DOWNTOWN BUSINESS NEWS
Downtown Development Board Hosts Construction Update TODAY
Join David Barilla, Executive Director of the City of Orlando's Downtown Development Board and Community Redevelopment Agency, and city staff today, January 8th, for an update on upcoming construction projects designed to enhance downtown Orlando for residents, businesses, and visitors. The same DTO Action Plan Construction Update will be presented twice at 11am and 5pm at the Orlando Public Library Melrose Center. No RSVP necessary. Learn more here.
ParkDTO Extended Through 2026
Good news! The Downtown Development Board is making it even easier to park in downtown Orlando. You can now use the code “ParkDTO” up to 16 times per account - that’s more free parking, more often! Simply download the ParkMobile app, enter the code “ParkDTO,” and enjoy up to 2 hours of FREE parking at on-street metered and non-metered spaces downtown. From delicious dining to sight seeing and vibrant events, there’s always something happening in downtown Orlando, and now parking is even easier! Click here for more details.
Special Event Grants Applications Now Open
Applications are now open for the Downtown Development Board's Special Event Grants Program. The program offers limited reimbursable grants for events that drive economic vitality, celebrate arts and culture, strengthen downtown's identity as a welcoming destination, encourage creative partnerships, and activate public spaces with dynamic programming. Events taking place between June 2026 and November 2026 are eligible to apply. Applications close February 1, 2026 at 11:59pm. Apply here.
Marketing Services Bundle Discounts
The LMB Marketing Group is kicking off 2026 with bundled service discounts designed for business owners and marketing teams focused on long-term growth. Clients who bundle two or more strategic services including SEO, paid ads, social media management, and email marketing receive 10% off monthly services, with larger bundles earning bigger discounts. Book your consultation today.
DTO EVENTS
"DREAM TEAM" Opening Reception
Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs invites the community to the opening reception for "DREAM TEAM" by artist Damon DeWitt on January 9 at 5:30pm at the Orange County Administration Center Atrium Gallery. The exhibition features twelve life-sized portraits of the 1992 Barcelona Dream Team NBA players painted at their true heights, exploring excellence and cultural exchange through sport, and remains on display through January 22. Click here to RSVP for free.
2026 Oath of Office Ceremony
The City of Orlando is holding the 2026 Oath of Office Ceremony on Monday, January 13 at 10am, swearing in three City Commissioners: Tom Keen (District 1), Roger E. Chapin (District 3), and Shan Rose (District 5). The public is invited to attend the ceremony, with RSVPs encouraged but not required. RSVP for free.
Dual Exhibition Opens at Interstruct Design + Build
Parramore Arts presents two concurrent exhibitions during Third Thursday on January 15 from 5pm to 8pm at Interstruct Design + Build. RECONSTRUCTION by Njeri Kinuthia debuts in ArtCube, featuring a multimedia self-portrait installation on display through March, while HOMECOMING transforms five U-Haul trucks into pop-up galleries showcasing work by five Parramore Arts alumni. Artist talks begin at 7:15pm with free parking and a complimentary shuttle from CityArts. Learn more here.
Film Series Returns to Luminary Green Park
Kaleidoscope 360° returns in January 2026 with screenings on the first and third Wednesdays at 7pm at Luminary Green Park in Creative Village. The immersive film series produced by Global Peace 360° continues with La La Land on January 21, following the Luminary Market at 5:30pm. The new schedule brings regular outdoor cinema experiences to downtown Orlando throughout the year. View the full schedule here.
