While the official changing of the seasons isn’t for another month, Central Florida’s temperatures in the 90s suggest that summer is already on our doorstep.
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As things heat up in the greater Orlando area, the winter event season winds down while new festivities help the community have fun in the sun. This weekend, explore the Summer Block Party at Cranes Roost Park and a slate of other outdoor events marking the early start of summer.
Here are a few ideas for events to enjoy this weekend.
• Altamonte Springs’ Summer Block Party hosts “splash-worthy” water fun, interactive games and entertainment for all ages. The event also includes food, drinks, vendors and themed activities. The free-admission event is from 4-8 p.m. May 16 at 274 Cranes Roost Blvd. in Altamonte Springs. More information: altamonte.org
• Barxi Pup Weekend at Boxi Park is all about welcoming “four-legged besties” to the party. With live music all three days this weekend and a themed photo booth on Saturday and Sunday, the event has plenty of fun for humans and dogs. On Saturday, connect with Woof and Zoom photography, Acasio Pet Grooming and Xanipa & Co. Pet Accessories. Sunday has bounce houses, face painters, balloon artists and themed crafts. Festivities go on daily, May 15-17, at 6877 Lake Nona Blvd. in Orlando. More information: boxiparklakenona.com
• Party for the Planet at the Central Florida Zoo celebrates global conservation efforts in honor of Earth Day, Endangered Species Day and World Oceans Day. On Saturday, guests can meet conservation organizations, learn about beach and river cleanups, discover ways to support wildlife and bring E-waste for recycling. Attendees can also enjoy keeper chats, plant tours, reptile demonstrations and more. The event is included in the price of admission from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. May 16 at 3755 W. Seminole Blvd. in Sanford. There will also be a plant sale May 16-17. More information: centralfloridazoo.org
• The Asian Cultural Festival gathers Central Florida’s Asian American ethnic groups from China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Attendees can enjoy cultural showcases, music, dance, delicious cuisine and hands-on activities for all ages at Bill Breeze Park in Ocoee. Admission and parking are free for the event, which is from 3-8 p.m. May 17 at 125 N. Lakeshore Drive in Ocoee. More information: aahc-cf.org
• AquaGlow at Aquatica Orlando is “back, bigger and brighter than ever” with a nighttime splash party on select nights May 15 through September 26. The separately ticketed event starts at $49.99 and grants access to Aquatica Orlando from 8-11 p.m. with admission beginning at 4 p.m. The event is at 5800 Water Play Way in Orlando. More information: aquatica.com
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• Sea Life Orlando Aquarium offers mermaid dives and meet-and-greets on Saturdays and Sundays through May 25, plus Memorial Day. Mermaid dives require a separate ticket, while the mermaid meeting is included in admission. The experience is at 8449 International Drive in Orlando. More information: visitsealife.com
• U-pick blueberry season is reaching its end, but still available at several Central Florida farms, including Amber Brooke Farms Eustis, Far Reach Ranch and Southern Hill Farms. More information: amberbrookefarms.com, farreachranch.com and southernhillfarms.com
• Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosts the 2026 U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame induction this Saturday. The next batch of specially selected American astronauts will receive one of the highest honors in the industry. The event is at 10:30 a.m. May 16 and is included with the cost of admission. Find the event at Space Commerce Way in Merritt Island. More information: kennedyspacecenter.com
• Mission BBQ wraps up Armed Forces Week with a “Lunch with the Heroes” event on Saturday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The invitation is open to all active-duty military and veterans to receive a free sandwich and hear a live national anthem at noon. Central Florida has locations in Orlando, Clermont, Oviedo, Lake Mary and Mount Dora. More information: mission-bbq.com
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