Looking ahead: 10 highlights in art, music and theater for 2026

Orlando Sentinel (Soundboard) 12/29 10:00P Matthew J. Palm

It s that time of year when arts lovers start filling out — and filling up — the new calendar. There s so much theater, music, dance and art ahead, including the lineup of festivals that marks the...

At 50, Crealdé plans to keep building community with art

Orlando Sentinel (Soundboard) 12/28 10:00P Matthew J. Palm

For 50 years, Crealdé School of Art has been nurturing artists both professional and amateur while bringing people together. It s a place of solace, said executive director Emily Bourmas-Fry. I ve...

Recycle Old Electronics and Save on Zoo Admission at Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

My Central Florida Family 12/26 6:12A Brandi Zrallack

Recycle Old Electronics and Save on Zoo Admission at Central Florida Zoo Botanical Gardens Recycle Old Electronics and Save on Zoo Admission at Central Florida Zoo Botanical Gardens [ ] The post Recycle Old Electronics and Save on Zoo Admission...

Travel Millions of Years Into the Past at Fossil Fest at Orlando Science Center

My Central Florida Family 12/26 5:54A Brandi Zrallack

Travel Millions of Years Into the Past at Fossil Fest at Orlando Science Center Travel Millions of Years Into the Past at Fossil Fest at Orlando Science Center Step [ ] The post Travel Millions of Years Into the Past at Fossil Fest at Orlando...

Student’s costume creation is onstage and Broadway-bound

Orlando Sentinel (Soundboard) 12/23 10:00P Matthew J. Palm

A Winter Park High School senior could see the whimsical holiday costume she designed as part of her theater studies on Broadway one day. And for the rest of the Christmas season, her design will be part of the Pomp, Snow & CIRQUEumstance show at...

Cruises, an epic bike ride and more: Central Florida Explorer’s 2025 year in review

Orlando Sentinel (Soundboard) 12/22 10:00P Patrick Connolly

When thinking back on the year past, it s hard to know exactly how to begin reflecting on another 52 weeks of memories, stories and adventures. Perhaps the year can be measured by the number of...

Matthew J. Palm: Best of Orlando Theater 2025 | Critic’s Picks

Orlando Sentinel (Soundboard) 12/21 10:00P Matthew J. Palm

Central Florida theaters, large and small, flourished with creativity during 2025. Throughout December, I’ve been saluting achievements in the various branches of the theatrical arts with a series of...

Matthew J. Palm: Best of Orlando Theater 2025 | Top productions

Orlando Sentinel (Soundboard) 12/18 10:00P Matthew J. Palm

Theater in Central Florida during 2025 ran the gamut from big musicals like “Once” to intimate plays such as Birds of North America. Here then is a list of productions, presented alphabetically, that...

Orlando Holiday Events: 30 Family-Friendly Things to Do (Dec 19–28)

Orlando Family Fun Magazine 12/17 5:02A Karl Moranette

Looking for fun family things to do in Orlando between December 19 and December 28? These Orlando Holiday Events are... The post Orlando Holiday Events: 30 Family-Friendly Things to Do (Dec 19–28) appeared first on Orlando Family Fun Magazine .

Amid the specialty drink explosion, does anyone just drink coffee anymore?

Orlando Sentinel (Soundboard) 12/16 10:00P Amy Drew Thompson

I went to meet a friend and colleague recently at a cool, new local coffee shop. She was parked in the back of the place when I arrived, ensconced amid thrifty furniture. I put my stuff down and was...

Top 10 Family-Friendly Holiday Events in Orlando for Dec 19–20, 2025

Orlando Family Fun Magazine 12/16 1:53A Karl Moranette

The holiday season is finally in full swing! If you are looking for the perfect way to celebrate this weekend,... The post Top 10 Family-Friendly Holiday Events in Orlando for Dec 19–20, 2025 appeared first on Orlando Family Fun Magazine .

Pictures: Best of 2025 feature photos by Orlando Sentinel photographers

Orlando Sentinel (Soundboard) 12/15 1:34A Joe Burbank, Stephen Dowell, Wil

A great egret makes a snack out of a bluegill sunfish on Lake Sybelia in Maitland on April 30, 2025. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) Dancers from Visit Orlando entertain with colorful balloons as the...

Matthew J. Palm: Best of Orlando Theater 2025 | Director, comedy

Orlando Sentinel (Soundboard) 12/15 1:00A Matthew J. Palm

Telling stories concerning everything from a dinner party for unwanted new neighbors to a crazy night at a Miami art gallery, here are the 2025 Orlando Sentinel honorees for best director of a comedy...

Orlando arts put me in the Christmas spirit: How about you?

Orlando Sentinel (Soundboard) 12/14 1:00A Matthew J. Palm

What have I been up to lately? Why, getting in the Christmas spirit, of course. And here are some thoughts on what I ve been seeing — that maybe will help you get in the holiday mood. ALL IS CALM :...

Matthew J. Palm: Best of Orlando Theater 2025 | Costume design

Orlando Sentinel (Soundboard) 12/11 5:24A Matthew J. Palm

Giving new meaning to the phrase dress for success, here are the 2025 Orlando Sentinel honorees for best costume design, as selected by theater critic Matthew J. Palm. Although it’s impossible for one...