The names are impressive: from Dave Koz, Maysa and Phil Perry to Roy Ayers,Mindi Abair and Pieces of a Dream. With that kind of well-known multicultural lineup taking center stage, an overwhelming turnout is expected at the inaugural Central Florida Jazz Festival May 23-24. Yet, there’s more. The two-day stream of contemporary music will be accompanied with plenty of upscale, mature and artistic fun. Plus, the Memorial Day Weekend event, running noon to 8 p.m., is being held outdoors at the Central Florida Fairgrounds.

More information: 732-317-3166.

ONGOING
Virtues of Simplicity—American Arts and Crafts; 407-645-5311
Long-term exhibition features more than 50 decorative object from Arts and Crafts Movement in America, held at Morse Museum.

THROUGH 2009
19th and Early 20th American Art; 407-896-4231
Exhibition at Orlando Museum of Art features paintings by George Inness, John Singer Sargent, Georgia O’Keeffe, William Harnett, Alfred Bricher, William Merritt Chase and Frank Weston Benson, among others.

THROUGH 2009
Aztec to Zapotec; 407-896-4231
Exhibit at Orlando Museum of Art features more than 180 works made prior to arrival of Christopher Columbus and Europeans and provides a glimpse into life and culture of numerous civilizations from North, Central and South American regions including Aztec, Maya, Moche, Nasca, Inca and Zapotec.

THROUGH APRIL 11
Bunny Photos; 407-363-3555
Candid photos and CDs taken at Mall at Millenia’s Orangerie Cafes and available for purchase.

THROUGH APRIL 18
Mardi Gras at Universal; 407-363-8295
Universal Studios transforms into “Big Easy,” with live entertainment
and food.

THROUGH APRIL 19
“Amadeus”; 407-297-8788
Breathtaking theatrical thrill ride of passion, genius and jealousy set in 18th-century Vienna, performed at Mad Cow Theatre.

THROUGH APRIL 25
“Much Ado About Nothing”; 407-447-1700
Comic genius reigns as sparkling couples engage in a war of wits. Performed by Orlando Shakes at Margeson Theater.

THROUGH APRIL 26
“The Merchant of Venice”; 407-447-1700
Mixture of comedy, steely-eyed satire, compassion, poetry and perpetual struggle between mercy and justice. Performed by Orlando Shakes at Margeson Theater.

THROUGH APRIL 26
Art of the Seminole; 407-539-2181
Gallery exhibition features collection of Florida Seminole items from 1820 to 1950 at Maitland Art Center.

THROUGH MAY 10
Creative Minds: Puppetry in Central Florida; 407-836-7010
Education about Central Florida’s puppetry community, including Heather Henson. Guests can discover abundance of puppetry right in their own backyard, held at Orange County Regional History Center.

THROUGH MAY 14
Bring Me No Preconceptions; 407-304-8100
Harold Garde, a legend of American abstract expressionism, celebrates his 85th birthday with a one-man exhibit at Millenia Fine Art Gallery.

THROUGH MAY 31
Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival; 407-934-7639
Colorful array of fragrant flowers, “toonful” topiaries and gardens.

SELECT DATES THROUGH MAY 2009
Family Funshops and Date Night; 407-836-7010
Series of creative activities for families, inspired by the exhibition Jim Henson’s Fantastic World, held at Orange County Regional History Center.

APRIL 1
(ALSO APRIL 8, 15, 22, 29)
Storytime at the Zoo; 407-323-4450
Enjoy animal stories along with special visit from zoo animals.

APRIL 2
(ALSO MAY 7, JUNE 4, JULY 2, AUG. 6, SEPT. 3, OCT. 1)
1st Thursdays; 407-896-4231
Orlando Museum of Art features “1st Thursdays,” with works by local artists plus live music, food and drink. 1st Thursdays guests receive free entrance to current museum exhibitions.

APRIL 3
Orlando Magic Basketball; 407-849-2020
Magic vs. Cleveland Cavaliers at Amway Arena.

APRIL 3
(ALSO APRIL 5, APRIL 7)
“Suor Angelica/Cavalleria Rusticana”; 407-426-1700
A double bill of Italian operas (two for the price of one) ends the Mainstage season of Orlando Opera Company.

APRIL 3-26
Fully Committed; 407-297-8788
One actor plays three-dozen characters in hilarious performance at Mad Cow Theatre.

APRIL 4
Daddy Yankee; 407-934-2583
Performs live hip hop and reggaeton at House of Blues, presented by Latin Entertainment Group.

APRIL 4
Latin Festival; 407-658-6565
Avalon Park hosts a celebration of heritage, with fun for entire family.

APRIL 4
(ALSO APRIL 11, 18, 25)
Winter Park Farmers Market; 407-599-3358
Saturday morning fun filled with selections of indoor and outdoor plants, fresh produce, treats and high neighborhood energy in downtown Winter Park.

APRIL 4
(ALSO APRIL 11, 18)
Mardi Gras at Universal Studios; 407-363-8000
Live concerts, spectacular parade, food and beads by the handful.

APRIL 4
National Philharmonic of Russia; 407-539-0245
Festival of Orchestras presents one of world’s greatest orchestras at Linda Chapin Theater at Orange County Convention Center.

APRIL 4
Fiesta in the Park; 321-281-2000
Fun for entire family, with live music, food, arts and crafts.

(ALSO APRIL 12, 19, 26)
Orlando Farmers Market; 321-202-5855
More than 20 vendors, along with live music and a dog-friendly atmosphere, make this fun for the entire family at Lake Eola Park downtown.

APRIL 5
(ALSO APRIL 12, 26)
Maitland Farmer’s Market; 407-539-6269
Vegetables, fruits, flowers and more at Lake Lily Park each Sunday.

APRIL 5
Doggie Art Festival; 407-644-2969
Pet-related artists and vendors, along with live music, at Baldwin Park.

APRIL 6
An Informance with Andrew Lane—Hollywood Style!; 407-896-6700
Dinner and drinks with Orlando Philharmonic’s Resident Conductor Andrew Lane.

APRIL 9
Celebration of Prayer; 407-895-8670
Central Florida YMCA hosts 15th annual event at First Baptist
Church of Orlando.

APRIL 11
(ALSO APRIL 15)
“Local Fusion”; 407-426-1700
Opera and Broadway favorites performed by the professional
Studio Artists of Orlando Opera Company.

APRIL 11
The Music of John Williams; 407-770-0071
Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra explores music of John Williams, America’s most famous composer of music for film, at Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre.

APRIL 14-19
“Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”; 407-849-2020
A family favorite since original motion picture captivated the world’s imagination in 1968, performed as part of SunTrust Broadway series at Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre.

APRIL 16-26
Central Florida Fair; 407-295-3247
More than 100 rides and attractions, plus exhibits, livestock shows, carnival and entertainment.

APRIL 17
Midori; 407-646-2182
Inspiring violin performance by Midori, as part of Bach Festival Society’s Visiting Artists Series at Rollins College.

APRIL 17-19
Hispanic Business and Consumer Expo; 407-428-5870
15th-annual version of hugely popular event, presented by Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando and held at Orange County Convention Center.

APRIL 18
1900-1925: Rags to Riches; 407-365-3408
Maestro Christopher Wilkens and Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra explore birth of jazz at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church.

APRIL 18
Hector “El Father” Juicio Final Concert Tour; 321-697-3333
One of reggaeton’s pioneers performs at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee.

APRIL 18-19
Nielsen’s Hymnus Amoris; 407-646-2182
A tribute to Nielsen, who was inspired to write this beautiful work while on his honeymoon. Part of Bach Festival Society’s Choral Masterworks Series at Rollins College.

APRIL 19
One Night; 407-363-3555
Mall at Millenia hosts Orlando Regional Healthcare Foundation’s big fundraising event, including champagne reception, dinner, silent auction and program.

APRIL 19
Fiesta Medina; 407-381-5310
Popular celebration of Latin culture held at Tinker Field near downtown Orlando.

APRIL 22-26
RT BOOKLOVERS Convention; 314-630-5856
The book industry’s event of the year, held at Wyndham Orlando Resort.

APRIL 23
Reading Between the Wines; 407-422-1540
Wine tasting, food tasting and silent auction, held at Orlando Marriott Downtown, to benefit Adult Literacy League.

APRIL 25
4th Annual Spring Jambando; 407-869-7200
Two stages of live music with visual effects, arts and crafts, food and fun at Plaza Theater.

APRIL 25
Carnival of the Animals; 407-646-2182
Delightful journey of animal sounds portrayed by orchestral instruments—a favorite for audiences of all ages. Part of Bach Festival Society’s Fred Rogers Family Series at Rollins College.

APRIL 25
Mozart & Mendelssohn; 407-770-0071
Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra presents music from these classic conductors at Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre.

APRIL 25
American Cancer Society Relay for Life; 407-843-8680
Join the Zoo team or start your own team in this fundraising event at Central Florida Zoo.

APRIL 25
Smooth Jazz Under the Stars; 407-647-5557
All-star lineup of national jazz artists appear at Baldwin Park, with portion of proceeds benefiting Children’s Home Society of Florida.

APRIL 25-26
Great American Pie Festival; 407-566-2200
Arts and crafts, music and other pie-related festivities, held at Ramada Orlando Celebration Resort and Convention Center in Kissimmee.

THROUGH MAY 3
Jim Henson’s Fantastic World; 407-836-8500
Features more than 100 artworks, photographs, documents, 14 puppets, movie props and videos that honor many Sesame Street characters, held at Orange County Regional History Center.

MAY 1
UB40; 407-934-2583
Popular British reggae band performs live concert at House of Blues.

MAY 1-3
“Romeo & Juliet”; 407-426-1700
Orlando Ballet brings Shakespeare’s tragic story of love and death to life at Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre.

MAY 2
“Snow White”; 407-426-1700
Charming fairytale performed as part of Orlando Ballet’s Family Series, held at Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre.

MAY 2
(ALSO MAY 9, 16, 23, 30)
Winter Park Farmers Market; 407-599-3358
Saturday morning fun filled with selections of indoor and outdoor plants, fresh produce, treats and high neighborhood energy in downtown Winter Park.

MAY 3
(ALSO MAY 10, 17, 24, 31)
Orlando Farmers Market; 321-202-5855
More than 20 vendors, along with live music and a dogfriendly atmosphere, make this fun for the entire family at Lake Eola Park downtown.

MAY 3
(ALSO MAY 10, 17, 24, 31)
Maitland Farmer’s Market; 407-539-6269
Vegetables, fruits, flowers and more at Lake Lily Park each Sunday.

MAY 5
Cinco de Mayo
Celebrations of Mexican heritage around town.

MAY 6
(ALSO MAY 13, 20, 27)
Storytime at the Zoo; 407-323-4450
Enjoy animal stories along with special visit from zoo animals.

MAY 6-24
“Jersey Boys”; 407-849-2020
The 2006 Tony Award-winning Best Musical about rock and roll hall of famers The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi, performed as part of SunTrust Broadway series at Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre.

MAY 9
A Beatles Celebration; 407-770-0071
Orlando Philharmonic presents Beatles musical tribute outdoors at the Springs in Longwood.

MAY 13
Harbor Nights Wine Tasting & Jazz; 407-363-8000
Featuring select wines, gourmet food samples, live jazz and complimentary hand-rolled cigars.

MAY 14
Women Who Mean Business Awards; 407-241-2914
Orlando Business Journal unveils its winners at Mall at Millenia.

MAY 14-25
Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival; 407-648-0077
More than 500 theatrical performances held throughout nine venues at Orlando Repertory Theatre and Lowndes Shakespeare Center.

MAY 16-17
The Citrus Tour 2009; 888-950-9080
Bike ride from Bok Tower in Lake Wales to Caribe Royale Hotel in Orlando to benefit Mid Florida Multiple Scoliosis Chapter.

MAY 22-24
Orlando Carnival; 407-522-6151
Caribbean-style Mardi Gras features a street parade in downtown Orlando.

MAY 23-24
Central Florida Jazz Festival; 732-317-3166
Artists take center stage, along with contemporary jazz.

MAY 29-JULY 5
“Forbidden Broadway”; 407-297-8788
Four versatile performers and a gifted pianist turn Broadway upside down, performed at Mad Cow Theatre.

MAY 30
(ALSO JUNE 20, JULY 18, AUG. 15)
Jazz Jams Uptown; 407-571-8180
WLOQ Smooth Jazz 103.1 and the City of Altamonte Springs bring area’s best jazz concert series back at Uptown Altamonte.

MAY 30
Waves of Glory; 407-351-1800
Battle of the bands competition at Wet ‘N Wild.

MAY 30
Chef’s Gala; 407-429-2129
A premiere food and wine event that benefits Heart of Florida United Way, held at Epcot World Showcase Pavilion.

JUNE 6
(ALSO JUNE 13, 20, 27)
Winter Park Farmers Market; 407-599-3358
Saturday morning fun filled with selections of indoor and outdoor plants, fresh produce, treats and high neighborhood energy in downtown Winter Park.

JUNE 7
(ALSO JUNE 14, 21, 28)
Maitland Farmer’s Market; 407-539-6269
Vegetables, fruits, flowers and more at Lake Lily Park each Sunday.

JUNE 7
(ALSO JUNE 14, 21, 28)
Orlando Farmers Market; 321-202-5855
More than 20 vendors, along with live music and a dog-friendly atmosphere, make this fun for the entire family at Lake Eola Park downtown.

JUNE 9-14
“Stomp”; 407-849-2020
International percussion sensation is explosive, provocative, sophisticated, sexy and utterly unique, performed as part of SunTrust Broadway series at Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre.

JUNE 13
Elephant Birthday Bash; 407-323-4450
Double celebration for Maude’s 36th birthday and Mary’s 63rd birthday at the Central Florida Zoo.

JUNE 13
Jeans & Jewels Goes Surfin’ USA; 407-896-6700
Orlando Philharmonic presents familiar tunes of Beach Boys and their contemporaries at Winter Park Farmer’s Market.

JUNE 20
Fiesta San Juan; 407-351-1800
A special celebration, featuring live entertainment, contests, Latin foods, dancing and all the water rides at Wet ‘N Wild.

JUNE 22
Sovereign Brass –You Can’t Be Serious?; 407-770-0071
An intriguing mix: music from Orlando Philharmonic, along with comedy, at Margeson Theater.

JULY 3
Red Hot & Boom; 407-571-8857
Grand fireworks show and concert at Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs.

JULY 4
(ALSO JULY 11, 18, 25)
Winter Park Farmers Market; 407-599-3358
Saturday morning fun filled with selections of indoor and outdoor plants, fresh produce, treats and high neighborhood energy in downtown Winter Park.

JULY 4
Fireworks Celebration; 321-281-2000
Radio station WMMO-98.9 sponsors downtown Orlando’s fireworks at Lake Eola Park.

JULY 4
City of Kissimmee July 4th Celebration; 407-847-8368
Patriotic celebration and fireworks display at Kissimmee Lakefront Park.

JULY 4
4th of July Celebration; 407-658-6565
True small-town 4th of July celebration, with rides, games, contest, food and fireworks at Avalon Park.

JULY 4-5
Red, White and ZOO; 407-323-4450
A celebration of the 4th as well as the Central Florida Zoo’s 34th birthday.

JULY 5
(ALSO JULY 12, 19, 26)
Orlando Farmers Market; 321-202-5855
More than 20 vendors, along with live music and a dog-friendly atmosphere, make this fun for the entire family at Lake Eola Park downtown.

JULY 5
(ALSO JULY 12, 19, 26)
Maitland Farmer’s Market; 407-539-6269
Vegetables, fruits, flowers and more at Lake Lily Park each Sunday.

JULY 6
Orlando Bolshoi Theatre Violinists Ensemble; 407-770-0071
Presented by Orlando Philharmonic, all-female ensemble performs the music of Tchaikovsky, Telemann, De Falla, Kreisler and more at Margeson Theater.

JULY 13-24
Fashion Summer Camp; 407-628-5989
Professionals from Maile Image, Modeling & Acting School teach children ages 6-11 about runway modeling, proper introductions, commercials, taking professional headshots and important communication skills at Mall at Millenia.

JULY 17-AUG. 9
“I Am My Own Wife”; 407-297-8788
One actor plays more than 40 roles, including the playwright himself, in this innovative evening of theater, performed at Mad Cow Theatre.

JULY 18
(ALSO SEPT. 19)
Cocktails & the Cosmos; 407-514-2000
Cocktails, food and premiere large-screen films at Orlando Science Center; held quarterly.

JULY 20
Redwing Blackbird Ragtime Band; 407-770-0071
Program features original “turn of the century” Ragtime Band arrangements, presented by Orlando Philharmonic at Margeson Theater.

JULY 24-AUG. 23
“The Matchmaker”; 407-297-8788
Delicious and dizzy comedy that introduces Dolly Levi, performed at Mad Cow Theatre.

AUG. 1
(ALSO AUG. 8, 15, 22, 29)
Winter Park Farmers Market; 407-599-3358
Saturday morning fun filled with selections of indoor and outdoor plants, fresh produce, treats and high neighborhood energy in downtown Winter Park.

AUG. 2
(ALSO AUG. 9, 16, 23, 30)
Maitland Farmer’s Market; 407-539-6269
Vegetables, fruits, flowers and more at Lake Lily Park each Sunday.

AUG. 2
(ALSO AUG. 9, 16, 23, 30)
Orlando Farmers Market; 321-202-5855
More than 20 vendors, along with live music and a dogfriendly atmosphere, make this fun for the entire family at Lake Eola Park downtown.

AUG. 3
Diversimento; 407-770-0071
Start with classics of George Gershwin and Astor Piazzolla then mix in movie scores of John Williams, Ennio Morricone and Mark O’Connor, plus sprinkle in music by jazz greats Chuck Mangione and Gerry Mulligan, and more. Presented by Orlando Philharmonic at Margeson Theater.

AUG. 15
School Fashion Show & School Supply Drive; 407-363-3555
Participants of Maile Image, Modeling & Acting School feature latest back-to-school styles at Mall at Millenia.

AUG. 21-OCT. 04
Looking East; 407-836-8500
A photographic exhibition from Steve McCurry—a collection of iconic images. McCurry is known worldwide for his enduring and beautiful photographs of landscapes and cultures of Southeast Asia.

AUG. 22
Black Tie on the Wild Side; 407-323-4450
Silent auction, dinner and dancing to benefit Central Florida Zoo.

AUG. 29
La Feria de La Familia; 407-888-2288 x108
Music, entertainment, back-to-school vaccinations and more, presented by Telemundo Orlando at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee.

SEPT. 5
(ALSO SEPT. 12, 19, 26)
Winter Park Farmers Market; 407-599-3358
Saturday morning fun filled with selections of indoor and outdoor plants, fresh produce, treats and high neighborhood energy in downtown Winter Park.

SEPT. 6
(ALSO SEPT. 13, 20, 27)
Maitland Farmer’s Market; 407-539-6269
Vegetables, fruits, flowers and more at Lake Lily Park each Sunday.

SEPT. 6
(ALSO SEPT. 13, 20, 27)
Orlando Farmers Market; 321-202-5855
More than 20 vendors, along with live music and a dog-friendly atmosphere, make this fun for the entire family at Lake Eola Park downtown.

SEPT. 11-12
Rock The Universe; 407-363-8295
Chart-topping Christian music stars from across nation highlight annual concert event at Universal Studios.

SEPT. 16
Annual Success Stories Luncheon; 407-428-5872
Fundraising event recognizes successful entrepreneurs, presented by the Hispanic Business Initiative Fund of Greater Orlando and held in downtown Orlando.

SEPT. 16-20
Orlando Hispanic Film Festival; 321-274-1570
Showcase of top films from around the world, held at Premiere Cinemas 14, Orlando Fashion Square. Competitive film festival’s categories include Best Feature, Best Feature Documentary, Best Short Film, Best Short Documentary and Best Short Animation.

SEPT. 19
Orlando Walk for PKD; 407-571-8180
The Walk, which takes place in more than 70 cities across the country, is Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation’s leading effort to raise funds, held at Uptown Altamonte.

SEPT. 25-NOV. 9
Epcot’s International Wine and Food Festival; 407-939-3463
Live entertainment, culinary demonstrations, food and wine tastings, and children’s activities.

SEPT. 26
Ode to Joy; 407-770-0071
Brahms and Beethoven share the spotlight on stage, presented by Orlando Philharmonic at Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre.

SEPT. 26-27
Fiesta del Coquí; 407-323-4450
A celebration of the coquí, including live music, crafts and activities, demonstrations and more, held at Central Florida Zoo.

THROUGHOUT THE MONTH
Halloween Horror Nights; 407-363-8000
One of most terrifying Halloween events nationwide screams into Universal Studios on select nights.

OCT. 3
(ALSO OCT. 10, 17, 24, 31)
Winter Park Farmers Market; 407-599-3358
Saturday morning fun filled with selections of indoor and outdoor plants, fresh produce, treats and high neighborhood energy in downtown Winter Park.

OCT. 4
(ALSO OCT. 11, 18, 25)
Orlando Farmers Market; 321-202-5855
More than 20 vendors, along with live music and a dogfriendly atmosphere, make this fun for the entire family at Lake Eola Park downtown.

OCT. 10
A Tribute to Benny Goodman; 407-770-0071
Virtuoso clarinetist Dave Bennett joins talented musicians of Orlando Philharmonic to perform some of Goodman’s most popular hits at Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre.

OCT. 10
Viva Osceola; 407-847-3174
Largest Hispanic festival in Osceola County, held at Kissimmee Lakefront Park.

OCT. 10-11
Winter Park Autumn Art Festival; 407-644-8281
Top artist on display their work at Winter Park’s Central Park, complemented with food and entertainment.

OCT. 11
(ALSO OCT. 18, 25)
Maitland Farmer’s Market; 407-539-6269
Vegetables, fruits, flowers and more at Lake Lily Park each Sunday.

OCT. 12
Taste of Altamonte; 407-571-8180
A sampling of Altamonte Springs’ best restaurants plus live music at Uptown Altamonte.

OCT. 17
(ALSO OCT. 18, 24, 25 AND 31)
ZOO Boo Bash; 407-323-4450
Trick or treat at Central Florida Zoo.

OCT. 19-25
Fashion Week; 407-363-3555
Mall at Millenia host Fashion Week, a celebration of fashion featuring in-store activities, informal modeling, special promotions and more.

OCT. 24
Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Gala; 407-428-5870
Festivities celebrate the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando, which supports local Hispanic students through the presentation of annual scholarships for college, held at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

OCT. 24-25
Kissimmee Great Outdoor Fest; 407-847-5000
Region’s largest environmental celebration for sportsmen, nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts at Osceola Heritage Park.

OCT. 24-25
Mount Dora Craft Festival; 352-735-1191
Top crafters displaying their wares throughout historic Mount Dora.

0CT. 26
Haydn’s London Years; 407-770-0071
Presented by Orlando Philharmonic at Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre.