Outdoor Adventures, Quirky Experiences and Iconic Attractions Await in Orlando This Week

Listeners heading to Orlando this week will find a dynamic mix of iconic attractions, live entertainment, outdoor adventures, and quirky experiences that go far beyond the usual theme park routine. Kicking off the fun, SeaWorld Orlando is hosting its Bands, Brews & BBQ series this weekend, where visitors can sample craft brews and barbecue while enjoying live music, including a Journey tribute band on July 12 and country star Joe Nichols on July 13. Over at Lake David Park, the Pro Wakeboard Tour Stop 3 happens July 12 and 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., showcasing top wakeboarders from around the world pulling off gravity-defying tricks. For those seeking a unique wellness twist, Ivanhoe Park Lager House invites all levels for Barre & Brews on July 13 at 11 a.m.—a 45-minute barre class followed by a celebratory beer.

For listeners with a love of nostalgia, The Tea Room Experience offers the Golden Girls Teatime on July 13, with seating times throughout the day, perfect for channeling your inner Blanche, Dorothy, Rose, or Sophia while enjoying laughs and tiered treats. Adding a festive twist to July, Dubsdread hosts Christmas in July: Jingle, Mingle, Sip and Shop on July 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., an indoor-outdoor marketplace for holiday shopping and mid-summer cheer. Avalon Park buzzes with community festivals, especially around holidays, but throughout the year, families and foodies can enjoy movie nights and local markets according to AvalonParkOrlando.com.

Outdoor lovers can bask in the beauty of Lake Eola Park, right in the heart of downtown. The nearly one-mile sidewalk loop makes for a scenic stroll with Orlando skyline views, abundant swans, swan-shaped paddle boats for rent, gardens, and frequent concerts at the Walt Disney Amphitheater. Visitors can pack a picnic, feed the swans (lettuce and duck pellets only), or grab a bite at Relax Grill while soaking up city vibes. According to Tripadvisor, it's a favorite with locals for relaxing walks and wildlife watching.

A short ride from downtown, listeners can dive into the adventure of a clear kayak tour on Silver Springs, paddling above fish, turtles, and maybe even a manatee. The Florida Outdoors and TripAdvisor highlight additional water adventures from paddleboarding to eco-tours at Rainbow Springs and Buccaneer Bay at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, where guests can swim, spot wildlife, or catch the iconic live mermaid shows—a hidden Florida gem since 1947.

Art and culture aficionados should make time for Rollins Museum of Art's Saturday docent-led tours, or catch Cirque du Soleil's Drawn to Life at Disney Springs, where acrobatic art and Disney animation collide in a dazzling stage show. Afterward, Disney Springs itself offers live music, street performances, and diverse dining, ranging from quick bites to chef-driven restaurants. For hands-on food fun, Chocolate Kingdom offers a factory adventure tour—a chance to craft your own chocolate bar.

For families or listeners seeking something unconventional, WonderWorks Orlando flips expectations with its upside-down building full of interactive science exhibits, while Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition immerses visitors in the famous ship's story through genuine artifacts and themed dinner galas.

Downtown Orlando transforms at night with vibrant bars and live venues, or for a more relaxed evening, stroll the historic district, take a self-guided audio ghost tour, or catch the Orlando Magic in basketball season. Thanks to the National Recreation and Park Association, Orlando is dotted with more than 100 parks, lakes, and trails for cycling, picnicking, or quiet exploration.

Orlando's ever-changing lineup of festivals, tours, and neighborhood gatherings ensures there's always something new and local to discover, whether it's a free concert, a quirky art walk, or themed pop-ups. This week, with food, music, art, sports, and no shortage of...