A perfect storm of country music, pro soccer and road construction is landing right here in Orlando this weekend.
The City of Orlando expects more than 60,000 visitors between Friday and Sunday. And, of course, resulting traffic delays.
The city’s core has a busy weekend ahead, with big concerts, performances and sporting events on the agenda. Garth Brooks performs at the Kia Center Friday through Sunday; the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team takes on Peru Saturday, the Lake Eola Farmers Market happens Sunday as usual, and the downtown construction areas are forever.
The city says drivers should expect heavier traffic than usual. Peak traffic times are expected for Friday from 6 to 8 p.m., Saturday from 2 to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m.
Motorists should anticipate the most congestion in these areas:
- South Street from the SR 408 exit to Division Avenue, including the area around the ThreatLocker and City Commons parking garages
- I-4 eastbound off-ramp at South Street
- I-4 westbound off-ramp at West Anderson Street
- I-4 South Street Express off-ramps
Road closures, including near Camping World Stadium and downtown, can be found on the city’s website.
The city advises visitors and attendees to plan accordingly, allotting extra time for expected traffic delays and parking, and to consider using alternative modes of transportation like the SunRail and Lymmo Bus.
Orlando strongly encourages planning parking ahead of time. Downtown offers a variety of parking garages, surface lots and street parking spaces. Drivers can also reserve and pre-pay for event parking.
Parking availability will likely be more limited (editor’s note: that means cutthroat), so plan some extra time to park and walk to your destination.
Orlando officials also encourage visitors to use this time to patronize downtown businesses. Rising costs are affecting locally owned downtown businesses due to Orlando’s efforts to deprioritize nightlife in favor of a more family-friendly atmosphere.
It’s a move outlined in Project DTO, the city’s initiative to shift focus toward high-wage jobs and away from nighttime-centered businesses.
Just this year, storied spots like Gringos Locos, Los Tres Golpes, Tanqueray’s, Cocktails and Screams and The Attic have all shut down. They all cited as key to their closures a lack of support or solutions from the city as they faced high costs and increased limits on alcohol sales, just one part of the Project DTO plan.
Here are all the large-scale events taking place in downtown this weekend:
Friday, Sept. 25
- Santiago Cruz, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 6:30 and 9 p.m.
- Little Big Town, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m.
- Garth Brooks, Kia Center, 8 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 26
- USA vs. Peru, Inter.co Stadium, 4:30 p.m.
- Charly Reynolds, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 6 and 9 p.m.
- Pride: The Rhythm of the Chosen Hearts, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m.
- Bonnie “Prince” Billy, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 8 p.m.
- Garth Brooks, Kia Center, 8 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 27
- Orlando Farmers Market, Lake Eola Park, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Garth Brooks, Kia Center, 2 p.m.
- Opera X: Flights of Puccini, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 5 and 7:30 p.m.
