DOWNTOWN BUSINESS NEWS
Wall Street Plaza Welcomes Families with Arcade-Bar Makeover
Rivals Activity Bar reopens on August 30 as a family-friendly gaming venue, offering modern arcade games, board game tables, and video game stations. Guests can trade winnings for food and drinks, not only at Rivals but at nearby Wall Street Plaza spots. The venue will welcome families until 10 p.m., then shift to an adult-focused atmosphere. Read more about the reopening here.
Help Shape the Orlando Center for Architecture & Design
The Orlando Foundation for Architecture and AIA Orlando have launched a committee to shape the future Orlando Center for Architecture & Design, a shared home for the community. They are inviting the public to submit ideas, sketches, and images on an interactive Miro Board by Tuesday, September 9. The feedback will help guide the design of a space that reflects the community’s vision and needs. Submit your ideas today!
CareerSource and FAIRWINDS Strengthen Central Florida Workforce
CareerSource Central Florida’s Summer Youth Program gave students from Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Sumter counties hands-on experience in career exploration, financial literacy, and paid work opportunities, serving over 1,500 students this year. With support from the FAIRWINDS Foundation, these lessons continue through year-round youth programming, helping students develop skills and knowledge that prepare them for future careers. Read more about the partnership here.
Dean Mead’s Stephen R. Looney Named 2026 “Lawyer of the Year”
Stephen R. Looney has been named Best Lawyers’ 2026 “Lawyer of the Year” for Tax Law in Orlando, earning top recognition for his work as Chair of Dean Mead’s Corporate and Tax Department. This marks his second time receiving the award, highlighting his expertise and leadership in the legal community. Congratulations, Stephen! Read more about the recognition here.
Southern Beltway Aims to Transform Orlando Travel
The Central Florida Expressway Authority is planning a 60-mile southern beltway to ease traffic and connect new and existing highways across the region. Construction is already underway on the Poinciana Parkway Extension and Southport Connector, with full completion expected around 2050. Once finished, the beltway will form a continuous loop around southern Orlando, boosting connectivity and supporting future growth. Click here to learn more about the Southern Beltway.
DTO EVENTS
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!
Orlando Mural Festival Returns to Downtown
Join the Downtown Arts District and CityArts from September 18–20 for the second annual Orlando Mural Festival, presented in collaboration with the Downtown Development Board. Attendees can watch muralists create 8x8 and 20x13 walls, enjoy live music, browse food trucks and art vendors, and join a panel discussion to hear the artists share the stories behind their work. Admission is FREE! Learn more about the event here.
Agave Mixer Class: Patrón Reposado Barrel Experience
The Grand Bohemian Orlando is hosting an Agave Mixer Class on September 19 at 5:00 PM, offering an immersive exploration of agave spirits. Led by Agave Master José Santana, attendees will enjoy a private tasting of Kessler Barrel Select Patrón Reposado, an interactive cocktail class, education on additive-free tequila production, and small bites. Click here to register.
DOWNTOWN VOICES
Black Bee Honey is a youth entrepreneurship program in the Parramore and Holden Heights communities where students gain hands-on experience running a business, from bottling to selling honey, while learning skills they can carry into future careers. This video, produced in collaboration with the Downtown Development Board, highlights the program and its impact on the community. Learn more about Black Bee Honey below!
