Looking for a way to spice up date night or try something new with friends? Now’s your chance.
The same company behind Candlelight Concerts will bring its Dining in the Dark series to Orlando on various dates this month, starting with a meal on Saturday, Aug. 9. Here’s how it works:
Purchase a ticket and choose between the red, blue, or green menus (indicating a meat, seafood, or vegan meal).
Show up to the Citrus Club (on the 18th floor of the Citrus Center downtown) + prepare to don your blindfold.
Free Day & Story Time | 11 a.m. | Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando | Free | Bring the little ones for a free indoor storytelling event + enjoy admission to the gardens all day long.
Tuesday, Aug. 5
Cozy Crafting Gathering | 6:30-8 p.m. | Lakewood Center (Education Building), Fern Park | Free | Take a deep breath and try out new crafts in a relaxed, low-energy environment.
“The Mix & Mingle Tour 2025" | Friday, Aug. 8-Saturday, Aug. 9 | Times vary | Funny Bone Comedy Club | $37+ | Watch Sheryl Underwood, Emmy Award-winning co-host of “The Talk” on CBS, and friends dive into a variety of topics in this comedy show.
Saturday, Aug. 9
Beer Fest, presented by Heineken | 7:30 p.m. | Inter&Co Stadium | $30+ | Join the first-ever Orlando Pride Beerfest with tastings from big names like Heineken + local spots like Tactical Brewing.
Whether you prefer to DIY or enlist help from a pro, making home improvements can have a big impact on your property’s value. | Photo via Pexels
Whether you’re thinking of selling your home in the next few years or further down the road, there are plenty of home improvement projects you might consider to increase its value, like:
Updating the kitchen. Think: adding an island or energy-efficient appliances.
Remodeling the bathroom. (Psst, we’re all about terrazzo right now.)
Amplifying your curb appeal. From repainting the front door to sprucing up your landscaping, a first impression goes a long way.
Roughly 20-25% of Orlando restaurants — particularly upscale spots — are using AI and AR tools, according to reporting by Orlando Business Journal. Have you come across tools like integrated mobile ordering systems, digital art projections, or apps that can tailor menu recommendations? Scroll down to share.
Development
Last week, a 33,600-sqft, multi-level Build-A-Bear Workshop broke ground at Icon Park. Marking the largest workshop the company has built to date, the Orlando flagship is set to feature a rooftop, food + beverage concept, and interactivity for guests upon its planned opening in summer 2026. (Orlando Business Journal)
Opening
New coffee and cocktail bar Heatwave is set to soft launch on Friday, Aug. 15. Heatwave will open in the Parramore neighborhood’s former Stonewall Bar with coffee by day + cocktails and tapas by night. (Bungalower)
Travel
Orlando International Airport has introduced a new initiative for traveling families called “Families on the Fly.” The initiative offers dedicated security lanes for travelers with children ages 12 and under in an effort to ease stress and reduce congestion in standard security lines. (FOX 35)
Mansion Monday
Welcome to the closet of your our dreams. This five-bedroom, seven-bath Winter Park home on Lake Maitland is brag-worthy without the two-story closet, but it sure made our jaws drop.
Are you the one we’re looking for? We’re on the hunt for a sales-driven leader to help us land significant brand partnerships at a national scale as a Sales Executive. From a competitive benefits package to 401k matching, we’re a pretty amazing company to work for. Join our team and apply today.
Answered
Asked
Have you been to a local restaurant that uses AI or AR tools?
A. Yes, and I thought it was cool.
B. Yes, and it didn’t elevate my experience.
C. No, but I’d like to.
D. No, and I don’t care to.
We’ll see the Orlando Magic on their home court in October. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Happy first week of August, Orlando. In case you missed it, every month we put together a list of some of the most plan-worthy events in the area — check out our August Plan Ahead.
Live music + shows
Sol y Sabor: A Celebration of Culture & Music | Saturday, Aug. 9 | 2 p.m. | The Plaza Theatre | $25+ | This new event by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra will feature the music of Latin America with guest artist Mariachi Perlas de Orlando, an all-women mariachi band.
After hours
Bohemian Chef Series | Thursday, Aug. 14 | 6:15-9 p.m. | Grand Bohemian Orlando, Autograph Collection | $298 | Dine on a five-course dinner created by two acclaimed chefs + sip on paired wines from Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars.
For the fam
CatVideoFest 2025 | Saturday, Aug. 16 | Times vary | Enzian Theater, Maitland | $10+ | Watch a compilation reel of the latest and best cat videos — a portion of ticket proceeds will go to support Pet Rescue by Judy.
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.
A bit of bittersweet news from me today, Orlando. Today’s ORLtoday newsletter will be the last I pen, but fear not — my fantastic colleague Michael will be jumping in to continue sharing Orlando’s top news, happenings, and events starting on Wednesday. Thanks for letting me grace your inboxes for a while.
