FAMILY EVENTS

Central Florida Convention and Visitors Bureau - Lakeland and Lake Wales

Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival
Location:  Lake Mirror Park, 702 E. Orange Street, Lakeland, FL
Website:  www.lakemirrorclassic.com
Date:  October 14-16, 2011
Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Cost:  Free

The Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival, now in its twelfth year, combines five great events into one big, fun-filled, automotive weekend and is one of the “must do” collector car shows in the southeastern United States. The display of more than 600 show vehicles on and surrounding the restored 1920’s, art deco-inspired Lake Mirror promenade in downtown Lakeland, Florida provides one of the most scenic venues in the country. The event is known for its beautiful lakefront setting and friendly atmosphere.  In addition to attracting over 35,000 spectators, the Lake Mirror Classic draws over 600 show vehicles including many top car collectors from the southeast.

Sunset and Symphony
Location:  Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL
Website:  www.boktowergardens.org
Date:  November 5, 2011
Hours: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Cost: $25/$10 (ages 5-12)/under 5 free

The award-winning Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and the Singing Tower carillon present Sunset & Symphony at 6 p.m. Families and friends bring elaborate picnics to experience a magical night as the sun sets atop Iron Mountain.

Saturday Night Rodeo at Westgate River Ranch Resort
Location: 3200 River Ranch Blvd, River Ranch, FL
Website: www.wgriverranch.com
Date: Every Saturday night - 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Cost: $15/Adult, $6/Children

Cowpokes and bronco busters descend upon Westgate River Ranch every Saturday night for an evening of fun for the whole family that includes trick riding, bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing, rodeo clown antics and a patriotic tribute to our armed forces. In addition, kids get the opportunity to participate in a real “calf scramble.

DAYTONA BEACH

Daytona Beach Home, Garden & Boat Show
Sept. 23-25.  Bigger and better than ever, this Ocean Center event will feature HGTV celebrity Brandie Malay, expert contractors on-hand to answer questions and lead "how to" seminars, and the latest model boats and yachts.  www.daytonabeachhomeshow.com.  407.273.7469. 

Daytona Beach Festival of Magic
Nov. 4-6.   Abracadabra!  Magic enthusiasts won't want to miss this magical gathering that includes full cabaret and stage shows.  www.daytonamagic.com.   386.252.6767.

35th Annual Greek Festival
Nov. 10-13.  Celebrate the traditions - and indulge in the delicious foods of Greece at this popular local festival presented by St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Daytona Beach.  www.stdemetriosdaytona.org.  386.252.6012.   

38th Annual Daytona Turkey Run
Nov. 24-27.  Classic auto enthusiasts from around the world annually flock to Daytona Beach for this Daytona International Speedway event that features more than 5,000 special interest vehicles including street machines, customs, street rods, classics, sports cars, muscle cars, race cars and trucks.  www.turkeyrun.com.  386.767.9070.

FORT MYERS & SANIBEL AREA

“DING” DARLING DAYS
October 16-22, 2011
The JN “DING” Darling Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island is one of the most visited in the nation and the best for viewing of migratory birds. This weeklong event will feature daily presentations with live animals, tram tours, cartooning and photography workshops, birding and sea life tours, family fun day and much more!
http://www.dingdarlingsociety.org/dingdarlingdays.php

Captiva Holiday Village
November 25- December 25, 2011
The magic of the holiday season comes alive on Captiva Island, with Christmas tree lightings, musical performances, fireworks displays, decorated golf cart and boat parades and the festive glow of the holidays. 
http://www.captivaholidayvillage.com

GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE AREA

Super Summer Savings In Greater Fort Lauderdale With 2-For-1 Summer Deals
May 1-September 30, 2011
Greater Fort Lauderdale
954-765-4466

Two-for-one offers at more than 30 participating attractions, spas, golf courses, restaurants and dive operators. For more information visit sunny.org/supersummer.

DINE OUT LAUDERDALE
Oct 1-Nov 10, 2011
40 top dining restaurants offering 3-course menus for $35.
www.sunny.org/dineout

DISNEY'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
November 15 - 27, 2011
Broward Center for the Performing Arts
201 SW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale
954-462-0222

Classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. www.browardcenter.org

SEMINOLE HARD ROCK WINTERFEST BOAT PARADE
December 10, 2011
Starts Downtown Fort Lauderdale on the New River and ends at Lake Santa Barbara, Pompano Beach
6pm
954-767-0686
Free or Grandstand Seating $15-$20

Visually dazzling event, named one of the "Top 20 Parades in the World" by USA Today. 100 brilliantly illuminated boats sail down the New River and up the Intracoastal Waterway during this signature annual event. http://www.winterfestparade.com/

MELBOURNE AREA

Oktoberfest
Oct. 13 – 16
Enjoy authentic German food from Bratwurst to Bavarian Weiss Chocolate Cake and imported beers, all while doing the polka!
Wickham Park Pavilion, Melbourne
(321) 633-4018
http://www.melbourneoktoberfest.com/

Boo At The Zoo
Oct. 14 – 30
Halloween Family Fun at the Brevard Zoo.  Don’t forget to dress up!
Melbourne
www.brevardzoo.org

7th Annual Hot Rockin’ Nights Classic Car Show
Oct. 22
Come check out all the classic rides of your youth.  Food, music and fun for the whole family!
McLarty Park, Rockledge
www.cityofrockledge.org

Cocoa Beach Air Show
Oct. 29 – 30
The 2011 Cocoa Beach Air Show will be headlined by the F-22 Raptor Demo Team and the Heavy Metal Jet Team!  Military jet demonstrations, parachute team jumps, civilian aerobatic performers and formation flying teams with soar over the beachfront from noon to 4pm each day. 
Cocoa Beach
www.cocoabeachairshow.com

Holiday Festival with Snow Play Area
Nov. 26
Community event at Riverfront Park in Cocoa Village with entertainment, food, visits with Santa Claus and play in the snow. 
(321) 639-3500 
www.cocoafl.org

Holiday Happenings
Dec. 19 – 20
Visit your favorite animals during the Holiday Season and even tell Santa what’s on your wish list!
Brevard Zoo, Melbourne
www.brevardzoo.org

Cocoa’s Family New Year’s Event
Dec. 31
Kids can experience the countdown and balloon drop, see entertainment and participate in a variety of art activities.  $5 to participate in all activities, adults are free.
Riverfront Park
Historic Cocoa Village
(321) 639-3500
www.cocoafl.org