A date we’re only able to enjoy once every 4 years
A few suggestions on how to celebrate your extra day in Orlando
This year, Saturday provides the month of February with an additional 24 hours compared with the previous three years: It’s Leap Day Feb. 29, and there’s extra time to celebrate accordingly.
For most people, it’s a good excuse to enjoy more time with friends and family. But for some, it’s also a special milestone that only comes around every four years: their birthday. These rare people only had a one in 1,461 chance of being born on Feb. 29.
Carolyn Gardner, who lives in Sacramento, has nearly completed 48 revolutions around the sun, but she’s only celebrating her 12th birthday, technically speaking.
“When I was young, I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, by the time I’m 12, I’m gonna be so old,’” she said. “Especially the years that I have [a birthday], people I haven’t spoken to in years will reach out, remembering because it’s such
an unusual thing.”
Even if it isn't a rare birthday for you, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate.
Eat and drink like it’s Feb. 29
■ American Social Orlando is hosting a party “so big it can only be thrown once every four years.” The sports bar and restaurant will toast with a Black and White Ball featuring complimentary champagne from 9-11 p.m. and $5 Absolut cocktails. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Feb. 29 at 7335 W. Sand Lake Rd., #101; free admission.
■ Dexter’s New Standard is going all out for Leap Day with a five-course dinner featuring options from duck breast to venison to rock shrimp, complete with wine pairings included in the price. Feb. 29 at 1035 Orlando Ave., No. 101, in Winter Park; $95 plus tax and gratuity; reserve by calling 407-636-4995; newstandardwp.com
■ BrewCycle, a new bike brewery tour in Orlando, is hosting a “Leap Beer ride” with stops at three local breweries. The tour requires riders to bring their own bike, but beer, fun and history lessons are provided with each ticket. 2-5 p.m. Feb. 29 starting at 1300 Alden Road in Orlando; $45 per rider; eventbrite.com
■ Redlight Redlight is hosting a Weep Day / Leap Day Emo Soirée at their Audubon Park taproom with emo music and “throwin' back a few cold ones, like your heart.” 7 p.m. Feb. 29 at 2810 Corrine Drive in Orlando; free; facebook.com
■ The Imperial at Washburn Imports is hosting live music from Go Go Zero with original rock ‘n' roll and covers, plus special guest comedian Hal Wynbrandt. 9 p.m.-12 a.m. Feb. 29 at 1800 N. Orange Ave. in Orlando; free; facebook.com
■ Vault 5421, the bar behind comic and game shop Gods & Monsters, is hosting a Leap Day Time Warp Party with time travel shows such as Future Man, Doctor Who, Legends of Tomorrow and Time Tunnel. Those who perform a Time Warp dance will receive one free shot or soda. 8 p.m.-12 a.m.
Feb. 29 at 5421 International Drive in Orlando; free; facebook.com
■ Howl at the Moon Orlando, I-Drive's dueling piano bar, is celebrating extra time on Leap Day with beer and drink specials, plus the usual live music. 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Feb. 29 at 8815 International Drive in Orlando; howlatthemoon.com.
Events for the rare day
■ Ace Cafe Orlando , a local hub for automotive gatherings, is hosting a Leap Year car show, with all cars, trucks and bikes welcome. A $10 registration fee applies for all vehicles, and this will be a judged show. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 29 at 100 W. Livingston St. in Orlando; free to attend; acecafeusa.com ■ Peanut Butter Palace,
an Orlando co-op house dedicated to permaculture and sustainability, is hosting a Hummus Hoedown with 10 chefs making their best hummus. Attendees will sample the various creations to vote on their favorite hummus. 4-11 p.m. Feb. 29 at 2346 Rutledge Ave. in Orlando; $10 admission; eventbrite.com
Theme park specials
■ Walt Disney World is taking an extra opportunity to recognize their cast members using the hashtag #ExtraDayForMagic. The park is encouraging visitors to snap selfies with cast members who make their day extra special and post the photos on social media, even before Leap Day. On Feb. 29, Disney will share select photos on some of their social channels. disneyparks.disney.go.com
■ Universal Orlando Resort is offering passholders a rare button starting on Leap Day at Toon Extra in Universal's Islands of Adventure and the Passholder Lounge in Universal Studios Florida. On Leap Day, passholders can enjoy early park admission to Universal Studios. In addition, the Passholder Lounge will offer extended hours on Feb. 29 from park open to park close. universalorlando.com