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Out & About in Greater Orlando January 2017

Fun things for the whole family to do throughout Greater Orlando in January.

Light Up UCF
CFE Arena
Through Jan 7
One of Orlando’s most anticipated holiday attractions provides Central Florida families and residents with an affordable winter wonderland that features ice skating, rides and holiday attractions for the whole family. In addition to all the usual favorites, this year’s Ferris Wheel has been upgraded, and there’s an all new ride: The Winter Whirl. LightUpUCF.com

Blackberry Winter
Orlando Shakespeare Theatre
Jan 3 – Feb 5
Vivienne recounts memories of her aging mother and the difficult decisions regarding her care. Interwoven with these stories is an evolving, 21st-century, Alzheimer’s creation myth: an origin tale about a white egret who tries to protect forest animals as they lose their memories to a blind, oblivious mole. Blackberry Winter is a moving, occasionally humorous, and deeply human new work. OrlandoShakes.org

Solis Bravo Band in Concert
Garden Theatre
Jan 6
The Garden Theatre is bringing back the Solis Bravo Band by popular demand. Attendees can enjoy the smooth sounds of jazz, big band, bossa nova, Latin and R&B music, and the show starts at 8 p.m. GardenTheatre.org

Wicked
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Jan 11-29
Long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, two girls meet in the Land of Oz. One—born with emerald green skin—is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good makes for one of the most unique new musicals in modern history. Orlando.Broadway.com

Dinosaur Invasion
Harry P. Leu Gardens
Jan 13 – Apr 30
Discover what life was like millions of years ago when dinosaurs roamed the earth! This one-of-a-kind, outdoor exhibit features life-like prehistoric creatures throughout the 50-acre botanic garden. Creator Guy Darrough, an accomplished fossil expert and collector, crafted each dinosaur carefully for authenticity. The beauty and scientific replicas range in size from 14 inches to a massive 33 feet. LeuGardens.org

Lake Apopka Wildlife Festival & Birdapalooza
Lake Apopka North Shore
Jan 20-22
This weekend event is perfect for birders visiting Florida or locals wanting to learn more from well-known, knowledgeable birding guides. You can add to your life list while exploring a unique birding area. On Friday, field trips sponsored by the Audubon Society will search for as many as possible of the 360-plus local documented species, plus recently sighted rarities. On Saturday, you can observe additional birds, check out exhibits, live animal displays, music, nature-inspired merchandise sales, and food trucks. OrangeAudubonFL.org

Why Do Fools Fall in Love?
Winter Park Playhouse
Jan 20 – Feb 18
At an impromptu bachelorette party, best friends dive into age-old questions about love, marriage and the dating game. This musical comedy reaffirms that true friendship will unveil its everlasting strength, and it features pop hits from the 1960s, including “My Boy,” “Lollipop,” “I Will Follow Him,” and others. WinterParkPlayhouse.org

Color in Motion 5K
Artegon Marketplace
Jan 21
Some people say that color runs are a dying breed, but the fun lives on at this event. The 2017 Viva La Color! tour race has been revamped to include music at color stations, awesome race medals, and other features. ColorInMotion5k.com

Monster Jam
Camping World Stadium
Jan 21
Approximately 12 feet tall and about 12 feet wide, Monster Jam trucks are custom-designed machines that sit atop 66-inch-tall tires and weigh a minimum of 10,000 pounds. Built for short, high-powered bursts of speed, Monster Jam trucks generate 1,500 to 2,000 horsepower and are capable of speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. Monster Jam trucks can fly up to125 to 130 feet (a distance greater than 14 cars side by side) and up to 35 feet in the air, making this event an adrenaline-charged motorsports experience for families. MonsterJam.com

Orlando Philharmonic: Brahms Symphony No. 3
Bob Carr Theater
Jan 21
The Philharmonic honors the greatest living American composer with performances of two of his most well-known works. Carmen Knoll, an 18-year-old American presented by the Philharmonic’s Genius of Youth sponsors, Dr. & Mrs. Leonard Dreifus, will perform Rachmaninoff’s spectacular Third Piano Concerto. The program ends with the first Philharmonic performance of Brahms’ Symphony No. 3. OrlandoPhil.org

2017 Brooksville Raid Reenactment
Hwy. 50 West at the Sand Hill Scout Reservation
Jan 21-22
This reenactment is a re-creation of a Civil War battle that occurred in Hernando County in July of l864. The Raid is held annually during the third weekend in January and has become the largest Civil War reenactment in Florida, hosting more than 1,500 reenactors and their families, 28 cannons, 60 horses, and more than 50 sutlers. The public is invited to tour, at no additional charge, the authentic Confederate and Union camps, see how they lived, and experience what life was like during the Civil War. BrooksvilleRaidReenactment.com

Manatee Festival
Valentine Park, Orange City
Jan 28-29
This festival’s 32nd annual outing is a fundraiser for the Orange City community. The proceeds will benefit Friends of Blue Spring State Park, educational scholarships, and Greater Orange City organizations. Along with the opportunity to view magnificent manatees in a natural setting, the event will feature rock climbing, bungee jumping, entertainment and fun for the entire family. TheManateeFestival.com