Welcome to Thursday Morning in Orlando!

Geeez…Louise. If you ❤️ festivals, this is your issue. Love coffee? I got you! Love Tacos? I got you! Love Christmas trees? Yep, I got you there, too. Enjoy!

Now onto today’s Orlando Signal (weekend fun) issue:

• 'Forever Moment'

• Orlando Coffee Festival (What??)

• Festival of Trees

• + lots of weekend recs

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On with it!

- Philip

P.S. Love the newsletter? OS is powered by java, and cat-treats!👇

3 QUICK NEWS BITS ⏲️
Healing Through Helping With One VA Volunteer's Journey Home

In light of the Veteran’s day holiday this past Monday……

Each morning at Orlando's VA Medical Center, a friendly face brightens the halls as U.S. Army veteran Nestor Serrano welcomes his fellow veterans with warmth and understanding.

For nine years, he's been a cherished volunteer, helping others navigate a system that once helped him heal. His own journey through the VA began in 2008 after a heart attack and stroke, followed by a difficult period of recovery and substance abuse.

After finding hope through the VA's domiciliary program, Serrano discovered his true calling – supporting other veterans. Today, his heartfelt dedication makes the medical center feel more like family, and he wouldn't have it any other way.

(Learn more about this awesome VA volunteer with Curtis McCloud, right here)

From Shanghai to City Hall, Dan L. Hess Brings 'Forever Moment' to Orlando

Acclaimed multi-disciplinary artist Dan L. Hess brings his latest exhibition "The Forever Moment" to Orlando City Hall's Terrace Gallery from November 8, 2024, through January 26, 2025.

Opening night festivities will run from 6:00 to 8:30 PM at 400 South Orange Avenue, marking a dynamic collaboration between Snap! Orlando and the City of Orlando.

Hess, currently Chief Curator at the Art & History Museums of Maitland, has showcased his work from New York to Shanghai, earning numerous awards and securing spots in prestigious collections worldwide.

This installation promises to transform the civic space into a canvas for artistic innovation.

Fresh Flavors, Deep Roots Inside Orlando's Mills Market

Something special is happening in Orlando, where the cherished Tien Hung Market is blooming into the vibrant Mills Market.

The Tung brothers, Jimmy and Johnny, are breathing new life into their family's beloved shop, turning it into a food lover's paradise while keeping its heart intact. With "Top Chef" winner Hung Huynh in the kitchen, delightful surprises await around every corner - from freshly baked buns to creative desserts.

Foodies flock to UniGirl's cozy Japanese onigiri counter, Banh Mi Boy's mouthwatering Vietnamese sandwiches, and Kai Kai's irresistible dim sum from veteran chef Jerry Lau.

Whether you're craving a quick bite of comfort food or looking to explore Orlando's evolving culinary scene, this thoughtfully reimagined market proves that the best family traditions only get better with time.

(Learn more about Tien Hung Market with Amy Drew Thompson, right here)

WEEKEND SPOT HIGHLIGHT 🔦
Orlando Coffee Festival!

📍Festival Park. 2911 E Robinson St, Orlando, FL 32803. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, Nov 16th, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Experience coffee nirvana at Orlando's premier coffee festival this November 14-16.

Day 1: Thursday, the weekend kicks off with a thrilling Latte Art Throwdown at Filigree, from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., where master baristas transform beverages into masterpieces.

Day 2: Friday evening starting at 6:30 p.m., join Yellow Rooster's Sara Bedoya at Stemma Coffee for an enlightening discussion on women shaping the coffee industry.

Day 3: The celebration peaks Saturday at Festival Park, where 35 elite vendors showcase their finest beans and brews. From hands-on workshops to local art displays, immerse yourself in Orlando's vibrant coffee culture.

Don't miss this caffeine-fueled celebration of craft, community, and exceptional coffee.

[Get more info & tix, right here]

TOP 3 FUN RECS FOR THE WEEKEND 🍊
Festival of Trees

📍Orlando Museum of Art. 2416 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803. Map to this location.

🕐 Starting Saturday, November 16th, 10 a.m.

The Orlando Museum of Art blossoms into an enchanted holiday spectacle as the 38th Festival of Trees illuminates its galleries November 16th-24th.

Over 30 designer-crafted Christmas trees will sparkle alongside intricate gingerbread houses and festive wreaths, all celebrating this year's theme "Let the Joy of the Season Shine."

Organized by the Council of 101, this cherished fundraiser features visits with Santa, live entertainment, and special events including the Opening Night Party and a new Silent Disco celebration.

[Get more info on all the festivities, right here]

Asian Lantern Festival

📍Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. 3755 W Seminole Blvd, Sanford, FL 32771. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, November 15th through January 19th, 2025 6-8 p.m.

Get ready for a magical evening at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens! Their Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild!, transforms the grounds into a glowing wonderland.

Join in celebrating the Year of the Dragon as you wander a three-quarter mile trail filled with dazzling hand-crafted lanterns and thousands of LED lights. Bring your appetite for special festival treats!

Choose your perfect evening time—6:00, 7:00, or 8:00 p.m.—but don't wait to book!

[Get more info, right here]

(CANCELED) Orlando Taco Festival

📍Pointe Orlando. 9101 International Drive Orlando, FL 32819. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, Nov 16th, 2 p.m. & Sunday, Nov 17th, 8 p.m.

Saddle up for flavor paradise at the 5th annual Orlando Taco Festival (editing after sending. apparently it’s now canceled), sizzling into LIVE! At Pointe Orlando's spectacular 36,000 sq ft venue.

Located steps from Orlando's iconic theme parks, this fiesta features 25+ innovative taco vendors, a grand Margarita Bar, and premium Tequila Expo with 25+ varieties.

Thrill to Lucha Libre wrestling, test your grit on the mechanical bull, and explore endless entertainment zones. Kids 10 and under enter gratis to enjoy bounce houses and family fun.

All tacos just $4 – your taste buds won't want to miss this!

[Looks like it’s now CANCELED]

MORE WEEKEND HAPPENINGS 🎭 🥁

Multi-day:

🔥 The Light in the Piazza | Fri 8 p.m, Sat 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. | The Plaza Live | More

THE RED STRING: A New Musical | Fri, Sat, Sun 7:30 p.m. | Downtown | More

Friday:

The Art of Autumn Leaves – Watercolor Workshop | 10 a.m. | Audubon Park | More

Movie Under the Stars: Inside Out 2 | 6 p.m. | Avalon Park | More

Dragonfly: Art by Shannon Holt and Friends | 6 p.m. | Mills 50 | More

Opening Night TreeView Cocktail Party | 7 p.m. | Mills 50 | More

Orlando Magic v Philadelphia 76ers - Emirates NBA Cup Game | 7 p.m. | Downtown | More

Jimmy Carpenter | 7 & 9 p.m. | Downtown | More

Orlando Sings Goes to the Opera | 8 p.m. | Mills 50 | More

Whitney Cummings: Big Baby | 8 p.m. | I-Drive/Universal | More

Saturday:

🔥 Pillow Fort - Live Podcast & Comedy Show | 4:30 p.m. | Lil Indies -1036 N Mills Ave | More

Martini Fest Orlando | 5 p.m. | Downtown | More

Better Than Ezra presents Legends of The Fall: Tokyo Drift | Lake Buena Vista | More

Orlando Coffee Festival | 11 a.m. | Milk District | More

UCF Knights Volleyball vs. Utah Womens Volleyball | 1 p.m. | UCF | More

The Orlando House Music Party Vol. 21 | 4 p.m. | Downtown | More

UCF Knights Womens Basketball vs. Stetson Hatters Womens Basketball | 4 p.m. | UCF | More

Annie Jr. | 4:30 p.m. & 8 p.m. | Downtown | More

152 Productions Presents: Makari, Origami Button, SCRO, and more | 6:30 p.m. | Winter Park Area | More

Olga Tañon | 8:30 p.m. | Downtown | More

Sunday:

Peanut Butter Matinees: Night at the Museum | 12 p.m. | Winter Park Area | More

The Pineapple Thief | 7:30 p.m. | Milk District | More

Jayo | 10 p.m. | Mills 50 | More

THANKS!

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We’ll see you on Monday.

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal