Weekend Happenings Apr 20-22

Our top picks for what's happening in and around Orlando this weekend.

Friday:

In the Artist's Studio – The MEZZ – 6 to 9 p.m.

Join artist Derek Adams for this program produced by the Downtown Arts District to celebrate the diversity of arts in its many forms. facebook.com/events

80's Night – The Abbey Orlando – 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Rockit Fly is bringing the 1980's back for one-night only. facebook.com/events

Saturday:

Paws for Peace Walk – Blue Jacket Park – 9 a.m. to noon

Tails will be wagging at the 8th Annual Paws for Peace Walk – a fun and leisurely stroll for pets, their families and friends to raise awareness about domestic abuse and its effect on pets and their owners. The walk benefits the Paws for Peace Kennel at Harbor House of Central Florida. facebook.com/events

Folk & Urban Arts Festival – Hannibal Square Heritage Center – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Celebrate Central Florida’s richly diverse culture through artwork and music, featuring the works of more than 25 folk and educational artisans, including members of the original Florida Highwaymen. Free. crealde.org

Central Florida Earthday – Lake Eola – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The group Vegetarians of Central Florida hosts the largest and longest-running Earth Day festival in Central Florida, with educational exhibits, speakers, live music and family activities. This is a free, vegan, dog-friendly and smoke-free event. cfearthday.org

WJRR Earthday Birthday – Central Florida Fairgrounds – 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

A rock concert and festival featuring three stages of live music plus vendors, art displays and more. wjrr.com

Sunday:

Winter Park Paint-Out – Winter Park – 1 to 4 p.m.

It's the first day of this week-long celebration of the arts where artists paint outdoors at locations throughout Winter Park; completed works are displayed and available for purchase at the Polasek, whose museum and gardens are open free to the public the entire week. polasek.org

P[ART]ICIPATION Dinner – Maitland Art Center – 6 p.m.

A feast for your senses, local artists transform dining tables into works of art and guests enjoy dinner with the artist at their creation. The evening includes live performances and demonstrations, a silent auction and more. artandhistory.org

Animal Kingdom's 20th Anniversary – Walt Disney World – 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The Walt Disney World adventure park kicks off its yearlong celebration with two weeks of “Party for the Planet’’ activities starting on Earth Day, featuring enhanced interactions with some of the park’s more than 2,000 animals, conservation talks, backstage experiences at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, special photo ops, and themed dinners hosted by animal experts at Tiffins. Plus, the debut of the show “UP! A Great Bird Adventure.’’  Included with regular park admission. disneyworld.disney.go.com

Multi-Day Events:

African American Masterpieces: Symphonic Spirituals – Knowles Memorial Chapel – Sat & Sun

Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King, the program presents provocative and passionate works by three of the 20th century’s most important African American composers. bachfestivalflorida.org
To read our Spotlight on William Grant Still, one of the three composers to be featured click here.

Florida Music Fest & Conference – Downtown Orlando – Fri & Sat

Each night from 7 p.m.-2 a.m., more than 150 bands perform on 15 stages throughout downtown Orlando. This industry conference also offers opportunities for artists to network with music companies and to hand out resumés and demos. floridamusicfestival.com

9 to 5: The Musical – Annie Russell Theatre – Fri to Sun

Based on the 1980 hit movie and featuring music by Ms. Dolly Parton, 9 to 5 is a comedy about friendship – the kind of friendship that inspires you to stand up for yourself, find love, or follow a dream. Showtimes are Friday & Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 4 p.m. rollins.edu/annie-russell-theatre

For a full lineup of the happenings around town this month check out On the Town, pick up the magazine on newsstands, subscribe, or pick up your digital copy today. Prefer to get your news in smaller bites? Sign up to receive our e-newsletter, CityScene delivered straight to your inbox.

Want to see your event listed in the Weekend Happenings? Contact Rita at rita.sotolongo@orlandomagazine.com with your press release or event information.