Events On The Town: May 2019
33 Special Events and 20 fundraisers happening in the month of May.
SPECIAL EVENTS
SEAWORLD SEVEN SEAS FOOD FESTIVAL
Through May 5: Sip and sample your way around the world of international coastal cuisine paired with wines and craft beers, and enjoy live performances each weekend. SeaWorld Orlando, 7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando. seaworldorlando.com
EPCOT’S INTERNATIONAL FLOWER & GARDEN FESTIVAL
Through June 3: Take in enchanting topiaries and gather gardening tips while sampling seasonal foods from the outdoor kitchens placed throughout this Disney World theme park’s World Showcase. Enjoy live music while picking up outdoor-living advice you can use at home. epcotinspring.com
CASA FELIZ PALATKA FIELD TRIP
May 2: A motor coach trip transporting travelers from Casa Feliz Historic Home in Winter Park to Palatka, FL, for tours of several historic homes and museums. Breakfast and lunch included. 6:30 a.m. Meet at 656 N. Park Ave., Winter Park. 321-203-2641. casafeliz.us/palatka
FIRST THURSDAYS AT OMA
May 2: Mingle with local artists and view their work, enjoy live music and walk through the galleries of the Orlando Museum of Art. Food and drink available for purchase. This month’s theme: “Steampunk Revolution.” 6-9 p.m. Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando. omart.org
THE ILLUSIONISTS—LIVE FROM BROADWAY
May 2: An evening of sophisticated magic acts. 7:30 p.m. King Center for the Performing Arts, 3865 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne. 321-242-2219. kingcenter.com
BIKE 5 CITIES
May 4: Hundreds of riders take to the streets and trails of Central Florida, riding 28 miles through Winter Park, Orlando, Casselberry, Maitland and Eatonville. Unescorted groups and solo riders can begin at any location between 7:30 and 10 a.m. The escorted group ride meets at 8 a.m. at Mead Botanical Garden, 1500 Denning Drive, Winter Park. Check website for details. bikewalkcentralflorida.org/bike5cities
SOUL LEGENDS—FROM MARVIN GAYE TO PHARRELL
May 4: The Orlando Philharmonic teams with Jeans ’n’ Classics and guest vocalist Gavin Hope to celebrate 50 years of R&B, Motown, funk, disco and pop in an outdoor concert. 8 p.m. The Springs Community, SR 434, one mile west of I-4, Longwood. 407-896-6700. orlandophil.org
BAHIA SHRINE CIRCUS
May 4-5: The Royal Hanneford Circus comes to town for two days. Show times at 10:30 a.m., 2 and 6:30 p.m. each day. Silver Spurs Arena, Osceola Heritage Park, 1875 Silver Spurs Lane, Kissimmee. 866-362-0557. circus.bahiashrine.org
ST. JOHNS RIVER FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
May 4-5: First Street in downtown Sanford is transformed into an art mecca, with more than 150 artists, plus workshops, demonstrations, live acoustic music, and a food court. Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 407-416-1779. stjohnsriverartfest.com
EATONVILLE CRAFTS & CULTURE MARKET
May 5: Experience the history, heritage and culture that is the historic Town of Eatonville with storytellers, performers, reenactments, local merchants and more. Free. 1-5 p.m. 100 E. Kennedy Blvd., Eatonville. eatonvillechf.com
FAMILY FEST
May 5: A day of family friendly fun with live music performances, games, live animals, crafts, police and fire vehicle displays, face painters, bounce houses and more. Free. Noon-5 p.m. Cranes Roost Park, 274 Cranes Roost Blvd., Altamonte Springs. 407-571-8180. altamonte.org
STORY TIME AT LEU GARDENS
May 6: The Orange County Library System comes to the gardens to share stories and songs with infants at 10 a.m., toddlers at 10:20 a.m. and preschoolers at 10:40 a.m. Free. 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. 407-246-2620. leugardens.org
THORNTON PARK 2ND THURSDAY ART AND WINE WALK
May 9: Artists display works for sale along the streets and inside local businesses. Free, but $15 gets you a glass (pay and pickup at Olde Town Brokers) and a map of participating businesses. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Summerlin Avenue at Washington Street. thorntonparkdistrict.com
SANFORD’S ALIVE AFTER 5 STREET PARTY
May 9: Central Florida’s largest recurring street party, a monthly gathering with live music, local artists, and food and beverage samples. 5 p.m. 230 E. First St., Sanford. sanfordwelcomecenter.com
DOUBLE DARE LIVE!
May 10: Marc Summers hosts the messiest game show on the road at the Bob Carr Theater. Check website for participant registration details. 7 p.m. 401 W. Livingston St., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org
ART AND MUSIC IN THE PARK
May 10: Artwork and live music in the park between Casselberry City Hall and Lake Concord. Food trucks and other vendors on site as well. 6 p.m. Free. Casselberry City Hall, 95 Triplet Lake Drive, Casselberry. 407-262-7700, ext. 1507. casselberry.org
MOUNT DORA 2ND FRIDAY ART SPLASH
May 10: An evening of art, music and hors d’oeuvres showcases the work of regional artists, on display at several venues within walking distance. Free. 6-8 p.m. 138 E. Fifth Ave., Mount Dora. mountdoracenterforthearts.org
MONSTER JAM WORLD FINALS XX
May 10-11: Seven championship crowning moments in a weekend of all-new competition formats and unprecedented access to the athletes and their trucks. Pit parties Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m., main event begins at 7 p.m. each day. Camping World Stadium, 1 Citrus Bowl Place, Orlando. monsterjam.com
COLLEGE PARK SPRING FEST
May 11: Formerly known as Dancing on the Drive, this year’s event features live bands performing a range of music from classic rock to soul, R&B and jazz in an outdoor concert, a beer garden serving local craft brews, food trucks, and the local restaurants and shops open to the street. 5-11 p.m. Edgewater Drive from Smith Street to Bryn Mawr. collegeparkmainstreet.com
JAZZ ON THE VINEYARD GREEN
May 11-12: Enjoy jazz musicians on the outdoor stage with food and drink available for purchase along with complimentary tours and tastings. Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards, 19239 U.S. Highway 27 North, Clermont. lakeridgewinery.com
SEAWORLD INSIDE LOOK
May 11-12 & 18-19: Learn about the day-to-day care of the animals as well as the life-saving operations of the rescue team. Caregivers and activities differ each day. SeaWorld Orlando, 7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando. seaworldorlando.com
LEU GARDENS CELEBRATES MOMS
May 12: Enjoy this special day with Mom by strolling the winding paths in the beautiful 50-acre gardens. Free for mothers. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 Forest Ave., Orlando. leugardens.org
ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL FRINGE THEATRE FESTIVAL
May 14-27: Uncensored and unforgettable works of theater, music and dance are back this year, with performances taking place at various venues near Loch Haven Park and Ivanhoe Village, Orlando. All ticket proceeds go to the artists. orlandofringe.org
RIDE OF SILENCE
May 15: An international event, this slow-paced 6-mile bicycle ride honors cyclists who have been injured or killed, and seeks to raise public awareness of the need for both motorists and cyclists to share the road. 7 p.m. Founders Square, 13001 Founders Square Drive in Avalon Park, Orlando. rideofsilence.org
HOLOCAUST CENTER DINNER OF TRIBUTE
May 16: Take the opportunity to gather as a community and honor local people who embody the center’s mission to create a more just and compassionate society. This year’s honoree is Joanie Holzer Schirm. Rosen Plaza Hotel, 9700 International Drive, Orlando. Reservations required. 407-628-0555. holocaustedu.org
3RD THURSDAY GALLERY HOP & ART WALK
May 16: Visitors converge on the core of Orlando’s Downtown Arts District to browse the galleries and nontraditional art venues that spotlight the best of established and emerging Orlando-based artists. 6 p.m. Rogers Kiene Building, 39 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 3rdthu.com
MEGACON ORLANDO
May 16-19: Comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming fans come together for this blended convention (and for the after-parties). Thursday 4-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Orange County Convention Center, North/South Concourse, 9899 International Drive, Orlando. megaconvention.com
EVENING EXCHANGE
May 17: Every third Friday, meet at East End Market for interactive workshops and a chance to browse wares from over 30 artisan makers, plus culinary demonstrations, specialty cocktail bars and food specials. 3201 Corrine Drive, Orlando. 321-236-3316. eastendmkt.com
CHARITY CHALLENGE
May 18: Teams from Central Florida hospitality, restaurant and apartment communities compete in athletic challenges to raise funds for local charities. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Camping World Stadium, 1 Citrus Bowl Place, Orlando. charitychallengeinc.org
RHYTHMS AT THE ROOST
May 18: Amp up your Saturday night with live concerts, vendors and delicious food. Free. Cranes Roost Park, 274 Cranes Roost Blvd., Altamonte Springs. altamonte.org
MESS FEST
May 18-19: Orlando Science Center celebrates Messy Science Month with indoor and outdoor “paintsplosions,” Alka-Rockets, a blacklight cosmic mess zone and more. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. 777 E. Princeton St., Orlando. osc.org
SEAWORLD ELECTRIC OCEAN
May 24-Sept. 1: As the sun sets on select nights, the park comes alive with exciting nighttime shows and electrifying music. Guests are immersed in a sea of wonder that ends in a fireworks finale. Included with theme park admission. SeaWorld Orlando, 7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando. seaworldorlando.com
ROCK N BLUES CONCERT AND CAR SHOW
May 25: Dana Fuchs headlines this outdoor blues concert that also features over 100 classic cars, muscles cars and hot rods, plus product vendors and food trucks. Free. 5-9 p.m. Lake Concord Park, 95 Triplet Lake Drive, Casselberry. 407-262-7700, ext. 1507.
MEMORIAL DAY PARADE AND REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY
May 27: Sanford rolls out the red, white and blue with a parade along downtown’s First Street honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. 10 a.m. sanfordfl.gov
World of Good
May Fundraisers
5/1
ORLANDO STORY CLUB—WHAT A RUSH, benefits After-School All-Stars’ Summer of Dreams program. The Abbey, Orlando. 407-704-6261. abbeyorlando.com
5/3
THE ART OF THE VINE, benefits New Hope for Kids Center for Grieving Children. Fields Motorcars showroom, Orlando. 407-331-3059, ext. 10. newhopeforkids.org
RELAY FOR LIFE ORLANDO SOUTH, benefits the American Cancer Society. Edgewater High School, Orlando. 407-581-2533. relay.ascevents.org
5/4
BEST BUDDIES FRIENDSHIP WALK, benefits the Best Buddies organization, which helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Lake Eola Park, Orlando. bestbuddiesfriendshipwalk.org/centralflorida
DERBY DAY PARTY, benefits Providing Autism Links & Support (PALS). Ember, Orlando. derbydayorlando.com
LUNG FORCE WALK, benefits the American Lung Association. Harbor Park at Lake Baldwin, Orlando. action.lung.org
UNLEASHED. UNCORKED. UNFRAMED, benefits Franklin’s Friends, which promotes animal welfare and supports Central Florida animal charities. Holy Trinity Reception Center, Maitland. unleashedfundraiser.info
WALK LIKE MADD, raises funds to support the elimination of drunk driving. Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte Springs. walklikemadd.org
5/4-5
BIKE MS—THE CITRUS TOUR, benefits the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The bike tour begins and ends at Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate. nationalmssociety.org/citrustour
5/9-10
SPECIAL OLYMPICS FLORIDA INVITATIONAL, benefits Special Olympics athletes in Osceola County. Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista. specialolympicsflorida.org
5/10
RELAY FOR LIFE OF EAST ORANGE, benefits the American Cancer Society. Timber Creek High School, Orlando. 407-581-2533. relay.ascevents.org
5/11
OVER THE EDGE, an extreme fundraiser benefiting the veteran programs in Central Florida. Orlando Health, Orlando Regional Medical Center. hfuw.org
WALK TO CURE ARTHRITIS, benefits the Arthritis Foundation, raising funds for research, resources and a cure. Lake Eola Park, Orlando. arthritis.org
5/17-18
WINE QUEST, benefits Quest Inc., which assists people with disabilities. Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Orlando. questinc.org
5/18
CHARITY CHALLENGE XXXIV, raises funds for local charities through a day of athletic competitions. Camping World Stadium, Orlando. charitychallengeinc.org
RUNWAY TO HOPE SPRING FASHION SOIREE, benefits Central Florida families affected by pediatric cancer. Rosen Shingle Creek resort, Orlando. runwaytohope.org
5/19
5K RUN/WALK & KID’S FUN RUN, benefits the Colon Cancer Coalition. Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake, Orlando. coloncancercoalition.org
KIDNEY WALK, benefits the National Kidney Foundation. Harbor Park at Lake Baldwin, Orlando. orlandokidneywalk.org
5/21
RMHCCF BOWL-A-THON, benefits the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida, which supports programs that improve the well-being of children and families. Aloma Bowl, Orlando. ronaldmcdonaldhouseorlando.org
5/22
WOMEN UNITED LUNCHEON, benefits Heart of Florida United Way. Keynote speaker is Judy Shepard, the mother of Matthew Shepard and author of The Meaning of Matthew. Hilton Orlando. UWwomenunited.org
