5 things to do in Orlando this weekend: SeaWorld craft beer festival, Billy vs. Elton and more

Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel
·3 min read
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As families prepare to send children back to school and temperatures continue to soar into the mid-90s, Central Florida has a number of weekend offerings — including some indoors.

While the fall festival and Halloween season aren’t quite upon us, the weekend of Aug. 11-13 offers family-friendly art activities at the Mennello Museum, independent films at Orlando Museum of Art and a family expo at Orange County Convention Center.

Central Floridians can also indulge in a Billy Joel vs. Elton John tribute concert or sample craft beer at SeaWorld. Here are ideas for things to do this weekend.

Billy vs. Elton — A Tribute

It’s been a while since Billy Joel and Elton John toured together, as they did for years on their “Face to Face” tours in the mid-90s and early 2000s. Fans of the piano legends can enjoy a tribute concert this Friday at the House of Blues.

If you go: Billy vs. Elton has doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show begins at 8:30 p.m. Aug. 11 at 1490 E. Buena Vista Drive in Orlando. Tickets cost $16.50 each (before fees). More information: houseofblues.com

SeaWorld Craft Beer Festival

Sample more than 100 craft brews, wines, seltzers and cocktails as SeaWorld Orlando aims to serve up an “incredible party for craft beer lovers.” Explore a mix of domestic and Florida favorites or sample more than 20 food items. The event, which runs Fridays-Sundays through Sept. 4, also features festive entertainment.

If you go: The SeaWorld Craft Beer Festival is open from noon until one hour before park close Fridays-Sundays through Sept. 4 at 7007 Sea World Drive in Orlando. The event is included with park admission; food and beverage cost extra. More information: seaworld.com

Florida Kids and Family Expo

As Florida children return to school, explore more than 200 exhibitors representing organizations, products, services, entertainment and schools at Orange County Convention Center. Families can enjoy animal interactions, character meet-and-greets, bounce houses, live entertainment, lightsaber training and more.

If you go: The 2023 Florida Kids and Family Expo is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 12 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 13 at 9800 International Drive in Orlando. Advanced tickets are $8 each per guest ages 3 and older or $15 at the door. More information: mycentralfloridafamily.com

2 more things

  • The Mennello Museum of American Art offers a free family “funday” on the second Sunday of each month. Visitors of all ages can try “pattern play” projects related to the current exhibition, “Flourishing Patterns.” Art projects are available from noon-2:30 p.m. and the museum stays open until 4:30 p.m. Aug. 13 at 900 E. Princeton St. in Orlando. More information: mennellomuseum.org

  • FilmSlam comes to Orlando Museum of Art, featuring short films from independent filmmakers of all skill levels. Tickets are $11 each for the screening, which runs about 60 minutes and is followed by a Q&A session. The event starts at 2 p.m. Aug. 13 at 2416 N. Mills Ave. in Orlando. More information: eventbrite.com

Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.