Renaissance Theatre Company launches under former CFCArts director in newly purchased Ivanhoe Village space

By Alex Galbraith on September 27, 2021 at 4:26PM

“A thriving arts and cultural community is one of the strongest indicators of a flourishing city, and people with means can contribute by creating good-paying jobs for upcoming artists who want to bring new works to life," he shared in a press release."I think Donald’s plans for the space will have a long-term impact on our city. I hope this inspires other patrons to consider giving in big ways to deserving local organizations.”

Hear ye! Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire is happening in Central Florida in November

By Matthew Moyer on September 23, 2021 at 3:54PM

Hail and well met! The Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire will be bringing a hefty dose of pride and pageantry to Central Florida over two weekends in November.

A long-rumored timeshare addition might be coming to Disney's Polynesian Village Resort

By Ken Storey on September 23, 2021 at 2:19PM

Permits filed with the South Florida Water Management District earlier this year show the intention to rework three holes of the Magnolia Golf Course, located directly across from the rumored site of the new Polynesian tower. According to public permits, the moving and redevelopment of the three holes are part of a large project to rework Floridian Way to be a four-lane divided median style roadway.

Though it's frequently forgotten, Legoland is Central Florida's most-improved theme park

By Ken Storey on September 23, 2021 at 2:06PM

For the Florida park, the shade structure is the type of investment that doesn’t significantly impact attendance, but, like the LEGO Masters models, it represents the drive of parent company Merlin to ensure their parks remain relevant and enjoyable. With another theme park on the way and rumors of more attractions, one thing is certain; even as it celebrates its tenth anniversary, Legoland Florida is just getting started.

Carole Baskin redux: Netflix to bring spotlight back to Central Florida rescue with 'Tiger King 2'

By Alex Galbraith on September 23, 2021 at 10:50AM

The specific release date is TBD, but a preview video showed that the new series will focus again on the currently incarcerated Joe Exotic and Tampa-area animal rescue operator Carole Baskin. The titular Tiger King is currently serving a 17-year-long sentence related to a murder-for-hire plot targeting Baskin, who was an extremely vocal critic of the eccentric zoo operator.

Every Halloween event happening in Orlando this year (that we know about)

By OW Staff on September 22, 2021 at 2:39PM

—> Oct. 8 Horror in HeadphonesLocal theater company Phoenix Tears puts on a terrifying immersive audio experience at, yes, Santa’s Farm.

'Dazzling Nights' holiday event returns to Orlando's Leu Gardens in November

By Matthew Moyer on September 21, 2021 at 3:33PM

The 3/4-mile path will have plenty of spots for selfies and, on a more realistic note, is promised to be socially distanced and in line with COVID safety protocols. “We are thrilled to bring back our sold-out holiday experience of last year with an all-new, completely redesigned show and keep this annual tradition fresh," said Creative City Project Executive Director Cole NeSmith in a press statement.

'Venom' illustrator Sam de la Rosa to celebrate National Comic Book Day at Longwood's Acme this weekend

By Matthew Moyer on September 21, 2021 at 12:17PM

Comic book shops around the country will be marking National Comic Book Day this weekend, and Longwood's Acme Superstore is celebrating in particularly high style with Venom artist Sam de la Rosa doing two days of in-store signings. Since the 1980s, de la Rosa has illustrated work for most of the major comics publishers, including Marvel, DC, Dark Horse and Image.

'RuPaul's Drag Race' stars to headline Orlando's Come Out With Pride celebrations

By Matthew Moyer on September 20, 2021 at 4:11PM

Orlando's Come Out With Pride organizers have announced two big-name headliners for the upcoming October celebration at Lake Eola Park, and they'll be very familiar to devotees of RuPaul's Drag Race: Gottmik and Kylie Sonique Love. Gottmik came to fame on Season 13 of Drag Race, both as the first trans man to compete on the program, and for his bold, avant sense of style and glamor.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium's latest expansion hopes to help fight Florida's manatee crisis

By Ken Storey on September 17, 2021 at 5:26PM

Orlando Museum of Art plans to open Chihuly rooftop garden at new downtown campus

By Alex Galbraith on September 17, 2021 at 12:29PM

Pelli Clarke Pelli architect William Butler will design the space and he said the Chihuly pieces will be chosen for their weather-readiness as well as aesthetic considerations. The museum is expected to open at its 319 E. Church St. location in 2024.

Orlando Shakes to require negative COVID-19 test or proof of vax for upcoming shows

By Alex Galbraith on September 17, 2021 at 11:34AM

As for the proof of vaccination, the venue is accepting photos of vaccine cards, digital proof via an app or the physical card. Guests must be two weeks out from their final shot.

Half-day theme parks offer a cheaper, more relaxed alternative to packed attractions

By Ken Storey on September 16, 2021 at 3:21PM

Many of the most successful examples of half-day parks are those attached to well-known intellectual properties, or IPs. Murphy thinks the fusion of IPs into FECs and entertainment venues is here to stay.

With a major new attraction likely in the works, Tampa's Adventure Island looks to move out of the shadow of other Florida water parks

By Ken Storey on September 16, 2021 at 3:07PM

With the park finally getting the love it deserves, the limited operating calendar it previously had would no longer suffice. Adventure Island will now also operate on a year-round basis.

South Asian Film Festival returns to Maitland's Enzian in October

By Matthew Moyer on September 16, 2021 at 1:52PM

Maitland's Enzian Theater and the Asian Cultural Association are bringing back the South Asian Film Festival for a landmark 27th year, and it's only a few weeks away. Dubbed "Beyond Bollywood," the South Asian Film Festival happens at the Enzian over a long weekend from Saturday-Monday, Oct. 2-4.

Orlando wrestling offshoot Mayhem on Mills announces Halloween event and new venue

By Matthew Moyer on September 16, 2021 at 11:37AM

Mayhem on … Virginia? Local indie wrestling fed Mayhem on Mills has announced a return to live action around Halloween and a surprising change of locale.

Watch legendary comedian Norm Macdonald, who passed away this week, roast Florida's swinger culture

By Justin Garcia on September 15, 2021 at 10:52AM

Legendary writer, comedian and actor Norm Macdonald died yesterday at the age of 61. He leaves behind a legacy of hilarious stand-up sets, TV show episodes, movies and interviews.

Everything Is Terrible plots Orlando return in 2022

By Matthew Moyer on September 14, 2021 at 12:39PM

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Monster Jam will roar back in to Orlando in 2022

By Matthew Moyer on September 14, 2021 at 10:50AM

Like the sun rising every morning, you can count on truckapalooza Monster Jam returning to the City Beautiful every year. And, sure enough, Monster Jam will roar into Camping World Stadium in May.

Anti-vax and anti-mask selfishness is scarier than anything found at this year's crop of haunted houses

By Ken Storey on September 14, 2021 at 10:48AM

incorporating other technical features, such as lights going out or audio cues, that the actors can trigger as people come into a room,” West explains. “That way, it’s not necessarily the actor creating the scare; they’re just triggering it and being there to facilitate the story.”