Soul Legends and Fairground Fun: What's On in Orlando Today

Spotlight: Gladys Knight at the Dr. Phillips Center

The legendary "Empress of Soul," Gladys Knight, takes the stage tonight at the H-E-B Performance Hall within the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Starting at 7:00 PM, fans can expect an evening of timeless hits including "Midnight Train to Georgia" and "Neither One of Us." This performance is a highlight of the spring concert season, bringing one of R&B’s most iconic voices to the heart of downtown Orlando for a one-night-only engagement.

Community and Fairs: Central Florida Fair

Today marks a special evening at the Central Florida Fair, located at the Fairgrounds on West Colonial Drive. It is "Stars & Stripes Night," where all military personnel and first responders receive free admission with a valid ID. The gates open at 4:00 PM, offering a full evening of midway rides, agricultural exhibits, and live entertainment. In the Beer Garden, local favorites John Ashley and The Swamp Bandits will perform a free show for fairgoers from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Theater and Arts

• "Assassins" at Breakthrough Theatre Company: Tonight is the final performance of the Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman musical, "Assassins." This provocative production explores the lives of nine individuals who attempted to or succeeded in assassinating U.S. presidents. It is a rare opportunity to catch this award-winning show in an intimate community setting.
• 2026 Black History Month Exhibition: Located at the Terrace Gallery in Orlando City Hall, this exhibition honors the centennial of national Black history commemorations. The gallery is open to the public and showcases works that celebrate the heritage and contributions of the African American community in Central Florida.
• David LaChapelle at Orlando Museum of Art: For art enthusiasts, the "As The World Turns" exhibition remains on display. This collection features the vibrant, surreal photography of David LaChapelle, offering a deep dive into contemporary pop culture and social commentary.

Unique Local Happenings

For those looking for something beyond the traditional, Disney Springs welcomes the opening of the CrazyShake by Black Tap pop-up today. Taking over the former Sprinkles location, this 90-day limited engagement serves their signature over-the-top milkshakes. Meanwhile, at Walt Disney World Resort, the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend concludes today with a final session of Disney Princess Yoga, providing a serene end to a high-energy sporting weekend. If you prefer a local club vibe, head to Will's Pub for an eclectic performance by Daikaiju vs. Yogurt Smoothness starting at 7:00 PM.