Get out the shades, rub on some sunblock, and dust off your beach towels… summer is upon us and Orlando Style is celebrating with our annual July/August Summer Double Issue! Before you dive into all the exciting content within, take a look at some of the exciting events that occurred throughout our city in June. Here are the highlights, just in case you missed it!
To the delight of many wine enthusiasts, Wine Quest 2018 returned to Universal Orlando on Friday, June 1 and Saturday, June 2. In partnership with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, the annual wine tasting and auction celebrates wines and craft spirits from around the world at Loews Royal Pacific Resort. Attendees delighted in exquisite cuisine and partook in both silent and live auctions that benefitted Quest, Inc.
A beloved Orlando tradition took over Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards from June 8-10! Families showed up in their droves all weekend long to do the purple foot dance at the Summerfest Grape Stomp. The ever popular grape festival featured three days of live music on an outdoor stage, as well as inside at their popular Wine & Cheese bar. Visitors enjoyed Lakeridge wine, beer, soft drinks, and a variety of food in addition to complimentary Winery tours and tasting.
Caribbean Carnaval brought countless hours of island fun to Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando from June 8-22. Guests took a musical journey through the Caribbean during an interactive dinner show as they enjoyed authentic food, songs and dances inspired by the islands. Attendees were encouraged to savor the vibrant colors, delightful tastes and rich sounds of the Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad. From conga lines to limbo, Caribbean Carnaval was an island escape like no other!
Many lucky families in Orlando got a head start on the Father’s Day celebrations by taking advantage of the Harry’s Brewmaster Series Presents SweetWater Brewing Company event on June 15. SweetWater Brewing Company served up an incredible six course meal, featuring delicious food from award-winning Ched Tello Luna with perfectly matched beers from SweetWater Brewing Company. Dads and company alike enjoyed a meal that included Creole Braised Beef, Roasted Halibut, Lamb Ravioli, salads and even dessert.
Festival of the Sea at Festival Park was a family event meant to bring out those who share one thing in common, the love of seafood! On June 16, attendees enjoyed an amazing outdoor experience with multiple seafood vendors serving up all of their favorites. It was a day of fun for all ages as even kids had a designated play area to enjoy as they interacted with other children their age. Meanwhile, the adults had an opportunity to experience the ever-popular beer & wine garden in addition to visiting the many fabulous Arts & Crafts vendors.
Wall Street Plaza is known for throwing raging parties and the 14th Annual Rum & Reggae Festival was no exception! On June 16, Downtown Orlando enjoyed three hours of unlimited samplings of over 20 different kinds of Rum drinks with premium Rum brands including Bacardi, Captain Morgan, Kraken, Tanduay, Diplomatico, Blue Chair Bay, Don Q, Rumchata and Brugal as well as some new, exciting and rare rums too—but what’s the biggest Rum Party of the year without music? Fortunately attendees also enjoyed live Reggae-Rock music from your favorite local bands and DJ Red I.
A precocious young mermaid dreams of visiting the Landside. Against the advice of her friends, she makes a deal with an evil sea witch for the chance to earn the love of a human prince. Danger is imminent, but how can she ignore what’s in her heart? Adapted by Brandon Roberts, The Little Mermaid Live Performance opened on June 14 at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater to a packed house of theater goers. The beloved show runs until July 29, so don’t miss your opportunity to witness Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale classic live on stage!