Central Florida Green Guide

I really look forward to this time a year when I know that the ArtsFest is coming! My family and I have been attending ArtsFest for 5 or 6 years now! What is ArtsFest, you ask? Well, let me tell you!

ArtsFest is a festival that kicks-off the fundraising campaign for the United Arts. It is being held this year from February 7 – 17, 2008. It includes about 285 free arts and cultural events held in 48 locations throughout Lake, Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties.

All events are free and open to the public, although venues such as theatres have limited seating and you do have to get tickets (free!) beforehand. The first ArtsFest event I attended was to a showing of “Lily and the Purple Plastic Purse” that was being staged by the Orlando Repertory Theatre. Up until that time, I didn’t know that there was quality theatre for children in Orlando. After that show, my family and I were hooked and now attend several shows every year. Thanks ArtsFest!

Other venues that are offering activities are the Annie Russell Theatre, the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park, The Center for Contemporary Dance, Central Florida Ballet, Creadle School of Art, Lake Eustis Museum of Art and the Maitland Art Center, to name a few. Some of it is for watching only, but others offer free activities for all ages. The Center of Contemporary Dance offers dance classes such as a creative movement class for ages 2-8 and a jazz dance class for ages 9 and above. The Maitland Art Center is offering yoga and creative writing. To find out who is participating and what they are offering, go to the Red Chair Project website to see the schedule online.

For the events that will require tickets, you do need to register with the Red Chair Project ArtsFest ticket Lottery.

A more comprehensive FAQ can also be found at the United Arts website.

WARNING: Once you participate in ArtsFest, you will become hooked and want to participate in activities every year!