ORLANDO, Fla. – Central Florida is buzzing mid-January with fishing tournaments, classic cars, cultural celebrations and MLK parades.
Whether you’re craving seafood, shopping for your dream car, or taking the kids out for live music and festivities, there’s something here for everyone.
Here’s what’s going on:
🎣 Get Hook’d on Lake Monroe Fishing Tournament & Seafood Festival — Sanford
Cast a line, grab some seafood and enjoy a full day on the lake! This free annual event brings together anglers, foodie fans and families for a relaxed day of music and mouthwatering bites.
When: Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026
Fishing Tournament: Starts at 7 a.m.
Festival typically runs around noon–7 p.m.
Where: Sanford Marina for the fishing tournament • West End Trading Co. in Downtown Sanford
Cost: Free to attend
✨ What to expect:
- Fishing tournament (bass, crappie and more)
- Cash prizes for anglers
- 30+ food vendors and tons of seafood
- Live music and entertainment
- Kids’ zone and educational exhibits
🎣 Want to compete? Anglers usually register at the Captain’s Meeting the evening before (Friday, Jan. 16, 2026) at West End.
🚗 Mecum Kissimmee — The world’s largest collector car auction
If you love chrome, horsepower and head-turning rides, this one is for you. Thousands of incredible vehicles roll into town for this epic multi-day auction.
Through Jan. 18, 2026
Osceola Heritage Park
Event begins daily at 8 a.m.
Jan. 17–18 are big showcase days
Expect around 4,500 vehicles, including:
- American muscle cars
- Corvettes
- Exotics
- Classics, customs, trucks, and hot rods
Vietnamese Festival – Orlando
Celebrate Lunar New Year with vibrant culture, amazing food, music and family fun.
Central Florida Fairgrounds 4603 West Colonial Drive, Orlando
Dates:
- Friday, Jan. 16, 2026 (7 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.)
- Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026 (10 a.m. - midnight)
- Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026 (10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.)
Free admission and parking
🎊 Festival highlights:
- Authentic Vietnamese cuisine
- Live music & performances
- Games and family activities
- Cultural displays and New Year traditions
Downtown Orlando Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade
A powerful and joyful celebration honoring Dr. King’s legacy through art, music, and community.
Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Downtown Orlando — from the Courthouse to Lake Eola Park
You’ll see:
- Drumlines and marching bands
- Dance and comedy groups
- Community organizations and local leaders
Theme: “Mission Possible 2: Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way.”
Eatonville’s 48th Annual MLK Parade & Celebration
A heartfelt tribute in one of the nation’s oldest historically Black towns.
Jan. 17, 2026
Parade begins at 2 p.m.
What to expect:
- Colorful parade along Kennedy Boulevard
- Local schools, bands, and community groups
- Post-parade celebration at Hungerford Field
- Live music, food vendors, artisan booths
- Family-friendly activities and kids’ fun
🏰 Space Coast Renaissance Fair — Viera
Step back in time for knights, feasts, music and merriment!
Jan. 17–18, 2026
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Space Coast Daily Park, 5775 Stadium Parkway, Melbourne, FL 32940
🎭 Expect:
- Costumes (encouraged & family-friendly!)
- Lively entertainment and tournaments
- Feasting, music, laughs, and shopping
- Performers and merchants from “across the realms”