Happy weekend, Orlando! In today’s happening-today edition: Banned-books cafe, controversial 37-story tower, and Juneteenth community celebration + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
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01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Community space for voices: A new LGBTQ-owned Bookburn Cafe in Orlando’s Milk District aims to expand access to banned books, hosting weekly GENDER STUDIES sessions inside the former Whippoorwill Beer House on Bumby Avenue -- explore the banned-books cafe.
Downtown project moves ahead: A 37-story tower planned for downtown Orlando won early approval, despite pushback from nearby residents and leaders of a 100-year-old church that would share the block -- see the tower's next steps.
Honoring future leaders: At Orlando’s Rosen Centre Hotel, 100 Black Men of Greater Orlando honored 39 Jones High School graduates, awarding $120,000 in scholarships. Speaker David Brewer III emphasized mentorship, discipline, and achievement -- see the scholarship honors.
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03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Swing smarter this week: Dubsdread Golf Course is the definition of Orlando-local golf vibes, with a classic 18 that rewards straight hitters and a newly upgraded range that makes practice actually fun. Sneak in a quick session, then refuel at the clubhouse and call it productive self-care.
Old-school oyster magic: Since 1950, Lee & Rick's Oyster Bar has kept locals happy with a no-frills vibe and an 80-foot concrete shucking bar where oysters are shucked to order right in front of you. Grab a friend, claim a stool, and make it your midweek ritual.
Reset by the water: Skip the crowds and trade screen time for shaded trails, lakeside breezes, and actual wildlife sightings at Moss Park. Bring a picnic, let the kids conquer the playground, maybe camp a night, and try the orienteering course if you’re feeling adventurous... bragging rights included.
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04 — Our recommendations
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Around town today & tomorrowOur favorite events going on the rest of this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🧘 Cleared for CALM: International Yoga Day Celebration @ Orlando Executive Airport | Saturday (6/20) at 9:45 AM – International Yoga Day is touching down at Orlando Executive with a gentle, every body class that trades runway stress for runway views. Think slow stretches, long breaths, a post class beverage for 20 bucks, and a cameo from Jora the Paw Pilot, because morale matters.
✊ Winter Garden Juneteenth Community Celebration @ Charlie Mae Wilder Park | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – Juneteenth gets the full Winter Garden treatment at Charlie Mae Wilder Park, and yes, it’s free. Live music, a kids’ zone, community booths, and plenty of good eats. Bring a lawn chair, skip the cocktails, park offsite, and ride the shuttle, rain or shine.
🎓 VHFCNBA 2026 Scholarship & Awards Brunch @ Hilton Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria | Saturday (6/20) at 11:00 AM – VHFCNBA's brunch honors scholars, celebrates service and leadership, and installs the 2026 to 2027 board. Elevated brunch attire draws from Black Dandyism, so think tailored, intentional, distinguished, and a little defiant, the kind of fit that makes your barber and your favorite judge proud.
🍕 Dad and Me Detroit Style Pizza Cooking Class @ UNO Pizzeria & Grill (Winter Garden) | Saturday (6/20) at 12:00 PM – Skip the tie, earn hero status with a dad-and-kids Detroit-style pizza class at UNO. Chefs walk you through dough, toppings, the whole cheesy saga, then you eat your masterpiece with salad, a drink, and a shared dessert. Memories, crumbs, and bragging rights included.
🚗 Dad Bods and Hot Rods Car Show @ Dezerland Park | Sunday (6/21) at 11:00 AM – Father’s Day at Dezerland Park means shining chrome, proud dad bods, and zero judgment about cargo shorts. Stroll the cars, catch live entertainment, and let the Orlando Auto Museum be your AC pit stop. Free to wander, tougher to resist the food and drink specials.
🫖 Mommy & Me Tea Party @ Healing Mama Studio (Maitland) | Sunday (6/21) at 11:00 AM – Trade the noisy play place for a luxe mother-daughter tea in a serene, spa-inspired nook right here in Orlando. Herbal tea, sweet treats, bracelet making, affirmation cards, and optional mini facials make it feel intentional, not Pinterest homework. Real bonding, zero bounce houses.
🛍 Curated Markets Father's Day Indoor Community Market @ Dover Shores Community Center | Sunday (6/21) at 1:00 PM – Celebrate Father’s Day the way he really wants, wandering an indoor market with strong AC, easy parking, and zero yard work. Local makers, tasty goodies, and a raffle keep things interesting, and you might finally replace that tragic grill spatula. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — The Orlando report Weather forecastToday — High: 94°F — Low: 76°F — Precip: 54%
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny. High near 94, with temperatures falling to around 90 in the afternoon. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76. West northwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tomorrow — High: 92°F — Low: 77°F — Precip: 48%
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. West northwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 77. South southeast wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. This house is wildThis 4-bed, 4.5-bath pool home spans 3,559 square feet on a private 0.34-acre lot with peaceful pond views. Built in 2014, it pairs elegant modern finishes with an open split layout, a dedicated office, bonus room, and 3-car garage. The lanai shines with a fireplace, summer kitchen, motorized screens, and a sparkling resort-style pool.
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