University of Central Florida
Residing near the 2nd largest college in the States has its benefits! The college is able to pull in speakers, artists, and events that we locals would otherwise have to pay to attend.
'Banning Landmines' Free Forum |
Check out UCF's events calendar for daily, weekly, and monthly events. Here are just a few FREE gems this week (locations vary):
- Disparities in Women's Health Care Roundtable Discussion, Wed, March 20, 1:00-2:00pm
- Calling All Animal Lovers: Disney Guest Speaker- Dr. Jackie Ogden, Wed, March 20, 6:30-7:30pm
- Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Jody Williams Banning Landmines: Disarmament, Citizen Diplomacy and Human Security, Thurs, March 21st, 3:00-4:30pm
- Collide Contemporary Music Concert, Thurs, March 21st 8:00-9:30pm
- The Guitar Series at UCF: Johannes Moller, Classical Guitar, Fri, March 22, 7:30-8:30pm
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Our Pick |
This office is where I've seen Nobel Peace Prize laureates, former Presidents and world leaders, fantastic global activists, authors, journalists, etc. It's worth stalking students for a parking spot to catch one of these speakers. Get on their newsletter for upcoming events.
Rollins College
On the smaller side, Rollins College is the educational anchor of beautiful Winter Park. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in charm and history (Rollins is the oldest recognized college in Florida), wealthy donors, and a sizable endowment. For our purposes, this means guest speakers (um, Maya Angelou! Robert F. Kennedy, Jr!! Jane Goodall!!!) and free events with food.
Head over to the Rollins calendar of events for free events sprinkled throughout the student events. Here are a small sampling of FREE highlights coming up in the calendar:
- Eddie Huang '04 Reading of "Fresh Off the Boat", Tues, March 19th, 7:00pm
- Coming Home: Americans and Those Who Have Served in Their Wars, Wed, March 20th, 7:00-8:30pm
- Net Impact speaker event with John Rife, social entrepreneur and founder of East End Market, Thurs, March 21st, 6:00-8:00pm
- Alumni Weekend Music Events, Sat-Sun, March 23rd-24th, multiple events. Not just for alumni!
- Fox Day, annual free-day with activities, and a huge BBQ picnic on the large lawn. Open to the community! The date is a surprise, but check out the 24 hour, streaming Fox Day Cam for all of the excitement (and the occasional student flash mob).
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Our Pick |
The institute organizes public lectures and readings, symposiums, seminars, master classes, interviews, and special-interest sessions -- all for the community at large. They were responsible for bringing Jane Goodall last year just as Disney's Chimpanzee was coming out.
Valencia College
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Valencia Brazilian Film Festival Last Year's Poster (2013 TBA) |
Valencia has multiple campuses and that means multiple places to catch free events.
Another great events calendar to keep bookmarked. Here are a small sampling of FREE events coming up in the calendar:
- Spring Symphonic / Jazz Concert, Tues, April 2nd, 7:30 pm
- Voices of Valencia Concert, community chorus event, Thurs, April 4th, 7:30 pm
- Valencia Brazilian Film Festival, April 4th-12th. Article about last year's festival (which was beyond awesome and beyond free).
Seminole State College

- Vanguard: Faculty Recital, Tues, March 19th, 7:30-9:00pm; Erik Ettinger, piano; Daniel Johnson, percussion
- Tuesday Voices Poetry Reading Series, Tues, March 26th, 7:00pm. Open mic poetry reading.
- Instrumental Concert: Symphonic Band, Jazz Ambassadors, JazzCombo, Percussion Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, Tues, April 9th, 7:30pm
- Encore! Concert Series
- Seminole State College's Fine Arts Gallery
Speaking of that judgment-free zone, this list of events is making me wish I wasn't in school half the week! Who would of guessed there is so much going on? Thanks for the GP shout out!
ReplyDeleteNeil deGrasse Tyson to speak at University of Florida on April 3rd at 7pm for free!!!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.haydenplanetarium.org/tyson/upcoming-appearances
Andi!!! Just found out about this site via Shaina's instagram.. and i'm so happy I did, this is great LOVE it!!!
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