A meal at The Wilson isn’t complete without your pup. | Photo via @gsp_hans
If there’s one thing better than going out in Orlando, it’s taking your four-legged friend along with you. According to WalletHub, the City Beautiful ranks as the No. 7 most pet-friendly city in the US.
Looking at more specific metrics, Orlando was the top dog when it comes to the number of dog-friendly restaurants, so we fetched a list of five local spots that have menus dedicated to dogs.
Your dog will quickly become a groupie for this restaurant that has an outdoor patio and dog menu featuring chicken, burgers, and bacon. Humans will also become fans as they enjoy the rock ‘n’ roll-themed dishes and drinks.
Head to Melia Hotel and grab a meal in the dog-friendly Backyard space. The canine menu has a dedicated burger, a “Pupsicle,” and homemade dog treats. Meanwhile, humans can find a variety of menus, including brunch + happy hour options.
Swift Tribute Band | 7 p.m. | Boxi Park Lake Nona | Free | Party like its “1989" with this band that pays tribute to the biggest pop star in eras.
International Guitar Festival | Friday, Aug. 8-Sunday, Aug. 10 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Timucua Arts White House | $30+ | Listen to Scout, Hiroya Tsukamoto, and Johnbern Thomas Trio at this celebration of strings.
Saturday, Aug. 9
Yoga in the Garden | 8:50 a.m. | Mead Botanical Garden, Winter Park | $10+ | Bring your yoga mat and water bottle to strike a pose in the gorgeous garden.
The McRae Art Studios 8x10 Show | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | McRae Art Studios | Free entry | Browse a collection of contemporary art and view 8-by-10-inch pieces, pottery, and 3D works, then bid to buy the art.
Orlando Pride vs. Racing Louisville | 7:30 p.m. | Inter&Co Stadium | $23+ | Kick it with the local team as they take on their opponents from Derby City.
Summer Frenzy | 8 p.m.-2 a.m. | Majestic Event Center | $45 | Get moving on the dance floor at this night of dancehall + reggae music with artist 450 taking stage.
Sunday, Aug. 10
Film: “The Library That Dolly Built” | 2-4 p.m. | Orlando Public Library | Free | Watch the documentary highlighting Dolly Parton’s effort to help improve early-childhood literacy.
Kountry Wayne | 6:30 + 9:15 p.m. | The Funny Bone | $48+ | The digital sketch comedian, podcast host, and “Wild ‘N Out” participant performs live.
You can now swing by PopStroke Hamilton — the mini golf and dining establishment has opened in Winter Garden. The concept is backed by golf legend Tiger Woods and features two 18-hole courses designed by him, a full-service restaurant, multiple bars, and a children’s playground. (Orlando Business Journal)
Announced
Fast food chain Jack-in-the-Box is preparing to spring up in the Orlando area. The West Coast company recently filed a permit at a South John Young Parkway site, though further details haven’t been revealed. Previously, the chain teased a Central Florida expansion that could bring ~20 locations. (News 6)
Theater
The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is getting ready for showtime, and for the first time, it will offer partial season subscriptions for the 2025-2026 season. The bundles will include tickets to six or eight predetermined shows, and pricing is dependent on seat location. (Orlando Sentinal)
Ranked
30.2 minutes. That’s the average commute time for a driver in Orlando, according to ConsumerAffairs. This helped the City Beautiful rank No. 12 on its list of worst cities for traffic in the US (looking at the nation’s 50 largest cities).
Plan Ahead
It’s time to prepare for some holiday cheer. Registration has opened for the 2025 Packing District Jingle Jog 5K Fun Run + Walk. The holiday-themed morning of movement will take place Sunday, Dec. 14 and proceeds will support the Leonard & Marjorie Williams Family YMCA.
Watch
Universal Orlando will give fans an epic look at the creation of its newest theme park. NBC will explore the attraction during its “Inside the Worlds of Epic Universe” special on Wednesday, Aug. 20 at 9 p.m. It will be available to stream on Peacock the next day. (Tampa Bay Times)
Finance
Have a variable monthly income? This freelancing couple found a creative way to pay down debt (and make the home improvements they’d been dreaming about). See how.*
Post of the Day
This type of comical fun is coming to Altamonte Springs. | Photo via Sophie Odelberg + Red Bull Content Pool
Red Bull’s Tandem Rollercoaster is preparing to make Altamonte Springs scream. The brand’s whimsical course will make its US debut on Saturday, Sept. 27 at Cranes Roost Park.
The track challenges teams of two to ride creatively decorated tandem bikes through an obstacle course suspended over water — and you can get a taste of the high-energy fun by checking out highlights from last year’s course in the Netherlands.
Applications are now open for teams who think they have what it takes to reach the finish line. If you want to watch from afar, audience attendance is not ticketed.
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.
Apparently, Summerween has become a new trend where people embrace the scariness of Halloween in the summer months. To be honest, I love it. If you’re looking for a movie with local ties I think “Jaws 3-D” fully embodies the Summerween spirit.
