March 30 – April 12, 2026
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
One of Central Florida’s favorite cultural traditions celebrates ten years!
UCF Celebrates the Arts is an immersive and dynamic cultural extravaganza that fuses creativity, innovation and community engagement. This annual festival showcases the artistic prowess of UCF’s faculty and students and invites the broader community to enjoy performances, exhibitions, presentations and interactive experiences. With a focus on accessibility, partnership and diverse offerings, UCF Celebrates the Arts is a unique opportunity for the community to experience the creative side of UCF’s innovative spirit.
Fantastic possibilities lie ahead at UCF Celebrates the Arts 2026!
Scheduled Events
Full schedule coming soon.
Schedule subject to change. View program notes within each individual event.
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Sunday, March 15, 2026, 12:00 p.m. • Steinmetz Hall
National Young Composers Challenge 2026
The top young composers in the country converge in Orlando to hear their winning compositions performed by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro Christopher Wilkins. The National Young Composers Challenge Composium is part concert, part masterclass, and guaranteed to be thrilling from start to finish.
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March 31 – April 1, 2026 • Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater
Knight to Shine 2026
The spotlight is on the graduating musical theatre students as they take the stage for an evening of cabaret-style performances. Enjoy songs from contemporary musical theatre, popular music and even a few surprises!
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Tuesday, March 31, 2026, 7:30 p.m. • Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater
A.I. and Ethics
A philosophical conversation.
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Tuesday, March 31, 2026, 7:30 p.m. • Steinmetz Hall
Dancing Beyond the Stars
This high-energy dance showcase features original choreography from students, alumni, faculty and guest artists — highlighting the creative legacy of UCF’s dance minor program.
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Wednesday, April 1, 2026, 7:30 p.m. • DeVos Family Room
Write of Passage 2026 Creative Writing MFA Student Reading
Enjoy readings from the graduating students of UCF’s creative writing MFA program. Hosted by the UCF Department of English Write of Passage 2024 showcases the work and talent of the Spring 2024 graduating students of UCF’s creative writing MFA graduate program.
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Thursday, April 2, 2026, 5:30 p.m. • DeVos Family Room
Architecture Showcase & Awards 2026
Join us for an inspiring evening celebrating the next generation of architectural talent!
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Friday, April 3, 2026, 8:00 a.m. • Steinmetz Hall
Orchestra Invitational
Seven of Florida’s top middle school and high school orchestras have been selected to participate in UCF Orchestras’ annual invitational. Held in Dr. Philips Center’s world class performance facilities, students get the opportunity to learn from, and perform for, nationally recognized music educators.
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Friday, April 3, 2026, 7:30 p.m. • DeVos Family Room
Comics: They’re Good For Your Health!
Students from a variety of academic fields from across the university will share how they became, for one semester, comics artists.
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Friday, April 3, 2026, 7:30 p.m. • Steinmetz Hall
UCF Symphony Orchestra: Lifted to the Stars
Join the UCF Symphony Orchestra and Choirs for Mendelssohn’s Elijah and The Hebrides —an evening of soaring voices and orchestral brilliance you won’t forget!
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Saturday, April 4, 2026 • Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater
UCF Opera: A Double Bill of Fun
UCF Opera presents A Double Bill of Fun—two charming chamber operas performed in English, each brimming with theatrical flair, vocal brilliance and clever storytelling. Join us as UCF Opera performs Mozart’s The Impresario followed by John Duke’s Captain Lovelock.
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Saturday, April 4, 2026, 7:00 p.m. • DeVos Family Room
Graphic Design Showcase
A showcase of graduating seniors from UCF’s School of Visual Arts and Design’s Graphic Design track.
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Saturday, April 4, 2026, 7:30 p.m. • Steinmetz Hall
Flying Horse Big Band: An Artist's Frame for Orlando
UCF’s chart-topping big band performs a brand new work for jazz ensemble.
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Monday, April 6, 2026, 7:30 p.m. • DeVos Family Room
Spaceman of Bohemia
Spend an earth-bound evening with UCF grad and acclaimed novelist Jaroslav Kalfař '11, author of Spaceman of Bohemia, now a major motion picture starring Adam Sandler and Carey Mulligan.
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Monday, April 6, 2026, 7:30 p.m. • Steinmetz Hall
UCF Percussion Ensemble featuring Sympatico Percussion Group
Experience an electrifying evening as the UCF Percussion Ensemble and special guests the Sympatico Percussion Group fill the hall with the full power and artistry of percussion music.
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Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 10:00 a.m. • DeVos Family Room
Pen Pals: Theatre for the Very Young
When best friends Squiggle and Square move away from each other, they must find creative ways to keep communicating! Told through clowning, puppetry and music, Pen Pals is a 30-minute interactive play designed for 5 to 10-year-olds.
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Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 11:00 a.m. • Steinmetz Hall
Exceptional Knights
The UCF Concert Band's “A Day at the Parks” concert offers an inclusive, sensory-friendly experience for all, including the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and neurodivergent communities.
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Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 7:00 p.m. • Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater
Project Spotlight
Founded in 2004, Project Spotlight is the only student developmental theatre organization on the UCF campus.
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Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 7:30 p.m. • DeVos Family Room
Korean Arirang Festival
Performances include traditional music, martial arts, K-pop and more.
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Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 7:00 p.m. • DeVos Family Room
Music and the Brain featuring the Pegasus String Quartet
Music and the Brain is an immersive event that brings together live chamber music by the Pegasus String Quartet and insights from leading scientists.
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Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 7:30 p.m. • Steinmetz Hall
UCF Bands: Voyage Through the Galaxy and Beyond!
UCF Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band and special guests perform music by some of today's most impactful composers.
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Thursday, April 9, 2026, 7:00 p.m. • Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater
UCF New Music Ensemble presents Zodiac
Experience Zodiac, a stunning new evening-length work by the UCF Composition Studio, performed by the UCF New Music Ensemble.
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April 9 – April 12, 2026 • Walt Disney Theater
Legally Blonde
Join Elle Woods, sorority sister turned Harvard Law student, on a musical journey to defy expectations. Presented as part of UCF Celebrates the Arts 2026 at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
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April 10 – April 11, 2026 • Seneff Arts Plaza
UCF Mobile Health
Visit UCF’s new Mobile Health Clinic for hearing and heart screenings and information on living your healthiest life.
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Friday, April 10, 2026, 7:00 p.m. • Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater
Orlando Shakes: What the Constitution Means to Me
Follow playwright Heidi Schreck’s journey through the complexities of American democracy, gender equality, and the evolving interpretation of the United States Constitution! Originally produced by Orlando Shakes in partnership with UCF, What the Constitution Means to Me will be presented as an enhanced staged reading at UCF Celebrates the Arts for the first time.
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Friday, April 10, 2026, 7:30 p.m. • Steinmetz Hall
Choir Invitational
More than 200 Florida high school students will spend the day immersed in choral excellence.
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Saturday, April 11, 2026, 10:00 a.m. • DeVos Family Room
Orlando Family Stage presents Yo, Ho, Ho! Let’s Go!
Yo, Ho, Ho! Let’s Go! is a 30-minute adventure with a pirate on the high seas following a treasure map. This show is created for 1 to 5-year-olds as an interactive, multi-sensory experience.
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Saturday, April 11, 2026, 2:00 p.m. • Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater
Animation Showcase
Enjoy a series of award-winning animated short films created by students from UCF SVAD’s nationally ranked Emerging Media programs.
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Saturday, April 11, 2026, 4:00 p.m. • DeVos Family Room
What, Like It's Hard? Women in Production Breaking the Mold
Ever wonder how to navigate the world of show business while staying true to yourself? Join Women in Production Collective for a special panel discussion, "What, Like It's Hard? Women in Production Breaking the Mold."
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Saturday, April 11, 2026, 7:30 p.m. • Steinmetz Hall
Large Choir Concert
Experience a diverse choral repertoire that spans from classical masterpieces to contemporary compositions.
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Saturday, April 11, 2026, 7:30 p.m. • DeVos Family Room
The Audacity of Creativity with Brian Robinson
A presentation by Universal Destinations & Experiences Chief Creative Officer, Brian Robinson.
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Sunday, April 12, 2026, 2:00 p.m. • Steinmetz Hall
Small Choir Concert
Join us for a captivating choral concert featuring the UCF Tenor/Bass Choir (TeBa), UCF Chamber Choir, and UCF Community Choir.
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Sunday, April 12, 2026, 3:00 p.m. • DeVos Family Room
The Human-in-the-Loop: An A.I. Adventure
Join UCF students and faculty for an interactive performance exploring the cross-sections of human experience and artificial intelligence.
Ongoing Events & Exhibits
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March 30 – April 12, 2026 • Lobbies and public spaces throughout the center
Interstellar Towers
A sculptural art installation inspired by interstellar imagery of the space programs throughout history.
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March 30 – April 12, 2026 • Lobbies and public spaces throughout the center
ART & AUTISM
ART & AUTISM highlights unexpected artistic perspectives from artists with the UCF Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UCF CARD), with support from Providing Autism Links and Support (PALS), during World Autism Acceptance Month.
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March 30 – April 12, 2026 • Lobbies and public spaces throughout the center
Graduate Studio Art Exhibit
The School of Visual Arts and Design’s MFA Studio Art and Design students present innovative and unique works at UCF Celebrates the Arts 2026.
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March 30 – April 12, 2026 • Lobbies and public spaces throughout the center
Creative Clash Exhibit
Explore the pieces created at UCF Celebrates the Arts 2026 on display in the lobby throughout the festival!
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March 30 – April 12, 2026 • Lobbies and public spaces throughout the center
Undergraduate Advanced Painting Exhibit
The School of Visual Arts and Design’s Advanced Painting students create unique works for UCF Celebrates the Arts 2026.
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March 31 – April 12, 2026 • Della Phillips Grand Lobby
2+2+2 Architecture Exhibit
A showcase featuring student work from the 2+2+2 Architecture Program, highlighting the talent of students from UCF, UF and Valencia College.
Pop-Up Events
The following activities are not ticketed. If you don’t have a ticket for another event, reserve a lobby pass for entry to Dr. Phillips Center.
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Thursday, April 2, 2026, 6:30 p.m. • Lobbies and public spaces throughout the center
Pegasus String Quartet Lobby
Led by accomplished violinist and UCF professor Ayako Yonetani, the Pegasus String Quartet is a graduate ensemble that performs the highest caliber of string music.
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Friday, April 3, 2026, 6:30 p.m. • Lobbies and public spaces throughout the center
Amadinda Ensemble
The Amadinda Ensemble, made up of personnel from the UCF Percussion Studio and Percussion Ensemble, will perform traditional Ugandan melodies and rhythms for the Amadinda, a primitive African keyboard percussion instrument. The performance will also incorporate contemporary music by Steve Reich, which has been directly influenced by traditional African percussion music.
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Saturday, April 4, 2026, 5:00 p.m. • Della Phillips Grand Lobby
Creative Clash 2026
Talented artists armed with only markers go head-to-head in a fast-paced battle to create striking large-format artwork -- live and on the clock.
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Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 6:00 p.m. • Lobbies and public spaces throughout the center
Flute Ensemble
Led by Nora Lee Garcia, professor of flute, UCF’s flute ensemble showcases the flute studio’s performance repertoire, including solos, duets, flute choir music and more.
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Friday, April 10, 2026, 6:00 p.m. • Lobbies and public spaces throughout the center
Trombone Studio
Led by Luis Fred, associate professor of trombone, the UCF Trombone Choir performs a wide repertoire of chamber music and frequently performs in concerts throughout Florida.
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Saturday, April 11, 2026, 6:00 p.m. • Lobbies and public spaces throughout the center
Black Steel
Led by Kirk Gay, associate instructor of percussion, Black Steel is UCF’s steel drum ensemble.
About the Festival
UCF Celebrates the Arts is an annual event that serves as a testament to the university’s commitment to fostering creativity and innovation. By bringing together artists and the Central Florida community, we aim to inspire a collective celebration of the arts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find photos from the festival?
Follow the College of Arts and Humanities on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for photo highlights and updates. Official photos will also be uploaded to the Passgallery after events.
Can I see lobby exhibits if I do not have a ticket?
Yes. Exhibits in the lobbies and public spaces at the Dr. Phillips Center during UCF Celebrates the Arts are free to view. Visitors can enjoy student and faculty art displays as part of the festival experience.
Is there a student discount for tickets?
Yes. Students can get discounted tickets using the code knightcta26with a valid UCF or student ID at participating events.
Where do I park for UCF Celebrates the Arts?
Most events take place at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando. Parking is available at nearby garages such as City Commons Garage and the 77 E. Jackson Street Garage.
Do I need a ticket or registration for events?
Yes. All performances and interactive events require tickets or registration. Check the full schedule for details and to secure your spot.
Are events family-friendly?
Yes. Many performances, exhibits and interactive experiences are designed for all ages. Check the event description for age guidance.
Are venues accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes. The Dr. Phillips Center and other festival venues are ADA accessible. If you need accommodations, contact the box office or festival organizers in advance.
Thank You to Our Supporters
Thank You to Our Festival Partners
- Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
- National Young Composers Challenge
- Orlando Family Stage
- Orlando Shakes
- Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
- UCF Alumni
- UCF College of Health Professions and Sciences
- UCF School of Modeling, Simulation and Training
This Year’s Imagery
Imagery for UCF Celebrates the Arts 2026 features the Orion Nebula, captured in a 2-minute exposure with UCF Robinson Observatory’s 0.5-meter telescope. The nebula’s pink hues come from hot hydrogen gas in this stellar nursery, home to more than 3,000 young stars forming from clouds of gas and dust. Just as those stars are forming in the sky, UCF Celebrates the Arts is incubating the talents of artists and technicians, with approximately 3,000 individuals participating in the festival each year. Click here to learn more about the Robinson Observatory on the UCF campus.
Studio Pegasus, a group of undergradaute student designers in the UCF School of Visual Arts and Design, also contributed to this year’s festival artwork.