Did you know there are fireflies in Florida?
Hi, friends! It’s Brenda, back in your inbox for all the Central Florida Happenings.
So, pictured at the top of this story is a manatee statue at Blue Spring State Park, where I visited this weekend to check out some fireflies 👀.
A friend invited me to go, and I’m so glad I did! It was nice to be out there and admire the nature around as the sun began to set. And once it got dark enough, that’s when we saw them. The fireflies were out and it was a wonderful sight! I’ve only ever seen them up north, so it was a nice treat to see them here. Another treat was seeing a couple manatees out there too! Overall, a good time :)
Enough about that, and let’s get into what’s happening this weekend ⤵️
The Ocoee Music Festival is back this weekend, “celebrating Ocoee’s small town traditions with music, community, small businesses and fun.” 🎊
Several artists will perform at the festival, formerly known as the Ocoee Founders’ Day Festival.
“Over the past 30 years, we have seen our Festival grow from a few hundred to 40,000 attendees. Enjoy an array of festival food, carnival rides for the kids, a unique marketplace, beer garden, and epic musical performances,” event organizers said.
🎵 See the lineup and more info by clicking here.
Blueberries, blueberries and oh, more blueberries.
The Melbourne Blueberry Festival is bouncing back into town this weekend at Wickham Park.
Let me just say, I saw a photo of the blueberry shortcake and it looks AMAZING 🤤.
Of course the focus is blueberries, but there will be tons of other activities to enjoy.
Click here for a full list and a look at admission discounts 🤑.
Other happenings:
🎥 Florida Film Festival returns ‘like a roadtrip for yer mind:’ Check out the 33rd year of the festival with 10 days filled with over 160 films. Click here for more info.
🍻 Over 30 craft brews: Brews Around the Zoo is bringing live music and over 30 beers for attendees to sample at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Sanford. Here’s what to expect.
👜 Bingo event awards designer bags, supports charities: This weekend’s Bingo for Handbags event in Altamonte Springs will fundraise for the Orlando chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., raising money for service organizations and charities. If you attend, you will not only be giving back to the community but will also have the opportunity to receive one of more than a dozen designer handbags and gifts. You don’t want to miss the event. Click here to learn more!
🎸 Love folk? This festival is for you: If you’re up for a little trip, the Gamble Rogers Folk Festival has a full weekend lineup at the St. Johns Fairgrounds in St. Augustine. Click here to check out who’s performing and for tickets.
🌷 ‘Vibrant celebration of flora:’ The Downtown Melbourne Botanical Fest is back with plants and more to check out. There are also some art shows and performances you can check out nearby! Here’s more info.
❤️ Love Your Mother Festival: This Earth Day celebration is filled with good food, live music and over 20 vendors outside Deviant Wolf Brewing in Sanford. Click here for more.
That’s all from me!
I hope everyone has a great weekend, and I’ll catch you all next week.
- Brenda