This coaster debuted to the public in August 2009. | Photo via Matt Stroshane + Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Studio Florida’s Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster is preparing for its final descent. The musical steel coaster will be permanently closing Monday, Aug. 18 — just one day shy of its 16th birthday.
The exciting ride
This coaster debuted on Aug. 19, 2009, and was noted for its 90° ascent and looping track. The ride reached speeds of 65 mph and completed its 3,800-ft course in 1 minute, 39 seconds.
As the name implies, the rockin’ ride had a musical component. Riders could select one of 30 tracks to listen to, ranging from ZZ Top to Fergie. While the coaster may be going away, its playlist is forever — Universal even shared it on Spotify.
If you’re not ready for the fun to end, you can still take one last ride if you visit Universal this weekend. Though the official closing date is Monday, Aug. 18, the final day to ride the coaster is Sunday, Aug. 17.
Emo Night | 7-11:45 p.m. | Howl at the Moon | $10 | Rock out at this show that’s more about the panic and less about the disco.
“The Mix and Mingle Tour” | Friday, Aug. 15-Saturday, Aug. 16 | Times vary | Funny Bone | $37+ | Watch comedian and “The Talk” host Sheryl Underwood perform with Kyle Erby + Mike Washington.
Saturday, Aug. 16
Daylite at SOBOX Festival | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | SOBOX | $20 | More than 12 DJs will be spinning house music at this daytime party with food vendors, local artists, a kids area, and more.
Shure 2025 Battle of the Bands | 2-10 p.m. | The Plaza Theatre | $10 | Discover your new favorite hometown band as acts compete for $1,000 and get food + drinks from local vendors.
Legacy Classic | 4 p.m. | Camping World Stadium | $18 | Watch the Jones High School Tigers + Seminole High School Seminoles face off in this annual game.
Nate Bargatze: “Big Dumb Eyes World Tour” | Saturday, Aug. 16-Sunday, Aug. 17 | 7 p.m. | Kia Center | $34+ | Get ready to laugh as “the nicest man in stand-up” takes the stage.
K92.3 All Star Jam | 7:30 p.m. | Addition Financial Arena | $72+ | Get your boots movin’ at this show starring acts like Kane Brown, Brett Young, Jon Pardi, and Chris Lane.
Tropical Storm Erin is expected to become the first hurricane of the season, but The Weather Channel said, “The probability of a landfall from Erin along the US East Coast is low at this time.” We’ll be keeping an umbrella close + watching weather updates.
Sports
An Orlando MLB team is getting closer to becoming a reality. The Orlando Dreamers have secured nearly $2 billion in funding, putting them “in a position to finance a franchise acquisition,” according to chief operating officer Jim Schnorf. The team has also signed a three-year lease for office space. (Orlando Business Journal)
Civic
Seminole County voted to pump up its gas tax by 5 cents on each gallon sold, beginning at the start of 2026. The tax increase is estimated to generate $8.8 million next fiscal year, which will help support a county budget shortfall and mass transportation expenses. (Orlando Sentinel)
Outdoors
The City of Orlando is conducting a Floodplain Management Plan Study — an effort to enhance flood response decisions, protect communities from natural disasters, and improve Orlando’s FEMA Community Rating System score. You can share feedback at the first community open house on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 6-7:30 p.m.
Coming Soon
Get ready to flip, three new Shake Shack restaurants are expected to come to Central Florida. This includes the first Oviedo location and two in Orlando: one at Colonial Plaza + one in Waterford Lakes Town Center. Permits have been filed, but timelines have not been announced. (Orlando Business Journal)
Announced
The Orlando Magic have announced their in-season NBA Cup tournament schedule. The team will compete in East Group B and face the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers + Detroit Pistons starting Friday, Nov. 7. Success will allow the Magic to advance to the Knockout Rounds. (Sports Illustrated)
The Orlando area had a thrilling showing on Tripadvisor’s list of “Amusement and Water Parks in the US.” The highest ranking local attraction was Magic Kingdom Park at No. 2, but other local entries include Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Universal Islands of Adventure, Fun Spot America + Universal Studios Florida.
Games
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.
How old was Orlando when it got its first sister city?
Last week, we looked at Orlando’s sister cities and asked you how old the city was when it welcomed its first sister: Tainan City, Taiwan, in 1982.
The correct answer was 144. The majority of ORLtoday readers got this question incorrect, so if you need a quick history lesson, Orlando was founded in 1838.
If you’re a music lover like me, Aug. 15 holds a special place in history — it’s the day Woodstock began in 1969. I don’t anticipate a revival of the festival, but if it did make a comeback, I’d like to see some Orlando-formed bands perform like the Backstreet Boys or Matchbox Twenty.
