Cool breezes and crisp weather have arrived in Central Florida. And with social distancing measures still in place, our local arts organizations are coming up with creative solutions, many of them bringing unique outdoor arts experiences to the community. Here's where to enjoy lively concerts, see a performance or catch a classic flick outdoors this season.
Fountain Flicks at Enzian Theater
Take advantage of the mild weather at Enzian Theater's new Fountain Flicks outdoor movie series. Every Wednesday evening through the holiday season, you can reserve a VIP table at the all-outdoor Eden Bar for food, cocktails and a classic film. Reservations are $50 and include a table for up to four in the outdoor fountain area, a free order of popcorn, and extended access to Eden Bar's happy hour menu. You'll also get a free order of chips and salsa OR artichoke and spinach dip to share. All tables have a clear view of the screen, where a new movie will be screened each week.
November dates are already sold out; sign up for Enzian's email list for details on when December movies and reservations become available. Reservations are only announced via the email newsletter.
Shakespeare at Lake Eola
Orlando Shakes recently announced an exciting lineup of outdoor shows which will be performed at the Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola in partnership with UCF. Orlando Shakes began performing an annual season of Shakespeare at Lake Eola in 1989, but this return to Lake Eola will be the first time since 2006. And, of course, Shakespeare was historically performed outdoors, so this is a fantastic opportunity to get the full Shakespeare experience!
Shows in the lineup include A Midsummer Night's Dream (March 31 – April 11, 2021) and Little Shop of Horrors (May 5 – 23, 2021). Tickets for both shows will be available beginning in February.
Frontyard Festival at Dr. Phillips Center
If you've been missing the magic of music and theater, Dr. Phillips Center has put together a 6-month, socially distanced series of outdoor arts experiences. The Frontyard Festival kicks of in December 2020 and will feature tons of outdoor entertainment through May 2021. Expect a variety of musical performances, live comedy, dance, holiday performances, community fitness classes, community theater and more.
Enjoy your chosen show from the comfort of your own socially distanced box, each of which seats up to five. 15 shows have already been announced for December – February, with tons of holiday-themed performances.
Front Porch Series at The Plaza Live
The Plaza Live has been hosting a variety of musical acts as part of its ongoing Front Porch Series. Tickets are just $15/person and limited capacity to ensure social distancing. Upcoming shows in the series include 502's on December 3 and Mistletoes on December 17. Score tickets via Eventbrite here.
Holiday Concerts and Shows
Get into the holiday spirit while enjoying a host of live performances outdoors. We're super excited about Orlando Shakes' outdoor performance, The Laura Hodos Holiday Cabaret December 18 – 23. This show will take place outdoors in the Darden Courtyard at The John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center. Socially distanced tables can be reserved now for $30/person.
The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra will also offer outdoor holiday performances. Highlights include the free Holiday Pops Concert in Winter Park's Central Park on December 5, several outdoor performances at The Plaza Live throughout December, and another Holiday Pops Concert at the Apopka Amphitheater in mid-December. See all upcoming shows and reserve tickets here.
Other outdoor holiday highlights include:
- Orlando Fringe's outdoor presentation, A Fringemas Carol, December 11 – 13 at Loch Haven Park
- 8th Annual Violectric Holiday Show December 12 at Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park
- Russian Ballet Orlando's The Nutcracker, December 19 at Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park
Outdoor Movies
Monthly outdoor movie nights are best enjoyed this time of year. Leu Gardens hosts a date night movie series on the first Friday of most months, and has adapted to offer limited capacity reservations ahead of time. Tickets are $6/person. You're allowed to bring your own picnic basket (with wine or beer!) to enjoy during the movie. Check the events calendar for upcoming movies, which will resume in February 2021.
Enzian's Popcorn Flicks in the Park series has adopted a similar approach with reservations required in advance to limit capacity. Your RSVP includes a 10×10 reserved space for up to 6 people during the show. This monthly outdoor movie series in Winter Park is free to the public.
Howey Mansion Music Series
Get your fix of jazz and classical music at The Howey Mansion's monthly Music Series. Most of the shows take place outdoors on the beautiful terrace. Enjoy classical jazz and holiday tunes December 27 from Michelle Amato or a special 80's Mixtape Mayhem on March 7, 2021. A cash bar is available at all concerts and tickets are $23/person.
Concerts at Bok Tower Gardens
Yes, Bok Tower Gardens is a bit of a drive. But it's totally worth it for a date day trip, especially during the holidays. Besides enjoying festive decorations and beautiful blooms, there's also a lineup of special seasonal concerts. A few upcoming favorites include the Ring in the Holidays Concert featuring the Silver Bells Big Band December 5 and an Uncorked Concert (complete with a special wine flight) December 12. Check out all upcoming concerts and get tickets here.
Enjoy Shows from Home
If you'd rather stay in, check out these virtual performances:
- The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge: Video on Demand December 10 – 20
- Timucua Arts Foundation: Virtual rebroadcast and live stream performances, multiple dates
- Central Florida Ballet's The Nutcracker: Free online premiere December 26
- Orlando Fringe Winter Mini Fest: Mix of outdoor, in-person and virtual performances January 7-10, 2021
Feature image credit: Enzian Theater