One of the great things about living in Orlando is that when you ask yourself, "What should I do today?" there are actually a lot of options to choose from.

It's easy to think of the city as just home to theme parks like Disney World and Universal, but once you live here, you realize that there are festivals, performances, and food events happening throughout the seasons. While there are events aimed at tourists, there are also many that Orlando residents eagerly anticipate each year.

In the spring, one event I've been wanting to check out is the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival. It usually takes place in May at Loch Haven Park and features a wide variety of performances, from plays and musicals to comedy, dance, and circus acts. The atmosphere is completely different from watching a famous actor in a large theater. You get to see experimental works in relatively small venues, and if you like what you see, you can easily hop to the next performance. If you enjoy performing arts, you could easily spend the whole day there without getting bored.

From February through spring, Universal Orlando's Mardi Gras is also quite popular. This event brings the New Orleans Mardi Gras vibe into the theme park, with parades throwing beads and a lively atmosphere filled with music and food. Depending on the schedule, there are also live performances by famous artists, so some people come for the concerts rather than the rides.

In April, film enthusiasts look forward to the Florida Film Festival. This event is centered around the Enzian Theater in Maitland, just north of Orlando. It's more suited for those who prefer independent films, documentaries, and short films over Hollywood blockbusters. Surprisingly, many people are unaware that such cultural events exist in Orlando.

As we move into fall, the event I find most enjoyable is the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. Various food booths representing different countries set up within EPCOT, allowing you to sample small portions rather than having a full meal. You might start with French cuisine, then head over to Japan, take a short walk to try German food, and finish off with dessert from another country. Of course, as you sample a few dishes, the costs can add up, so it's wise to keep an eye on your wallet.

As October approaches, the atmosphere changes dramatically. Major Halloween events, like Universal's Halloween Horror Nights, kick off, featuring haunted houses designed like horror movie sets. Personally, I wonder why I would pay to scare myself, but those who enjoy it go every year.

From late November, the entire city transforms into a Christmas wonderland. Walt Disney World hosts the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, and Universal Orlando presents Grinchmas and Christmas parades among other holiday programs. It's a unique Florida experience to see Christmas decorations while wearing short sleeves.

Even outside the theme parks, downtown Orlando and surrounding cities continue to host Christmas tree lightings, outdoor performances, food events, and local festivals. So, if you live in Orlando, it's a good idea to make a habit of checking the event calendar from time to time.

For tourists, Orlando is a city to visit for a few days to see Disney and Universal, but for residents, it's a bit different. In spring, you catch performances, in summer you look forward to food festivals, in fall you enjoy Halloween, and in winter you check out Christmas events, marking the passage of the year. While you can't visit the theme parks every day, knowing that something is happening somewhere throughout the year is one of the small joys of living in Orlando.