- The Downtown Food and Wine Fest (Feb. 22-23) – Now in its 12th year, the event will be held near Lake Eola. This ticketed-event features dishes from Orlando’s top restaurants, live entertainment, and both domestic and international wines.
- JW Marriot Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa (February) – This new property is set to open with 516 guestrooms, a Spa by JW, a resort pool with splash pad, specialty restaurants, and a rooftop terrace boasting nightly views of theme park fireworks. It will be the brand’s second Orlando location, following JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes.
 |
| The Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld Orlando runs weekends Feb. 7 – May 3 |
MARCH
Theme Parks
- Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival (March 4 – June 1) - This 90-day spring celebration, included with park admission, invites nature-lovers to marvel at Disney-themed topiaries, enjoy garden-themed food and drinks and groove at the “Garden Rocks” concert series.
- Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort continues through April 2.
- The Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld Orlando continues weekends through May 3.
- Universal Orlando Resort’s Dockside Inn and Suites (March 17) - This new coastal-themed hotel is a value property with 2,050-rooms and rates starting at $76 per night.
Beyond the Parks
- The Arnold Palmer Invitational (March 2-8) - This annual event at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge is a crown jewel on the PGA tour, not-to-be-missed by golfers and fans alike.
- The 4th Annual Beard in Baldwin Food & Wine Festival (March 28) – A celebration of Orlando’s culinary scene, benefiting James Beard Foundation scholarships, with more than 35 top tier local restaurants serving flavorful dishes paired with a fine wine, craft cocktail or local brew.
About Visit Orlando. Visit Orlando is The Official Tourism Association® for Orlando, the most visited destination in the United States and Theme Park Capital of the World®. A not-for-profit trade association that brands, markets and sells the Orlando destination globally, Visit Orlando represents 1,200 member companies comprising every segment of Central Florida’s tourism community.
