DOWNTOWN BUSINESS NEWS
OUC Plans to Expand Its Downtown Orlando Footprint
OUC - The Reliable One has applied to the City of Orlando's Municipal Planning Board to build a new electrical substation and add water filtration structures at its Lake Highland facility, responding to surging power demand across the country. The new substation will support electrical capacity distribution downtown, while the upgraded water filtration system will improve the removal of contaminants and enhance the taste and odor of tap water. The application is set to go before the municipal planning board on April 21. Read the full story.
Visit Orlando Reports Strong Spring Break Indicators for 2026
According to Visit Orlando, Orlando is tracking ahead of last year with hotel demand up 6% in March and 9% in April, and AAA has named Orlando the number one domestic spring break destination for 2026. Despite global headwinds, international flight searches to Orlando are up 13% as of March 1, reflecting stabilizing demand, and Orlando's historical track record shows consistent resilience during periods of economic and geopolitical uncertainty. See more data and trends here.
June Named Restaurant of the Year in the 2026 Orlando Sentinel Foodie Awards
Eight months after opening in Thornton Park, June, the restaurant from Team Market Group, has earned the Orlando Sentinel's 2026 Restaurant of the Year recognition, bringing a bold Mex-inspired dining experience to the former Graffiti Junktion space. Led by Jason Campbell and Nick Grecco, the restaurant has quickly become a neighborhood anchor, drawing regulars multiple times a week with a menu free of seed oils, focused on gluten-free options, and built around a shared dining experience. Read the full feature here.
UCF Celebrates the Arts Returns to the Dr. Phillips Center
The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts will come alive March 31 through April 12 for UCF Celebrates the Arts 2026, an annual festival showcasing performances, exhibitions, and interactive experiences from UCF's faculty and students across music, dance, theatre, visual arts, and more. Highlights include a production of Legally Blonde, the UCF Symphony Orchestra, a live Creative Clash art battle, and dozens of free pop-up performances throughout the center's lobbies. With something for every age and interest, explore the full schedule and get your tickets today.
DTO EVENTS
Starry Night Yoga at Van Goghblin Cafe
Van Goghblin Cafe is hosting Starry Night Yoga on Wednesday, March 25 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM, offering an all-levels vinyasa flow class with a complimentary beverage and free on-site parking included with your ticket. Bring your mat and close out the day with a relaxing hour of movement in one of downtown Orlando's most creative spaces. Grab your ticket here.
Sparrow Wine Bar Launches Weekly Thursday Night Vinyl Series
Sparrow Wine Bar & Lounge, the newest concept from Good Salt Restaurant Group, is launching Thursday Night Vinyl, a weekly series featuring local DJs spinning an eclectic mix of vinyl every Thursday from 7 to 10 PM. The series kicks off with a launch party on March 26 in partnership with El Donut Record Shoppe, with drink specials and pintxo-style bites from Chef Wendy rounding out the evening. Walk-ins are welcome, though reservations are recommended. Make your reservation today.
Orlando Ballet Presents Balanchine, Godden, Gill
Orlando Ballet takes the stage at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts March 27 through 29, presenting a dynamic mixed repertory program featuring three distinct works spanning classical brilliance, haunting spirituality, and bold modern movement. From Balanchine's high-energy Allegro Brillante set to a Tchaikovsky score to Heath Gill's thought-provoking Confronting Genius, this program showcases the full range of the art form in one unforgettable show. Ticket holders for the Saturday and Sunday matinees are also invited to a complimentary pre-show artistic conversation at 12:45 PM. Secure your tickets here.
DOWNTOWN VOICES
The Downtown Orlando Partnership and Downtown Development Board’s Downtown Voices series highlights unique, can’t-miss experiences in downtown Orlando. A La Cart – City, which opened in October 2025, brings together a collection of local favorites including Phat Ash Bakes, Red Panda Noodles, and Brick & Butter in an open-air food hall setting. More than a lunch or dinner spot, the space also hosts trivia nights, thrift markets, Orlando Magic watch parties, and other community-driven events that keep the calendar full and the atmosphere lively.
