Welcome to Orange County Parks and Recreation's Special Events Page!
Follow us on Twitter: @OrangeCoParksFL
and on Orange County, Florida Government’s Facebook events.
Orange County Parks and Recreation has the following fun events and community meetings:
All Orange County Parks and Recreation facilities will be CLOSED December 24-25 for the holiday. All sites will re-open on December 26.
Bithlo Winter Fest 4-6 p.m. and a Double Feature of Shrek the Halls and Merry Madagascar
Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy a bounce house, hot chocolate, popcorn and fun activities! The animated movies start at 6 p.m., shortly after dark.
FREE Fort Christmas Barnyard Banter Programs
All ages are welcome to join in the Barnyard Banter program at Fort Christmas Historical Park on Saturday, December 20, from 1-2 p.m.! The next free event is Christmas Post Office, a presentation about the roll of the post office in the community. Visit Fort Christmas Historical Park for more information. Questions? Email parks@ocfl.net or call the park's staff: 407-254-9310.
Here's the monthly event schedule:
- January 24-25: 4-H Eastside Barnyard Bash Clinic/Practice Show
- February 21: Building a Log Cabin
- March 21: Archaeology
- April 18: Backyard Chickens
- May 16: Pioneer Folk Crafts
- June 20: Hunting, Trapping, Fishing
Dance the Night Away With The Crew, December 27
Dance the night away as you enjoy the beautiful music of The Crew on the fourth Saturday of the month, from 6-9 p.m., at Renaissance Senior Center’s ballroom! The event is open to adults ages 18 and older, cost: $20 exact cash per person at the door. Come enjoy a cool atmosphere of dance, fun and live music provided by The Crew. Light refreshments will be available while supplies last. Questions? Call Renaissance Senior Center at 407-254-9070 or email parks@ocfl.net.
Here's the monthly event schedule:
- January 31, 2026
- February 28, 2026
Lifeguard Job Fairs: Hiring Strong Swimmers
Apply online and attend one of these job fairs: December 30, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Fort Gatlin Rec Complex pool; January 5, 1-4 p.m. at Fort Gatlin Rec Complex pool; January 21, 12-6 p.m. at Kelly Park Rock Springs; February 4, 12-6 p.m. at Kelly Park Rock Springs; and February 18, 12-6 p.m. at Kelly Park Rock Springs. Questions? Email parks@ocfl.net.
- Help keep guests safe in the water! Orange County Parks and Recreation is hiring strong swimmers who are responsible individuals ages 16 and older for summer lifeguard positions at Fort Gatlin Recreation Complex (2009 Lake Margaret Dr., Orlando, phone 407-254-9820) and Kelly Park's Rock Springs (400 E. Kelly Park Rd., Apopka, phone 407-254-1902). Salary starts at $16.88/hour. Free lifeguard certification class provided to selected candidates
- Apply online prior to the event, click "Apply" then “External Applicants”; complete your information for Lifeguard - Fort Gatlin #383835 or Kelly Park #38384. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and bring their I.D. and swim attire to complete the swim test.
Swim test includes the following:
- 1. Swim 150 yards continuously using front crawl, breaststroke or combination of both. Transition into a two-minute tread only using the legs, and finish with a 50-yard swim. All three steps must be done without rest periods in between. Must demonstrate breath control and rhythmic breathing during the swim.
- 2. Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. Surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 7-10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object. Return to the surface, and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface in order to breathe. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps. Timed event: complete within 1 minute and 40 seconds.
FREE Friday Night Funk & Blades on Friday, January 16
Bring your skates or roller blades to Barber Park on Friday, January 16, 5:30-9 p.m. for this free Friday Night Funk and Blades! Or just come to enjoy the live performance by jazz saxophonist Dayve Stewart from 6:30-8:30 p.m. (he will be headlining our 14th annual Mayor's Jazz in the Park on March 7). Participants must bring their own roller skates. Enjoy roller skating fun with skate games and food trucks for purchases. NOTE: The covered, outdoor open-air hockey rink for this event has a concrete surface, not wood. Questions? Email parks@ocfl.net.
FREE Monthly Senior Fish-4-Fun Event at Renaissance Senior Center, November 20
Orange County Parks & Recreation and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission join together to bring you Senior Fish-4-Fun for ages 55 and older at Renaissance Senior Center. This is a once-a-month free catch-n-release fishing event! Fishing poles and bait provided while supplies last, or participants can bring their own fresh-water fishing gear. Questions? Call Renaissance Senior Center 407-254-9070 or email parks@ocfl.net.
Here's the monthly event schedule:
- Check back for 2026 dates!