Winter Garden Heritage and Music Festival

Celebrating City’s 120th Anniversary

Established in 1903, the City of Winter Garden commemorates its heritage with a free 120th anniversary extravaganza for the community on Saturday, February 11, 11:00 am - 10:00 pm. The Winter Garden Heritage & Music Festival in historic downtown will include 30+ entertainment acts across six stages, strolling performers, a kids' zone area, history walking tours, heritage activities, and more! The event is fun for all ages.

For entertainment and event schedule, click here.

LIVE MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT AND A KIDS’ ZONE

Simultaneous and continuous performances will be held at various outdoor stages throughout downtown stretching from Central Avenue to Dillard Street. The entertainment kicks off at 11:00 am and continues nonstop through 10:00 pm. 

A few of the many high caliber performances include Selwyn Birchwood, L & G Live Duo, Flight Scene, Big Ron Betts, and Michael Andrew & Swingerhead.

As part of the Festival, the First Baptist Church of Winter Garden (125 E. Plant Street) is celebrating its 135th anniversary and the 100th anniversary of its Old Sanctuary building with a host of “Back to the Future” activities and entertainment. Guests will enjoy the nostalgic stage show with Doc, Marty McFly, and a DeLorean, as well as live music and special guest Blippi, a popular children’s entertainer and educator. Visit the large kids’ zone area and hop on board the children’s train. In addition, fifteen 1920 vintage cars will be on display and there will be tours of the Old Sanctuary as well as historical displays. Hot dogs, popcorn, cakes, and pretzels will be available at roll back prices.

HISTORY WALKING TOURS, SPECIAL HISTORICAL EXHIBITIONS & PRESENTATIONS 

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a great way to learn about the history of downtown is by taking a walking tour. The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation will host guided Walking Tours at 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 1:00 pm.

The Winter Garden Heritage Museum and its Heller Hall, the SOBO Art Gallery, and City Hall’s Art in Public Places Gallery will all host special historical exhibitions.

The Central Florida Railroad Museum, bursting with amazing historical railroad artifacts and memorabilia, will host a special presentation on the history of local railroads at 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm.  

Come celebrate your hometown’s momentous 120th anniversary brought to you by the City of Winter Garden, the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, and other generous partners. 

Saturday, February 11 | 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Historic Downtown | Free

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the Farmers

Market on February 11

Fun, sweets, flowers, gifts, and free kids' craft making – everything you need to celebrate Valentine’s Day can be found at the Winter Garden Farmers Market on Saturday, February 11. 

Complimentary special holiday craft making for children will take place at the KidZone tent at the Parking Garage Plaza, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. The wide selection of vendors are perfect for shopping for something special for that someone special. Jewelry, scented soaps, flowers, desserts, and more can all be found at the market. In celebration of the Winter Garden Heritage Festival taking place at the same time, the first 120 market goers that visit the Information Tent at the entrance of the Pavilion will receive a complimentary commemorative City of Winter Garden 120th Anniversary tote bag. 

Saturday, February 11, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Kids’ Valentine Craft Making | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Downtown Pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Avenue

Spring Break Camps

It is never too early to plan ahead with school spring break quickly approaching. There are some fun local options to keep them engaged. Space fills quickly so advance planning is beneficial.

Winter Garden Parks & Recreation Spring Break Camp

The Spring Break Camp, hosted by the Winter Garden Parks & Recreation Department, is a fun way for your school-aged children to spend their time off from school. Campers will enjoy various activities, sports, arts and crafts, and more alongside their friends. A qualified, well-trained staff will provide a safe and outstanding break for your child. Camp is open to all children in Kindergarten through 8^th grade. Campers must bring a packed lunch, snacks, and a water bottle to camp every day. 

Camp dates: March 10, 13 - 17
7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Camp is open to children Kindergarten through 8^th grade
$22 City Resident / $27 Nonresident, per day
Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard Street
Click here to register. Questions, call 407.656.4155.

SOBO Art Camp

SOBO Art Gallery & Studio will host an art camp during spring break. Led by Lenore Eastham, Certified Art Educator, the camp session will  provide a wide variety of art experiences. Click here to register.

March 13 – 17 | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ages | 2^nd Grade – 6^th Grade
Fee |$150, per Week / $35, per Individual Day

Free Basic Self Defense Class for Women

The Winter Garden Police Department is hosting a free basic self-defense class for women ages 13 and older on Thursday, February 2. A police officer who is certified using S.A.F.E. self-defense techniques will instruct the class. Make it a “ladies night” and learn some self-defense!

February 2 | 6:00 - 8:30 pm | Free 
Winter Garden Police Department Training Room, 251 W. Plant Street
Women only ages 13 and up

To register, contact Officer Michaud at 407-656-3636 ext. 4405 or at [email protected].

Citizens Police Academy Accepting

Applications

Curious about what goes on inside your police department? Get your questions answered at the next Citizens Police Academy to be held March 1 – April 26.

Winter Garden police officers and staff present this free, nine-week course. The class meets on Wednesday evenings to discuss such topics as crime prevention, investigations, and police procedures. Class participants will also be eligible to go on a ride along with an officer!

Academy Class Dates | March 1 to April 26 (May 3, make-up date)
Wednesdays Only | 6:00 – 9:00 pm | Free
Winter Garden Police Department Training Room, 251 W. Plant Street

Eligibility requirements:

-at least 18 years old

-live or work in City of Winter Garden

-no criminal record

Click here for an application or visit the Winter Garden Police Department. Seats fill fast so turn in your application quickly!

Questions, contact Officer Gail Michaud or Officer Luis Velasquez at 407.656.3636 ext. 4416.

City Hall Exhibit is a Tribute to Local 

African American Artists

Visit the City Hall Art in Public Places Gallery this month to see the exhibition that explores a small portion of the continuous American struggle, which is an African American struggle.

The exhibition showcases artwork by local artists of different artistic disciplines, unified under one brushstroke that shares one common denominator — Black excellence. Patrick Noze, Crealdé School of Art Senior Curator of Exhibitions, curated the exhibit.

Reflection of Time: Tribute to Local African American Artists

Now – February 28
Art in Public Places Gallery at City Hall 
Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 5:30 pm (Feb. 11, 9:00 am – 10:00 pm)
300 W. Plant Street | Free

Click Here For More Information