Enzian Theater is no secret, but the impressive lineup of special programming and date night options may come as a surprise. And although many savvy Orlando locals have been flocking to Enzian Theater, others consider it to be a secret hidden gem. From Halloween movies, film festivals, to free outdoor movies, here are a few of our favorite ways to do date night at Enzian Theater.
Updated March 2024 by Meghan Roth.
1. Cult Classics on 35mm
One of Enzian Theater’s most popular recurring programs, Cult Classics, gives popular films another go on the big screen for one night only. Favorites like Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, and Across the Universe are just a few classics that are screened on 35mm film at Enzian Theater.
Cult Classics are screened twice a month on Tuesday evenings at 9:30pm. Tickets are $11 each.
2. Happy Hour at Eden Bar
Enzian’s stylish and vintage theater is the main draw for date night, but the on-site bar and restaurant, Eden Bar, is worthy of a night out on its own. And the patio is one of Orlando’s best, with romantic twinkling lights and towering oak trees.
For a budget-friendly date, happy hour takes place every day with specials changing each day. Tiki Tuesday is one of our favorites with $1 off all tiki cocktails. And the weekend brings $5 double mimosas!
3. Dinner and a Movie
When it comes to having dinner at Enzian, you’ve got two options: dine at the on-site Eden Bar before or after the movie, or enjoy dinner while watching the movie. I recommend arriving early for dinner before the show so you can take your pick from the full menu.
Depending on what’s screening at the theater, Eden Bar occasionally concocts a corresponding dinner special.
4. Date Night with Your Kids
Enzian screens family-friendly films once a month on Sundays providing the perfect opportunity for a date night with the kids in tow. Tickets are $11 per adult and FREE for kids 12 and under. There’s also a special kid’s menu available. While the films are geared towards kids, the selections often appeal to adults too!
5. Free Outdoor Movies
Held in Central Park in Winter Park, Popcorn Flicks in the Park is a FREE outdoor movie series held on the second Thursday of each month. These films are family-friendly, so feel free to bring along the kiddos. Outside food is permitted if you want to pack a picnic, although you could also grab something delicious to go from a nearby Park Avenue restaurant.
6. Saturday Matinee
Kick off the weekend early with a lunchtime screening of a classic film on the second Saturday of each month. Each month, the team at Enzian brings a legendary film back to the big screen as part of the Saturday Matinee Classics program. All films begin at noon so you can take advantage of the awesome lunchtime happy hour pricing mentioned above. Tickets are $11.
7. Film Festivals
Held every year in April, the Florida Film Festival (FFF) is one of Enzian’s most popular events. The festival draws in celebrity guests each year along with passionate moviegoers eager to see the best in film for the year. Enjoy 100+ films, fabulous food and drinks, celebrity Q&As, parties, and more throughout the 10-day festival. This year's festival runs April 12-21. The 2024 Florida Film Festival program will be announced March 20, 2024.
On a monthly basis, Enzian Theater hosts FilmSlam, a monthly program highlighting indie films from local filmmakers where the audience votes for the winner.
Apart from the FFF and FilmSlam, you can attend more festivals throughout the year including:
- Reel Representation: Diversity in Film
- South Asian Film Festival
- Jewish Film Festival
- Brouhaha Film & Video Showcase
8. Annual Parties and Happenings
Besides screening some of the best independent films and classics, Enzian is also known for their lavish annual parties and special occasion brunches.
Date night best bets include the annual Valentine’s Dinner pairing a scrumptious buffet, live music, and a romantic film; the swanky New Year’s Eve Party; and the cocktail-focused Elixir Mixer.
Know Before You Go
Regular admission is $12.50, although ticket prices vary depending on the program.
EDEN BAR HOURS
Monday & Tuesday: 4 – 11PM; Closed for Lunch
Wednesday & Thursday: 11AM –11PM
Friday & Saturday: 11AM – 1AM
Sunday: 11AM – 11PM
KITCHEN HOURS: OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!
Lunch Menu: 11am – 4pm
Dinner Menu:
Sun – Thurs: 11am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm
Enzian Theater & Eden Bar
1300 South Orlando Avenue
Maitland, FL 32751
407-629-0054
https://enzian.org
All images credit of Enzian Theater unless otherwise noted.