Style Events, News & Gossip from Around Orlando
By Riesa Pascal-Porro
Summer is upon us and the month of June promises to be filled with a variety of fun-filled events for all! Before we dive into all the city has to offer though, let’s take a look back at the adventures we shared in May. Here are all the highlights, just in case you missed it!
The city enjoyed celebrating the rich flavors and music of Mexican culture at The Promenade at Sunset Walk on May 5th for their Cinco de Mayo Street Party. There were nonstop live tunes from Rhythm Me Up and Osaka Fall while DJs Gabriel and K1X delivered to the crowd beats of pop, Merengue, Salsa, Bachata and more. There were also street performers, including the Tres Amigos, plus a selection of delicious specials, including handcrafted margaritas and mojitos at several locations in Sunset Walk.
From May 10-11, Repticon Orlando featured everything that you’ve come to love most about Repticon’s two days of fun and excitement! Ticket-holders saw live animals from around the world, purchased pets and pet products directly from the experts at amazing prices they couldn’t find anywhere else, and learned more about reptiles and exotic animals. Repticon Orlando remains the one reptile and exotic animal expo that reptile-lovers can’t afford to miss!
May 11th was the second Sunday of the month which meant it was time for Orlando Cars and Coffee! Hemmings, the world’s largest collector car marketplace, was proud to sponsor Orlando Cars and Coffee, now at its new home at Dezerland Park Orlando. The event, hosted at Orlando’s largest indoor attraction and the renowned Orlando Auto Museum, provides a unique opportunity for fans to connect, admire iconic vehicles, and celebrate car culture by gathering to share their passion for collector cars. Hemmings was excited to support this vibrant community alongside Dezerland Park, helping to expand Orlando’s growing collector car scene.
Nestled in the heart of Clermont, the Downtown Clermont Farmer’s Market has become a beloved gathering place for those seeking fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and a mimosa or craft beer. On May 11th, this free event invited locals and visitors alike to explore the vendor booths and shop for locally grown produce, seafood, coffee, baked goods and more. Those not interested in the Farmer’s Market could sip, shop and stroll downtown Clermont’s restaurants, shops, breweries and interesting boutiques.
May 10-11 and May 17-18 saw SeaWorld visitors experience the vibrant energy and rich culture of Latin heritage at Viva la Música! The festive, family-friendly Latin celebration was included with park admission and invited guests to dance to the hottest music, sample fiery flavors, shop for authentic souvenirs, and much more. Even the little ones joined in the fun with kid-friendly songs and dances for the whole family to enjoy. In between the unforgettable attractions was La Placita, a lively marketplace featuring local vendors with unique, handcrafted items. From creative crafts to one-of-a-kind treasures, it was the perfect place to find something special and support local artisans.
Year after year, the Runway To Hope Spring Fashion Soirée never fails to bring an unforgettable evening of bravery and beauty to the city of Orlando. On May 17th, this beloved event returned to one of the country’s largest and most beautiful ballrooms at Rosen Shingle Creek, a proud corporate sponsor of the event. Co-founders Mark and Josie NeJame established Runway to Hope in 2010 and it has since grown to become an inspiring, truly signature fundraising event. Now in its 13th year, the highlight of the evening is a special fashion show featuring incredible and brave children, ages 2 to 18, all who are currently battling or have overcome cancer. The courageous children walk the runway arm in arm with one of the dozens of national and local celebrity escorts including Founder of Style Magazines, Sven Bode. Consider joining all of us at Style Magazines in helping to support Runway To Hope’s mission and these amazing children by visiting www.runwaytohope.org.
Orlando Fringe is a 14-day immersive cultural experience featuring over 2,000 ticketed performances spanning every genre imaginable, such as dance, spoken word, musicals, comedy and much more. From May 13th-26th, the beloved festival returned to Loch Haven Park with highlights including an outdoor music festival, Visual Fringe (pieces of art on display throughout festival grounds), Kids Fringe (weekend play and entertainment for the young and young-at-heart) and more. Now in its 34th year, it is the oldest Fringe festival in the US and with its lottery based selection, the event offers attendees a variety of experiences they wouldn’t find anywhere else. The festival prides itself on providing artists with financial vitality by giving all the money earned from ticket sales directly back to the artist themselves.
School’s out and the rodeo is in! The 155th Silver Spurs Rodeo took place May 30-31 and celebrated Florida’s deep rooted rodeo history. As the largest rodeo event east of the Mississippi, it was truly a fun event for the whole family with dirt-pounding action viewed from the shelter of the Sunshine State’s heat! Attendees enjoyed watching the sport of rodeo’s seven traditional events: bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, team roping, steer wrestling, and women’s barrel racing. Young cowboys even took part in junior bull riding and barrel racing plus mutton bustin. There were also interval shows from the resident rodeo clown plus a performance from the Silver Spurs Quadrille Team.
