Weekend Preview: February 27th - March 2nd, 2014

Blue skies and a high of 79 this weekend. That's the way we like our winters here in Orlando. So, what are you waiting for? Check out something new or rediscover an old favorite in Central Florida this weekend!

All Weekend

Be part of the solution, fight light pollution! That's the motto of the 11th Annual Harmony Dark Sky Festival, happening this Friday and Saturday. This free event includes exhibits, speakers, shows, live music and entertainment, kids activities, food and drinks, and some of the best star gazing in Central Florida. 

It's the first full weekend of the month, and that means Bank of America card holders get free admission to the Menello Museum, the Orange County History Center, the Orlando Science Center, and the Orlando Museum of Art on Saturday and Sunday. Learn more here!

We were so infatuated with citrus picking in our last post that we completely forgot that this weekend is the 79th Annual Florida Strawberry Festival! Get discount tickets at your local Publix at $8 for adults and $4 for kids, and get ready for some big-name musical acts, Chocolate Dipt' Bacon, crazy rides, and tons of strawberries. 

Thursday, February 27 *bonus*

Tonight's your chance to experience the Bach Festival Society's Bach Festival for free at their Open Rehearsal: Haydn's Creation. Stop by the Knowles Memorial Chapel at Rollins College for a special behind-the-scenes event. 

Tonight is also the February Orlando Girl Geeks Dinner at Stardust Coffee, starting at 7:00pm. Come hang out with these smart ladies and the men who support them. It's free, but be sure to RSVP.

Friday, February 28th

It looks like it'll be Critical Mass weather this Friday, which is a pleasant coincidence because this Friday is another installation of Orlando Critical Mass, leaving promptly from Loch Haven Park at 6:00pm. 

Also happening this Friday is the monthly Sanford Art Walk from 6:00 to 9:00pm, with galleries, drinks, and more.

Any Community fans out there? Anyone? Is this thing on? This Friday, the Audubon Park Garden District presents Community TV Trivia Night at Bikes, Beans, & Bordeaux. Do it.

Saturday, March 1st

Spend the day at East End Market for a TEDx Manhattan Viewing Party, featuring "Changing the Way We Eat." This is a free event from 10:30am to 6:30pm. Sit in on the live stream, and bring a dish to share at the potluck lunch.

What's your story? the Audubon Park Garden District is hosting a story slam with The Orlando Story Club at East End Market (Saturday, 7:00pm at East End Market). WTF is a story slam, right? It’s a story telling contest where slammers compete in front of an audience, vying to tell the best tale in just five minutes. Competitors put their names in a hat and a lucky ten will have their names drawn. More the judgy type? Audience members will be recruited as judges.

This year marks the 8th Annual Blues B-Q in Downtown Orlando. It's happening this Saturday from 4:00 to 10:00pm at Garland and Central, featuring live music, drinks, and plenty of BBQ vendors. 

There's a special exhibit for all skateboarders and skateboard enthusiasts going on at Lil Indies this Saturday starting at 8:00pm. Three Decades of Skate shows of skate decks and related items from the 1960s through the '80s.

Also, don't miss Cloak & Dapper's One Year Anniversary Party and spring collection preview, this Saturday at Orange Studio, starting at 7:00pm.

Sunday, March 2nd

St. Patrick's Day may be two weeks away, but Winter Park is kicking it off this weekend with its 35th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade along Park Avenue starting at 2:00pm.

In case you somehow weren't aware, the Oscars are this Sunday. Stop by the Enzian at 6:30pm for their Oscar Viewing Party on the big screen.

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