ArtsFest, a production of United Arts of Central Florida, is one of our favorite annual Orlando events. This year, the celebration of Central Florida arts and culture takes place for the entire month of February 2012 and includes 302 completely free events held in 87 locations throughout Lake, Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. But with so many great free events, how can you possibly decide on what to see? See our 2012 Tickets Are Limited Picks
As we did last year, here are our picks for the top ten "Non-Ticketed" events of ArtsFest 2012, in order of date. All events below are completely free. No tickets are required. Just show up and enjoy!
Thu. 2/2 - Wed. 2/29: Ongoing, 24 hours a day
Uncover the Color – "Tree of Light"
We were excited about this project from the moment we heard about it. And now, with a successful Kickstarter campaign and the additional support of United Arts, we'll finally get to see it realized, as one of the true highlights of ArtsFest 2012. A 20' tall interactive sculpture accessible to the public 'round the clock for 28 days straight in Downtown Orlando? Yes, please.
Fri. 2/3 & Sat. 2/4: noon - 4 pm
Orlando Museum of Art – Free Days at OMA!
This is one of the few times a year that our city's major art museum acts like most of Washington D.C.'s museums act 364 days a year - with free admission for all! "Like."
Fri. 2/3: 7 pm
The Center for Contemporary Dance – "Sacred Slave Stories"
The perfect presentation to commemorate Black History Month, it's also a great opportunity to see Moore Dance Project's National Endowment for the Arts granted performance for an underserved audience. If this particular showtime or distance doesn't fit your schedule, you could always try your luck for one of the three "Tickets Are Limited" performances at the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center in Sanford on Thu. 2/2, Fri. 2/3 or Sun. 2/5.
Sun. 2/5 & Sun. 2/19: 11 am - 7 pm
Urban ReThink – "Human Library"
Orlando's Life Coach Tisse Mallon turns people into "human books" you can "check out" and "learn from." Not since "67 Books" has a library sounded so alive. The best part? No "late fees!"
Mon. 2/13: 7 - 9 pm
O-Town Sound – A Cappella Barbershop Open House
This sounds like it could be fun. Certainly different from your typical Monday night. Unless your typical Monday night involves an A cappella Barbershop experience in a West Orlando Presbyterian Church.
Thurs. 2/16: 6 - 9 pm
CityArts Factory – Free Headshots
The event listing doesn't include any particular photographer's name, but free professional headshots is free professional headshots. Fellow actors reading this: "Am I right?"
Fri. 2/17 & Sat. 2/18: 8 pm
Play The Moment – "The Road to Mecca"
Imagine seeing this play by master playwright Athol Fugard. Now imagine seeing it starring Marty Stonerock, one of Orlando's best actors according to our Best of Orlando 2012 poll. Now stop imagining and go see it.
Sat. 2/18: 10 am - 2 pm
Mead Botanical Garden – The Great Duck Derby
This long-running Winter Park event makes its ArtsFest debut. We've never been, but plan on finally attending this time around. May the best duck win. And by best duck, we mean TheDailyCity.com Food Truck Bazaar Duck.
Sat. 2/25: 11 am - 1 pm
Asian Cultural Association – "Dance Forms of India"
Go because we told you to, stay for one of the most unique buildings in all of Central Florida. And also the dance. The presentation also takes place the same day, from 4 - 6 pm, at the Barbara Ying Center on the UCF campus. This one at the Hindu Society Hall, however, gets our stamp of approval for being a bit more visually stimulating and therefore authentic. No offense, UCF campus.
Sat. 2/25: 8 pm
Clouds in My Coffee Theater – "Clouds of Love"
Spoken word, live music and access to the Dex Imaging Skyline Club at the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium featuring "spectacular views of Downtown Orlando."
Since this is the largest ArtsFest to date and first to feature a Ticket Lottery, we've also put together an additional list, featuring our picks for the top ten "Tickets Are Limited Events" of ArtsFest 2012. You can find that list here.