Fun things for the whole family to do throughout Greater Orlando in February

J. HYDE CRAWFORD AND ANTHONY TORTORA COLLECTION
Orlando Museum of Art
Through Feb 12
The J. Hyde Crawford gift of art is the single most important collection the Orlando Museum of Art has received in its history. The collection includes works by important American artists who rose to prominence in the decades following World War II, including Friedel Dzubas, Helen Frankenthaler, Robert Motherwell, Kenzo Okada and Andrew Tavarelli, as well as Richard Diebenkorn, Claudio Bravo, Alan Magee, Rosa Bonheur and Jean-Leon Gerome.
OMArt.org

GERONIMO STILTON: MOUSE IN SPACE
Orlando Repertory Theater
Through Mar 5
Villains are threatening New Mouse City, and the only hope is reluctant hero Geronimo Stilton. In this high-flying adventure, Geronimo is launched into space on a top-secret mission, but can he overcome his fears of heights, the dark and confined spaces, and use his intelligence to save the day? Based on the book series, this story takes Geronimo and his pals Thea, Trap and Benjamin on the adventure of their rodent lives.
OrlandoRep.com

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
Garden Theatre, Winter Garden
Feb 3 – 26
In this production that features audience participation, six young people in the throes of puberty candidly disclose hilarious and touching stories from their home life. Played by adults, the “tweens” spell their way through a series of challenging and off-the-wall words hoping to never hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. At least the losers get a juice box. Winner of the Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for Best Book, this musical continues to charm audiences with its wit and humor.
GardenTheatre.org

MARDI GRAS
Universal Orlando
Feb 4 – Mar 25
Every night of Mardi Gras, festive floats and performers parade through the streets as more than one million beads are tossed into the crowd. On select nights, attendees can also catch big-name headliners live in concert.
UniversalOrlando.com

THE GREAT GATSBY
Orlando Shakespeare Theater
Feb 8 – Mar 26
When young Nick Carraway is befriended by his mysterious neighbor Jay Gatsby, he is drawn into his glitzy world of lavish parties and secret speakeasies. But as Gatsby’s elusive past is uncovered and his intentions revealed, Nick finds himself a pawn in a love triangle so scandalous, it threatens to destroy all those around him. This American classic is a poignant examination of prohibition America, exploring the notions of love, morality, identity and the corruption of the American Dream.
OrlandoShakes.org

SEVEN SEAS FOOD FESTIVAL
SeaWorld Orlando
Feb 11 – May 13
SeaWorld Orlando’s music and food event, Seven Seas Food Festival, expands to a total of 14 weekends in 2017. This year’s festival features favorites from Bands, Brew & BBQ and Viva la Musica, with new savory and sweet treats inspired by street food from Asia, the Caribbean, South America and the Mediterranean. Plus, guests can indulge in a variety of international, local and seasonal craft brews on tap.
SeaWorldParks.com

CHILI COOK-OFF & BEER FESTIVAL
Kissimmee Lakefront Park
Feb 18
Offering free admission and parking, this lakeside festival will feature a sanctioned chili competition, including red, verde and salsa varieties, and more than 25 craft-beer samples will be available. (Beer-tasting tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the event.) Attendees will also find live entertainment, local vendors and a kids’ zone.
KissimmeeMainStreet.com

WINTER GARDEN BLUES & BBQ FESTIVAL
Downtown Pavilion, Winter Garden
Feb 18
The 6th-annual Winter Garden Blues & BBQ Festival pairs blues and roots musicians with local barbecue for an afternoon of Southern soul. Admission is free, with barbecue available for purchase. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.
CWGDN.com

ORLANDO BALLET: A TRIBUTE TO HARRIETT, BEST OF BROADWAY
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Walt Disney Theater
Feb 25
The Angel of the Ballet, Harriett Lake, will be honored in a one-night only show, featuring her favorite show tunes from Broadway, old and new, as the dancers of the Orlando Ballet company both choreograph and perform alongside Artistic Director Robert Hill.
OrlandoBallet.org

ATLANTA BRAVES SPRING TRAINING
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Walt Disney World Resort
Feb 25-26, 28
Watch the Atlanta Braves warm up for the regular season as they take on the Toronto Blue Jays, Houston Astros and St. Louis Cardinals during this month’s spring-training games.
Atlanta.Braves.mlb.com

This article originally appeared in Orlando Family Magazine’s February 2017 issue.