Cultural Center - Photo by Ted Shoemaker





 

Many cultural amenities accentuate the quality of life in Florida’s heartland. Numerous museums, art exhibits, art shows, craft fairs and performing arts presentations complement and enhance life in Highlands County.
 
The Highlands Art League offers classes in painting, sculpture and crafts work and also sponsors several exhibits each year. Its annual Arts Festival, held each November on the Circle in downtown Sebring, draws a large attendance from around the state and nation. Also located near the center of downtown is the Allen Altvater Cultural Center, which houses the public library and the Sebring Historical Society Archives.

Art Festival - Photo by Ted Shoemaker

The performing arts and live theater is very well represented by Highlands Little Theater, an organization of committed volunteers who present the highest quality in musical, variety and dramatic theater in a dinner theater setting on a year-round schedule. Dedicated and talented local directors, actors and musicians provide a performance quality usually found in more metropolitan areas.

Allen C. Altvetter Cultural Center - Photo by Ted Shoemaker

South Florida Community College offers events from Broadway plays to concerts and ballet. The Highlands County Concert Band delights audiences of all ages during the winter season and is complemented by performances of the Highlands Community Orchestra, the Highlandaires Big Band, the Celebration Brass, the Delta Chorale and the Sweet Adelines. South Florida Community College offers a “Lifetime Learning Program” oriented towards senior citizens, and also offers a series of concerts on a professional level and an Enrichment Series for seniors. The college library is open to the public and sponsors an annual International Jamboree.

Picturesque railroad stations are home to historical museums in Avon Park and Lake Placid, where visitors can explore the history of these communities. The historical museum in Avon Park also offers facilities for private parties. The historic Sebring Railroad Station, still in active use for daily AMTRAK service, has undergone a complete restoration and has again become a favorite place to visit or just to watch the trains come and go.

    Museum of the Arts - Photo by Ted Shoemaker    

Open for over a decade, the Children’s Museum of the Highlands is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a safe venue for children to learn and explore. Through exhibits and on-going programs, the museum provides ways for children to enhance their curiosity, develop their imagination and learn about a variety of experiences while enjoying the interactive exhibits. The museum is located at 219 North Ridgewood Drive in downtown Sebring and is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00am to 5:00pm. A small admission fee is charged and special parties may be arranged.

 		 Little Theatre - Photo by Ted Shoemaker