Spring Festivals and Events in Kissimmee

It’s springtime here in Kissimmee and the weather is warming up! With a fresh new season comes new and exciting festivals. You’re welcome to join in on the fun while enjoying delicious worldly foods, tasty drinks, and entertainment galore. 

Safety is still top of mind during these events, so be sure to freshen up on the protocols before making your plans. Let’s get started with exploring the global excitement all without leaving Central Florida. 

Taste of Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

April showers may bring May flowers, but at Walt Disney World Resort beautiful flora and fauna are already in bloom. Take a stroll through Taste of Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival at EPCOT from now until July 5 to experience spring beauty at its finest. From topiaries and gardens to outdoor kitchens and live entertainment, this festival is blossoming all season long. 

Take a look at the living sculptures of horticulture shaped as your favorite Disney characters, including Sorcerer Mickey Mouse, The Three Caballeros, and Remy – all at varying spots throughout the park. You can also explore the exotic gardens and flowerbeds. The new Prehistoric Garden at Future World East showcases plant life from the dawn of the dinosaurs that still exists today. Another interesting spot is the Urban Spice Garden at Morocco Pavilion, which flaunts Eastern cultures with spices and herb blends. Did you know these were once considered more valuable than gold? What a time! 

Safety is of the utmost importance and AdventHealth is joining in the festival with a Health Full Trail. This whimsical pathway will inspire your creativity and excitement while you make your way to the many outdoor kitchens. While you’re there, relax and relish in the mouthwatering mission of culinary delight and specialty menus complete with savory and sweet dishes, as well as delicious sips. On your journey, take part in the Garden Graze which consists of five different locations with specific menu items to try. You’ll be rewarded with a complimentary food item at the end if you’ve had all five!

Here are just a few examples of bites and beverages: 

• Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market at the German Pavilion
  • Bavarian bites, potato pancakes, cheese strudel, Apeflschaumwein sparkling wine, and apple liqueur
• Citrus Blossom at Showcase Plaza 
  • Meyer lemon-poached lobster salad 
  • Playalinda Brewing Company Hibiscus Lime Ale 
• New! Epcot Farmers Feast at World Showplace
  • Rotating menu of farm-fresh flavors
  • Duck confit
  • Off the “beet”en path (A profiterole with red beet mousse, golden beet pastry cream, whipped goat cheese cream, and candied walnuts – yum!) 

While enjoying your snacks, you’ll be greeted by Mickey and Friends’ World Tour and the Princess Promenade. You can also stop and rest at the America Gardens Theatre, where a rotating lineup of amazing musicians will fill the area with song. If you’re on the other side of the lagoon, be sure to stop by Jammin’ Gardeners at the Canada Mill Stage for funky pop, Latin, and 80s music. 

If you have the little ones squirming for more fun, join in on Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration and Egg-Stravaganza, both of which are scavenger hunts for the young ones and young at heart to keep entertained during your stroll around World Showcase. 

Mardi Gras 2021: International Flavors of Carnaval

Let the good times roll at Mardi Gras 2021: International Flavors of Carnaval from now until May 2 at Universal Orlando Resort. You can keep rolling daily with global cuisine and entertainment inspired by Carnaval celebrations, including Puerto Rico, Trinidad & Tobago, Germany, Spain, and New Orleans. 

Grab a bite to eat and watch as the vibrant floats glide over the streets at Universal Studios Florida. With flavors like these, you won’t want to miss any of the fun. If you’re looking to try the whole lot, a tasting lanyard is your best bet. You can sample 10 items from any of the 13 countries all for just $55.  

New Orleans
Crawfish and shrimp boil with Cajun crawfish, shrimp, corn on the cob, red potatoes, and Andouille sausage. 

Puerto Rico
Pernil and Mofongo. A roasted pork stuffed with smashed plantains and onion mojo. 

Trinidad & Tobago
Vegan Pholourie featuring deep fried, spicy split pea dough balls tossed with turmeric and curry powder and a side of tamarind chutney or powdered sugar. 

Germany
Pork Schnitzel Slider. A modern take on the traditional German dish featuring fried pork cutlets, spicy mustard, braised red cabbage, and gruyere cheese all served on a delicious pretzel roll. 

Spain
Paella is a classic Spanish dish with saffron yellow rice served with chorizo, mussels, shrimp, and squid. 

Let the music take you along as it spices up the streets with live entertainment. Soon, you’ll be yelling “throw me somethin’ mister!” as the beads are tossed throughout the park. Catch the fleet of Pirate Treasure floats or the Music Plaza Stage for outdoor fun the whole family will enjoy. 

Before you hop on a ride, check out the Mardi Gras Tribute Store. This electric jazz parlor will make you feel as though you stepped straight into the roaring 20s. Come and find smuggled treasures and trinkets to take home with you as souvenirs or indulge in a King Cake or Praline Cookie. 

Safety continues to be a top priority for Universal, so remember to check the updated protocols before planning your trip. 

Seven Seas Food Festival

Set sail at the Seven Seas Food Festival, where you can enjoy more than 200 flavors of food and drinks. From now until May 9, SeaWorld Orlando invites you to the biggest assortment of food they’ve ever had at a festival! On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, bring your family on a culinary journey with tastes of rock, country, Latin, and 90s throwbacks with live music throughout the park to pair with your tasty delicacies.

With more than 50 fresh global cuisine options to pair with 75 wine and cocktail delights or 75 craft beers, this festival is the perfect weekend treat. On this voyage to delicious pairings, you’ll experience these tasty treats along with many, many more.

Flamecraft Bar
16 rotating craft brews or an inviting Miami Vice

Caribbean Market
Crispy Florida Cracked Conch, Dulce de Leche Empanada, Rum Runner

Italian Market
Rigatoni, Tiramisu, Palermo Fontina Cheese Meatballs

Fintastic Cocktails
Manta Margarita in a fun pouch

Vegan Market
Jack Fruit Sloppy Joes with a selection of hard seltzers 

Sweets Market
Rainbow Cheesecake Waffle Cone

German Market
Pretzel Bratwurst, Frozen Jager Bomb

Gulf Coast Market
Beignets, Fried Oyster Po’Boy, Abita craft beer

Mexican Market
Drunken Shrimp Tostada, Mexican Roasted Corn 

Chef Favorites
Bingsu Salted Vanilla Ice Cream, Brazilian Picanha Steak, Spicy Poke Bowl

While you’re having fun at the park, always ensure proper safety is followed. Continue to wear your face mask and be aware of the social distancing markers to keep you and everyone safe!

With all the food and drinks you desire, it’s no wonder a vacation to Kissimmee is a walk in a theme park. The warm sun and beautiful, blooming flowers are sights to see. For more news on festivals and events, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date with all things Kissimmee. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram for vacation inspiration in real time!