DOWNTOWN BUSINESS NEWS
Plan Your Route Ahead for IMMERSE 2026
Now in its 11th year, IMMERSE is a three-day celebration of art and performance that takes over 10 downtown blocks from February 20–22, featuring live shows, large-scale installations like the Luminarium Arborialis by Architects of Air, and hands-on experiences for the whole community. With road closures on key corridors including Orange Avenue, Pine Street, and Church Street, planning your route ahead of time is strongly encouraged. Click here to map out your trip.
Orlando Family Stage Launches the Inaugural Florida Children's Book Festival
Celebrating its centennial season, Orlando Family Stage is bringing a brand-new festival to Loch Haven Park February 21–22, featuring more than two dozen children's book authors, live theatrical performances, hands-on workshops, story strolls, and panel discussions for young readers and families. The festival bridges children's literature and live theater in a way that is unique to Central Florida, with both free activities and ticketed stage productions available throughout the weekend. Click here to register for panel discussions and plan your visit.
2026 Women Who Mean Business Honorees
Orlando Business Journal has named the 2026 Women Who Mean Business honorees, and we are proud to celebrate DOP Board Member Sheena Fowler, President & CEO of Innovate Orlando, and DOP Trustee Beth Hobart, Realtor at Mainframe Real Estate. Now in its 28th year, the program recognizes 24 Central Florida female business leaders for their professional accomplishments, business achievements, and deep community involvement. Read the full list of honorees here and join us in congratulating Sheena and Beth on this well-deserved recognition!
TLC's Decades of Airport Innovation
A recently unearthed article from the early 1990s traces the origins of what has grown into a nationally recognized, award-winning preconditioned air practice for TLC Engineering Solutions, spanning some of the busiest airports in the country, including MCO, Seattle-Tacoma, and Tampa International. More than a technical achievement, TLC's PCA systems have become a defining driver of passenger comfort, sustainability, and operational efficiency across American aviation. Read the rediscovered article here.
History Summer Camp Early Bird Registration
Early bird registration is open through March 22 for Adventures in History Summer Camps, giving families the opportunity to lock in a 5% discount on weeklong sessions running June 1 through August 7. Designed for children ages 6–11, each camp week blends hands-on history, STEAM activities, and either an offsite field trip or special guest visit in a one-of-a-kind museum setting. Register today at the Orange County Regional History Center or call 407-836-8580 for membership and discount details.
DTO EVENTS
Orlando City SC Opens the 2026 Season at Home
Orlando City SC kicks off its 2026 MLS season on Saturday, February 21, hosting Red Bull NY at Inter&Co Stadium for what is sure to be an electric home opener. There is nothing quite like the energy of the first match of the season, and this is the perfect opportunity to show up for your city. Get your tickets now and help pack the house on February 21!
Interactive Performance Summit Comes to UCF Downtown
UCF Downtown will host the inaugural Interactive Performance Summit February 21–22, bringing together artists, educators, scientists, and storytellers for a two-day exploration of interactive performance. Designed as a creative sampler of short, hands-on sessions, the summit encourages experimentation, collaboration, and cross-sector dialogue in downtown Orlando. Learn more and secure your seat here.
Orlando Magic to Host the Orlando Wine Festival
Benefiting the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation, the Orlando Wine Festival & Auction returns to the Four Seasons Resort Orlando on February 28. This signature fundraiser is an outdoor wine festival that features a live auction, celebrity chefs, and appearances by Magic players, coaches, and legends. Since its debut in 2019, the event has raised nearly $5 million for at-risk youth in Central Florida, with last year's record-breaking total surpassing $2 million. Secure your spot and browse exclusive e-auction packages here.
Friends of the Farm: Dining in the Field
4Roots' signature annual benefit dinner, Friends of the Farm, brings together an exceptional farm-to-table experience on March 1 at 2:30 PM. The dinner features a multi-course meal prepared over an open fire, live music, an interactive farm tour, craft cocktails, and a curated auction. This year's chef lineup includes two of our own Downtown Orlando Partnership members, Nikk Burton of The Monroe and Michael Cooper of The Osprey & Osteria Ester, alongside three other award-winning culinary talents. Grab your tickets and find event details here.
DOWNTOWN STAKEHOLDERS
The Downtown Orlando Partnership and Downtown Development Board’s Downtown Stakeholder Series highlights the leaders and institutions shaping our city. Our newest edition features UCF's Downtown Campus, where students are immersed in Orlando’s civic and professional landscape from day one. Dr. Ross Wolf, Interim Dean of the College of Community Innovation and Education, shares how hands-on experiences beyond the classroom prepare students for meaningful careers. As partnerships continue to grow, UCF Downtown remains focused on connecting education, industry, and the city it serves.
