In this edition of the Orlando Media Newsletter, celebrate Black History with cultural tributes and events through Central Florida, discover Orlando’s pop culture playground during MEGACON weekend, and discover the destination’s major involvement in professional sports this spring.
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Celebrate Black History with Cultural Tributes and Events
Black History Month events in Orlando kick off this month and continue throughout February with commemorations and celebrations of African American history and culture throughout 2024. The destination offers a range of opportunities for locals and visitors to experience the inspiring, rich culture of the African American community.
Some highlights include:
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Musical performance celebrations during the 35th Annual ZORA! Outdoor Festival of the Arts, (Jan. 26-28); two performances by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (Jan. 30-31); Timucua Amplifies Black Voices at the Timucua Arts Foundation (Feb. 16 – 18); Who's Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience at House of Blues Orlando (Feb. 16); and The Sanford Jazz Ensemble’s Salute to Black History Month Concert at the historic Ritz Theater at Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center (Feb. 19).
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Museum exhibits such as Heritage Collection: Photographs and Oral Histories of Winter Park at the Hannibal Square Heritage Center (Jan. 15 – June 1); the African Americans and the Arts Exhibition at the Terrace Gallery at Orlando City Hall (Feb. 2 – March 31); and History Alive: Bessie Coleman Aviation Adventure at the Orange County Regional History Center (Feb. 3).
Discover Orlando's Pop Culture Playground Beyond MEGACON
The ultimate pop culture playground, MEGACON Orlando, is one of the largest comic, sci-fi, horror, anime and gaming events in North America, bringing a record-breaking 160,000 estimated attendees this year. Taking place at the Orange County Convention Center from Feb. 1-4, MEGACON will feature dozens of TV and film celebrities, voice actors, comic book creators, cosplayers, Youtubers and more. Orlando is also home to a diverse array of pop-culture icons, artifacts, and more, with retro-gaming clubs and bars.
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For those looking for something more low-key, Orlando offers plentiful retro lounges and arcades such as: 1-Up, where visitors will take a journey back in time to the 80s and 90s; Gods & Monsters, a gaming club and bar featuring collectibles, cosplay, comics and more; and Player 1 Video Game Bar where visitors can play video games of every generation while enjoying themed cocktails and craft beers.
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Fans can meet their favorite superheroes and celebrities at Madame Tussauds, the world’s greatest wax museum located on International Drive. Guests can help the well-renowned members of the Justice League save the world or moonwalk alongside the iconic King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
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DC fans can step into the bat cave for themselves located inside the Auto Museum at Dezerland Park. Featuring a $200 million auto collection, visitors can look at thousands of famous vehicles from pop culture.
Road to Paris 2024: Orlando Welcomes U.S. Olympic Team Trials
The City Beautiful will host the U.S. Olympic Team Trials on Feb. 3, where runners will compete on a course through downtown Orlando to qualify to represent Team USA in the Olympic Games Paris 2024. The race is expected to receive nationwide attention and shine the spotlight on Orlando as its host city – the first-ever in Florida.
The marathon course will run through several neighborhoods and business districts in Orlando. It is expected to attract up to 100,000 spectators spread throughout the course, with a live broadcast on NBC.
NFL Pro Bowl 2024 Showcases Football's Best in Orlando
The 2024 NFL Pro Bowl Games, coached by Peyton Manning and Eli Manning, return to Camping World Stadium in a multi-day competition format to build off last year’s reimagined format of exciting skills challenges and action-packed flag football games.
The multi-day AFC vs. NFC competition will feature new and returning skills challenges, where 88 of the league’s top players showcase their football and non-football skills in unique competitions and culminate in action-packed flag football games at Camping World Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 4.
Did You Know?
Orlando was awarded 2024’s Best Family Travel Award by Good Housekeeping.