ZORA! Festival opening, camellias
As the new year gets into full swing, Central Floridians enjoy cooler weather while event organizers bring back festivals and celebrations of all kinds.
In the greater Orlando area, this weekend brings a 5K running race, a camellia show, a showcase of arts and African-American culture at the ZORA! Festival, a chance to discover reptiles at a unique convention and a show for antiques in Mount Dora.
Here are ideas for ways of spending the weekend in Central Florida.
ZORA! Festival 2024
ZORA! Festival opening events include the opening of an exhibition at The Hurston Museum from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Jan. 20 and an “Art-Ful” Eatonville celebration from 2-5 p.m. Jan. 21 at multiple locations around town. The festival’s Afrofuturism Conference gathers keynote speakers, visionaries and dreamers Jan. 24-27 while an outdoor festival goes on Jan. 26-28.
If you go: The ZORA! Festival has events happening in Eatonville and other Central Florida venues through Jan. 28. More information: zorafestival.org
Park Ave 5K
Join Track Shack for a running race through Winter Park on Saturday. The 5K run starts at 7:30 a.m. followed by an awards presentation and a free AdventHealth for Children Kids’ Run. Treats are available from local favorites following the race, with bites from Black Bean Deli, Jeff ’s Bagel Run, Lazy Moon, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Pig Floyd’s, The Salty, and more.
If you go: The Park Ave. 5K starts at 7:30 a.m. Jan. 20 at 251 N. Park Ave. in Winter Park. Registration costs $44 in advance or $49 on race day. More information: trackshack.com
77th Annual Camellia Show
The Camellia Society of Central Florida hosts its 77th annual Camellia Show and Plant Sale at Mead Botanical Garden with an event that’s free and open to the public. Anyone can enter camellia blooms for the show or browse from the plant sale.
If you go: The 77th annual Camellia Show is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 20 at 1300 S. Denning Drive in Winter Park. Registration for camellia blooms is open from 7-9:45 a.m. More information: camelliacfl. com
2 more events
ReptiCon Orlando is at the Central Florida Fairgrounds with more than 50 vendors and a wide variety of animals to explore. Tickets are $15 for both days or $12 for a day pass, or $6 for children ages 5-12. Herpetology enthusiasts will gather from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 20 and from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 21 at 4603 W. Colonial Drive in Orlando. More information: repticon.com
Renninger’s Antiques and Collectors Extravaganza brings 800 vendors selling antiques, collectibles, vintage items and more. The show is indoors and outdoors over three days. Tickets cost $15 for all three days or less for day passes, prices vary based on the day. Explore the event from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 19-21 at 20651 U.S. 441 in Mount Dora. More information: renningers.net