From a distance, Orlando seems like it is all roller coasters and dark room rides. Yet once you arrive in The City Beautiful, you realize it has so much more to offer. Local community events, such as festivals and concerts, are always taking place. These fun events celebrate the diversity of the local community and are a great way to truly experience life in Orlando. Check out these upcoming springtime Central Florida events, all of which offer affordable, family fun.
Cuban Sandwich Festival
Cuban sandwiches are one of Florida’s most delicious – and hotly contested – foods. There’s long been a rivalry between Miami and Tampa over where the first sandwich was made and who makes it better. The Cuban Sandwich Festival attempts to answer the latter with a sandwich making competition. Chefs from Tampa, Miami, and countries all over the world will compete for the title. At this year’s festival, chefs will also work together to create the largest Cuban sandwich in an attempt to break the current record.
Join the fun on Sunday, March 8, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Island Grove Wine Company in Formosa Gardens. Enjoy sampling many Cuban sandwiches as you watch musicians and dancers perform. For a true treat you can also upgrade to the VIP level which grants you special access to media areas where you can mingle with other VIPs. For tickets and more information, visit the festival website.
Orlando Caribbean Festival
After eating your fill of Cuban sandwiches, you can keep the Caribbean party going at the Orlando Caribbean Festival. This popular event is celebrating its ninth year with a bigger-than-ever party that highlights the many vibrant cultures that make up the Orlando community. Expect fair rides, delicious food from various Caribbean nations, and plenty of performances representing island music styles including soca, reggaeton, and kompa. Past performers have included Tara Lynn, Cruz Rock, Kai, T-Vice, Klass, and Harmonik.
The festival takes place on Saturday, March 14 at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium. Families are invited to join the festivities at discounted prices. Last year kids under 8 enjoyed free entry and kids ages 8-15 received discounted tickets. You can purchase tickets and get announcements on this year’s musical guests from the festival website.
Central Florida Soul Fest
Orlando has several long-running festivals but there is always room for more. You can be part of history this year as Orlando hosts its first ever Soul Fest. The long-awaited festival will feature food, art, and music in a positive and uplifting atmosphere. The event has plenty of local and national star power, too. Popular radio personality Big Tigger, actress Rashan Ali, and Orlando comedian Rod Z will host the event and that’s just the beginning. Artists slated to perform include MAZE ft. Frankie Beverly, TANK, and CeCe Teneal & Soul Kamotion, with more performers yet to be announced.
The festival takes place on Saturday, March 28 at the Central Florida Fairgrounds. The gates open at 1:30 p.m. and the show begins at 2:30 p.m. until midnight. VIP upgrades are available, including a platinum level that features two complimentary drink tickets as well as premium seating. Visit Central Florida Soul Fest for more details.
Your Family-Friendly Hotel in Central Florida
All of these Central Florida festivals are within short distance of your guestroom at Rosen Inn. Just hop on the nearby Interstate 4 ramp and you’ll be mingling with locals in no time. When it’s time to come back to your hotel, you’ll enjoy entertaining amenities such as an on-site buffet with a kids eat free program, an arcade, and a swimming pool. To reserve your room, give us a call at or click on the orange button at the top of the page.
