Restaurants
Café Tu Tu Tango
Funky tapas spot with resident artists, live entertainment, plus a patio and bar.
8625 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: (407) 248-2222 | Web: cafetututango.com
Kres Chophouse
Historic building housing a modern, bustling steakhouse with happy hours and late-night dining.
17 W Church St, Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: (407) 447-7950 | Web: kresrestaurant.com
The Leaning Pig
Chill restaurant dishing up breakfast staples, salads & sandwiches, plus coffee & weekend brunch.
11 SE 1st Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601
Phone:(352) 353-6929 | Web: theleaningpig.com
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La Cuisine Restaurant
Red walls surround diners in this cozy bistro with dishes inspired by France, Italy & the U.S.
48 SW 1st Ave, Ocala, FL
Sababa
Snug counter-service Israeli cafe with a patio serving kosher favorites.
101 SE 2nd Pl #108, Gainesville, FL
Reyes Mezcaleria
Regional Mexican dishes & a broad tequila-mezcal selection in a lively setting with a patio.
821 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL
Formaggio Restaurant
Casual spot for specialty pizzas, subs, pasta & other Italian standards, plus beer & wine.
1053 NE 14th St, Ocala, FL
Santiago’s Bodega
Charming tapas bar pairing global small plates with house-specialty sangria in a warm room.
802 Virginia Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
Wolfy’s Restaurant
Diner classics are on the menu at this comfy joint serving breakfast all day in simple digs.
2159 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL
Maxine’s On Shine
Imaginative eatery with regular live music, plus an eclectic comfort food menu & weekend brunch.
337 Shine Ave, Orlando, FL
Harry’s Seafood
Hip spot fixing up New Orleans-inspired fare, and signature cocktails.
24 SE 1st Ave, Ocala, FL
EVENTS 2024
Sep 14
Lake Nona Hispanic Heritage Festival
Join us on September 14th from 3 pm to 8 pm for the Hispanic Heritage Food Festival featuring Live Music, Dancers, Food Trucks, and more. The event is hosted at Drive Shack Orlando and will also feature the flavors of seven different countries. Learn more at visitorlando.com.
Sep 27 - Oct 31
Happy Frights
Gather the entire family and enter into exciting immersive worlds throughout Orlando’s Leu Gardens. 2024 presents brand new immersive worlds with fun surprises! From live music to a hedge maze there’s plenty to do here at the gardens. Learn more about this spooky fun at visitorlando.com.
Oct 19
Come Out With Pride
Every October, we gather around National Coming Out Day, knowing for many, Pride may be the one day of the year people can live their true authentic selves. With over 220,000 guests in 2023, we are one of the biggest Pride celebrations in the Southeast and the largest single-day event in Central Florida. Learn more at visitorlando.com.
Oct 11-13
Spooky Empire
Spooky Empire has quickly become one of the most respected horror event promotions companies in the United States, bringing to life two of the most popular horror conventions in the nation, with fans attending from all over the world. Learn more at visitorlando.com.
Nov 8-10
Electric Daisy Carnival
Under the Electric Sky, we come together to celebrate life, love, art, and music. From the stages and the sound to the pyrotechnics and the
EVENTS 2024-25
performers, so many unique elements go into bringing this world to life. We invite you to wander, explore, interact, and connect. Imagination and positive energy are the currency of this place. Visit visitorlando.com.
Nov 30 - Dec 1
FusionFest
Every Thanksgiving weekend, FusionFest brings the whole world to downtown Orlando — almost literally. Held at the open-air Seneff Arts Plaza at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, this unique, two-day gala invites you to explore more than 110 global cultures, starting with a bounty of dishes from around the world. Learn more at visitorlando.com.
Dec 6-22
Lake Nona Holiday Festival
A warm glow over cheerful faces, the whiff of peppermint hot chocolate in the air, the new fallen snow reflecting the twinkle lights — it’s Oh, What Fun! at Lake Nona Town Center! Gather your loved ones during the holiday season as Lake Nona Town Center transforms into Peppermint Square for the return of the Oh, What Fun! Learn more at visitorlando.com.
Dec 16
Orlando Gay Chorus: Merry Everything — The Gayest Time of Year
The Orlando Gay Chorus presents Merry Everything: The Gayest Time of Year: the holidays. This time of year is about peace and love, friends, and family - whether traditional, extended, or found. They’re about faith and hope, inclusivity and understanding, and the Orlando Chorus wraps them up for you in merriment, mirth, and song. Learn more at visitorlando.com.
Jan 13-14 2025
Treasure Island Kite Festival
For 27 years, kite flyers from all over the U.S. come to Treasure Island Beach off St. Petersburg for this event, which includes kite-flying demonstrations to music, stunt kites and night flying. The free, family-friendly event runs from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. behind the Thunderbird Beach Resort. Learn more at floridarambler.com.
EVENTS 2025
Jan 25-26 2025
Hoggetowne Medieval Faire
Artisans and craftspeople shall ply their trades with skill, olde world demonstrations shall enchant, and the clash of swords in stage combat shall resonate through the air. Medieval music and dance shall lift thy spirits, and a living chessboard shall unfold its strategic dance. Learn more at hoggetownemedfaire.com.
Feb 1-2 2025
Mount Dora Arts Festival
Join us on February 1 & 2, 2025 for the 50th annual Mount Dora Arts Festival held on the streets of historic downtown Mount Dora, Florida. Experience 300 fine artists lined along the streets to showcase a vast array of incredible talent in this juried event. Learn more at mountdoraart.com.
Feb TBD 2025
Sanford Porchfest
Lively music-filled Sanford has a one day free music festival described this way: “17 porches; over 70 bands.” This town fills its beautiful oak-shaded historic district with free concerts you attend by strolling from block to block all afternoon. Learn more about this at sanfordporchfest.org.
Feb 27- Mar 9 2025
Central Florida Fair
Join us from February 27th through March 9th, 2025 and enjoy a midway featuring rides, games, food, live music and entertainment, animals, livestock exhibitions and competitive exhibits, and so much more. Come celebrate the community and make lifelong memories with your family and friends! Learn more at visitorlando.com.
Mar 21-23 2025
Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival
This large show annually earns top ranking among art festivals nationwide. In addition to the draw of high-quality art, it is located in a
beautiful and historic community with big shade trees and activities to entertain various ages and interests. Don’t miss out on the 66th Winter Park Festival and learn more at wpsaf.org.
Apr 5-6 2025
Old Florida Celebration of the Arts
Cedar Key is an artsy Old Florida town that attracts top talent to its historic waterfront downtown. This juried fine arts and crafts event welcomes only 100 fine artists and craftsmen to allow for plenty of room for artists and art enthusiasts to interact. Local non-profit organizations sell homemade goodies and local seafood in beachfront City Park. Learn more at cedarkeyartsfestival.com.
May 10-18 2025
Viva La Musica
Experience this festive, family-friendly Latin celebration in a new way as you dance to the hottest music, sample fiery flavors, shop for authentic souvenirs, and much more. Learn more at visitorlando.com.
May 24-25 2025
Florida Folk Festival
From Irish fiddle tunes, contra dancing and root beer floats to the wide varieties of music of immigrants, the state’s cultural heritage reflects the lives of generations of Florida families and communities. Throughout the Memorial Day weekend, more than 300 performances will give voice and meaning to Florida’s heritage. Learn more at floridastateparks.org.
Jun 14 2025
Waterlily Celebration
In June, the waterlilies are in full bloom and McKee Botanical Garden, an unusual historic garden in Vero Beach that was once a popular roadside attraction, celebrates the event. The gardens, a little-known gem worth discovering, recently opened an innovative children’s garden. Learn more soon at mckeegarden.org.
Street food is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the sizzle of skewers on a grill, the aromatic spices wafting through the air, and the sizzling woks that create an irresistible symphony of flavors. Here are some of the world’s most beloved street food traditions:
1. Thailand: Mango Sticky Rice ~
In Thailand, street food is a way of life. You can’t visit without savoring pad Thai, a stir-fried noodle dish bursting with flavors. And don’t forget to indulge in mango sticky rice, a sweet and fragrant dessert that’s the perfect balance of creamy and chewy.
2. Mexico: Tacos and Elote ~
Taco stands are a staple in Mexican street food culture, offering an array of fillings like al pastor, carne asada, and carnitas. Pair your tacos with elote, grilled corn slathered with mayonnaise,
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cheese, and chili powder—a taste explosion in every bite.
3. India: Samosas ~ Indian street food is a flavorpacked paradise. Try chaat, a savory snack that combines crispy fried dough with chickpeas, yogurt, and tangy chutneys. For something heartier, try samosas - deep fried pastries filled with spiced potatoes are a must-try.
4. Vietnam: Banh Mi ~ Vietnamese street food offers a fresh and aromatic experience. Sample a steaming bowl of pho, a fragrant noodle soup infused with herbs and spices. Or grab a banh mi, a delectable sandwich filled with grilled meats, pickled veggies, and a burst of fresh herbs.
5. Greece: Gyros & Souvlaki ~ Greek street food is a Mediterranean delight. Indulge in a gyro, a pita wrap filled with tender slices of roasted meat and topped with tzatziki sauce and veggies. For a quick bite, grab a souvlaki skewer, often made with succulent marinated chicken or pork.
6. Japan: Takoyaki & Okonomiyaki ~ Japan’s street food scene offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Try takoyaki, octopus-filled dough balls drizzled with savory sauces. Or savor okonomiyaki, a savory pancake loaded with toppings like cabbage, pork, and mayo.
7. Morocco: Tagine & Harira Soup ~ Moroccan street food is a sensory explosion. Taste tagine, a slowcooked stew that combines tender meats, vegetables, and aromatic spices. And don’t miss harira soup, a hearty tomato and lentil soup that’s a Moroccan comfort food staple.
8. United States: Hot Dogs/Pretzels ~ Street food isn’t limited to international flavors. In the U.S., you can’t beat the classic charm of a hot dog cart or a soft pretzel stand. Add your favorite toppings and sauces for a taste of American street food tradition.
Exploring global street food culture is like taking a whirlwind tour of the world’s flavors and traditions. Each street vendor, food cart, or bustling market stall offers a unique opportunity to savor authentic dishes and connect with locals. Whether you’re strolling through the vibrant streets of Bangkok or sipping soup in a Moroccan medina, street food is an adventure waiting to be devoured. So, grab a plate, dig in, and let your taste buds take you on a journey you’ll never forget!
PRIDE COMMUNITY CENTER OF NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA
The mission of the Pride Community Center of North Central Florida is to foster and enhance the well being and visibility of transgender, bisexual, lesbian, gay, queer, questioning, inter-sex, and asexual (LGBTQ+) persons, and to promote public understanding and affirmation of people of all gender expressions and sexual orientations, inclusive of race, ethnic background, nationality, economic stability, spirituality, age, and ability.
GAINESVILLEPRIDE.ORG | (352) 377-8915
THE CENTER ORLANDO
The mission of LGBT+ Center Orlando is to promote and empower the LGBT community and its allies through advocacy, education, information, and support.
THECENTERORLANDO.ORG | (407) 228-8272
PFLAG ORLANDO
Greater Orlando PFLAG’s purpose shall be to support the mission and charter of our national parent organization: PFLAG, Inc.; Promoting the health and well-being of LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning) persons, their families, friends, and allies through support, education, and advocacy.
WWW.GOPFLAG.ORG | (407) 236-9177
SPACE COAST
PRIDE
A wholly volunteer-managed non-partisan, tax-exempt, not-for-profit corporation that organizes LGBT Pride events throughout the Space Coast of East Central Florida.
SPACECOASTPRIDE.ORG | (317) 800-1901
EVENTS 2025
Jun TBD 2025
St Pete Pride
St Pete Pride is a non-profit organization created to celebrate and support the LGBTQIA+ community through cultural events, educational programs, and advocacy actions. St Pete Pride isn’t just representative of the community, it is the community: our volunteers, our community partners, our sponsors, and the hundreds of thousands of people aged 1 to 100 who participate in our events each year. Learn more at stpetepride.org.
Jul 4 2025
Thunder on the Ridge
With the title of Polk County’s PREMIERE fireworks display, Thunder on the Ridge is Haines City’s signature July 4th celebration. Since 1998, residents and people across Central Florida have joined Haines City to celebrate this memorable event. Come see the sky light up and learn more at hainescity.com.
Jul 25-27 2025
Lake Placid Caladium Festival
Florida has plenty of small-town festivals built around local products –strawberries, every type of seafood, even swamp cabbage. But Lake Placid has a product you might not know about – caladiums – and the charming Central Florida town celebrates the colorful landscaping plant the annual Lake Placid Caladium Festival. Learn more at floridarambler.com.
Aug 23-24 2025
10th Annual Florida Kids and
Family Expo
To begin with, the Florida Kids and Family Expo is a 2-day Orlando expo that happens at the Orange County Convention Center every August. Why the convention center? All things considered, because it’s the only indoor facility large enough to host the largest kids and family expo in the country! Learn more at mycentralfloridafamily.com.
