The Orlando Home & Garden Show returns this weekend, ushering in a new year of home improvement, gardening and resources for “everything from the front door to the backyard.”
The 17th annual show, which lands at Orange County Convention Center Friday-Sunday with more than 100,000 square feet of space, offers a chance to talk with vendors, ask for advice, shop for edible goods, participate in workshops and seek inspiration for home and garden projects. The event has free admission courtesy of Spa Manufacturers; parking is $10 plus tax when visitors mention the home and garden show.
“The atmosphere is really festive. There’s all these stages and thousands of people interacting,” said Pamela Rogers, vice president of Show Technology Productions. “Everybody is doing business, it’s kind of like being at the mall at Christmas.”
Visitors are invited to bring their home-related questions, photos and ideas to a variety of experts for consultations, estimates and comparisons, all under one roof.
“The show allows you the opportunity to build a relationship, to meet the people that you want to talk to. Then you already have a personal relationship with Joe the contractor by the time he shows up,” Rogers said. “These businesses are your friends and your neighbors down the street. 95% of our exhibitors are small businesses.”
While kitchen and landscaping tend to be two big draws for attendees, show guests can find interior design inspiration, windows and doors, alternative energy exhibits and vendors, hot tubs, builders and remodelers, home organization ideas and much more.
Exhibitor booths are pictured during the Orlando Home and Garden Show at the Orange County Convention Center. The show returns Jan. 9-11. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
In the outdoor living area, visitors can explore Tuff Shed‘s “he shed” and “she shed” ideas for small backyard indoor spaces, gardening vendors and experts, outdoor kitchens and an area with yard games and outdoor furniture.
Some activities are geared toward the entire family, such as cooking classes, kids’ activities, on-site pet adoptions, backyard wildlife education and pet training demonstrations. Certain limited-space demonstrations allow visitors to take something home with them, including a class on building a starter herb garden and a cupcake decorating class. One kid-centric offering is a DIY birdhouse activity.
Special guests and experts will lead seminars on fishing, gardening and cooking on three separate stages. Highlights include discussions about birds of prey, growing food at home, fly fishing in Florida, making mocktails, coffee talk and perfecting chicken tortilla soup.
Emma Maxwell runs a dog through a routine at the Sit Means Sit Dog Training exhibit during the Orlando Home and Garden Show at the Orange County Convention Center. The show returns Jan. 9-11. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
While taking a break from home improvement offerings, the show has a large concession area and an “art, gift and gourmet” section with edible goods and items to take home.
Rogers advised show attendees to download the show guide before the event or grab one at the door, and to come in with a plan, given how much there is to see and do.
“There are free things for the kids, free classes for mom and dad,” she said. “We have something for everyone.”
Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com. Stay up to date with our latest travel, arts and events coverage by subscribing to our newsletters at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.
If you go
The 17th annual Home and Garden Show is open noon-5 p.m. Jan. 9, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Jan. 10 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 11 at 9400 Universal Blvd. in Orlando. Show admission is free; on-site parking costs $10 plus tax. More information: showtechnology.com
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