CitySurfing Orlando

It’s just about time for the annual Florida Strawberry Festival and in addition to the yummy food and family fun, they have concerts during the afternoon and evenings.

Here is the current list of headliner concerts for the 2012 festival:

March 01

• 10:30am – Jimmy Sturr (Free)
• 3:30pm – The Oak Ridge Boys ($15/$20)
• 7:30pm – Gretchen Wilson ($15/$20)

March 02

• 3:30pm – The Gatlin Brothers with Crystal Gayle ($15/$20)
• 7:30pm – Demi Lovato ($30/$35)

March 03

• 3:30pm – The JaneDear Girls ($15/$20)
• 7:30pm – Air Supply ($15/$20)

March 04

• 3:30pm – Jake Owen ($15/$20)
• 7:30pm – Hank Williams, Jr ($50)

March 05

• 3:30pm – Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals ($15/$20)
• 7:30pm – Josh Turner ($25/$30)

March 06

• 3:30pm – Brenda Lee ($15/$20)
• 7:30pm – Vince Gill ($35)

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One of my favorite things about the holidays in Central Florida (other than no snow!) is that it’s cool enough outside to enjoy outdoor activities but not too cold to be outside.

I also love that many of the local communities celebrate the holidays with outdoor events like parades and such. One of these is the upcoming Avalon Aglow in downtown Avalon Park area of town (East Orlando, 5 miles south of th 408 Expressway on Alafaya Trail).

This will be the tenth year of Avalon Aglow and it will feature amusement rides, live music, food and drink for purchase and more. Highlights of the event will be the Holiday Parade at 3pm with Santa Claus, and the winter fireworks extravaganza at 9pm.

Toys for Tots will also be at the event collecting new unwrapped toys valued at $10 or more for children. Everyone who donates a toy or $10 will be entered into a raffle to win prizes.

Avalon Aglow takes place December 3, 2011, in downtown Avalon Park, and is free for all to attend. This is a great way to spend the day with the family.

The weather is getting cooler and the holiday season is just around the corner, but there’s still enough time to squeeze in one more Central Florida art festival.

The 48th Annual Space Coast Art Festival will take place Thanksgiving Weekend in downtown Cocoa Beach, Florida. The bulk of the fest will be on Saturday, November 26, from 9am to 5pm, and Sunday, November 27, from 10am to 5pm.

In addition to browsing tent after tent of original artwork (hello Christmas presents!), there will be face painting for the kids and live entertainment both days, along with plenty of food and drink for purchase.

Free Park-and-Ride service will be available at the Cape Royal Building and limited spaces (50 spots) at the Hilton Hotel in Cocoa Beach.

For more information on the event, visit spacecoastartfestival.com.

“Ever since I was a young boy / I’ve played the silver ball

From Soho down to Brighton / I must have played them all”
- “Pinball Wizard” by The Who

I grew up in the era of pinball machines and while I like video games, there’s still something about pinball that lures me in for hours of play.

If this rings true for you, too, then you’ll want to head to Maitland this weekend for the Southern Pinball Festival.

During the event, 100 machines will be set to free play and your admission fee covers all the pinball you want from open to close.

It takes place at the Maitland Civic Center (641 South Maitland Ave). Hours are Friday 3pm – midnight, Saturday 10am – midnight, and Sunday 10am – 5pm.

Single-day tickets are $15 for 13 and up, $5 for 12 and under. Three-day passes are $35 for 13 and up, which includes 1 free 12 and under pass per adult pass bought.

I got the flyer artwork in an email about this weekend’s upcoming Jubilee Fall Carnival at Avalon Park.

Unfortunately I don’t have much information other than what’s on the flyer:

It takes place at Tanja King Memorial Park this Friday, November 18, from 3-10pm and also this Saturday and Sunday, November 19 and 20, from 10am to 10pm each day.

According to the Avalon Park reps, there will be several rides including: Cliffhanger, Construction Zone, Cuckoo Haus, Larson Fireball, Fire Chief, Mini Indy Scooter, Monkey Maze, Pop-A-Wheelie, Sky Flyer, Super Slide and Wind Jammer Inflate. Wrist bands for unlimited rides will be $15.

If you’re on that side of town and looking for something to do with the family this weekend, it might be worth checking out.

It’s also worth noting that on Friday night, Avalon Park will also be holding their free Movie Under the Stars monthly event nearby at Town Park. This month’s film is “Zookeeper” with Kevin James.