The latest Orlando happenings updated weekly using information provided by partners and destination press releases. Stay up-to-date on Orlando's most recent announcements and openings from accommodations and attractions to restaurants and more.
AWARDS & ACCOLADES
Orlando is 2022's 2nd Best City for Staycations, according to a recent study from the personal finance outlet WalletHub.com that compared more than 180 cities across 44 key metrics ranging from parks per capita to restaurant-meal costs.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Nobu Hotel Orlando, an all-new property expected to open in 2025, will feature 300 accommodations including eight stunning villas, a Nobu restaurant, 50 stylish residences and meeting and event space.
ATTRACTIONS
Universal Orlando Resort debuted a limited time summer tribute store celebrating Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s iconic films “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial,” “JAWS” and “Back to the Future.” The retail location, located in the New York area of Universal Studios Florida, will transport guests to a 1980s movie theater where favorite scenes from retro summer blockbusters come to life within four themed rooms stocked with décor and dedicated merchandise that pay homage to each film.
WonderWorks Orlando will feature three new showtimes for “The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show” this summer. Shows will run daily at 4 p.m., 6p.m. and 8 p.m. from June 11 - Aug. 7.
Universal Orlando Resort will debut Universal’s Great Movie Escape fall 2022 at Universal City Walk – a first-ever escape room experience featuring two rooms offering interactive state-of-the-art missions, captivating storytelling and intricately detailed sets inspired by Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s blockbuster films Jurassic World and Back to the Future.
ICON Park will debut new family-friendly experiences throughout the promenade, including The Carousel on The Promenade, an all-new grand carousel featuring two chariot benches, making it suitable and accessible for guests, a Sphere Bubble Show by nationally known performer Blaise Ryndes and a strolling magician.
DINING & NIGHTLIFE
Brew Theory Marketplace, an all-new food hall coming to Apopka summer of 2023, will feature Greater Orlando’s favorite restaurant concepts, a full liquor bar, Brew Theory taproom, a beer garden and various retail tenants.
EVENTS & FESTIVALS
Old Town Entertainment District and Fun Spot America Kissimmee will present the 3rd Annual Fourth of July Celebration, featuring free live music and a fireworks finale in the South Entertainment area at 9 p.m.
Orlando Repertory Theatre (Orlando REP), in partnership with UCF, announced its 20th birthday season for 2022 – 2023, which includes: Dog Man: The Musical (Aug. 19 - Oct. 2, 2022), based on the worldwide bestselling series from Dav Pilkey, the creator of Captain Underpants; Locomotion (Sept. 12 – Oct. 16, 2022); Click Clack Moo (October 7-9, 2022); The FunikiJam Show: ROCK OR TREAT Halloween Fair, a dance-along, sing-along, play-along Halloween musical for children (Oct. 21 - 30, 2022); TRUE NORTH: A Magical New Holiday Musical (Nov.14 – Dec. 22, 2022); The Lightning Thief (Jan. 14-15, 2023) and more.
Red Hot & Boom, now in its 25th year, returns to Cranes Roost Park on Sunday, July 3, featuring a full lineup of artists including Em Beihold, Sofia Carson, JVKE, Leak Kate and more followed by a 25-minute firework display over Cranes Roost Lake highlighting the 25th annual celebration as more than 13,000 bursts illuminate the night sky at 9:30 p.m. (weather permitting).
The 45th annual Fireworks at the Fountain will be held on July 4 at Lake Eola Park from 4-10 p.m., featuring live entertainment, family-friendly fun, food and beverages offerings from a variety of vendors and a fireworks finale at 9:15 p.m., set to a live patriotic performance by the Orlando Concert Band.
Creative City Project announced its 2022-2023 season featuring new immersive art, theater, music and culinary experiences including Airplay, a massive, inflatable architectural walkthrough experience of color, light and shape; Dazzling Nights, a winter wonderland featuring a million dazzling lights, shining forests and magical displays; NEVERLAND: The Lost Adventure, a 3/4-mile theatrical journey; and Re:Charge, a resorptive night of live music featuring a 60-minute concert from a live ensemble of orchestral musicians.
