February in Orlando means that you are likely going to be curled up in your apartment with your blanket sipping on some hot chocolate and possibly never leaving the warmth of your bed. The temperatures at night cool down to the 40s and the days max out in the 70s, and it seems the only thing you can do is sleep, eat, and repeat.
However, February in Orlando also means there are food festivals, Mardi Gras celebrations, fairs, and a marathon full of Disney princesses. Here is a list of great ways to enjoy this gorgeous time of year near your Orlando apartment.
Food festivals:
If there is one thing Orlando does not lack it is food. In February, there are strawberry festivals, BBQ festivals, and even international food festivals. One of the more significant events is at SeaWorld, where they host the Seven Seas Food Festival every Saturday and Sunday. It begins in February and lasts until May.
If SeaWorld is too far of a drive, then you'll be more interested in the Smoke on the Water festival in Winter Haven. It is an annual fundraiser in Central Florida on February 7 through the 8, which is flooded with delicious BBQ and even "an aerial flyover." The festival is in its 16th year.
Another traditional festival that occurs in February is the annual strawberry festival in Plant City, Florida. This festival is a bit farther away from Orlando but has been honoring strawberry season for 85 years. Its fair-like environment is full of fair rides and strawberry themed foods. The festival is a weeklong, starting from February 27 until March 8. There is a chance your Orlando apartment will be filled with strawberries by the end of the day.
Disney Princesses Half Marathon:
The February chill might encourage some to stay inside, but if you're sick of staring at your bedroom ceiling, Disney World Magic Kingdom hosts an annual marathon on February 20 until the 23rd. The event is in its 12th year and has people from all over the world participating in the marathon.
Mardi Gras Celebration:
February also calls for massive Mardi Gras celebrations, and while we're not in New Orleans, Universal Studios provides a close second. The theme park hosts Mardi Gras themed parades starting on February 1 until April every night. Even better is there is no additional charge for the special events as they are included in your admission ticket. Universal bleed purple green and gold as confetti, beads, and Cajun food fill the night.
Osceola County Fair:
If all else fails and you just want a cute Ferris wheel picture for Instagram, then you might want to check the Osceola County Fair, which is in town from February 14 until the 23. They have anything from funnel cakes to petting zoos to fair rides. This can be the perfect scene for a weekend out of your Orlando apartment.
Orlando is the hub for activities in Florida because of Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld. There are countless festivals, events, and celebrations going on every week. If you want to keep updated with the February events happening in Orlando, visit OrlandoInsiderVacations full list linked here.