DOWNTOWN BUSINESS NEWS
Holocaust Museum Project Gains City Approval
The City of Orlando has approved a revised plan for the Holocaust Museum for Hope & Humanity, allowing the project to renovate and expand the existing building instead of demolishing it. The change reduces projected construction costs from $38 million to $26 million and reflects a shift toward sustainable redevelopment. Museum officials expect to release updated designs in early 2026, with groundbreaking planned for late 2026 and opening in 2028. Click here to learn more.
Downtown Orlando Welcomes Art²
Art² is officially open in downtown Orlando! The $5.5 million food truck park at 274 N. Orange Avenue has transformed a once-vacant lot into a lively community space featuring local vendors, colorful art installations, and open-air seating. Operated by A La Cart, the park includes Red Panda Noodle, Eighty Twenty, and Phat Ash Bakes, and serves as a cornerstone of the city’s ongoing downtown revitalization efforts. Read more about the new park here.
Orlando’s Kitchens Cookbook Coming Soon
Orlando’s culinary community is featured in Orlando’s Kitchens: Recipes and Stories From Our Neighborhoods, launching in late 2025. Written by award-winning author Pam Brandon, the cookbook includes more than 60 recipes from local favorites, MICHELIN-recognized chefs, and community culinary leaders, including Chef Wendy Lopez of Reyes Mezcaleria. Created in partnership with Visit Orlando, the book highlights the chefs, neighborhoods, and flavors that shape the city’s food scene. Read the full announcement here.
DTO EVENTS
16th Annual Día de los Muertos & Monster Party
CityArts presents the 16th Annual Día de los Muertos & Monster Party on Thursday, October 16, from 6–10 p.m. The evening features Day of the Dead and Halloween-inspired art from regional, national, and international artists, paired with an outdoor street party that includes live music, performances, food, and drinks. Click here for more details.
History After Dark: Halloween Edition
Experience history with a haunting twist at History After Dark: Halloween Edition on Friday, October 24, from 5–9 p.m. at the Orange County Regional History Center. Explore the museum after hours through eerie storytelling, haunted tours, and hands-on activities, then join the fun with games, a scavenger hunt, and a costume contest featuring prizes from local businesses. Costumes are encouraged, and themed drinks and food will be available throughout the night. Secure your tickets today!
Eolaween at Lake Eola Park
Eolaween returns to Lake Eola on Saturday, October 25, from 4–9:30 p.m. at the East Lawn by the Eola House. The event features family-friendly fun with games, a DJ, craft activities, and trick-or-treating from 4–7:30 p.m., followed by a screening of Coco at dusk. Families are encouraged to dress in costume and enjoy an evening of Halloween festivities. Click here for more details.
A Place at the Table
Pathlight HOME invites the community to A Place at the Table on November 6 from 6–9 p.m. at the Citrus Club. The event, held in recognition of National Homelessness Awareness Month, will unite local leaders and advocates to advance efforts that provide housing and support for those facing homelessness. The evening will highlight local collaboration and success stories that show the power of stable housing to transform lives. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available here.