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Orlando Weekly •

Orlando comedian Larry Fulford gets serious with 'Anything but ICE' job fair-as-protest this week

Orlando comic and musician Larry Fulford and friends are hosting an Anything but ICE Job Fair on Friday, March 27, outside the ICE office on Delegates Drive in Orlando.


Fulford tells Orlando Weekly that the job fair is a rebuke to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents’ presence in Central Orlando.


“It’s a protest, essentially,” Fulford says. “But with a purpose, and that’s to let employees at ICE know that there are other jobs available.”


Fulford has been involved in a couple of p...
Orlando Weekly •

Fandom explosion MegaCon is back in Orlando, this time with the singular Mr. T

MegaCon is back in Orlando this week for four full days of celebrities, cosplay, vendors, panels, meet-and-greets and pop-culture overdrive. There are some impressive guests this year — from John Cena to Gillian Anderson,  John Carpenter to Liv Tyler — but one of the names that jumped out to us most was 1980s icon Mr. T. 


Yes, The A-Team and Rocky III star is bringing his tough-but-fair love to MegaCon this weekend, his first time at the massive fandom fest. 


Born Laurence Tureaud, Mr. T g...
Orlando Weekly •

Blue Man Group is only one of many visual delights at Immerse 2026 in downtown Orlando

Dive in headfirst as Creative City Project’s downtown arts takeover Immerse kicks off a vibrant spring of performing arts in Orlando.


The free festival takes over downtown all weekend, uniting artists and performers in a celebration of the City Beautiful’s creative culture. 


This year, Immerse features performances and installations from Blue Man Group, Cirque du Soleil’s Drawn to Life, Architects of Air, Orlando Vocal Collective (taking on the works of Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston) an...
Orlando Weekly •

Folkie siblings the Wood Brothers return to Orlando in a 'Puff of Smoke'

Grammy-nominated folk fam the Wood Brothers performing at the Plaza Live Thursday, road-testing their 2025 album Puff of Smoke and celebrating the 20th anniversary of debut album Ways Not to Lose. This touring run, kicked off in Atlanta last week and now stopping in Orlando’s Milk District, features a still-fresh setlist full of new songs as well as fan favorites from previous albums. 


The core duo of brothers Oliver and Chris Wood got their musical start in Boulder, Colorado, beginning their...

News

Orlando Weekly •

Halloween Horror Nights reveals new theme, first haunted house of 2026

Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights is creeping its way back into town with the news of its 2026 theme and the very first haunted house announcement of the year. 
This year marks HHN’s 35th anniversary, an event that the park says will blend legacy with blood-curdling scares — all culminating in the theme “Infernal Carnival of Nightmares.” 
Universal will be transformed into a battered carnival featuring a slew of new houses, scare zones and haunts that pay homage to Horror Nights’ icono...
Orlando Weekly •

Orlando Fringe sets dates for 35th anniversary Festival

Orlando’s storied theater and culture festival is celebrating its 35th anniversary, and it’s going to be weird.
The Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival will return to Loch Haven Park from May 12 to May 25. Fringe features a variety of theater, dance, comedy and art expression, and this year, it’s weirder than ever with a new theme: “35 Years Weird.” 
Orlando Fringe, longest-running installment in the U.S. has prided itself on uplifting authentically outrageous art. Artistic director Te...
Orlando Weekly •

Dolly Parton wants to take you to Dollywood, Orlando

Orlando’s Dolly Parton fans can soon step away from their 9-to-5s and straight into Dollywood. 
A limited specialty flight, courtesy of Allegiant Airlines, will take passengers from the Orlando area to the Dolly Parton-infused amusement park later this year. 
The more, ahem, august Orlandoans among us will fondly remember Parton’s previous foray into Orlando tourism — the Dixie Stampede dinner-and-a-show attraction on Vineland that ran from 2003 to 2008 before sadly shuttering. (Think Medieval T...
Orlando Weekly •

Waymo has arrived in Orlando

Self-driving artificial intelligence-powered robotaxis have officially begun zooming into Orlando. 
Waymo made its debut in the City Beautiful Tuesday, offering an unconventional ride service that strives to be “the world’s most trusted driver,” says the company, which is owned by Google parent company Alphabet. 
The cars eliminate human drivers, opting instead for an AI-powered ride. Waymo vehicles detect pedestrians, public transit vehicles and emergency vehicles through a combination of camer...
Orlando Weekly •

Camping World Stadium’s $400 million renovation is underway

Construction has begun on Orlando’s renovation of Camping World Stadium, a project focused on creating a more modernized, comfortable and competitive venue. 
This $400 million project aims to increase the longevity of the stadium as an economic beacon. The revamp is entirely funded by Orange County’s Tourist Development Tax, the 6% fee on all Orange County hotel stays and lodgings. 
Planned upgrades include hurricane bracing, a retractable stage pocket to accommodate large bands, and increased s...
Orlando Weekly •

Thornton Park's newest themed pop-up bar kicks off soccer season

Soccer fans can celebrate the preseason at new pop-up bar The Final Whistle as Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride gear up for their season kickoffs. 
Orlando City and Orlando Pride’s seasons begin on Feb. 21 and March 15, respectively, giving fans several weeks to enjoy all the Thornton Park drinking locale has to offer.
Appearances from alumni players, exclusive merchandise and engaging experiences are on offer, plus team-inspired food and beverages. 
The Final Whistle will also showcase rare me...
Orlando Weekly •

Orlando Family Stage hosts 100-year reunion for its Centennial Celebration

Orlando Family Stage invites generations of patrons, artists, volunteers and art lovers to walk through history at its 100-Year Reunion this week.
Part of the theater’s Centennial Celebration, the reunion event takes place Tuesday, Feb. 3, and marks exactly 100 years since the Orlando Family Stage presented its first plays in Orlando at the former Beacham Theatre. 
The reunion happens from 5:30 to 8 p.m., is free to attend and will feature food, beverages and opportunities for attendees to conne...
Orlando Weekly •

Megacon Orlando announces even more guests for 2026

One year after 2025’s fandom event drew in more than 180,000 attendees, Megacon is heading back to Orlando with even more big-name guests in tow.
Megacon previously teased a visit from John Cena and a Hobbit takeover (Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan and Billy Boyd will be there) to celebrate The Lord of the Rings films’ 25th anniversary. Now, more meet-and-greets, panels and interactive programming featuring pop-culture icons have been announced. 
Actors from a range of TV series and...
Orlando Weekly •

SeaWorld offers preschoolers unlimited free admission all 2026

Orlando aquatic parks SeaWorld and Aquatica are once again offering a year of unlimited free admission to Florida preschoolers 3 to 5 years old.
The deadline to register online for the Preschool Card is Tuesday, Feb. 3. Once active, the Preschool Card has unlimited uses until Dec. 31, but the first visit must be completed by the end of February. 
Along with the 2026 Preschool Card, SeaWorld highlights two of its family-friendly attractions: Expedition Odyssey, the park’s newest interactive theat...
Orlando Weekly •

RuPaul, Zedd, All-American Rejects on Universal Mardi Gras 2026 lineup

Universal Mardi Gras will host pop sensations, DJs and more concert headliners this year, the park announced Tuesday.
Universal Mardi Gras runs from February into March and is now set to feature a lineup of popular artists like Bebe Rexha, Zedd, Shaggy, The All-American Rejects and even a DJ set from RuPaul. 
More big names this year include DJ Kaskade, reggaeton artists Ivy Queen and Shaggy, Barenaked Ladies, and two members of the Backstreet Boys, Joey Fatone and AJ McLean.
The full lineup inc...

Weekly Selections

Orlando Weekly •

If you had a ruff week, Pints N' Paws in Sanford might be just what you need

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Orlando Weekly •

K-Pop stars Twice come to Orlando for a two-night run of shows

K-pop has broken down cultural barriers to become an integral part of the musical landscape in North America, and all-woman group Twice are among the vanguard acts. But Twice differs from other K-pop ensembles with their playful and carefree synth-pop sound. While groups like Blackpink and Le Sserafim lean into intense and often left-field sounds, Twice remains bright and bubbly.


The nine-member group is innovating with production on their “This Is For” tour with a 360-degree stage, creating...
Orlando Weekly •

Chameleonic R&B star JMSN returns to Orlando this weekend

Chameleonic social media sensation JMSN brings his smoldering “Scared Straight” tour to Orlando. Following the release of his 2025 album … it’s only about u if you think it is, JMSN proves that a career spanning a decade still leaves room for experimentation.


This latest album draws inspiration from moody 1990s alt-rock, with a blaring rhythm section complemented by eerie vocals and melancholy lyrics. His first album, Priscilla (released in 2012), was an exercise in leftfield R&B, catered to...
Orlando Weekly •

Comedian Michelle Buteau brings her 'Buteau-ful Mind' to Orlando

Michelle Buteau’s “Surviving and Thriving” stand-up tour is finally making a stop at the Hard Rock Live in Orlando. (The tour was rescheduled from last year.)


Buteau’s award-winning scripted shows and fan-fave comedy specials have solidified her as a comedy powerhouse. She made history in the summer of 2024 with her second Netflix comedy special, Buteau-ful Mind at Radio City Music Hall; she was the first woman to record a special in the storied venue. The milestone special saw her call out...
Orlando Weekly •

Alicia Keys jukebox musical 'Hell’s Kitchen' in Orlando this week

The bustling arts culture of New York City comes to Orlando as the jukebox musical Hell’s Kitchen opens at the Dr. Phillips Center. The Broadway musical is inspired by the life and music of chart-topper Alicia Keys, taking the audience to that vibrant neighborhood circa 1990s NYC.


This coming-of-age story follows Ali, a semi-autobiographical teen based on Keys. Ali dreams of becoming a musician while butting heads with a mother who seemingly doesn’t understand her. The story hits a peak as A...
Orlando Weekly •

Comedian Mae Martin comes to Orlando on their 'Possum' tour

Mae Martin’s “The Possum” tour may be named after an animal famous for playing dead, but their show is bursting with life.


Martin’s comedic style is vulnerable, drawing on personal experiences blended with jokes that linger. Martin’s recent material focuses on the Canadian-born comedian’s transition to living in Los Angeles, with detours into dabbling in the occult, witchcraft and holistic healing. (Martin has even teased a mind-reading portion of the show.)


Besides amateur mystic, Martin...
Orlando Weekly •

Comedic proving ground the Second City tour through Orlando this week

Legendary improv institution the Second City’s touring production, “Laugh Harder, Not Smarter,” is a night of professionally unhinged sketch comedy.


Sixty-seven years after its founding, the ensemble is still practicing untamed improv and spirited sketch. The group’s specialization in improvisation guarantees that every performance is unique.


The Chicago-founded group was the launchpad for many well-known comedians, including Joan Rivers, Martin Short, Alan Arkin, Tina Fey, Stephen Colbe...
Orlando Weekly •

Comedian Katt Williams returns to an Orlando arena stage, and he's got plenty to say

Veteran comedian and actor Katt Williams blends American politics and dynamic humor for this gilded comedy tour. Williams embarks on the “Golden Age” jaunt following the release of his fourth Netflix comedy special, The Last Report.


In the special, Williams takes on the oligarchy-industrial complex through subjects like who shot JFK, the rise of Ozempic and the fall of Diddy, among other timely political topics (see: Trump, Donald J). With a career spanning two decades, Williams has sold out...
Orlando Weekly •

Ongaku Overdrive throws a ‘Legendary’ party to celebrate four decades of Zelda

Go on a nostalgic journey through the Kingdom of Hyrule at Ongaku Overdrive’s Legendary: Celebrating 40 Years of Zelda event. The celebration of the iconic videogame features live performances of the soundtrack, themed drinks, console game set-ups and prize raffles all at Conduit.


The musical lineup includes Ro Panuganti Prog Experience playing a set culled from Panuganti’s Zelda-metal fusion concept albums; composer Lionmight performing songs from the Zelda anthology with added traditional F...
Orlando Weekly •

Mariah the Scientist ready to take Orlando by storm for two nights

Atlanta R&B standout Mariah the Scientist brings heartbreak to the House of Blues on her “Hearts Sold Separately” tour.


Praised for her affecting tales of love and loss since her 2019 debut, Mariah’s 2025 album Hearts Sold Separately is no different. The album is bleeding-edge R&B, detailing a metaphorical war on love, complete with the cover’s small green army figurine styled to resemble Mariah. Mariah attended St. John’s University, studying biology, hence the “Scientist” in her nom de mus...
Orlando Weekly •

Chemistry and 'chemistry' collide at a Valentine's Day Science Night Live

Make certain your Valentine’s Day has chemistry by attending Science Night Live. This 18-and-up event features science-themed activities, trivia and beverages at the Orlando Science Center. The Science Center’s Spark STEM Fest is featured, giving attendees the opportunity to connect and engage with STEM professionals across a variety of fields.


Impossible Science Live! returns, featuring magician Jason Latimer, who blends science and magic through light-bending, levitation and other illusion...
Orlando Weekly •

Mennello Museum's Indie-Folkfest has all the makings of an eclectic Valentine's Day outing

Orlando’s Mennello Museum presents its 11th annual Indie-Folkfest, a day of local live music, artistry, food and activities. The Indie-Folkfest is an outdoor celebration of local artistry all taking place on the museum’s lawn.


This year’s musical lineup includes Eugene Snowden, Beemo and Claire Vandiver, Beth McKee and Her Funky Time Band, and Skinny McGee and the Handshakes. The arts portion of the fest features a variety of crafty vendors selling handmade jewelry, soaps, ceramics, glasswor...
Orlando Weekly •

Orlando poet Shawn Welcome presents Voices of Freedom at Dr. Phillips Center

In celebration of Black History Month, the Dr. Phillips Center presents “Voices of Freedom: An Evening of Spoken Word.” The event highlights the cultural impact of performance poetry, a powerful blend of words, movement and expression.


The night honors the art form’s history, from the 1950s Beat poets to the wordsmiths of hip-hop. Orlando’s second Poet Laureate, Shawn Welcome, headlines the event, performing a 90-minute showcase. Welcome is a UCF alumnus known for his 20-year-running open mic...
Orlando Weekly •

Like Woodstock for dogs, Paws in the Park takes over Lake Eola this weekend

One of the biggest pet festivals in the United States is returning for as 32nd year as Pet Alliance’s Paws in the Park wags its way into Lake Eola Park.


The signature pet costume contest kicks off the festivities at 10 a.m., featuring cash prizes and celebrity judges. Human attendees and their furry companions can also enjoy a variety of activities including a new agility course and the return of the popular lure courses. Bipedal attendees can avail themselves of the beer garden, a variety o...
Orlando Weekly •

Winter Park Arts Weekend promises four days of creativity and Broadway star Jasmine Forsberg

Immerse yourself in Winter Park’s tightly woven tapestry of culture with a weekend of artistic celebration. This year, Winter Park Arts Weekend is themed on the intricacy of tapestries and the personal and familial ties they often represent.


The four-day-long event features an array of exhibits, art shows, film screenings, live music and cultural experiences. Thursday presents an interactive evening of reflection that spotlights the impact of the arts on young people’s mental health. Friday...
Orlando Weekly •

Zora! Festival's Outdoor Festival of the Arts is the place to be in Eatonville all weekend

Historic Eatonville’s annual Zora! Festival honoring local writer Zora Neale Hurston returns with a full week of events.


The centerpiece Outdoor Festival of the Arts kicks off on Friday with Education Day, a student- and teacher-centered event that encourages the next generation to explore history, art and STEM through exhibitions, performances and guided tours.


Saturday (Family Day) features an All-White Attire Celebration filled with cultural expression and live music. Headliner Jubu S...
Orlando Weekly •

Indie rockers The Wombats steer tour into Orlando this week

Liverpudlian indie rockers The Wombats bring a sunny, groovy sound paired with witty existential lyrics to town, as exmplified on their 2025 album Oh! The Ocean. That album was hailed by critics as emotional, nouveau indie at its finest. Following the release of an extended version of said record,


The Wombats begin their biggest tour cycle in Florida this week, including this Beacham gig. “X-Rated,” a single from the deluxe LP, might just be the apex of the band’s vibrant melancholia. Fast-p...
Orlando Weekly •

Ghost kick off their arena-sized Skeletour in Orlando this week

A ritual brought to the arena, Swedish metal band Ghost’s Skeletour kicks off in Orlando with unholy theatrics to spare.


The band’s sixth album, Skeletá, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 in March of last year and is arguably the new sound of modern stadium rock. The chameleonic Tobias Forge’s band’s concerts on this tour are going to be “phone-free” in favor of total eldritch immersion.


The band just dropped their deep-cut Pet Shop Boys cover, “It’s a Sin,” on streaming platforms...

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