6 things to do in Orlando this weekend: Silver Spurs Rodeo, Rainbow Run and more
The sun is shining and tropical activity is already picking up as this weekend marks the start of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season and Pride Month.
Coinciding with the start of the Seven-Year Pulse Remembrance Week, join fellow Central Floridians for the 7th Annual 4.9K CommUNITY Rainbow Run starting from Wadeview Park on Saturday. Around Orlando’s tourism district and theme parks, thousands will congregate for Gay Days weekend activities including pool parties, sports, shows and LGBTQ pride events.
Florida politics puts a damper on Orlando ‘gay days’ this year
In other parts of Central Florida, it’s the 151st Silver Spurs Rodeo in Kissimmee, a food truck parking lot party and a special event at Orlando Museum of Art for people with memory and neurological impairments. At Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, students from 33 high schools will take to the stage for the Applause Awards
151st Silver Spurs Rodeo
Saddle up and head to Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee to witness bull riding, bareback riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling and more. Guests of all ages can also find entertainment from the rodeo clown, the Junior Silver Spurs Quadrille Team and junior bull riders.
If you go: The 151st Silver Spurs Rodeo starts at 7:30 p.m. June 2-3 at 1875 Silver Spur Lane in Kissimmee. Tickets are $20. Military members and children ages 10 and younger receive free admission. More information: silverspursrodeo.com
CommUNITY Rainbow Run
Central Floridians come together this weekend for an annual tradition to honor the lives lost in the Pulse nightclub tragedy and raise money for the onePULSE Foundation. Participants will run a 4.9K to remember the 49 lives lost on June 12, 2016. Registration is still available at $49 per runner for the in-person run.
If you go: The 7th Annual CommUNITY Rainbow Run starts at 8 a.m. June 3 at 2177 S. Summerlin Ave. in Orlando. Registration for the in-person run is still available. More information: communityrainbowrun.com
Gay Days
GayDays Orlando is celebrated each year in venues around Orlando’s tourism district, including the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld and Walt Disney World parks. Visitors can also enjoy pool parties, drag queen Bingo, pageants and more. The celebration began in 1991 when members of the LGBTQ+ community wore red and congregated at theme parks.
If you go: Festivities go on daily through June 5. More information: gaydays.com
3 more things
A Food Truck Parking Lot Party at Rockpit Brewing brings almost a dozen food trucks to Orlando’s SoDo neighborhood. Find eats from Hot Asian Buns, Red Panda Noodle, Dean’s Oyster Bar, Cholo Dogs, Kappy’s Food Truck and more. Explore the offerings starting at 6 p.m. June 2 at 10 W. Illiana St. in Orlando. More information: orlandoparkinglotparty.com
Art’s the Spark at Orlando Museum of Art gives those with a memory or neurological impairment and their caregivers an interactive tour of exhibitions. The program is based on a similar initiative at The Museum of Modern Art in New York and is the first of its kind in Central Florida, offered on select Saturdays. Free pre-registration is required by calling 407-896-4231 ext. 262 or emailing education@omart.org. The program is 10:30 a.m.-noon June 3 at 2416 N. Mills Ave. in Orlando. More information: omart.org
The 2023 Applause Awards take the stage at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Saturday night in a ceremony that honors the best high school theatre performances in Central Florida. A panel of 12 casting agents, show directors and industry professionals selected 350 students from 33 high schools and eight counties to participate. The lead male and female performers will advance to the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, also known as the Jimmy Awards, in New York City. Tickets are $25 each for the show at 7 p.m. June 3 at 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando. More information: drphillipscenter.org
Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.
