The Mayor’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission turns 40 this year. | Photo courtesy the city of Orlando
Monday, Jan. 19 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and celebrations are already underway in Orlando. Here are a few upcoming opportunities to commemorate the life, work, and legacy of King:
Saturday, Jan. 17 | 42nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Downtown Orlando Parade
Themed “Mission Possible 2: Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way,” this event along Orange Avenue will feature dance and musical performances, drumlines, comedy, and more.
Monday, Jan. 19 | 3rd Annual MLK Day of Service Million Meal Pack
Sign up to help package meals, move boxes, or assist with cleanup at this volunteer event that will deliver 1 million meals to people in need across Central Florida.
Saturday, Feb. 22 | 11th Annual MLK Gospel Concert
Head to the Dr. Phillips Center for a show honoring King produced by Grammy Award winner Dr. Jeffrey Redding. Tickets are free, but attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food donations for United Against Poverty.
Find more Martin Luther King Jr. Day events around Orlando.
SEU offers a compelling pathway to your future that aligns education with spiritual + community values. | Photos provided by Southeastern University
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$55 million. That’s the projected cost of downtown Orlando’s 2026 construction slate, which includes a new entrance to Lake Eola Park, a park beneath Interstate 4, upgrades to Church Street, and a full overhaul of Magnolia Avenue. (Orlando Sentinel)
Outdoors
Detour ahead: A stretch of the Orlando Urban Trail is closed during construction on the Lift 2 Station. The section between Magnolia Avenue and Highland Avenue will be off-limits for roughly four months as crews replace 70-year-old wastewater pipes. (Bungalower)
Open
Moon Wok Kitchen & Lounge soft opens today on International Drive. From the team behind Michelin-recognized Twenty Pho Hour, the upscale Chinese restaurant boasts a menu of dishes like roast duck, crispy pork, and hot and sour soup. (Orlando Sentinel)
Quoted
“We don’t really have a way to protect the swans from avian flu at this point.” That’s what Mayor Buddy Dyer said as Lake Eola’s avian flu outbreak has now killed at least 26 swans. In response, Orlando residents have launched a petition calling for greater protections for the park’s beloved birds. (Bungalower)
Eat
Winner, winner. Saucy by KFC is now open in Winter Park on South Orlando Avenue. The new fast-food concept spotlights chicken tenders paired with 11 bold sauces, including jalapeño pesto ranch and creole honey mustard. Pro tip: Order the four-sauce flight to sample a few favorites. (Bungalower)
Announced
Seoul Bol is officially open in Windermere today. The new concept from Orlando restaurateur Hoi Nguyen serves customizable “modern Korean wellness bowls” with proteins, banchan, and house-made sauces, all set in a hanok-inspired space. (Orlando Weekly)
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The world’s largest Build-A-Bear Workshop is taking shape in Icon Park. Set to open this summer, the multi-level destination will offer an expanded, more immersive take on the brand’s signature make-your-own plush experience. Plus, look forward to unexpected extras like a slide to different levels, a rooftop restaurant, and more interactive features.
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Heads up, “Heated Rivalry” fans — The Social is throwing a dance party dedicated to the hit series on Thursday, Jan. 22. Tickets are $15 and on sale now.
