2026 Calendar of Events

Soul Train Live: 

Thursday February 5th 7:00 pm

Winter Park Library

FREE TO THE PUBLIC

 As part of their Sounds of the World Series, The Winter Park Playhouse has teamed up again with Barbara Chandler Productions to present Soul Train Live on Thursday, February 5 at 7:00 pm. This event will feature the groundbreaking music of the 1970's Rhythm and Blues, Soul, and Hip Hop scene. The evening will be free of charge and held at the Winter Park Public Library in their Edyth Bush theatre located at 1052 West Morse Blvd. Winter Park, FL 32789.  Doors open for seating at 6:00 p.m. with the performance beginning promptly at 7:00 p.m. 

 By teaming up with Barbara Chandler Productions, this series shines a spotlight on the diverse and unique talent in the Central Florida community.

The Sounds of the World Series is sponsored in part by Orange County Government through the Arts and Cultural Affairs program, the Winter Park Community Redevelopment Agency, Division of Arts & Culture and United Arts of Central Florida.  The Winter Park Library is donating their Edyth Bush Theatre to help make the performances accessible to all.

Soul Train Live will feature the classic sounds of the 1970's from iconic artists like Ike and Tina Turner, Anita Baker, The 5th Dimension, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and more!  

"We are thrilled to treat the audience to an evening full of music that will bring back the groundbreaking sounds of the '70's as highlighted on the legendary show Soul Train!" confirms Barbara Chandler.  

This show is free and open to the public. No ticket required. Doors open at 6:00p.m. for a 7:00p.m. show.  

Tiara's Hat Parade & Marketplace

 February 7-22nd

*ask about no empty seats program

Tiara’s Marketplace is a pop-up makers market celebrating creativity, entrepreneurship, and community.

Featuring local artisans, Black business owners, and young entrepreneurs, the marketplace invites families to shop handmade goods, meet the makers, and support small businesses doing big, beautiful things. It is a perfect addition to a day at the theatre and just as fun as a standalone event. No ticket required. Everyone is invited.

Inspired by Tiara’s Hat Parade, the marketplace reflects the story’s heart. In the play, Tiara’s mom is a creative entrepreneur, running a hat shop built on skill, care, and pride. When her confidence begins to fade, Tiara reminds her and the community that local artists matter.

Tiara’s Marketplace brings that idea off the stage and into the real world, celebrating the power of showing up for artists, small businesses, and young dreamers. 

Tiara's Marketplace 

• Saturday, February 7, 2026 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm
• Sunday, February 8, 2026 at 9:30 am to 2:00 pm
• Saturday, February 14, 2026 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm
• Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 9:30 am to 2:00 pm

Tiara’s Marketplace is presented in partnership with Barbara Chandler Productions.  * visit Hat Display
 

A February filled with love & legacy: Celebrate Black History & Valentine's Day exploring the rich history and beauty of Winter Park from land and water!   

Friday February 13th

3:00=5:30

Join Community Historian Barbara Chandler for a guided walking tour shaped by over a decade of storytelling and preservation, then relax on the  Boat Tour with Winter Park native Captain Tom Smith for more local history and stunning views.

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For History Lovers COMBO ITINERARY: 

Explore Hannibal Square Walking Tour 

Time: 3:00 - 4:00 pm

Meet - Up Location: Shady Park 

721 W. New England Ave, Winter Park

&

Boat Tour Departure

Time 4:30 - 5:30 pm

Dinky Dock at Rollins College

Parking available

$60 pp | Guided 1 hr walking tour + 1 hr boat ride | Includes Southern Style bites •10 spots only 

 Sign up before February 5th and receive a free Hannibal Square, Winter Park T-shirt.

Book Now!

(re)FRAME 2026: 

An Ode to Orlando

Opening Reception: TBA

Gallery MCO at Orlando International   Airport Level 3 Terminal B 

toward the food court 

Feb-April 2026

This year exhibition is an ode to the beauty of Orlando's Historically Black Communities through the lens of portraiture, landscape, landmarks & street photography.

Seeking lens-based photography digital and analog + filmmakers with work that fits the theme to submit by 1.15.2026 

HeART & Soul: 

Black Presence in America250 

February 28th, 

Winter Park Library

2-4 pm

Event details coming soon!

Stay tuned!

Tis the season to experience the rich history of Hannibal Square along with the beauty and charm of Winter Park from land and water!   

December Wednesday 17th 

3:00 -5:30 pm

Join Community Historian Barbara Chandler for a guided walking tour shaped by over a decade of storytelling and preservation, then relax on the Scenic Boat Tour with Winter Park native Tom Smith for more local history and stunning views.

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HOLIDAY COMBO ITINERARY: 

Explore Hannibal Square Walking Tour 

Time: 3:00 - 4:00 pm

Meet - Up Location: Shady Park 

721 W. New England Ave, Winter Park

&

Boat Tour Departure

Time 4:30 - 5:30 pm

Dinky Dock at Rollins College

Parking available

$55 pp | Guided 1 hr walking tour + 1 hr boat ride | Includes personal charcuterie box & wine • 7 spots left! Book early

Step into the stories of Hannibal Square, West Winter Park’s Black heritage & culture. This guided tour with Community Historian Barbara Chandler draws on more than a decade of preserving and sharing the neighborhood’s rich past.    

Barbara has invested over a decade as the cultural arts manager and educator for Winter Park’s Hannibal Square Heritage Center--which pays tribute to the past, present, and future contributions of Winter Park’s historic African American community. 

Perfect for: 

Lifelong Learners

Family Reunions 

UNITY Groups 

Students

Corporate TEAM Building

Veterans - Military Discount 

To better serve your group and customize an itinerary for an amazing guest experience- click tab below and send email with date, time, number of guests and any*special accommodations required.

*Strollers, wheelchairs, scooters, meals, transportation*  

As part of their Sounds of the World Series of events, The Winter Park Playhouse has teamed up with Barbara Chandler Productions to present -Blues and Southern Soul - Thursday October 2 at 7:00 pm. This event will feature professional vocalist Tonya Phillips Staples with Robert Bradley accompanying on piano. The evening will be FREE of charge and held at the Winter Park Public Library in their Edyth Bush theatre at 1052 W Morse Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32789.  Doors open for seating at 6:00 p.m. with the performance beginning promptly at 7:00 p.m.  

 By teaming up with Barbara Chandler Productions, this series shines a spotlight on the diverse and unique talent in the Central Florida community.

"We are thrilled to have Tonya treat the audience to an evening full of music and dance that will touch the soul and teach the origins of blues and southern soul music masterfully!" confirms Barbara Chandler.  

Summer Edition of reFRAME; reFRAME is a hub for Photographers & Enthusiasts of lens based Artists!   Meet local Photographers and the motivation and technique behind their work. FREE and open to the public! 

@ Bellows Photo Lab Orlando

images by: Tony Ramzey

LAND & LINEAGE

 Downtown Public Library 3rd FL

Experience a profound journey through history with Land & Lineage, an exhibition presented by TRACES 365 

This showcase honors historically Black communities: 

Community of Royal, the African American Museum of DeLand, the Harry & Harriette V. Moore Museum, and The Mary Harrell Black Heritage Museum. 

Complementing these historical narratives, artwork from local artists Stephenie Black Grant, Jaison Radcliff, and Dafeney Josue adds a creative and contemporary perspective.

On display until April 30th, 2025 

Orange County Public Library 

101 E Central Blvd. 

Spirituals, Jazz & Opera 

In honor of Black Music Appreciation Month, The Winter Park Playhouse has teamed up again with Barbara Chandler Productions to present a special cabaret!  

 Spirituals, Jazz and Opera will feature the vocal talents of Mark Wright-Ahern. This is a one-hour cabaret style event. All tickets are general seating and include a drink choice from the bar. 

A native of Apopka, Florida, Mark Wright-Ahern is a graduate of Liberty University with degrees in both religion and musical performance. Additionally, Mark has received a Masters Degree in Business from Nova Southeastern University. 

Mr. Wright-Ahern has been performing for years on stage including performances with Opera Orlando (Orlando, FL) and the Roanoke Symphony (Roanoke,VA) and has been featured in many national music recordings. Mark has also appeared in numerous television commercials with ABC and has shared the stage with many of the biggest names in entertainment. You can also see Mark judging vocal competitions and pageants both nationally and throughout his home state of Florida. 

"I am very excited to be working in collaboration once again with The Winter Park Playhouse! As we present Spirituals, Jazz and Opera, we pay tribute to Black Music Appreciation Month. Mark Wright-Ahern is a seasoned performer and will treat audiences to the origins of various types of music styles as he performs them all masterfully!" confirms Barbara Chandler.  

Join us for a one-of-a-kind evening that celebrates the great women of song! Tickets are $20 plus a one drink minimum. Purchasing your tickets in advance is strongly recommended as space is limited.

TRACES 365:  Explore Sanford 

Join community members and explore historic landmarks in Georgetown and Downtown Sanford; Discover artistic murals while supporting Black owned businesses and more. 

See Ya in Sanford!

Extraordinary Women and Their Music

In honor of Women's History Month, The Winter Park Playhouse has teamed up again with Barbara Chandler Productions to present a special cabaret event featuring professional vocalist Mzuri Aboyo Aimbaya in 

Extraordinary Women and Their Music. 

Mzuri will delight audiences with an evening of jazz, standards and Broadway as she pays tribute to the women legends of song including Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Ross, Whitney Houston and more!

Join us for a one-of-a-kind evening that celebrates the great women of song! Tickets are $20 plus a one drink minimum. Purchasing your tickets in advance is strongly recommended as space is limited.

FRAME Orlando is a creative initiative
influenced by Civil Rights Photographer Gordon Parks. 

FRAME seeks to celebrate and elevate the art of photography by providing a platform for both established and emerging photographers to share their work with a diverse audience. Through our exhibits, panels, and educational programming, we aim to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of
photography as a powerful medium of artistic expression and social commentary.

F.R.A.M.E.
Forge. Redefine. Actualize. Manifest. Educate.

 Traces 365: Explore Hannibal Square

JANUARY 19th

BLACK TEACHERS MEET

Introductory Rate Must have Teacher ID

Meet Barbara Chandler, Hannibal Square Winter Park Community Historian. 

Barbara has served for over a decade as Manager of Hannibal Square Heritage Center preserving & sharing the stories of West Winter Park African American Community.

"Explore Hannibal Square" is a guided walking tour which gives the history juxtapose to how gentrification impacts and transforms the identity of a community.