Weekend Preview September 27th - 29th, 2013: Things to Do in Orlando

We don't know what it is about the last weekend in September that makes Orlando explode with music, art, and other great events, but we approve!

Weekend Events

This Saturday and Sunday, the South Asian Film Festival returns for the 19th time. The Enzian Theater (1300 S Orlando Ave, Maitland) celebrates the cultures of India and Pakistan with various short films, feature-length movies, and documentaries. Individual movie tickets are $10. The line-up is srsly ridic. (god, we're cool.)

All weekend long, New Smyrnians... New Smyrnonians... (?) can enjoy the 13th Annual New Smyrna Beach Jazz Festival. Stop by Friday (5:30-7:30pm), Saturday (10:30am-10:30pm), and Sunday (10:30am-7:30pm) for some diverse jazz bands all over town. And don't miss the kick-off party with food and drinks -- be sure to get your tickets now for $20.

Friday, September 27th

One night only, people! It's the Bad Kitty Art Show at The Falcon (819 E Washington St), featuring art by everyone's favorite alt-Commissioner Patty Sheehan (she's kind of our homie, NBD). The exhibit is this Friday from 6:00pm to close, and a portion of the proceeds benefits the SPCA.

Has another month already passed? Sanford Art Walk is back, this Friday from 6:00 to 9:00pm in beautiful historic downtown Sanford. Stop being lazy- you know you want to make the trek.

For the classical music buffs out there: don't miss Friday night's UCF Symphony Orchestra Concert from 7:30 to 9:00pm. FREE! (And be sure to check out their calendar for more free concerts)

For another FREE show, check out the new-ish Smiling Bison's Friday Nights with The 407 All Stars at 10:30pm. No cover and their late-night menu will be available.

Our Pick

What's better than riding your bike around downtown Orlando with hundreds of your best friends? Doing it for a cause, of course! This month's Critical Mass bike rally and I.D.E.A.S. will join forces to "Draw the Line" on Keystone XL and to promote oil-free modes of transportation. Meet at the Orlando Science Center (777 E. Princeton St) at 5:40pm sharp.

Saturday, September 28th

Bring your canine to Thornton Park this Saturday between 9:00am and 4:00pm for the 7th Annual Thornton Park Dog Wash Fundraiser Block Party. If you're still looking for a new pup or looking to make a quick 10-15 yr commitment, hop just down the street to Barktoberfest at Lake Eola Park (10:00am-4:00pm). 

Our Pick

Major FREEBIE alert! Smithsonian Magazine is hosting Museum Day Live!, an awesome opportunity to get FREE tickets to your favorite local museums. With over 100 Florida museums participating, you better not miss out--or we'll come beat you up. this is not a joke. Just find your museum and print out your ticket, people!

Head downtown Sat morning for CREDO's Make: The Analog Workshop. Sculptor, Woodworker and Craftsman, Blair Sligar, will host a workshop on utilizing reclaimed materials and explaining some natural finishing techniques. FREE, 10:30am - 12:30pm.

For even more art at The Falcon, come back Saturday night from 8:00pm to close for a special photography wall projection, brought to you by Snap! Orlando, artist Marcus Adkins, sounds by Atnarko Bear, and Sam Flax Orlando.

Drinking and enjoying art for a good cause? Count us in! Head over to RedLight for the Bee Kind Art Show for Bee and pollinator inspired artwork from some of Orlando's favorite local artists, and enjoy some Beer, Cider, and Mead specials that our bee friends helped create. 8:00pm-1:00am

Haven't had your group biking fix met yet this weekend? No worries- Join Orlando cyclists for the Pabst Blue Ribbon Pub Bike Ride. Meet at Kyle's Bike Shop at 6:00pm sharp to get started. Cheers!

The Hispanic Heritage Committee of Greater Orange County invites you to a day of family-friendly activities delish food, live music, and culture at this Saturday's Orange Fiesta in the Park, from 11:00am to 3:00pm at Downey Park (10107 Flowers Ave). FREE!

Don't miss two other music festival just north and south of Orlando: the Casselberry Latin Jazz & Art Festival (4:00-9:00pm, Lake Concord Park) and the Harmony Music & Arts Festival (11:00am-7:00pm, 3500 Harmony Square Drive West) are both FREE!

In case these events aren't enough for you, there's also the Cowboy Heritage Festival at the Silver Spurs Arena (starting at 10:00am, FREE) and  on the complete other side of the spectrum- Science Night Live at the Orlando Science Center (from 8:00-11:00pm, $15).

Sunday, September 29th

Central Florida Folk, Inc. invites you to unwind this Sunday, starting at 2:30pm, with an Indoor Folk Music House Concert. Hear an international guitarist, a Florida songster, and participate in a jam session. $12.

It's time for another Super Joy Riders: Do-Gooder Bike Ride! Meet at Central Boulevard and Eola Drive at 10:00am, with a super hero outfit, a bike, and a do-gooder attitude.

If you think these are all the events we're featuring this weekend, then you're just plain wrong! Check out our Cheap, nay, 'Thrifty' Guide to Oktoberfest 2013 in Orlando post for even more things to do this weekend.

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