Dr. Phillips Center announces new outdoor ‘Front Yard Festival’ coming to downtown Orlando
Dr. Phillips Center is introducing an all-new outdoor, six-month long festival coming soon to downtown Orlando. Front Yard Festival will feature live entertainment in a safe, socially-distanced environment.
“COVID-19 has created significant challenges for performing arts centers and stages around the world,” said Dr. Phillips Center President and CEO Kathy Ramsberger. “To keep our mission moving forward, our team has come up with a unique way for guests to re-connect and re-engage with one another and enjoy live entertainment and culture again. This big idea is gaining fantastic support by sponsors, partners and artists.”
The arts center plans to transform its three front parcels into an outdoor venue fit for concerts, film showings, comedy shows, health and wellness programs, performances from local artists and more. The festival will feature 380 seating pods, with each one spaced six feet apart, elevated, and able to seat up to five guests.
“More than anything, we’re excited to produce a platform that will reunite artists and wellness instructors with live audiences,” Ramsberger said.
Dr. Phillips Center is also partnering with local restaurants and vendors to provide a variety of food and drinks. Guests can pre-purchase food while purchasing tickets online. The arts center will also offer an app to order food and have it delivered right to your pod.
“Everyone we’ve talked to is so excited and supportive about working together to help launch the festival,” said Ramsberger. “The spirit of this project is about providing a lift to the entire community through positive partnerships, and that’s what makes the Front Yard Festival so meaningful and worthwhile.”
Health and safety guidelines
- Temperature screenings are required before entry
- Guests must wear masks at all times, unless actively eating or drinking while socially distanced in their pod
- Each pod will be six feet apart
- All event staff must wear masks at all times
- All artists and their teams must wear masks unless actively performing on stage
- Contactless food ordering and payment is encouraged
The Orlando City Council approved a $250,000 grant to cover infrastructure costs for the festival.
“Arts and events not only help provide needed jobs and employment for our residents, but also food for our souls,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “That’s why we are proud to partner with the Dr. Phillips Center as they create a new outdoor venue in our downtown. The space will help bring our arts back and bring our community safely together to gather, celebrate, relax and be inspired.”
Dr. Phillips Center aims to launch Front Yard Festival this December. Once up and running, they hope to bring programming and entertainment to downtown Orlando seven days a week.
To learn more about the Front Yard Festival, visit Dr.PhillipsCenter.org.
