Hi, friends! It’s Brenda, back in your inbox for all the Central Florida Happenings.
And yes, this newsletter is getting to you all on a Friday 🤯. This rarely happens, but I had to get this out to let you all know about some exciting things happenings this weekend.
This week, I went on a nature walk with some friends (pictured above) and the weather this weekend will be great to check out some great events!
Here’s what going on ⤵️
More than 60,000 are expected to visit downtown Sanford this weekend as the annual St. Johns River Festival returns.
The free festival will happen Saturday and Sunday, with over 125 art exhibitors setting up along the river and Lake Monroe.
🚨 New this year: The event will feature a sculpture tour that highlights over 14 public sculptures throughout downtown.
Click here for everything to know.
The three-day Leesburg Bikefest kicks off TODAY and runs through the weekend, bringing bikers and vendors to Leesburg.
There will be bike shows, games, live music and more during the big event.
Plus, it’s all free! For more info on parking, closures and lineups, click here.
Ever wanted to try blueberry beer? Or even blueberry mochi? Well, now’s your chance.
The Mount Dora Blueberry Festival is back for two days this weekend to celebrate the peak of blueberry season and showcase berries from local farms, like Amber Brooke and Far Reach.
Click here to learn more.
Other happenings:
🎵 Florida Puerto Rican Parade & Festival heads to downtown Orlando: Get ready to dance and to hear music fill the streets of downtown Orlando as the Florida Puerto Rican Parade & Festival returns. The parade and festival this weekend will bring thousands of people together to celebrate and honor Puerto Rican culture and its role in the community. Click here to learn more.
🎨 Free Melbourne Art Festival brings over 200 artists: The festival, which attracts around 30,000 people each year, will feature 200 artist booths, live music, games and more. Click here for details and the music lineup.
🐾 Paws for Peace Walk returns to Orlando: Harbor House of Central Florida’s annual Paws for Peace Walk is back at Harbor Park this weekend, raising funds to help support domestic violence survivors and keep the pet shelter running. Click here for everything to know.
🖼️ Art and Foliage Festival highlights crafters in Apopka: The Art and Foliage Festival in Apopka will feature artists and crafters during the two-day festival. Here’s what to know.
☕ Coffee vs. wine topic of Orlando Science & Wine fundraiser: Are you a coffee person or a wine person? (Or maybe both, depending on the time of day.) While some of you may depend on coffee to keep you up, and sip wine to wind down, they have more in common than you think. Click here to learn more about tomorrow night’s event at the Orlando Science Center.
🐶 Bark Brew Fest returns to Cocoa Village: Bring your furry friend and enjoy this year’s Bark Brew Fest at Dirty Oar Beer Company. The event will feature a raffle, with proceeds benefiting Great Dane Love — a nonprofit rescue. Click here for more info.
🎉 International Vegan Festival celebrates plant-based foods, more: The downtown Orlando festival will showcase unique dishes and offer crafts, music and more. Click here for ticketing.
That’s all from me!
Hope everyone has a great weekend, and I will catch up with you next week.
- Brenda