Recognized as one of the nation's most prestigious art festivals, this Central Florida favorite draws more than 350,000 visitors each year. Beautiful March weather along with the beauty of Winter Park's posh Park Avenue encourages Central Floridians to partake in the three day festival showcasing both amateur and professional art work.
Art in a variety of forms, including paintings, photography, ceramics, glass and jewelry are all available for sale from the roughly 260 artists that participate in the event. Each year, a painting is selected that is representative of the beauty of Winter Park. Posters and T-shirts depicting the current year's winner are sold during the festival. Check the dates for this year's festival and other events for the month of March.
Awards are given in several different categories. Each year the best of show is purchased by the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival and donated to the City of Winter Park. The prior year's winner will be on display at the Winter Park Public library.
Preview art, watch people, do a little shopping - restaurants, stores and local businesses are all open for business during the event. Bring your appetite for festival food, curly fries, fresh squeezed lemonade and kettle corn or venture into one of the many popular restaurants on Park Avenue - most of which will have outdoor seating available.
Each day (and evening) of the festival, live entertainment is provided on the main stage in North Central Park. Friday evenings tend to draw a large crowd with its evening of Jazz performers which usually begins around 6pm and continues throughout the evening. Often you will find large groups that 'stake out' their spots in the grassy area in front of the stage - some getting there early in the morning and making a day of meeting with friends, relaxing and enjoying the evening show.
Parking is at a premium, as most of Park Avenue is closed for driving and parking. Surrounding streets, public and private lots will be your best bet. Wear comfortable shoes and plan on walking - but isn't that what an outdoor festival is all about?
Other Winter Park Events:
- First Thursday's at the Orlando Museum of Art
- Popcorn Flicks in the Park sponsored by the Enzian Theater
- Free Friday Evenings at the Morse Museum of American Art
- March Events Calendar of events for Orlando
