With the passing of another month comes another opportunity to celebrate all the wonderful events that happened throughout our great city of Orlando! Here are all the highlights, just in case you missed it!
Hair enthusiast from around the world transformed the city for Matrix Destination! From January 28th-31st, thousands of attendees empowered themselves with four days of compelling Matrix Education led by award-winning Matrix stylists. The Opening Night on January 28th featured a high-energy show to kick the festivities off in style. The unforgettable event was headlined by some of the best in the business including leading Matrix Celebrity Stylists George Papanikolas and Nick Stenson, as well as surprise celebrity guest Fergie!
Cirque de la Symphonie returned to Orlando on February 3rd with an all-new program of awe-inspiring feats of power and beauty. The unforgettable show took place at the Bob Carr Theater and featured a spectacular show of acrobats, jugglers and aerial flyers. The performers soared high above the heads of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra as talented musicians played heart-racing music from blockbuster movie classics such as Star Wars, Harry Potter, Mission Impossible, Gladiator, and more!
On February 4th, Patriot and Eagle fans from across Orlando came together for Wall St. Plaza’s Super Block Party. The free admission event saw massive crowds show up to cheer on their favorite NFL team in front of a massive 16 ft. LED TV on Wall Street. Others chose to watch the big game inside one of Wall Street’s 7 bars, clubs and restaurants located in the heart of Downtown Orlando. Block party drink specials started at 4pm and kept the fun going all night long.
The most famous love story ever told was was brought back to life in Robert Hill’s brilliantly imagined adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. Set to Prokofiev’s rich score, the Orlando Ballet put together an unforgettable marriage of dance and drama at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts the weekend before Valentine’s Day. Live music provided by Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra was the perfect compliment for this beautiful retelling of Shakespeare’s beloved story.
On February 10th, Florida Hospital presented the Run 4 Love 4 Mile run/walk event at Showalter Field. The main event was for runners and walkers ages 8 and above, but the young ones were also able to get in on the action with the free kids’ run for kids ages 10 and under. The event benefited the Track Shack Youth Foundation; a 501 (c) non-profit organization that promotes physical fitness to children and teens through a wide variety of community organizations throughout Central Florida.
Back for the 7th year in a row, the Winter Garden Blues and BBQ festival returned on February 10th and paired the hottest Blues and Roots musicians with award winning local BBQ connoisseurs. Attendees from all walks of life showed up to the Mennello Museum of American Art for a free afternoon celebration of true Southern Soul. With featured entertainment such as Ari & The Alibis and Albert Castiglia, the festival came alive with incredible energy as the smooth sounds of blues and the sweet smell of barbecue filled the air. Proceeds benefited various Winter Garden Not for Profit/Community Organizations.
On February 14th, Orlando’s most eagerly awaited stage production leaped onto the stage at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts! The Lion King is a visually stunning, technically astounding show with a musical score like none other you’ve ever heard. Guests marveled at the breathtaking spectacle of animals brought to life by a cast of more than 40 actors. Attendees of all ages wondered at the inspiration of award-winning director Julie Taymor, who created visual images for this show that you’ll remember forever. The Lion King runs until March 11th so buy your tickets today!
Attendees of the 9th Annual Northwestern Mutual Orlando Chili Cook-Off enjoyed a beautiful day at Festival Park filled with samplings from 100+ chili booths crafted by local restaurants and chefs. Guests of the February 17th event also delighted in various food truck fare, beer and wine specials, and family-friendly refreshments. In addition to live music, games, vendors, multiple DJ stations, and a massive Kids Zone—the Orlando Chili Cook-Off was also proud to showcase the World Chili Eating Challenge, featuring the world famous Joey Chestnut and other professional eaters.
