Break out your sunglasses and sunscreen because summertime is upon us! But before you put this magazine down and jump in that refreshing pool, be sure you check out some of Orlando’s best events throughout the month of June. Here are the highlights, just in case you missed it!
When the sun goes down, the night fires up at SeaWorld’s Electric Ocean. Park guests are staying late all summer to immerse themselves in exotic worlds of light and music and experience their favorite SeaWorld attractions in a whole new way. The fun continues for select days until September 5th, giving us all an opportunity to join playful, glowing sea creatures and world-class DJs for a family-friendly dance party beneath the waves. Attendees end the night with the all-new Ignite 360, a fireworks and fountains spectacular that brings the brilliance of the sea to the sky above.
Bite30 returned to Orlando last month to highlight the best local restaurants and chefs driving Central Florida’s culinary scene! During the month of June, participating restaurants offered special prix fixe menus that offered multi-course dinners at a set price of $33. Diners got the opportunity to try multiple dishes on the restaurant’s menu for about the cost of a single entree, and restaurants got to showcase their specialty dishes to the new customers attracted by their Bite30 menu. Bite30 ends on July 10th so don’t forget to take advantage of this opportunity to restaurant-hop through the City Beautiful, experience delicious food, service and ambiance of the restaurants you really should know about.
On June 16th, Arts Fellowship Orlando, the newest arm of The Collaborative Orlando, invited visitors to join them at Dr. Phillips Center for And It Was Good: Showcase Gallery for Arts Fellowship Orlando. Attendees experienced a night of inspiration as they journeyed through the intersection of art and faith as a diverse 2022 cohort (singer/songwriter, creative writer, visual artist, classical composer, and carpenter) presented the original works they’ve cultivated over the course of their fellowship. In addition, guest appearances were made by celebrated Orlando Poet Laureate Shawn Welcome, Orlando’s premier choreographer Dawn Branch, award-winning filmmaker James Spradlin and Broadway veterans Stephen and Juliette Trafton. The inaugural showcase was a full evening of unconventional expressions of faith that equally excited and inspired all in attendance.
On June 23rd at The Abbey, Orlando had the opportunity to experience one of the largest pop-up live music & arts movements to hit North America over the past decade. Of course I’m talking about the Pancakes & Booze Art Show celebrating their 10th year of serving free pancakes and introducing attendees to some of the nation’s leading emerging talents! The LA based event originated in 2009 and has since popped up more than 500 times in 35+ cities around Europe & North America. It was an innovative reimagining of the art show concept. A welcoming vibe for up-and-coming artists and musicians to strut their stuff in a free verse, anything goes environment. Batter sizzled, beer foamed and painted canvases lined the walls from floor to ceiling as more than 75 local artists strutted their stuff at Orlando’s decidedly unstuffy, no-wine-and-cheese, no-pretentions Underground Pop-Up Art Show.
On June 25th, visitors to Central Florida Zoo experienced the sights and sounds of the Zoo at night during an exciting nocturnal adventure: Night Hike at the Zoo! The evening began in the Discovery Center with up-close animal encounters. Fascinating nightlife came to light as attendees ventured into the Zoo for a guided flashlight tour and explored the Zoo after hours and after dark. The unique, late-night program was ideal for families and proved to be a hit with the attendees.
From June 25th-June 26th, Harry Potter enthusiasts had two opportunities to experience their favorite movie transformed with the music of a live symphony orchestra in the Harry Potter™ Film Concert Series. For the first time ever, audiences could rediscover the magic of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix™ while the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra performed Nicholas Hooper’s unforgettable score and Harry Potter™ soared across the big screen of the Walt Disney Theater at Dr. Phillips Center in high-definition. It was a whole new way to experience the film—as year five begins with new faces, old foes and the biggest battle yet.
From the creator of Sofas & Suds comes the next form of a device racing and drink chasing event. The first annual Sanford Karts & Kegs debuted on June 26th and was an all-day celebration of Sanfords Golf Cart culture combined with its Craft Beer love affair. It was a blast for spectators and participants alike as teams representing local businesses competed for glory in two different categories. Naturally, some opted to conquer the skills challenge/obstacle course for the win while others went for the crown of “Crowd Favorite.” No matter where they placed, fun was had by all!