Weekend Happenings Apr 6-8
Our top picks for what's happening in and around Orlando this weekend.
Friday:
Movie Night at Leu – Harry P. Leu Gardens – 8:30 p.m.
Enjoy a showing of Star Wars: Rogue One al fresco surrounded by the beauty of these 50-acre gardens. Gardens open at 6:00 p.m. For more info: leugardens.org
Salsa Downtown – The Balcony Orlando – 8 to 10 p.m.
Dance the night away moving to the sounds of Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, and more at downtown Orlando's largest rooftop space. For tickets and more info: facebook.com/events
Saturday:
Fermentation Festival – Bok Tower Gardens – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
A day full of classes and workshops teaching basic and wild fermentation, the science of brewing kombucha, making kimchi paste and more. For more info: boktowergardens.com
Opening Day Celebration – Orlando Shakes – 1 & 3:30 p.m.
Celebrate the opening of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, running through May 5, by arriving one hour before both opening day performances to take part in free crafts and activities. Free to all opening day ticket holders. No RSVP required. For tickets and more info: orlandoshakes.org
Stars on Ice – Amway Center – 7:30 p.m.
A rare opportunity to witness members of the U.S. Figure Skating team who competed in the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games, including U.S. National Champion, Nathan Chen. For tickets and more info: amwaycenter.com
Sunday:
Opera Goes to College – Valencia College East Campus – 2 p.m.
Following master classes held by two stars from Opera Orlando's recent production of Rossini's Cinderella, the participating Valencia students hit the stage to show off what they learned. For tickets and more info: facebook.com/events
Orlando Gay Chorus Sings for Sanford – Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center – 3 p.m.
The OGC brings their act to Sanford with song selections for the evening including Love: A Medley of Beatles Classics, Fields of Gold, Waving Through the Window from Dear Evan Hanson, James Bond Theme, Treat You Better, and Seasons of Love from Rent. For tickets and more info: orlandogaychorus.org
Pod Tours America – Bob Carr Theater – 8 p.m.
Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer, Tommy Vietor and special guests are bringing the pod to Orlando for a live, no-nonsense conversation about politics, the press, and challenges posed by the Trump presidency. For tickets and more info: drphillipscenter.org
Multi-Day Events:
Florida Film Festival – Fri through Apr. 15
Now an Oscar-qualifying festival, it is 10 days of over 180 films premiering the best in current, independent and international cinema, plus first-class events where film lovers can mingle with filmmakers and celebrities. For tickets and more info: floridafilmfestival.com
UCF Celebrates the Arts – Dr. Phillips Center – Fri to Apr. 14
A week of artistic events (highlights below) hosted by the university at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. All events are free, though tickets are required for many. For tickets and more info: arts.cah.ucf.edu/schedule
Spring Fiesta in the Park – Lake Eola Park – Sat & Sun
More than 150,000 people are expected to stroll around Lake Eola during this annual family oriented arts and crafts event. Plenty of music, food and games available. Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more info: visitorlando.com/events
Spring Fever in the Garden – Winter Garden – Sat & Sun
Plant and garden displays, chalk painting, garden experts, live music and more in downtown Winter Garden. Free. Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. For more info: springfeveringarden.com
Central Florida Mineral and Gem Society Show – Florida National Guard Armory – Fri to Sun
Sparkles, glints and glimmers galore can be seen at this annual exhibition and vendor show. Friday 1-6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more info: cfmgs.org
Spooky Empire – The Wyndham Orlando Resort – Fri to Sun
One of the most recognizable thriller conventions in the nation, brings its mid-season convention to Orlando with special guests from the classic comedy, Animal House, including Tim Matheson, Mark Metcalf, Paul Riegert, and Martha Smith. For tickets and more info: spookyempire.com
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.
