Welcome to Thursday Morning, Orlando!
On the agenda this weekend, I’d planned to check out H Mart on W. Colonial since they grand opened last week. After tons of reports about long lines still, I think I may have to sit this one out for a few more weeks. I’m a slight trooper, but I avoid lines at all costs!
- Winter Park Playhouse Secures Forever Stage
- OMA Family Day
- Milk Mart Spooky Soirée
- + lots of weekend recs
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Let’s roll!
- Philip
P.S. 🍲 Want some hawt community sourced foodie recommendations? Check out the Orlando Signal Restaurant Guide, right here.
3 QUICK NEWS BITS ⏲️
Winter Park Playhouse Secures Forever Stage
After a nail-biting real estate cliffhanger, Winter Park Playhouse just scored the ultimate happy ending.
Tuesday of last week, the city swooped in with $8 million in Tourism Development Tax funds to snag the theater's beloved 711 N. Orange Avenue digs, wrapping up a drama that started when owners dropped the bombshell sale news in February of 2023.
This 23-year Winter Park darling, the town's theatrical equivalent of your favorite neighborhood hangout, packs quite the punch, welcoming 30,000 guests annually and pumping $1.9 million into the local economy. The windfall will bankroll major upgrades, including a whopping 50 percent boost in seating!
While construction magic happens, catch MainStage Musicals and Spotlight Cabarets at Orlando Shakes. Talk about a standing ovation-worthy finale!
(Learn more about this Winter Park Playhouse triumph with Emmy Bailey, right here)
Orlando's Senior Bus Service Hangs in the Balance, And So Does Grocery Day
For years, a beloved shuttle has been the social lifeline for elderly Orlando residents, whisking them from a dozen apartment buildings to Publix runs, library visits, and mall outings. However, Seniors First is pulling the plug this month, sending city officials scrambling for solutions.
The downtown Community Redevelopment Agency shelled out $66,423 last year to keep wheels turning, but Seniors First declined renewal, citing tight budgets and rising costs. They're pivoting resources to Meals on Wheels instead.
City commissioners estimate a $300,000 price tag to rescue the route. For seniors living on shoestring budgets, losing this free ride means losing their ticket to independence, and those precious weekly grocery hauls.
(Learn a ton more about this fight to save senior transit with Ryan Gilsepie & Michael Cuglietta, right here)
Leu Gardens Announces Its Most Spectacular Holiday Show
I rarely spotlight events 2 months ahead, but here's why I'm making an exception: Dazzling Nights returns to Leu Gardens on November 28th for its biggest season yet, and securing tickets now guarantees your preferred dates before they vanish. So, consider this a PSA. 🤣
This year's expansion is remarkable, a towering 50-foot illuminated star, crystal chandeliers suspended from treetops, an 80-foot stained glass-inspired Cathedral tunnel, and interactive zones featuring 14-foot Yetis and elf-led snowball fights. The new Holiday Village adds shopping and seasonal treats to an already extended walking path.
👉 Get all the deets for this event, right here.
WEEKEND SPOT HIGHLIGHT 🔦
Orlando Museum of Art Family Day
Source: Orlando Museum of Art
📍Orlando Museum of Art. 2416 N. Mills Ave. Orlando, FL 32803. Map to this location.
🕐 Saturday, October 4th, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Step into an enchanting FREE Family Day celebrating the extraordinary artistry of Jason Chin.
The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra brings Water is Water by Janette Sebring Lowrey to life through Symphony Storytime@OMA, while Voci Dance presents Dance of the Wild, a breathtaking tribute to Florida's wildlife through movement and puppetry.
🔥 Enjoy hands-on activities, solar telescope viewing, storytelling, and refreshments from Jeremiah's Italian Ice.
👉 Check It Out
TOP 3 FUN RECS FOR THE WEEKEND 🍊
Saigon Night Market - Asian Food and Music Festival
Source: Saigon Night Market
📍Wall St. Plaza. 25 Wall Street Orlando, FL 32801. Map to this location.
🕐 Friday, October 3rd. 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. and Saturday, October 4th, 3 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Saigon Night Market partners with Yuengling Kitchen & Haus to bring Southeast Asia's vibrant energy to Wall Street Plaza this Weekend.
Experience the ultimate cultural fusion as global street food meets anime-themed vendors, specialty cocktails blend with local brews, while live music and anime soundtracks create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Orlando's most extraordinary weekend celebration awaits.
👉 Get more info, right here
Milk Mart Spooky Soirée
Source: Milk Mart
📍Milk Mart. 2430 E Robinson St, Orlando, FL 32803. Map to this location.
🕐 Sunday, October 5th, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m
Early October means a second chance to rock last year's costume at Milk Mart's Spooky Soirée.
More than 300 local artists, makers, chefs, and small businesses will transform The Milk District, from The Nook on Robinson to Otto's High Dive, into a Halloween wonderland.
Hunt for decor treasures, discover costume inspiration, and soak up the electric energy that comes the night before a full moon.
👉 Get the full details
Brick Fan Event Orlando 2025 - A LEGO Fan Experience
Source: Brick Fan Events
📍Orlando Dezerland Convention Center. 5250 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819. Map to this location.
🕐 Saturday, October 4th, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. & Sunday, October 5th, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Perfect for the Lego-loving kids or grand-kids as the South's most spectacular LEGO celebration returns to Orlando Dezerland Park.
Thousands of brick enthusiasts will explore breathtaking displays from global builders, race on a 125-foot RC course, and meet LEGO Masters stars including Ethan, Dom, and Tim Hutchings.
Master Builder Dan Steininger leads bridge competitions while visitors help construct a towering 5-foot mini figure.
From STEM zones to Duplo play areas, this family-friendly extravaganza promises pure LEGO magic for all ages.
👉 Check it out, right here
MORE WEEKEND HAPPENINGS 🎭 🥁
Multi-Day
La Bohème | Fri & Sun | Downtown | More
Elestrals Kissimmee Open 2025 | Fri, Sat, Sun | Kissimmee | More
Orlando Comedy Festival | Fri & Sat | I-Drive | More
Next to Normal | Fri, Sat, Sun | Downtown | More
Friday - 3rd
Live! Release Party: Album Celebration in Orlando | 11 a.m. | I-Drive | More
Maitland Getdown Downtown | 6 p.m. | Maitland | More
Many Eyes | 6 p.m. | Downtown | More
Giovanni Hidalgo | 7 p.m. | Wadeview Park | More
Peace Of Woodstock: A Tribute To The Iconic 1969 Festival | 7 p.m. | Clermont | More
Tito Nieves: 50 Años La Historia Tour | 8 p.m. | I-Drive | More
Jack & Jack, Edwin Honoret | 8 p.m. | Downtown | More
Petite League, EJ, Inlet | 8 p.m. | Mills 50 | More
Saturday - 4th
History Alive: Communities Around Orlando | 10 a.m. | Downtown | More
International Observe the Moon Viewing Event | 6:30 p.m. | Sanford | More
The Brunch of a Showgirl | 11 a.m. | I-Drive | More
7th Annual Best of Challenge: Chili Edition | 12 p.m. | Kissimmee | More
Waterfront Latin Festival | 10 a.m. | Clermont | More
VetteFest at Old Town | 10 a.m. | Kissimmee | More
31st Annual South Asian Film Festival: A Nice Indian Boy | 11 a.m. | Maitland | More
Oktoberfest 2025 | 12 p.m. | Casselberry | More
Rock on Lake Concord | 6 p.m. | Casselberry | More
The Pancakes & Booze Art Show | 7 p.m. | Downtown | More
Sunday - 5th
Wicked Wonderland | 10 a.m. | Kissimmee | More
MADD Monster Mash & Dash 4K | 7 a.m. | Kissimmee | More
Faire of the Dog Fall Market | 12 p.m. | Mills 50 | More
Orlando City B vs. FC Cincinnati 2 | 1 p.m. | Kissimmee | More
UCF Knights Womens Soccer vs. Kansas State Wildcats Women's Soccer | 1 p.m. | UCF | More
Phantasmagoria: Selections of “Hauntingly Whimsical Tales” | 2 p.m. | Downtown | More
Chris Cortez & Steve Luciano | 3 p.m. | Winter Park | More
Skrilla | 6 p.m. | Downtown | More
Freddie Gibbs | 6 p.m. | Downtown | More
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THANKS!
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We’ll see you on Monday.
My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal
