The official change of seasons is still a month away, but temperatures in the 90s in Central Florida already suggest summer is just around the corner.
As things heat up in the Orlando metropolitan area, the winter event season is coming to an end and new festivals are helping area residents enjoy some fun in the sun. This weekend, enjoy the summer block party and other outdoor events at Crane’s Roost Park that mark an early start to summer.
Here are some ideas for events you can enjoy this weekend.
• Altamonte Springs Summer Block Party will feature “splash-worthy” water play, interactive games and entertainment for all ages. The event will also include food, drinks, vendors and themed activities. The free-admission event will be held May 16 from 4 to 8 p.m. at 274 Cranes Roost Blvd. At Altamonte Springs. More information: altamonte.org
• Balsea Pup Weekend at Boxy Park is all about welcoming your “four-legged best friend” to the party. There will be live music for three days this weekend, and there will be themed photo booths on Saturday and Sunday, making it an event that both humans and dogs can enjoy. On Saturday, connect with Woof and Zoom photography, Acasio pet grooming, and Xanipa & Co. pet accessories. Sunday will feature bounce houses, face painting, balloon artists, themed crafts and more. The festivities will be held daily from May 15th to 17th at 6877 Lake Nona Blvd. In Orlando. More information: boxiparklakenona.com
• Central Florida Zoo’s Party for the Planet celebrates global conservation efforts in honor of Earth Day, Endangered Species Day and World Oceans Day. On Saturday, guests can meet with conservation organizations, learn about beach and river cleanups, discover ways to support wildlife, and bring in e-waste for recycling. Attendees can also enjoy conversations with zookeepers, factory tours, reptile demonstrations, and more. The event will be held on May 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 3755 W. Seminole Blvd. and is included with admission. At Sanford. There will also be a plant sale on May 16th and 17th. More information: centralfloridazoo.org
• The Asian Cultural Festival brings together Central Florida’s Asian American ethnic groups from China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Attendees can enjoy cultural shows, music, dance, delicious food and hands-on activities for all ages at Bill Breeze Park in Ocoee. The event, with free admission and parking, will be held on May 17th from 3pm to 8pm at 125 N. Lakeshore Drive in Ocoee. More information: aahc-cf.org
• Aquatica Orlando’s Aquaglow is “back bigger and brighter than ever” with nighttime splash parties on select nights from May 15 to September 26. Separately ticketed events cost $49.99 and provide access to Aquatica Orlando from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM, with admission beginning at 4:00 PM. The event will be held at 5800 Water Play Way in Orlando. More information: aquatica.com
• SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium is hosting mermaid dives and meet-and-greets on Saturdays and Sundays through May 25th and on Memorial Day. Mermaid diving requires a separate ticket, but mermaid meetings are included in the admission price. The experience will take place at 8449 International Drive in Orlando. For more information, please visit visitsealife.com.
• U-pick blueberry season is nearing its end, but it’s still available at several farms in Central Florida, including Amber Brook Farm Eustis, Far Reach Ranch, and Southern Hill Farm. More information: amberbrookefarms.com, farreachranch.com, southernhillfarms.com
Gary W. Green, Orlando Sentinel
Southern Hills Blueberry Farm in Clermont has buckets of blueberries fresh from the field, ready to be weighed and packaged. This weekend is one of the last weekends for U-pick blueberries. (Orlando Sentinel File)
• The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will host the 2026 U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction this Saturday. The next specially selected American astronaut will receive one of the industry’s highest honors. The event will be held on May 16th at 10:30am and admission is included in the admission price. Find events on Space Commerce Way in Merritt Island. More information: kennedyspacecenter.com
• Mission BBQ concludes Troops Week with a “Lunch with Heroes” event Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The invitation includes the opportunity for all active military and veterans to receive a free sandwich and hear the national anthem live at noon. In Central Florida, we have locations in Orlando, Clermont, Oviedo, Lake Mary, and Mount Dora. More information: mission-bbq.com
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