Choose from nine different VR experiences created by the company’s in-house team. | Photo via Sandbox VR
Coming Soon: Sandbox VR, a space where you can play virtual reality games without having to spend hundreds of dollars on your own private headset.
The Pointe Orlando location — the company’s first in Central Florida — is set to open on Friday, July 25, with five private rooms (aka holodecks) for virtual reality gameplay + headsets, haptic vests, and motion sensors so that players feel like they’re truly a part of the action.
Anyone up for becoming a heroic Android + fighting off aliens next month?
Asked
Asked
Have you used VR before?
A. Yes, and I can’t wait to check out Sandbox VR. B. Yes, but I probably wouldn’t again. C. Not yet, but I will once Sandbox VR opens. D. No, and I don’t really care to.
Summer in Sicily | 7-10 p.m. | Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant | $79 | Taste sausage arancini, palermo-style tenderloin medallions, and chocolate cannoli cake, all paired with a selection of Italian wines.
Tuesday, July 15
“Matilda” | 11:30 a.m. | Enzian Theater, Maitland | $0+ | Kids 12 and under can watch for free — just purchase tickets for any accompanying teens or adults.
Steaming Jazz | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | City Hall | Free | Listen to jazz from the 1950s-1980s thanks to DTOLive.
Wednesday, July 16
Rock and Roar! | 6 p.m. | Howl at the Moon Orlando | $50 | Head to this dueling piano and karaoke fundraiser supporting Project Right to Sight.
Thursday, July 17
Bubbles & Blooms | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Grape and the Grain Wine Bar | $61 | All supplies will be included to create your own succulent arrangement while sipping on a drink.
The Dude Perfect “Hero World Tour” | 7 p.m. | Kia Center | $37+ | Watch the popular YouTubers make the stage their playground with trick shots, sports challenges, and comedy.
Friday, July 18
Marlon Wayans | Friday, July 18-Sunday, July 20 | Times vary | Funny Bone Comedy Club | $59 | Let out laughs at the comic’s stand-up set before seeing him in Jordan Peele’s psychological thriller “Him” this fall.
H Mart’s first Florida store is headed to Orlando with grocery offerings and a food hall at 7501 W. Colonial Dr. While an opening date hasn’t been announced, the store is currently under construction + hiring for roles like store associate. (Orlando Business Journal)
Tech
No. 2. That’s where Orlando ranked for tech job gains in the Computing Technology Industry Association’s 2025 State of the Tech Workforce report. The report shares that Orlando added 1,780 tech jobs in 2024, coming second only to New York City. (Orlando Business Journal)
Shop
Tampa-based eco-friendly shop LÜFKA is coming soon to Audubon Park. Upon opening, the store will sell plant-based, plastic-free products like body butters, toothpaste powders, and refillable laundry detergent. (Bungalower)
Outdoors
The Florida Python Challenge is back. The goal is to raise awareness of the Burmese python’s threat to wildlife, but it’s the challenge itself that sparks interest: The person who (humanely) removes the most pythons will win $10,000. Read the challenge rules. (Fox 13)
Mansion Monday
In our opinion, a Florida home needs charm, and this Queen Anne Victorian estate overlooking Lake Cherokee has plenty of it. Explore the 6,261-sqft home that has new surprises, quirks, and colors in every room.
Weather
It’s severe thunderstorm season, and it can be easy to grow complacent. Read up on the City of Orlando’s thunderstorm guide to ensure you’re taking the right precautions + staying alert.
Beautify O-Town’s bounty of parks with Hands On Orlando. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Maybe you have some extra time on your hands, or maybe you’re just in the giving spirit.
All we know is there are more than enough great causes in Orlando to support with your time.
If you want to help neighbors in need
Neighbors Network | Help older adults with tasks like replacing light bulbs and smoke detector batteries or organizing mail and papers.
If you want to feed your community
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida | Join 48,500+ volunteers with meal packing, sorting donations, and handing out meals and food to your fellow Orlando residents.
For natural-born teachers and mentors
Mayor Buddy’s Book Club | Tuck into a great read with 2nd-6th grade students at this book club from the Orlando Public Library and City of Orlando.
For the animal lovers
Humane Society of North Central Florida | Volunteer with a group or on your own for tasks like dog walking, playing with pups, cleaning, and running events.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Don’t forget that the city is hosting a clothing swap tomorrow as part of its Plastic Free July initiative. Bring some gently used clothing to Ivanhoe Brewing and get to swapping. (I got my favorite pair of jeans from a clothing swap years ago, if you need any encouragement.)
