'People think it's just the fat guys sport': Misconceptions, medals and making it big in the Florida Sumo Association

To say that the 2020s have been somewhat tumultuous so far is a drastic understatement. Beginning with a global pandemic that uprooted…

By Mauricio Murillo, Victor Rodriguez

'People think it's just the fat guys sport': Misconceptions, medals and making it big in the Florida Sumo Association
36 slides

Universal Orlando shares new details about space-themed hotels opening with Epic Universe next year [Photos]

Universal Orlando continues to lean into the celestial theming for Epic Universe, which opens next year alongside three new hotels. Universal has…

By Chelsea Zukowski

Galaxy Bar and Galaxy Grill at Universal Stella Nova Resort
10 slides

Everything we saw at Orlando Solar Bears Fan Appreciation Night

The Orlando Solar Bears honored their hometown faithful with a fan appreciation night on Friday as part of their game against the Greenville…

By J.D. Casto

Orlando Solar Bears Fan Appreciation Night
59 slides

23 quintessential Orlando 'tourist traps' every new resident should visit at least once

Say what you will about the tourist-filled parts of Orlando, but thrill seekers and theme park enthusiasts flock to the city for…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Lake Eola Park
512 E. Washington St., Orlando
Right in the heart of Orlando is Lake Eola Park, a glistening body of water surrounded by ample space for picnicking, sightseeing and taking a breather just outside of the bustle of downtown. It's an essential spot for Orlandoans to know – and bonus points for actually riding in the tourist-adored swan boats.
23 slides

Photos: Universal Orlando unveils fiery new details about ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ world at Epic Universe

As opening day for the highly anticipated Epic Universe gets closer and closer, Universal Orlando continues to share information about what will…

By Alexandra Sullivan

Universal Epic Universe – How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
19 slides

These are the top springs and beaches within driving distance from Orlando

Florida may be known for its beaches (and the spring breakers who really break them in each year), but they certainly aren't…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Three Sisters Springs
1 hour, 35 minutes from Orlando
It's manatee central here. Known as the manatee capital of the world, Three Sisters Springs might be the best spot to swim and spot one of the massive animals. Even if you decide not to do a manatee tour, the clear water allows everyone to get the chance to lay eyes (not hands!) on one.
31 slides

The 18 quintessential greatest things to do in Orlando that aren't theme parks

Living in such close proximity to some of the most popular theme parks in the world can have its perks (sometimes). But…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Swim, paddle or kayak Wekiwa Springs
Wekiwa Springs, FL 32779
This stunning spring is less than 20 minutes from downtown Orlando, inviting locals to escape the city and enjoy all that nature has to offer. The emerald water is perfect to dive into and cool off with friends and family. There's ample space to have a picnic, making it a top contender for Orlando's best summer hangout. Wekiwa Springs also has its very own food truck for those who didn’t pack enough snacks.
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Ferrari zooms into Legoland Florida with new Build and Race attraction

Just in time for spring break season, Legoland Florida has opened an attraction that lets you build, customize and race your own…

By Chelsea Zukowski

Ferrari zooms into Legoland Florida with new Build and Race attraction
36 slides

20 crazy road trip stops between Orlando and Tampa to visit

Florida has weirdness sprinkled throughout the state, but one of the quirkiest stretches just might be between Orlando and Tampa. Whether you're…

By Chloe Greenberg

Orange World
5395 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee
Orange World is just what is sounds like: one big orange-themed extravaganza. At this Kissimmee roadside stop, you can find fresh oranges and other produce, Florida-themed gifts and plenty of wacky souvenirs.
20 slides

Photos: First look at Penguin Trek, SeaWorld's new coaster opening this spring

SeaWorld's upcoming roller coaster Penguin Trek has launched into the early construction phases of its journey, and Orlando Weekly got a first…

By Chloe Greenberg

Photos: First look at Penguin Trek, SeaWorld's new coaster opening this spring
22 slides

Orlando City Soccer Club unveils new Legacy Kit gear at Cheyenne Saloon event

In the heart of downtown Orlando, history was made at the iconic Cheyenne Saloon as Orlando City Soccer Club unveiled its new…

By J.D. Casto

Orlando City Soccer Club unveils new Legacy Kit gear at Cheyenne Saloon event
44 slides

Remembering Central Florida amusement parks and tourist traps that no longer exist

Central Florida has long been a hub of tourism, largely thanks to one very special mouse-fueled world. But even before Disney World…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Circus World
Haines City
Back in 1973, Circus World opened to the masses about 30 miles from Orlando in the small Polk County town of Haines City. The Feld family, owners of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, wanted the Central Florida theme park to combine live shows and amusement park rides with a new winter quarters for the circus, according to State Library & Archives of Florida. In its heyday, Circus World had a 27,000-square-foot building that looked like a giant circus tent, carousel, Ferris wheel, wooden roller coaster, polar bear show, lion tamer, flaming high diver, elephant performances and rides, and of course, lots of clowns. Visitors could even attempt to walk across a tightrope or trapeze through the air.
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All the cosplay and creativity we saw out in full force at Orlando's MegaCon

The halls of the Orange County Convention Center were bustling with a diverse cast of cosplayers last weekend at MegaCon 2024. These…

By Mauricio Murillo, Rick Martinez

Saturday at MegaCon 2024
205 slides

A first look into Judson's Live, the newest addition to Dr. Phillips Center

Judson's Live, the new intimate performance venue at the Dr. Phillips Center, is set to open later this week and we got…

By Seth Kubersky

Photos: First look into Judson's Live, the newest addition to Dr. Phillips Center
15 slides

Photos: Universal Orlando Resort shares first official look into Epic Universe

Universal Orlando Resort announced Tuesday the first official details about its newest endeavor: Epic Universe, a new theme park coming in 2025.…

By Alexandra Sullivan

Epic Universe – Celestial Park
29 slides

All the photos from Tampa's 2024 Gasparilla Parade of Pirates

It was perfect weather for a pirate parade over in Tampa Bay. Last Saturday, more than 300,000 mateys plundered Tampa's Bayshore Boulevard…

By Colin Wolf

All the photos from Tampa's 2024 Gasparilla Parade of Pirates
240 slides

25 easy weekend road trips from Orlando everyone should do at least once

Orlando has no shortage of activities and destinations for locals to enjoy. But that's no reason to ignore all the weird and…

By Chloe Greenberg

St. Augustine
1 hour and 45 minutes to Orlando
Steeped in history and hauntings, St. Augustine has plenty to do for visitors of all ages. Shop down George Street, visit the Fountain of Youth and Castillo de San Marcos, or hop on an evening ghost tour for some true thrills.
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All the new Florida theme park attractions expected to open in 2024

Just about all of Florida’s major theme parks have new and updated attractions opening this year. From Disney World’s new The Little…

By Chelsea Zukowski

Penguin Trek – SeaWorld Orlando
9 slides

Gatorland’s Savannah Boan and alligator Jawlene fight to inspire empathy for non-cuddly critters that need support

In my years as an entertainment journalist, I’ve been lucky enough to speak with more than my share of award-winning artists and…

By Seth Kubersky

Gatorland’s Savannah Boan and alligator Jawlene fight to inspire empathy for non-cuddly critters that need support
20 slides

Pulp friction: Kyle's new show at Orlando City Hall wrecks and reconstructs Americana, gender roles, and pop art

Orlando's City Hall looms over its plaza like the radiator grill of a postwar Packard. Inside, the Terrace Gallery's solo exhibition by…

By Richard Reep

'On Strange Footing,' oil on canvas, 48 x 60 inches
5 slides

Orlando artist Boy Kong and friends launch Fruits, a weekly 'art yoga' meetup

On nice days, artist Boy Kong will invite his sister, Tammy Truong, and his friend Hiep Nguyen over. They'll lay a blanket…

By Michael Cuglietta

Orlando artist Boy Kong and friends launch Fruits, a weekly 'art yoga' meetup at Kaya
23 slides

All the grandchildren and gifting ideas we saw at Stardust Video's Grandma Party holiday market

Oh Nana, you do the strangest things! Grandma Party returned to Audubon Park on Sunday, bigger and weirder than ever. Sprawling over…

By Michael Lothrop, Matthew Moyer

Grandma Party at Stardust Video and Coffee
168 slides

23 Christmas bucket list activities to do in Orlando this holiday season

'Tis the season to enjoy a slight chill in the Florida breeze and to get in all the festive feels while you…

By Chloe Greenberg

Celebration’s Now Snowing Festival
Between Highway 192 and I-4 near Walt Disney World
Dates open: Nov. 26 through Dec. 31
Cost: Parking and admission are free
Celebration's "Now Snowing" offers a synthetic ice rink, plus community performances by local young talent and special concert events throughout the holiday season.
23 slides

Where to find snow, ice skating, Santa, Christmas trees and more holiday activities in Orlando

The holidays are fast approaching, which means it's time to start cramming in all the festive fun you can between now and…

By Chloe Greenberg

Holiday happenings at Dezerland Park
5250 International Drive, Orlando
Dates open: Select dates Dec. 2-17 
Cost: 15 minutes of skating for $7.95, 30 minutes for $13.95 per person 
Dezerland Park is now home to a synthetic “ice” skating rink at the iconic I-Drive destination. The whole family can skate together at their own pace in a comfortable environment for everyone. All season long, visitors can also explore the Holiday Village and enjoy hot cocoa, warm spiced apple cider and other holiday treats from Dezerland’s Food Hall.
26 slides

Photos: ICE offers chills and thrills in ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ at Gaylord Palms

Florida’s coolest holiday attraction returns the week before Thanksgiving, and it brings back one of the most beloved Christmas movies of all…

By Chelsea Zukowski

Photos: ICE offers chills and thrills in ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ at Gaylord Palms
35 slides

Everyone and every car we saw at Florida Classic Weekend's Riding Big Car Show

One of the highlights of Florida Classic Weekend in Orlando every year has to be the Riding Big Car Show and party,…

By Matt Keller Lehman

The Riding Big Car Show, part of Florida Classic Weekend
43 slides

The best ways to see Christmas lights in Orlando this holiday season

We're probably not going to see any snow in Central Florida this season, which means we have to get our holiday feels…

By Chloe Greenberg

Give Kids the World Village 
    210 S. Bass Road, Kissimmee
    Hosted at the 89-acre village, Give Kids The World holiday events offer guests the chance to enjoy escorted access to select venues on the Avenue of Angels, view a dazzling tree trail, explore holiday vignettes and take festive photos.
20 slides

The best outfits we saw at EDC Orlando 2023

Electric Daisy Carnival hit Orlando for its 12th year this weekend, and along with three days of live music and head-banging hordes,…

By Matthew Lehman

The best outfits we saw at EDC Orlando 2023
38 slides

All the wild photos from EDC Orlando 2023

For yet another year, Electric Daisy Carnvial Orlando brought out the weird, wild and wonderful in everyone. The electronic dance music festival…

By Matthew Lehman

All the wild photos from EDC Orlando 2023
84 slides

‘Common Threads’ at Casselberry Sculpture House unites three artists whose lives and work are intertwined

Common Threads is a wonderfully heavy experience. The conceptual themes of the art exhibit on view at the Casselberry Sculpture House move…

By Kyle Eagle

Brittney Fucheck, "Ceremony for a Cat" (detail)
25 slides