Happy halfway to New Years! Wait a minute–did I really just write that? YIKES! It feels like we were just talking about Valentine’s Day and now it’s already May. The only thing moving faster than time in Orlando is the pace of events happening in our amazing city! Month after month, you’re guaranteed to find thrills and entertaining events throughout the City Beautiful and last month was no different. Check out some of our favorite highlights below, just in case you missed it!

April 1st kicked off a tremendous weekend of influence and elegance, and that’s no April Fool’s joke! Black Business Weekend is the culmination of three events: The Legacy Gala, The Black Business Summit & Expo, and the Black Biz Brunch. Each brought together premiere black business owners, black professionals, and supporters of black business to connect culture and creativity. With proceeds benefiting Legacy Ventures’ Project Future, the Legacy Gala invited attendees to immerse themselves in nobility, distinction, and majesty as they were transported into the Royal Kingdom of Zamunda during an elegant evening of breathtaking décor, dazzling entertainment, and exquisite dining. Attendees even had the opportunity to shake hands with history as guest speaker and World War II Tuskegee pilot Daniel Keel shared stories of legacy, culture, and history. The fun continued on Saturday with The Black Business Summit & Expo focused on developing and promoting black and brown businesses from across Florida. On Sunday, the festivities came to a close with posh networking at its finest at the Black Biz Brunch where black professionals came together for a celebration of growth and success.

Year after year, the Runway To Hope Spring Fashion Soirée never fails to bring an unforgettable evening of bravery and beauty to the city of Orlando. On April 2nd, this beloved event returned to one of the country’s largest and most beautiful ballrooms at Rosen Shingle Creek, a proud corporate sponsor of the event. Co-founders Mark and Josie NeJame established Runway to Hope in 2010 and it has since grown to become an inspiring, truly signature fundraising event. Now in its 10th year, the highlight of the evening is a special fashion show featuring incredible and brave children, ages 2 to 18, all who are currently battling or have overcome cancer. The courageous children walk the runway arm in arm with one of the dozens of national and local celebrity escorts as they show off the powerful beauty of their unwavering spirits. This year’s celebrity co-hosts, Johnny Magic and Cheryl Burke, emceed the night and led the audience in celebrating the strength and hope of these beautiful children. Together we raised more than one million dollars for the fight. Consider joining all of us at Orlando Style in helping to support Runway To Hope’s mission and these amazing children by visiting www.runwaytohope.org.

Outdoor fun and family activities drew thousands of Central Floridians to Lake Eola from April 2nd-3rd for Spring Fiesta in the Park! Located in the heart of downtown Orlando, the tradition returned for its 33rd year to showcase the beauty of springtime at Lake Eola. Hosted by Cox Media Group and the City of Orlando, the pet-friendly event included more than 200 artist and crafter booths, food vendors, live music, a huge children’s play area and more. While live entertainment at the Walt Disney Amphitheater was a highlight of the free event series, the real stars of the show were the artists and crafters that came from all over the United States to display and sell their original work. Spanning the entire walkway of Lake Eola, The Fiesta in the Park Series was truly fun for the whole family.

Voted “#1 Best Wedding Expo,” the Florida Wedding Expo returned on April 20th and invited newly engaged couples and prospective brides to compare over 75 of the area’s most popular vendors. From tasting gourmet appetizers, entrees and decadent desserts to bubbly and themed beverages at the cash bar, there were plenty of food options for guests to enjoy! Attendees also met the best in the industry when it comes to photography, videography, DJs & entertainment, the latest photo booths, wedding gowns, tuxedos and bridal party fashions, floral & decor, event rentals, wedding backdrops, draping, lighting, bouquets, gift registries, favors and so much more. Naturally the highlight of the day was the ultimate wedding fashion show, ‘Style Down the Aisle’ which invited future brides to preview all the latest styles to find their perfect dress and wedding party looks. There was truly something for everyone at this stunning event.

What do you call Oktoberfest in April? Springtoberfest of course! On Saturday April 23rd, beer enthusiasts from around the city were invited to join the German American Society of Central Florida for fabulous German food and plenty of beer on tap from German breweries. The festivities featured a traditional flag parade in addition to live musical entertainment and dancing all day long, both outside in the Biergarten and inside the Clubhouse. Even non-beer drinkers were able to enjoy the action with a full-service bar in the air-conditioned Alpine-themed Clubhouse. All this added up to the very best in Gemütlichkeit…. the warm feeling of comfort, cheer and camaraderie. So raise your beer steins high in a German toast …Zicke, zacke hoi… hoi… hoi… und Prost.

Caribbean Fusion has been a festival celebrating Caribbean/American culture, music and diversity for the past 24+ years. On April 24th, the annual Caribbean Fusion Festival once again took over Kissimmee Lakefront Park for the first post-covid return of this beloved event. The free family festival is sometimes called the Caribbean Family reunion as everyone comes together to celebrate the Fusion of Caribbean Culture during a full day of fun and food. Attendees enjoyed everything from steel bands and dancers to reggae, soca and latin music by live performers.The vision of the Caribbean Fusion Festival is to recognize and celebrate the diversity of Caribbean people and to bring that ONENESS of the culture through food, arts, crafts, and music to Osceola County. For the Caribbean/American population throughout Central Florida, this was a must attend event that showcased the best of Caribbean/American Culture with its foods, music, and arts.

Oceans of flavor and fun are waiting at SeaWorld! Since February 4th, park guests have been setting sail on a taste adventure savoring over 200 mouthwatering options from international cuisines to imported craft beers to unique wines. Fortunately  you can still take part in the fun as every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from now until May 8 is Sea World’s Seven Seas Food Festival. From foodies to families, everyone will find tasty delights among more than 200 distinct (and mostly new this year!) offerings. It’s the most they’ve ever had, and it makes Seven Seas the biggest theme park food festival in Orlando. Explore more than 50 fresh global cuisine choices to pair with over 75 wine and cocktail selections and 75 craft beers. Revitalize your taste buds as you share this welcoming, open-air experience. Add a taste of rock, country, Latin, or 90s throwback sounds at our live music shows, and enjoy even more diverse entertainment and surprises at special times like Cinco de Mayo this month. With exquisite flavors to top off exhilarating coasters and extraordinary animals, the Seven Seas Food Festival is a voyage to stir the soul—and warm the belly!