

Cover Story
The Love/Hate Issue: What we all love (and hate) about the City Beautiful
In our Love/Hate Issue, we’re sharing a handful of Valentines (and anti-Valentines) — Cupid’s darts aimed at Orlando by Orlando Weekly’s editors, writers and readers.
Vines Grille and The H team up as Vines by H; a second location of Sushi Saint opens
Local restaurant openings: Vines Grille & Wine Bar on Sand Lake Road in Dr. Phillips is now Vines by H. The restaurant, which first opened in 2003, has been fully renovated and is now under the direction of The H Hospitality Group, the team behind Turkish steakhouse The H Orlando. The menu features everything from flatbreads…
Adoptable dog Pacman guards his peace
Adoptable dog Pacman (A582565) is 2 years old, a bit on the small side, and extremely shy. He’s the perfect example of needing patience and time.
Orlando Family Stage celebrates its 100th birthday
On Feb. 3, 1926, the Orlando Little Theatre Players first presented some short plays at downtown’s Beacham Theater; exactly 100 years (and several name changes) later, politicians and patrons gathered earlier this month to honor Orlando Family Stage.
Orlando musicians Swamp Xistas throw Mardi Gras Mambo at Will’s Pub
Costumes are strongly encouraged and proceeds will benefit the community-minded nonprofit Swamp Sistas La La Foundation.
Mariah the Scientist ready to take Orlando by storm for two nights
Atlanta R&B standout Mariah the Scientist brings heartbreak to the House of Blues on her “Hearts Sold Separately” tour.
Post-Roe, activists aren’t giving up the fight for reproductive rights
Since the 2022 evisceration of Roe v. Wade, Republican policymakers have relentlessly peeled away reproductive rights, once thought to be an unalienable constitutional right for America’s women.
JJ’s Scratch Cocina morphs from a fast-casual to a full-service restaurant
Regulars who’ve enjoyed JJ’s fast-casual eats over the past decade ought to give this Scratch Cocina menu a try.
Chemistry and ‘chemistry’ collide at a Valentine’s Day Science Night Live
Make certain your Valentine’s Day has chemistry by attending Science Night Live. This 18-and-up event features science-themed activities, trivia and beverages at the Orlando Science Center.
Mennello Museum’s Indie-Folkfest has all the makings of an eclectic Valentine’s Day outing
Orlando’s Mennello Museum presents its 11th annual Indie-Folkfest, a day of local live music, artistry, food and activities, an outdoor celebration of local artistry all taking place on the museum’s lawn.
Orlando’s Ghost Peppers present a harmonious global vision on new album
Orlando band Ghost Peppers are pushing back by dismantling the walls of these neo-fascist times through not just message but example.
Orlando metal band Druid Lord throw an Anti-Valentine’s bash at Conduit
Central Florida death-dirgers Druid Lord channel the immortal bard Robbie Hart from The Wedding Singer with a lusty cry of “Love stinks!” at Conduit Saturday.
Indigenous country musician William Prince brings heartfelt songs to Tuffy’s Friday
William Prince is currently opening for Vincent Neil Emerson on a string of Southern dates, before launching a Canadian headline tour running from February through April.
Orlando poet Shawn Welcome presents Voices of Freedom at Dr. Phillips Center
In celebration of Black History Month, the Dr. Phillips Center presents “Voices of Freedom: An Evening of Spoken Word.” The event highlights the cultural impact of performance poetry, a powerful blend of words, movement and expression.
Don Was & the Pan-Detroit Ensemble bring sweaty Motor City Grooves to Orlando
Don Was is stepping out from behind the production desk to helm the Pan-Detroit Ensemble — an outfit that includes credentialed Blue Note Records vets.
Streaming premieres: ‘How to Get to Heaven From Belfast,’ ‘Cross,’ ‘Honey Bunch’ and more
Streaming premieres this week: ‘How to Get to Heaven From Belfast’ on Netflix, ‘Cross’ on Prime Video, ‘Honey Bunch’ on Shudder
Timucua Amplifies Black Voices concert series kicks off this week in Orlando
Jeremiah Hunt-led Chicago combo K.I.M. will kick off the Timucua series with their merge of jazz, funk, soul, hip-hop, R&B and rock.
Closing party for Hannah Howells’ ‘Silence Is a Symphony’ photo show plus live music at CityArts
The closing reception gives Hannah Howells the floor to answer questions about her work, before Tampa’s Novely and Orlando bands Flowers for Emily and Partner play live.
Kathy Griffin kicks off her comeback stand-up tour in Orlando this week
Never one to shy away from controversy, Kathy Griffin’s material often veers to the political — whether calling out Joe Rogan or fiercely standing with her gay fans — alongside brutally honest takes on fame, aging and the many plastic surgeries she’s openly joked about over the years.
American Aquarium and River Shook team up for a blockbuster bill at Will’s Pub
Damn, both American Aquarium and River Shook (aka Sarah Shook)? Individually, they’re premier alt-country names worth the price of admission alone. But together, they’re an unmissable blockbuster bill.






