Orlando Events and Festivals for May 2010

May 2010 events in Orlando include live theater performances downtown, the annual Star Wars Weekend at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and a concert from the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. If you're visiting Orlando for a late spring vacation or are a local looking for something fun to do this May, add some of these fun events and activities to your itinerary:

Orlando Restaurant Week kicks off on May 1 and runs through May 10, 2010, giving locals and visitors a chance to enjoy some of Orlando's finest restaurants and gourmet eateries at budget-friendly prices. You can enjoy a prix-fixe menu with prices ranging from $10 to $25 at destinations including Paddy McGee's, the Latin Quarter, the Black Olive and the Hard Rock Café. Visit www.orlandorestaurantweek.com for the most updated listing of participating restaurants and restaurant week events.

The Orlando Cabaret Festival starts on April 30 and runs through May 16 at the Mad Cow Theatre in downtown Orlando. Head to the theater for a lineup of lively jazz, pop and Broadway performances from artists including KT Sullivan, The Broadway Boys and Karen Akers. This year's event includes the Songwriters' Spotlight that features three of Orlando's most dynamic singers performing at Club Moo. Visit www.orlandocabaret.com for ticket information.

The Orlando International Fringe Festival takes place in Loch Haven Park in downtown Orlando and will be held from May 20 to May 31. The music and arts festival includes performances at The Orlando Repertory Theater, the Lowndes Shakespeare Center and activities at Loch Haven Park, attracting over 500 performers and 70 theater companies from around the country. Call (407) 648-0077 for more information or visit www.orlandofringe.org for tickets.

Star Wars Weekends is another popular Orlando event held in May and takes place at Disney's Hollywood Studios on May 21 to 23, and May 28 to 30. This year's lineup of events include appearances by R2D2 and Darth Vader, the Behind the Force challenge, Jedi Training Academy and the Galactic Game Show. Theme park admission is required, and admission to the event is included with your ticket. Visit Disney's Star Wars Weekend website for more information.

The Symphony in the Park Concert takes place at the Kissimmee Lakefront Park and is organized by the City of Kissimmee. Head out for the evening with family and friends to enjoy a performance by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, and relax in the scenic outdoor setting near the lake. Admission is free, and the event is typically held in early May.

You can still enjoy the flower festival at Epcot through May 3, 2010 in Orlando. This year's event includes an expanded Minnie's Magnificent Butterfly Garden, public demonstrations of gardening techniques from around the world, dozens of new Disney-themed topiaries and live music in the American Gardens Theatre on weekend nights. Visit Disney's Epcot flower festival website for more information and a complete garden festival guide.