Welcome to Orange County Parks and Recreation's Special Events Page!
Follow us on Twitter: @OrangeCoParksFL
and on Orange County, Florida Government’s Facebook events.
Orange County Parks and Recreation has the following fun events and community meetings:
Dance the Night Away With The Crew, March 28
Dance the night away as you enjoy the beautiful music of The Crew on the last Saturday of the month, from 6-9 p.m., at Renaissance Senior Center’s ballroom! The event is open to adults ages 18 and older, cost: $20 exact cash per person at the door. Come enjoy a cool atmosphere of dance, fun and live music provided by The Crew. Light refreshments will be available while supplies last. Questions? Call Renaissance Senior Center at 407-254-9070 or email parks@ocfl.net.
Here's the monthly event schedule:
FREE Fort Christmas Barnyard Banter Program, April 18
All ages are welcome to join in the Barnyard Banter program at Fort Christmas Historical Park on April 18, from 1-2 p.m.! Learn about raising Backyard Chickens and handling them. This is a FREE program, open to the public. Visit Fort Christmas Historical Park for more information. Questions? Email parks@ocfl.net or call the park's staff: 407-254-9310.
Here's the monthly event schedule:
- May 16: Pioneer Folk Crafts
- June 20: Hunting, Trapping, Fishing
Fort Christmas Bluegrass Festival, April 11
All ages are welcome to join in the annual Bluegrass Festival at Fort Christmas Historical Park on April 11! Don't forget to bring lawn chairs and a picnic, or purchase from food trucks. This is a FREE program, open to the public. Visit Fort Christmas Historical Park for more information. Questions? Email parks@ocfl.net or call the park's staff: 407-254-9310.
Here's the talented line-up of performers:
- 9:45 a.m. Welcome by emcee Steve Kane, National Anthem and Boy Scouts present Flags
- 10 a.m. Sandy Back Porch
- 11 a.m. Crimson Creek
- 12 p.m. Penny Creek Bluegrass Band
- 1 p.m. Sandy Back Porch
- 2 p.m. Crimson Creek
- 3 p.m. Penny Creek Bluegrass Band
- 3:50 p.m. Closing remarks by emcee Steve Kane
Hiring Youth Leaders for Summer Camp (closes April 4)
- Orange County Parks and Recreation is currently seeking responsible and qualified Individuals to fill our Summer Camp Staff positions. The selected candidates will assist in the coordination and implementation of various activities during the program to include arts and crafts, games, sports, and field trips. A positive person who is a good communicator, creative, energized and enjoys working and engaging with youth is desired. Must be age 16 by June 1, 2026. Must be able to communicate in English in speech and written form. Must be able to pass a drug screening and a Level II - DCF Background Investigation.
- To apply online, click "Apply" then “External Applicants”; complete your information for Youth Leader #38824.
Hiring Strong Swimmers (closes May 24)
- Help keep guests safe in the water! Orange County Parks and Recreation is hiring strong swimmers who are responsible individuals ages 16 and older for summer lifeguard positions at Fort Gatlin Recreation Complex pool (2009 Lake Margaret Dr., Orlando, phone 407-254-9820); and Tangelo Park's pool (5160 Pueblo St., Orlando, phone 407-254-9175). Salary starts at $17.22/hour. Free lifeguard certification class provided to selected candidates.
- To apply online, click "Apply" then “External Applicants”; complete your information for Lifeguard - Fort Gatlin #38385, Kelly Park #38384 or Tangelo Park #39126. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and bring their I.D. and swim attire to complete the swim test if selected.
Swim test includes the following:
- 1. Swim 150 yards continuously using front crawl, breaststroke or combination of both. Transition into a two-minute tread only using the legs, and finish with a 50-yard swim. All three steps must be done without rest periods in between. Must demonstrate breath control and rhythmic breathing during the swim.
- 2. Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. Surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 7-10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object. Return to the surface, and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface in order to breathe. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps. Timed event: complete within 1 minute and 40 seconds.