Weekend Preview August 15th - 18th, 2013: Things to Do in Orlando

In this Weekend Preview, we're switching out Friday for Thursday because--by golly--there's just too much going on!

Weekend Events

This Saturday and Sunday, come out to the Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards (Clermont) for the 19th Annual Harvest Grape Stomp. Come for the grape stomping competition, stay for the wine, live music, winery tours, and complimentary wine tastings. $2 entry to the event will benefit The Boys and Girls Club. 

Thursday, August 15th

Listen up, vampires blood donors! Save lives today by giving blood at seven different Blood Drives locations around Orlando. Most are open all day until 6:00pm, so get out there, donate, check your cholesterol, oh--and get a free movie ticket!

For a great way to see established and emerging Orlando artists, check out their work all at once at the 3rd Thursday Gallery Hop and Art Walk, from 6:00 to 9:00pm. Start at the Art Walk HQ (CityArts Factory at 29 South Orange Ave) for a variety of exhibits, then start the walk to ten different studios around downtown Orlando.

Our Pick

While you're in the neighborhood, don't miss Burrow Press Third Thursday: Florida Literature & Art Collaboration Reading at The Gallery at Avalon Island (39 S Magnolia Ave). Be there at 7:00pm to hear five local authors read a short Florida-themed narrative that accompanies a piece from the current exhibit, Florida Overtures, Undertones and Subplots.

Part of this monthly downtown art and culture explosion is Jai Gallery's Fashion Lounge Orlando. Located in the beautiful Church Street Exchange building (101 S Garland Ave, Suite 101), this month's Lounge features pin-up and Lichtenstein-inspired garments by TallyReNee. The show starts at 8:00pm, but come early and stay late for the art and socializing. 

Tonight's also your chance to meet SyFy Ghost Hunter International's Paul Bradford at the St. Cloud Walking Ghost Tour at 8:00pm.

Taste Restaurant (717 W Smith St) is hosting a TEDxOrlandoSalon at 7:00pm. This is a free event, but registration is recommended. Learn more about salons here. 

Saturday, August 17th

As usual, the Orlando Public Library has some great events during the day. Stop by at 11:00am for a free lecture on ancient Roman history, pry your little ones off the TV and bring them to Storybook Yoga (also at 11:00am, free but registration required), or bring them to DisneyNature: Movie & Crafts at 3:00pm. 

Our Pick

Here's your last chance to see the Orlando City Soccer Club play a regular season game this year. At 7:30pm, they take on the Charlotte Eagles; tickets start at $15. Bonus: If you haven't been to a game yet, stop by The Ruckus at the tailgate for FREE tickets!

Longwood's Hourglass Brewery is celebrating its 1st Anniversary Party this Saturday from noon late into the night. Twenty-three beers on tap, live music, and food trucks.

Is it hot in here? Oh, that's just Rock Hard Male Revue at the Roxy this Saturday at 7:30pm.... Get your bachelorettes and birthday girls ready--but please head this very serious warning from the website: "Hot enough to be considered foreplay." Don't let the jealous types know you're going to watch Cisco and his friends. Tickets are $15. (For epic people-watching, hang out at The Smiling Bison across the street and take in the view)

If you like hamburgers and you like drag shows, well, then we've got an event for you: Leigh Shannon's Cabaret at Hamburger Mary's (110 W Church St). Seating starts at 7:30pm; be sure to make a reservation at 321.319.0600.

Sunday, August 18th

Take your kids to (or relive your own childhood at) the Enzian's showing of The Secret of NIMH, playing this Sunday at noon; tickets are $5.

Grab breakfast at one of two Sunday farmers markets: College Park Sunday Brunch & Makers Market (11:00am to 3:00pm, 1600 Edgewater Dr) and the Lake Eola Park Farmers Market (noon to 4:00pm, downtown Orlando).

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