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DOWNTOWN BUSINESS NEWS
Dr. Phillips Center Expands with New Land Acquisition
The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts has acquired two parcels of land adjacent to its facility in downtown Orlando, adding nearly 44,000 square feet to support future growth. Short-term plans include administrative offices and parking, while long-term discussions have focused on adding a new mid-sized theater to address growing demand and scheduling challenges. Learn more about the expansion project here.

IMMERSE 2026 Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorships are now open for Creative City Project’s IMMERSE 2026, the large-scale arts experience that transforms downtown Orlando into 12 blocks of performances, installations, and cultural celebration each February. Drawing more than 60,000 attendees, generating $1.5 million in local economic impact, and featuring both world-class acts and diverse local talent, IMMERSE offers sponsors unmatched visibility and community connection. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities here.

Florida Goes Pink This October
Each October, Susan G. Komen’s Florida Goes Pink unites local restaurants, retailers, and businesses to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research, care, and advocacy. Through special promotions during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, these partners help make a meaningful impact in the fight against breast cancer. Learn more about Florida Goes Pink or ways to get involved here.

New Architecture and Design Center Coming to Orlando
The Orlando Center for Architecture and Design (OCAD), led by AIA Orlando and the Orlando Foundation for Architecture, will open its first phase in the Fulcrum Building downtown. The center will provide space for design professionals, students, and the community to explore architecture through exhibits, workshops, educational programs, and mentorship focused on local issues like sustainability and growth. OCAD aims to make design accessible and meaningful for the people of Central Florida. To learn more about OCAD's developments, click here.

Keep Arts Accessible with the Arts for All Fund
While arts funding is being cut nationwide, our community can help change that by supporting the United Arts of Central Florida's Arts for All Fund. Contributions ensure that arts, science, and history remain accessible in schools, neighborhoods, and cultural spaces, sustaining local artists and organizations through economic challenges. With over $200 million invested so far, continued support is vital to keeping arts education and cultural programs strong in the region. Click here to learn more or donate today.

DTO EVENTS
2025 State of the City Address
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer will deliver his 2025 State of the City Address on August 19th as the city celebrates its 150th anniversary, reflecting on Orlando’s history and vision for the future. The event will take place in person at The Plaza Live, and will also be streamed live on orlando.gov/soc and Facebook. RSVP for free today!

Florida Prize People’s Choice Award Reveal
The countdown is on for the live reveal of the People’s Choice Award winner at the 11th Annual Florida Prize in Contemporary Art. On August 21 at 6 p.m., join the Orlando Museum of Art to see which of the ten featured artists takes home the honor, then celebrate with the artists, explore the galleries, and enjoy food and drinks. Free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Learn more here.

Holiday Retail Bootcamp
Get ready for a strong holiday season with the Holiday Retail Bootcamp, a free two-part workshop for retailers, restaurants, pop-up merchants, and online sellers. Held September 3–4, 2025 at the UCF-Downtown Campus at Creative Village, this hands-on program offers strategies to boost sales during the holidays and beyond. Register today!

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Help Shape the Future of Downtown Orlando

Are you a resident or business located in downtown Orlando’s Central Business District? Downtown Orlando wants to hear from you!

Your feedback is essential as we evaluate the impacts of the nighttime economy, specifically about safety, events, and policing in this district.

What’s working? What’s not? Your insights will help guide future decisions that affect the district.

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