Send this to your gaming community to meet them IRL. | Photo provided by Gaming Community Expo
Gaming Community Expo (GCX) is taking the virtual out of reality with its annual in-person gaming event this weekend at Universal Orlando Resort.
For 10 years, GCX has operated the video game industry’s only vacation-focused gaming event — and the players are on this side quest for a good cause. Every year, funds go toward benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (with over $33 million raised over the last decade). At this year’s event, expect:
An exclusive after-hours celebration on Saturday at Universal’s Islands of Adventure from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Tickets start at $125 (kids 10 and under get free entry) + the resort will offer hotel blocks for those who want to enjoy a staycation — book your room.
Events
Events
Wednesday, July 23
Christmas in July Returns | 10 a.m. | Florida Mall | Free | The mall is turning up its holiday cheer with Santa visits, festive decor, whimsical snowfall, and more.
Thursday, July 24
Botanical Resin Jewelry Making | 1-3 p.m. | Harry P. Leu Gardens | $61 | Create a unique jewelry treasure made out of botanicals and resin.
Vine and Dine: International Cuisines + Wine Pairings | 6-9 p.m. | Historic Dubsdread | $75 | Your ticket includes a culinary passport to get food and drink pairings at multiple tasting stations, with cuisines ranging from Polish to Greek.
Friday, July 25
D.L. Hughley | 7 p.m. | Funny Bone Comedy Club | $48+ | Known for his role in Spike Lee’s “The Original Kings of Comedy,” the longstanding actor and comedian will perform a comedic live show.
“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” | Friday, July 25-Saturday, July 26 | 7:30 p.m. | Steinmetz Hall | $29+ | Experience the commanding score performed by a full choir and orchestra.
Opening Reception: A Return to Espero | 6:30-9 p.m. | Art & History Museums of Maitland | Free | The opening of the contemporary art exhibition will bring a food truck and a cash bar.
Saturday, July 26
7 Years of Yoga in the Garden | 9-10 a.m. | Mead Botanical Garden, Inc., Winter Park | Free | Enjoy a free yoga class to celebrate seven years of this outdoor yoga event.
International Vegan Food Festival | 2-8 p.m. | Wall Street Plaza | Cost of purchase | Eat your way through the various offerings to find your favorite plant-based bites.
Local pop-up and catering business The Gnarly Cuban recently opened a small brick-and-mortar space in College Park. La Ventanita, Spanish for “the small window” (and often used in Miami to reference walk-up windows), serves breakfast and lunch Wednesday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. (Bungalower)
Community
On Thursday, July 31, the City of Orlando, Orlando City Council, and various community partners will take part in a community-wide day of service. Roll up your sleeves and sign up to volunteer for one of multiple activities across all 6 districts.
Announced
The bad news? Star Wars: Launch Bay is leaving Disney’s Hollywood Studios park. The good news? It’s being replaced by a new attraction, The Magic of Disney Animation. The new attraction is scheduled to open in 2026.
Sports
The Orlando Bears are welcoming a new head coach and general manager. Matt Macdonald is the team’s sixth head coach in franchise history + joins the Bears from the American Hockey League’s Bridgeport Islanders, where he served as assistant coach for two seasons. (WESH)
Opening
Lady Luck Vintage is set to open in Audobon Park on Saturday, Aug. 9. Opening weekend for the vintage clothing and home goods store will feature a purse giveaway, coffee and snacks, live music, and a DIY flower bouquet station. (Bungalower)
Home
Have a project you’ve been itching to work on? Think: bathroom renovation, upgrading your HVAC system, or maybe a backyard makeover. Wondering how to pay for it? Hint: A HELOC isn’t the only way to access your home’s equity. Enter: Unison.*
Post of the Day
Have you eaten at Jeff’s Bagel Run? Ridden the Sunrail? Seen an alligator in the wild?
Whether you’re a longtime Central Floridian or a new kid on the block, we challenge you to getting BINGO using this clever card by The Orlando Real — bonus points if you can get a blackout.
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.
If you could meet your future love at any local theme park, which would you choose?
On Monday, we shared news of an upcoming dating app for Disney lovers + asked which local theme park readers would want to meet their future partner at.
20% | Disney, because I want a real-life fairytale
0% | LEGOLAND, so we can build something real
40% | SeaWorld, ‘cause I’m just fishing for compliments
40% | Universal, which is also how far my love extends
I’m currently fighting a summer cold, and the worst part isn’t the cough — it’s craving soup when the temperatures are this hot. Does anyone have any favorite summertime soups? Drop me a line.
