The Downtown Orlando Partnership's prestigious Golden Brick Awards, presented by AdventHealth, will take place on Wednesday May 7, 2025 at the Dr. Phillips Center. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate downtown Orlando's greatest achievements. See below for available Category Sponsorships and click the button to secure your seats today!
AVAILABLE CATEGORIES:
- Public Works & Placemaking
- Redesign & Renovation
- Sporting Events
- Sustainability & Resiliency
DOWNTOWN BUSINESS NEWS
National Entrepreneur Center Looks to Creative Village for New Headquarters
The National Entrepreneur Center, a nonprofit dedicated to providing support and resources to small business owners and entrepreneurs, plans to move its headquarters to downtown Orlando's Creative Village. Currently located in Orlando Fashion Square Mall, the NEC is looking to lease 16,000 square feet on the first floor of UCF Downtown's parking garage at 325 N. Parramore Ave., due to its easy accessibility for a variety of business startups. Read more about the NEC and their upcoming move HERE!
City Food Hall Grand Opening
City Food Hall, the nation’s fastest-growing food hall brand, is launching its newest location in the heart of Ivanhoe Village — and it’s not just another place to eat. Opening Saturday, April 26, this 12,000-square-foot space inside The Yard apartment complex will house 10 handpicked culinary concepts and four full-service bars, all wrapped in an electric atmosphere of live entertainment and community-driven events. The Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will take place at 11am on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 1412 Alden Road, Orlando, FL. The event is free and open to the public, with food and drinks available for purchase.
RMHCCF Appoints New Chief Administration Officer
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to providing essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare, has announced the appointment of Amy Racicot as their new Chief Administration Officer. This strategic addition to the Executive Leadership Team comes at a pivotal time as RMHCCF continues to expand its impact and services in Central Florida. With over 20 years in finance, Amy brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit financial management, strategic planning, and operational excellence. See the full press release here to read more!
City of Orlando's Youth Employment Program
The City of Orlando is once again partnering with CareerSource Central Florida to provide a five-week Experience Internship with partners allowing Orlando high school students ages 15 to 19 to gain hands-on experience working in their field of interest. By offering summer internship opportunities through the City's Youth Employment Program, organizations can empower local students, gain fresh perspectives, and contribute to a stronger Orlando. Click here learn more and get your organization involved today!
Free Book Giveaway at Interstruct!
Interstruct is giving away 100 copies of Walkable City by Jeff Speck—an essential read for downtown residents and workers alike. The book explores the idea that great cities aren't built for cars–they're built for people. Walkable City advocates for this idea through design strategies that make city streets more vibrant, inclusive, and alive at the human scale. Get your free copy by walking, biking, or scootering (cars don't count!) to Interstruct's office at 814 W Church St., Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.
DTO EVENTS
2nd Annual Earth Day Community Clean-Up
Get your hands dirty and your heart full at City District's 2nd Annual Earth Day Community Clean-Up, in partnership with Orlando City Soccer Club, Orlando Pride, and Parramore District! Volunteers will meet on Sunday, April 27, at 9am in the tailgate lot at Inter&Co Stadium for registration, breakfast, and volunteer t-shirt pickup. After clean-up, each volunteer will receive a FREE pair of tickets to an upcoming Orlando City/Orlando Pride match AND be eligible to enter the giveaway for a pair of Orlando Pride tickets to the remaining home matches! Click here to learn more and register for free.
Spark the Arts Studios Open House
Join United Arts and Highwoods Properties for one last evening in the current Spark the Arts Studios the spark they've ignited at the fulfillment of their first-year pilot residency program in Downtown Orlando. Enjoy art, refreshments, and conversation at the studio on Thursday, May 1, from 4-7pm. Explore more about the Spark the Arts residency program today!
Movie Night at Leu Gardens
Pack your picnic baskets and grab your lawn chairs for Movie Night at Leu Gardens, featuring the classic 1996 film, Twister! The gardens will open at 7pm on Friday, May 2, and the movie will begin at 8:30pm. Tickets are free for Leu Members or $8 for adults and $6 for children. Click here to secure your spot, and please note tickets will not be available for purchase at the door.
OCLS Annual Orlando Book Festival
The Orange County Library System is hosting their annual Orlando Book Festival on Saturday, May 17, from 10am to 5pm at Orlando Public Library. The free event will welcome readers of all ages and includes author panels, writing workshops, and literary organization tables from across Central Florida. While festival admission and general programming are free, registration is required to attend the keynote address by Emmy‑nominated and #1 New York Times bestselling author, Brad Meltzer. Interested guests can reserve their seats HERE.
DOWNTOWN VOICES
The Downtown Orlando Partnership and the Downtown Development Board partnered with Acropolis Greek Taverna to showcase the bold Mediterranean flavors recently brought to downtown Orlando. Whether you're stopping by for a quick meal, hosting a business lunch, or enjoying a pre-show dinner, Acropolis makes every dining experience special. Weekends are filled with Greek traditions like Zorba dancing, belly dancing, and more! Watch the video below to learn more about Acropolis!
