Weekend Happenings Feb 16-18
Know what's happening in and around Orlando for the weekend.
Friday:
Chinese New Year Celebration – Hawkers Orlando – 6 p.m.
Celebrate the Year of the Dog with a performance in honor of Chinese New Year. There will be traditional lion dancing and a kung fu show by Wah Lum Kung Fu Temple plus giveaways while supplies last. For more info: facebook.com/events
Bachata Downtown – The Balcony Orlando – 7 to 10 p.m.
It's Salsa Downtown's first ever Bachata lesson night with a one-hour introductory lesson followed by time for dancing, mingling and maybe a trip down to Chela for food and drink afterward. For more info: facebook.com/events
Saturday:
Orlando Wetlands Festival – Christmas – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Celebrate Orlando’s 1,650-acre wetland park near Fort Christmas with guided bus tours and hay rides, wilderness and guided photo hikes, live music, wildlife shows, birding, interactive children’s activities and bounce houses. 1300 N. Fort Christmas Road, Christmas. For more info: cityoforlando.net/wetlands/wetlands-festival
Touch-A-Truck – CFE Arena – noon to 3 p.m.
The trucks “wheel” be rolling back onto Knights Plaza at the University of Central Florida CFE Arena for the sixth year in a row. This interactive hands-on experience is where children can learn about their favorite trucks and vehicles, honk their horns, and interact with the drivers. Free and open to the public. For more info: cfearena.com
Art Walk – Sanford – 6 to 9 p.m.
Explore galleries and art spaces in and around First Street between Magnolia and Sanford avenues. Discover this river town’s culture and nightlife, food and art. For more info: sanfordwelcomecenter.com
Insights & Sounds: Paul Moravec – Rollins College – 7:30 p.m.
As part of Insights & Sounds, a new series focusing on individual composers or genre through concise concerts in which great music is performed and discussed, The Bach Festival Society presents more music by the Pulitzer Prize–winning composer Paul Moravec in the Knowles Memorial Chapel. For tickets and more info: bachfestivalflorida.org
Sunday:
Engineer Week Begins – Orlando Science Center – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
It's the first day of this week-long experience which is an opportunity to learn about engineers and become one yourself. Enjoy engineering design challenges, special guests, giant-screen films and more special activities throughout the week, closed on Wednesday February, 21. For more info: osc.org/engineers-week
Winter Park Wedding Stroll – Alfond Inn – noon to 4 p.m.
It’s not a bridal show — it’s more. Now in it's eighth year, attend this lovely stroll from the picturesque Alfond Inn down Park Avenue to meet with local vendors and representatives from venues. For more info: facebook.com/events
Professor Pierre and Masters of Martial Arts – Dr. Phillips Center – 3 p.m.
Martial arts instructors of different ranks, levels, styles and disciplines perform live, highlighting various techniques for self-defense. For tickets and more info: drphillipscenter.org
Dancing with the Stars Live! – Bob Carr Theater – 8 p.m.
America’s favorite dance show is back on tour. This all-new production showcases every style of dance seen on ABC’s hit show, from sizzling salsas to elegant waltzes and high-energy group numbers. For tickets and more info: drphillipscenter.org
Multi-Day Events:
Nude Nite – Central Florida Fairgrounds – Fri & Sat
Nude Nite brings together hundreds of artists for multiple evenings of visual art, performances, and characters both in costume and out. 6 p.m.-midnight. For more info: nudenite.com
Mount Dora Music Festival – Community Building – Fri & Sat
Two nights of music for every taste with tributes to Simon & Garfunkel, James Taylor and Carole King. 7:30 p.m. 520 N. Baker St., Mount Dora. For more info: mountdoramusicfest.com
UCF Symphony Orchestra Anniversary Concerts – St. Luke's Cathedral – Fri & Sat
Under the baton of Chung Park, the UCF Symphony Orhcestra presents "Rising Stars and A Local Legend," in two free shows with an open dress rehearsal on Friday at 6 p.m., and the official performance on Saturday at 7 p.m. For more info: facebook.com/events
Weekend of the Arts – Various Winter Park Locations – Fri to Sun
It's the first annual “Weekend of the Arts” full of performances, exhibits and events presented by 18 of the city’s arts and culture organizations, including a free concert in honor of 10 years of the Winter Park Institute on Sunday from 3-5 p.m. on the main stage in Central Park featuring: Bob James Jazz Trio, Chip Weston and the Gazebros, Will Patrick, Billy Collins, Rich Walker, and Shannon Caine. Rollins College student musicians will perform the City of Winter Park “Fanfare” composed by Dr. John Sinclair. For more info:
Antiques Vintage and Garden Show – Orlando Museum of Art – Fri to Sun
Dealers offer antique furniture, paintings, vintage collectibles and more; garden and floral designers provide inspiration, and you may bring items for appraisal. Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. For more info: omart.org
Seaworld Seven Seas Food Festival – Seaworld Orlando – Fri to Sun
It's the first weekend where visitors can sip and sample their way around the world of international coastal cuisine paired with wines and craft beers and enjoy live performances from top country, rock and Latin music artists each weekend through Apr. 15. For more info: seaworldorlando.com
Melrose Creative Expo – Orlando Public Library – Sat & Sun
Explore the Melrose Center during this free open-house event where you can play virtual-reality karaoke, attend a live studio recording by local musicians Beth McKee, Marc with a C and E-Turn, meet creatives who’ve used the center’s resources for projects and more. For more info: ocls.info/melrose-creative-expo
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.
