Orlando's 150th Birthday Bash: Discover the City's Vibrant Arts, Music, and Outdoor Adventures

Listeners looking for fun and unique things to do in Orlando this week are in for an exciting range of options. Orlando is celebrating its 150th birthday on July 31, 2025, making today an especially festive time to explore The City Beautiful. According to WKMG News 6 Orlando, special events today include free admission to Harry P. Leu Gardens, the Mennello Museum of American Art, and the Orange County Regional History Center. Downtown Orlando’s “Discover Downtown” event is happening from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with various shops offering exclusive discounts.

Art lovers won’t want to miss the Wynwood Walls, a vibrant outdoor gallery filled with eclectic murals and immersive street art, making it an Instagram-worthy and inspiring destination for listeners who appreciate contemporary creativity. The Mennello Museum, which is free today, is also home to local and national art exhibits in a peaceful lakeside setting.

For music enthusiasts, VisitFlorida reports that ICON Park is hosting the Summer Live Music Series on Saturdays and Sundays through August 4. This free outdoor music experience runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. under the Orlando Eye and features local bands, food and outdoor bars, followed by DJ sets until midnight.

Outdoor adventurers craving a taste of wild Florida should consider paddling the Wekiva River, which flows through lush forests and offers opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and wildlife watching. Venture Outdoors Florida highlights its tranquil springs, gentle currents, and scenic picnic spots as ideal for anyone seeking a classic Florida experience close to Orlando.

Disney fans will find all four major parks erupting with activity. TouringPlans.com notes that now is a great time to visit EPCOT for lower crowds, as there is no major festival this week. For Star Wars lovers, Disney’s Hollywood Studios boasts “Rise of the Resistance,” currently recording some of the highest wait times, testament to its huge popularity and immersive storytelling.

Universal Orlando remains a true highlight, with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter enchanting listeners of all ages. According to recent reviews on Tripadvisor, wandering through Diagon Alley and riding the Hogwarts Express to Hogsmeade makes for a magical day out, but prepare for long lines at standout attractions like Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.

Thrill-seekers can head to SeaWorld Orlando for a mix of roller coasters like Mako, Orlando’s tallest and fastest, and animal encounters including dolphins and sea lions. Tripadvisor reviewers praise SeaWorld’s variety, from the Shamu show to the all-new Pipeline and Ice Breaker coasters.

For those looking for something more local or off the beaten path, OrlandoOnTheCheap recommends exploring Central Florida Springs, where crisp water around 72 degrees is perfect for a summer swim. Favorite locations such as Silver Springs State Park provide kayaking alongside manatees and monkeys for a truly unique outdoor memory.

Orlando’s diverse food scene promises delights for any palate. Downtown food halls serve everything from global fusion bites to fresh seafood, and listeners seeking local flavor should pop into the Milk District for craft coffee, creative eats, and weeknight music or trivia events.

If sports are your passion, Orlando City SC soccer matches offer high-energy MLS action, while for families and younger listeners, a stroll through Lake Eola Park brings the chance to ride swan boats, feed the resident swans, or catch a pop-up concert at the amphitheater.

This week, you can also explore Harry P. Leu Gardens—free today—which is famous for its lush landscape and shaded walking trails among camellias and azaleas, or venture to historic Winter Park for a scenic boat tour through the chain of lakes and oak-lined neighborhoods.

For vintage treasure hunters, the Fancy Flea returns August 9...