Weekend Preview April 5th - 7th, 2013: Things to Do in Orlando

For those concerned about the weather, worry not! Friday evening and the rest of the weekend look clear, with pleasant temps in the mid-70s. So go out, take in some art, and don't miss some great movies!

Friday

First Fridays are a popular day for monthly events.  Here's what's going on this Friday:

• You can enjoy the Cornell Fine Arts Museum's galleries for free for the rest of the year, but you can only meet the artists and art scholars at the monthly First Friday at the Cornell, tonight at 5:30pm and 6:30pm.  
• From 5:00pm to 9:30pm, check out the Baldwin Park First Friday Festival and Art Stroll.  This free festival features local artists and live music.
• Also tonight is First Fridays in Ivanhoe Village. From 5:00pm to 11:00pm, stroll North Orange Ave for some art, drinks, and food vendors.
• In historic Sanford, the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center hosts Funny First Friday Comedy Jam at 8:30pm. Tickets are $15. (I think it's every month, but call to be sure!)

Weather permitting, bring a bottle of wine, some snacks, and some blankets or chairs to Leu Garden's Date Night Outdoor Movie. The beautiful gardens open at 6:00pm and tonight's movie, Skyfall, will begin at 8:30pm. Tickets are $5 for adults, $2 for children, and free for members.

Saturday

This Saturday from 10:00am to 5:00pm (and Sunday from noon to 5:00pm!), is the 24th Annual Spring Fiesta at Lake Eola Park. This free event features arts, music, events, and food vendors.  

So, how does an artist go about his or her work? What does a creative space look like? Find out Saturday from 4:00pm to 9:00pm when you explore the working studios at McRae Art Studios Spring Open House (904 Railroad Ave, Winter Park).  

Sunday

To get you warmed-up for Earth Day later this month, Urban ReThink is showing Planeat.  This preview of what September's Global Peace Festival has to offer starts Sunday evening at 7:30pm.  

Weekend

Don't forget: it's the first weekend of the month!  That means Bank of America customers get free admission to the Menello Museum of American Art, the Orange County History Center, the Orlando Science Center, and the Orlando Museum of Art. Read our Culture on a Budget post for details!

Florida Film Festival

This weekend and all next week is your chance to see more than 170 films, meet over 100 local and visiting filmmakers and special guests, and attend special events. The 22nd Annual Florida Film Festival takes place mainly at the Enzian, but movies are also shown at the Winter Park Regal. Tickets are generally $9 - $11, with ticket packages giving you the best deals. Let's take a look at two of Saturday's screenings:

Be Good is a film that looks into the lives of two first time parents who face the struggle between balancing quality parenthood and pursuing their dreams. Catch it Saturday, April 6th, at 2:00pm. Click here for tickets.

Director Debbie Lum’s documentary Seeking Asian Female, the story of an Asian American filmmaker and her unlikely friendship, will be making its southeast premiere at the Florida Film Festival on Saturday, April 6th, at 7:00pm. Click here for tickets.

What are you doing this weekend?