Your Guide to Arts and Entertainment in Orlando

Orlando is known for its support of the arts and entertainment industry, and with the new season incoming, it is nothing short of exciting. 

This is what you can expect from the 2021-2022 arts and entertainment season right here in Orlando.

Orlando Science Center

The Orlando Science Center is a hands-on museum with four floors of exhibit halls that encourages both adults and kids to expand their knowledge of science. Consider taking the day to spend time with the family while furthering your understanding and education as you make your way through the variety of offered exhibits. 

Children under the age of 5 can explore the dynamics of space with the help of the Cat in the Hat or attend a tour on ancient dinosaurs in the dinosaur hall. 

Ages 12 and up can zoom through a virtual obstacle course as they learn the basics of flying. 

Age aside, Orlando Science is suitable for everyone.

Dr. Phillips Center of Performing Arts 

The Dr. Phillips Center of Performing Arts is home to some of Orlando’s finest talent and shows. 

Here are some of the upcoming events you won’t want to miss. 

• Shen Yun 2021: September 22-26, 2021
• Elf The Musical: Septmber 24 – November 14, 2021
• Brett Eldredge with special guest Morgan Evans: September 30, 2021
• The Second City, REMIX: October 1 & 2, 2021
• The Jungle Book: October 7-10, 2021
• The Jungle Book – Family and Sensory Friendly Show: October 9, 2021
• The Price is Right Live!: October 24, 2021
• Tootsie: November 2-7, 2021
• Disney Princess – The Concert: November 9, 2021
• Niel deGrasse Tyson: Noevmber 17, 2021
• The Nutcracker: December 3-5 & 16-19, 2021
• The Prom: December 7-12, 2021
• Cinderella: January 1, 2022
• Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations: January 25-30, 2022
• Disney’s Frozen – The Musical: February 24 – March 6, 2022
• The #IMomSoHard Tour: March 11, 2022
• Cats: March 29-April 3, 2022
• The Great Gatsby: April 28-May 1, 2022
• Beautiful, The Carole King Musical: May 13-15, 2022

Garden Theatre 

The Garden Theatre is located in historic downtown Winter Garden and has grown into a home for the performing arts that features plays, concerts, movies, special events and more.

The following is what you can expect from the Garden Theatre this season:

• Looped: Oct. 8 – 24, 2021
• Interactive Movie – Hocus Pocus: October 10, 2021
• Interactive Movie – The Rocky Horror Picture Show: October 30-31, 2021
• Big, The Musical: Nov. 19 – December 19, 2021
• Rewind Movie – Big: November 28
• Interactive Movie – Muppet Christmas Carol: December 5, 2021
• The Mountaintop: January 21 – February 6, 2022
• Rewind Movie – Malcolm X: Janaury 30, 2022
• Parade: Feb. 25 – March 13, 2022
• Interactive Movie – Monty Python and the Holy Grail: March 27, 2022
• Disney’s Beauty and the Beast: April 22 – May 22, 2022
• Rewind Movie – Disney’s Beauty and the Beast: May 1, 2022

Mad Cow Theatre 

The Mad Cow Theatre is one of the many great Orlando theatre companies. This theater is known for appreciating classic and contemporary plays and musicals from the best of American and World literature.

Here are some of the shows you should consider attending in the 2021-2022 arts and entertainment season:

• A Year with Frog and Toad: October 6-24, 2021
• The Royale: November 17 – December 5, 2021
• Camelot: December 1-19, 2021
• See Rock City: February 2-20, 2022
• American Mariachi: March 16 – April 3, 2022
• Avenue Q: April 27 – May 15, 2022

Orlando Ballet 

The 2021-2022 arts and entertainment season for the Orlando Ballet will be one of romance and adventure including a unique program that includes one world premiere and three Orlando premieres. From “The Jungle Book” to “The Nutcracker,” audience members can expect to be immersed in the breathtaking sets and costumes. 

Here are the following shows and dates for the season:

• The Jungle Book: October 7-10, 2021 (Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center)
• The Nutcracker: December 3-5 & 16-19, 2021 (Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center)
• Giselle: February 3-6 & 10-13, 2022 (Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre)
• Premiere Collection: March 17-20 & 24-27, 2022 (Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre)
• The Great Gatsby: April 28 – May 1, 2022 (Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center)

Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra 

The Orlando Philharmonic is expecting a unique and exciting season that represents the diversity in Orlando. Audience members can expect compositions by classics such as Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms as well as a variety of works by women and soloists of color. 

Here are some performances you can look forward to for this season:

• An Evening of Mozart: October 11, 2021
• Dvořák’s Postcard “From The New World”: October 23, 2021
• Hochman, Brahms & Sibelius: November 6, 2021
• OPO Brass Present Operatic and Symphonic Favorites: November 15, 2021
• Home for the Holidays: November 27, 2021
• Holly Jolly Sounds of the Season: December 4-5, 2021
• Holiday Baroque with Rimma: December 13, 2021
• KINGS OF SOUL: Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, James Brown, & more: January 15, 2022
• Ferdinand and Bull: February 19-20, 2022
• The Celtic Terrors: March 12, 2022
• Cirque Goes Broadway: April 9, 2022
• Carmina Burana: May 7, 2022
• A Treeful of Monkeys: May 21-22, 2022

The Orlando area is full of artful experiences. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most visited art museums and botanical gardens for people of all ages.

Charles Hosmer Morse Museum
View the most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany (including his famous lamps), tour the galleries, or watch a lecture of film for free.

Cornell Fine Arts Museum at Rollins
View one of the oldest and most distinguished collections in Florida that ranges from antiquity to contemporary and explore with your children in the education gallery.

Harry P. Leu Gardens
Tour the gardens or the Leu House Museum, participate in a plant clinic or other educational experience, or visit during a special event like the monthly Movie Night.

Mead Botanical Garden
Rent a bed in the community garden, explore various plant collections and wander the butterfly gardens, or participate in a special event such as a Haunted Hike in the Garden on October 28 and 29 or Yoga in the Garden every Wednesday and Saturday.

Orlando Museum of Art
Take a docent-guided tour of the exhibits, participate in engaging learning programs that are designed for all ages, or register for a special art-themed event.