Editor’s note: This is the final post in our series counting down to 2015. Happy New Year!

SPONSORED: As you plan for the new year, make it a resolution to explore more of Orlando.

Here’s a list of 15 things to do in Downtown Orlando for 2015.

Lake Eola with Swan Boat 

Downtown Orlando Bucket List 2015

  1. Ride SunRail. Leave your car behind and come downtown on the train. There’s free wifi and SunRail just launched the #nighttrain, an additional roundtrip train to help you get home after a dinner, show, or Magic game. Bonus: Service is free on New Year’s Day with a sponsorship from Orlando Venues and Florida Citrus Sports. LEARN MORE HERE >>
  1. Spend Sunday exploring the Orlando Farmers Market. Looking for a fun or relaxing Sunday? Bring your family and friends to the Orlando Farmer’s Market at Lake Eola Park. The market has something for everyone from seasonal produce to artisanal crafts. It’s a dog-friendly market, so bring your four-legged friends too. LEARN MORE HERE >>
  1. Take a class at the Melrose Center. If learning a new skill is on your to-do list for 2015, check out the Orlando Public Library’s Melrose Center for Technology, Innovation, and Creativity. From their production studio, to their flight simulator, and classes on 3D printing, web development, and more, this isgreat place to learn something new. LEARN MORE HERE >>
  1. Celebrate Orlando’s art, food, tech, and business scenes on Third Thursday. Third Thursday has evolved into a major monthly event highlighted by Downtown Arts District’s Gallery Hop, Orlando Tech Meetup, Downtown Orlando Partnership’s business social, and the Taste of Church Street. Spend your next Third Thursday exploring the different scenes Downtown Orlando has to offer. LEARN MORE HERE >> 
  1. See a performance at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Located in heart of downtown, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is home to some of the most exciting performances and shows in Central Florida. Add one of their scheduled Broadway shows, musical performances, or lectures to your 2015 calendar. LEARN MORE HERE >>

  1. Take a walking tour of See Art Orlando. See Art Orlando reviewed 180 artist submissions from 16 countries and 36 states before selecting the 8 pieces that were installed downtown. Explore and learn more about each with a self-guided walking tour to each art installation. LEARN MORE HERE >>
  1. Discover African American history and culture at the Wells Built Museum. Local physician Dr. William Monroe Wells established a hotel in 1926 to host famous African American entertainers and performers in an era of segregation. The hotel has since become Wells Built Museum, and focuses on the history of the area and contributions of Dr. Wells to the Orlando community. LEARN MORE HERE >>
  1. Explore Downtown Orlando’s history with the Historic District Walking Tour. Local Historic Preservation expert Richard Forbes guides tour participants through the history and architecture of some of Orlando’s oldest buildings and homes. You can book this tour by calling the Downtown Development Board. LEARN MORE HERE >>
  1. Attend a free concert during the Downtown Concert Series. Throughout the year Local radio station 98.9 WMMO puts on the Downtown Concert Series. It features a range of great artists and bands, and best of all admission is free. LEARN MORE HERE >>
  1. See art and sip wine during the Thornton Park Wine & Art Walk. Enjoy the best of Thornton Park every second Thursday of the month. The Wine & Art Walk includes over 20 locations throughout one of Downtown Orlando’s favorite neighborhoods. LEARN MORE HERE >>
  1. Ride the Urban Trail. Take your bike out for a ride on the Orlando Urban Trail, which connects to Downtown Orlando at Magnolia Ave. The 3-mile trail is a great way to explore different areas of Orlando, including Downtown’s urban core, Ivanhoe Village on Virginia Dr., and Mills 50’s Loch Haven Park. LEARN MORE HERE >>
  1. Use Orlando Bikeshare. Don’t have a bike or want to ride one to downtown? In 2015 bikeshare stations will be available throughout Downtown Orlando. Use one of the system’s bikes to explore local neighborhoods or just ride one to grab a quick lunch across Downtown. There will be a ribbon cutting for Orlando’S bikeshare program on Friday, January 9 at 2 pm at the OUC Reliable Plaza, 100 West Anderson Street. LEARN MORE HERE >>
  1. Check out local artists’ work at one of Downtown’s art venues. Learn about local artists and see some of their work in one of Downtown Orlando’s art venues. From City Arts Factory to the Mayor’s Gallery at City Hall, there are dozens of places around Downtown to see. LEARN MORE HERE >>
  1. Enjoy Lake Eola with a swan boat ride. We’ve all said we would do it “one day,” but it’s 2015, and you still probably haven’t done it yet. Take your trip to Lake Eola up a notch with a ride on an iconic swan paddleboat. LEARN MORE HERE >>
  1. Attend What’s Up Downtown. Learn more about what’s going on Downtown with What’s Up Downtown. This morning event put on by the Downtown Development Board features speakers and organizations brining something new and exciting to the area. Coffee and pastries are provided. LEARN MORE HERE >>

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5 Comments

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  1. SarahElbadri Gregg Pollack Uh…   Is this where we call Matthew … you know… the City Innovation guy to teach them how to use eventbrite?  😉

  2. Hey Guyz it’s great that you are interested in our Downtown Information Center located at 201 N. Orange Ave at the corner of Orange Ave and Church S in the city. For more you mmay log in on http://www.downtownorlando.com  There you will find any info. needed about the center…. just to give you a little heads up; thanks again Marsha Green

  3. Gregg Pollack  I’ve updated the post with the additional information I received this morning.
    I talked with Richard Forbes, who leads the historic tour. The tour is currently scheduled for the first Friday of each month. The tour begins at 9:30am at the Downtown information center. The next tour is on February 6, 2015. If you’re interested in reserving a spot on the tour, call Rose Garlick at 407-246-3789.