Weekend Preview Aug 2nd - Aug 4th, 2013: Things to Do in Orlando

What's going on in Orlando this weekend? As usual, a little bit of everything! Steampunks drinking margaritas, kids on bikes, food trucks and soccer games, or whatever combination you choose.

Weekend Events

Was Gadget from Chip 'n' Dale Rescue Rangers into
Steampunk before it was cool?

This Saturday and Sunday from 9:00am to 5:00pm, stop by the Renningers Mount Dora Flea Market and Antique Center for the Steam Punk Industrial Show. Amid the antiques and oddities you'll find exhibitors showing off their retro-futuristic interpretations of 19th century clothing, technology, and furniture. What's Steampunk? Basically, it's Victorian England + Futurism + a little bit of Chip 'n' Dale Rescue Rangers cosplay.

Parents around the state rejoice this Friday through Sunday because it's Florida's annual Sales Tax Holiday. That means you won't be paying taxes on clothes under $75 per item, school supplies under $15 each, and certain electronics under $750. (All those iPads you're buying are for your third grader, right?) Never mind the fact that you bought $400 worth of things you didn't need--BECAUSE YOU SAVED $26!!!

This weekend, check out Friday's Food Truck Bazaar in Kissimmee (6:00 to 9:00pm), Saturday's in Sanford (6:00 to 9:00pm), and Sunday's in Orange City (6:00 to 9:00pm). 

Friday, August 2nd

It's the first Friday of the month, and that means it's time for FAVO First Friday Art Show and Exhibition, at the Faith Arts Village (221 E Colonial Dr) from 5:00 to 9:00pm. Vendors, studio tours, and food trucks.

Don't forget: it's also Baldwin Park First Friday Art Stroll from 5:30 to 9:30pm with live music and drink specials.

If you're in the mood for a movie, check out Date Night at Leu Gardens, showing The Vow at 8:30pm (gardens open at 6:00pm; $5, $2, free members; weather permitting). Meanwhile, the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden is showing The Birdcage at 7:00pm ($5). 

Saturday, August 3rd

This Saturday from noon to 3:00am (!!) check out Arnold Day IX at Lazy Moon (11551 University Blvd). Arnold quotes, costumes, birthday cakes, Arnold classics on the big screen, food specials, and $1 beer during Arnold vs. Bad-Guy faceoffs.  

Fans of the David Lynch show and movie (and fans of art in general) should check out The Twin Peaks Art Show at The Falcon (819 E Washington St) starting Saturday at 8:00pm.

Also at 8:00pm is the Smiling Bison Sneak Preview Party, the new restaurant opening in the former RedLight spot (745 Bennett Rd). The bar will be open and the Smiling Bison food cart will dish up a preview of their upcoming menu.

Come to Wall Street Plaza for the 4th Annual Margarita Fest, this Saturday from 5:00 to 8:00pm. Live music and, of course, plenty of tequila and margarita drinks and samples. Tickets start at $10. 

There are only a few home games left and as the season ends this month, the Orlando City Lions take on the Pittsburgh River Hounds at 7:30pm. Come early to tailgate with the supporters groups with fun activities and drinks; tickets start at $15.

From 10:00am to 3:00pm, Sparky's Distribution is having a Parking Lot Jam and Scratch & Dent Sale at their warehouse (210 E Palmetto Ave,  Longwood). Get some great deals on BMX bike gear, great shirts, free hot dogs and ride the parking lot set up with the coffin grind box. Cash only!

Sunday, August 4th

Beat the heat this Sunday and participate in the 2013 downtown CREDO Bike Rally. This is the second annual rally by downtown CREDO and the Parramore Kidz Zone. Meet at 706 W Smith St at 10:00am to ride bikes around town, play games, and hang out with some cool peeps.

From 9:00 to 11:00am, the Audubon Park Garden District is having a Speed Weed at the Community Garden. Stop by and don't forget to bring your gloves!

Urban ReThink is hosting a Global Peace Film Festival preview of World Peace and Other 4th-Grade Achievements this Sunday at 7:30pm. $5 suggested donation.

What are you doing this weekend, Orlando? Leave a comment below!