Find Orlando Family Magazine on Facebook! Follow Orlando Family Magazine on Twitter!

Out and About in Orlando: May 2016 Events

JUNIE B. JONES, THE MUSICAL

Orlando Repertory Theatre, through May 15

It’s Junie B.’s first day in first grade, and a lot of things have changed for her: Her friend Lucille doesn’t want to be her best pal anymore, and on the bus, Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. Also, Junie B. has trouble reading the blackboard, and her teacher Mr. Scary thinks she may need glasses. Throw in a friendly lunch lady, a kickball tournament and a “Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal,” and first grade has never been more exciting. OrlandoRep.com

SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN

Garden Theatre, through May 29

Using digital animation as seen in 2015’s Peter Pan, this play has all the makings of a Tinseltown tabloid headline—the starlet, the leading man and a love affair that could change lives and make or break careers. In silent movies, Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont are a hot item, but behind the scenes, things aren’t always as they appear on the big screen. Meanwhile, Lina’s squeaky voice might be the end of her career in “talking pictures” without the help of a talented young actress to do the talking and singing for her. GardenTheatre.org

EPCOT’S INTERNATIONAL FLOWER & GARDEN FESTIVAL

Epcot Theme Park, through May 30

While the grounds at Epcot are always beautiful, the Flower and Garden Festival takes them to the next level with more than 100 topiaries on display. Perennial Flower and Garden favorites such as the English Tea Garden, special kids’ activities, and Ask an Expert will be returning, as will the Garden Rocks Concerts. For kids, there’s the Cactus Road Rally Garden Radiator Springs interactive play zone, Tinker Bell’s Butterfly House, and Mike & Sulley’s Monstrous Garden. Plus, illuminated topiary and play gardens light up at night for a whole new festival experience. EpcotInSpring.com

11TH ANNUAL ORLANDO VISIONWALK

Cypress Grove Park, May 1

VisionWalk is a signature fundraising event of the Foundation Fighting Blindness, a nonprofit organization. Since its inception in 2006, VisionWalk has raised over $39 million to fund sight-saving research. As promising treatments move into critical human studies, the need for research funding is greater than ever. Blindness.org/OrlandoVisionWalk

BABY OWL SHOWER

Audubon Center for Birds of Prey, May 7

Spring is here and with it comes baby bird season, when the clinic receives approximately 20 percent of its annual patient load. Most of these young birds have been temporarily displaced from their nests, and the ultimate goal is to get them back into the wild where they belong. Many of these babies will be reunited with their families or placed in foster nests. Others that are orphaned or that cannot be returned to their families will be raised and prepared for life in the wild. Admission is “free” that day when you bring an item from their wish list, which is available on their website. FL.Audubon.org/Baby-Owl-Shower

BACK TO BACK: THE MUSIC OF BILLY JOEL AND ELTON JOHN

The Springs Community, Longwood, May 7

The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and world-class touring act Jeans ‘n Classics perform the music of two incredible singer/songwriter/performers: Billy Joel and Elton John. This piano-centric program features favorite tunes by Billy Joel, like “She’s Got a Way” and “Piano Man” followed by Elton John’s “That’s Why They Call It the Blues,” “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me” and more! Make plans to attend the season’s most anticipated event. OrlandoPhil.org

DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD LIVE!

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, May 21

The legacy of the beloved Mister Rogers lives on with the hit television series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, airing daily on PBS KIDS. Now, Daniel and all of his friends are hopping aboard Trolley to delight live audiences. Donning his iconic red sweater, Daniel takes the audience on an interactive musical adventure as he and his friends explore the vibrant world of their much-loved Neighborhood of Make-Believe, sharing themes of friendship, helping others and celebrating new experiences. This live theatrical production filled with singing, dancing, laughter and “grr-ific” surprises will warm the hearts of multiple generations. DrPhillipsCenter.org

BEAR AWARENESS DAY

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, May 21

All three of North America’s bear species—the polar bear, grizzly bear and American black bear—are threatened by habitat loss and human-caused mortality. Bear Awareness Day recognizes how vital these large mammals are to the ecosystems in which they live and how important it is to protect their habitat. Through hands on activities, games, crafts and special keeper talks at the bear habitat, the Central Florida Zoo will inspire awareness about these wonderful creatures, the role they play in ecosystems, the work we do to protect them, and what you can to do help. This event is included in general Zoo admission; additional fees may apply for certain activities. CentralFloridaZoo.org