With the Magnolia flower as its centerpiece, Midnight on Magnolia offers a refreshing alternative to the typical New Year’s Eve bar and club scene in Downtown Orlando.  The glittering event showcases the vibrant culture and history of the Downtown Arts District. Attendees aged 21 and up will enjoy a welcoming, cosmopolitan environment—stylish yet comfortable, without being overly formal.

The evening’s festivities will include live art experiences and entertainment, DJ John Willoughby and co-DJs performing in the first – and second-floor main galleries, live music by the Blacklist Babes in the gated, open-air FORDify the Arts Courtyard, party favors, confetti cannons, stilt walkers, a champagne toast at midnight, cocktails, gourmet lite bites by Johnny’s Fillin’ Station, and more.  General Admission and VIP tickets — featuring open bar — are now available at MidnightOnMagnolia2026.EventBrite.com.  A special 35% offer will be available from Black Friday through Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday, valid for both GA and VIP tickets.

“After selling out our inaugural event last year, we’re thrilled to bring back our New Year’s Eve celebration, which we anticipate will sell out again,” says Daniel F. Betancourt, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “Whether you’re a local in The City Beautiful or visiting from out of town, this is the New Year’s Eve celebration not to be missed.  It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that the Downtown Arts District is proud to bring to our community.”

The 2026 Midnight on Magnolia committee is chaired by Daniel F. Betancourt, with Lindsey Hahn, Samantha Klingler and Stefani Lockman serving as committee leads.  Downtown Arts District liaisons include Barbara Hartley, Teagan Carregal and Jessica Pawli.

Experience the inaugural “Midnight on Magnolia” New Year’s Eve event, hosted by the Downtown Arts District, on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at CityArts Orlando located at 39 South Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801.  To purchase tickets, visit: MidnightOnMagnolia2026.Eventbrite.com.  For more information about Downtown Arts District, visit: DowntownArtsDistrict.com.

“CityArts Café isn’t just about coffee, it’s about creating a space to enjoy and support the local arts community,” says Downtown Arts District Executive Director Barbara Hartley.  The vision and menu are inspired by the legacy of the Rogers-Kienes building and its European heritage.  We will proudly serve Lavazza, Italy’s largest and most celebrated coffee roaster and a long-standing supporter of the arts.  Our bakery selection features classic French patisserie and British tearoom favorites from local purveyor Olde Hearth Bakery.  We are thrilled to celebrate the official grand opening of the café — a welcome addition to all our programming — and we invite everyone to join us.  We have no doubt visitors of our beautiful galleries and amazing events will absolutely love it.”

“CityArts Café is reopening as an extension of the Downtown Arts District, supporting our mission to cultivate a vibrant creative community in the heart of Orlando,” says Daniel Betancourt, Chairman of the Board.  “A portion of proceeds will directly benefit local artists and arts programming.  Through this café, we continue to enhance the vibrancy, accessibility and economic growth of the district by presenting outstanding visual and performing arts, producing dynamic public art experiences and providing meaningful professional development for artists.”

Enjoy CityArts Café opening this Wednesday, November 12, 2025 located at 37 S. Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801.  Hours of operation are Tuesday thru Sunday 8am-3pm.  For more information, visit www.cityartscafe.com and https://downtownartsdistrict.com/.

About Downtown Arts District

The Downtown Arts District is a dedicated nonprofit organization for advancing arts and economic development in the City of Orlando.  Established in 2000, the mission of the Downtown Arts District is to enhance the vibrancy, accessibility and economic development of Downtown Orlando through the presentation of outstanding visual and performing arts, the production of dynamic public art programs and the delivery of high-impact artist training and professional development.  Comprised of a series of cultural communities, the Arts District encompasses the visual arts, literature, the performing arts including music, drama, film and dance and arts and culture-related retail businesses.  The Arts District is the producer of a series of mission-based events and programs to heighten visibility for the arts including the monthly 3rd Thursday Gallery Hop, annual themed arts celebrations La Maschera and Día de los Muertos, Orlando Story Club and much more.  In addition, the Arts District manages and operates CityArts Orlando, the multi-use art and cultural destination in the historic Rogers Kiene Building in Downtown Orlando.

Still Ahead for 2025: CityArts Café Grand Opening, Monthly 3^rd Thursdays, Midnight on Magnolia and United Arts Collaborative Campaign Kickoff

Orlando, FL (October 29, 2025) – Downtown Orlando’s dynamic arts and cultural organization, the Downtown Arts District, is excited to announce its new Board of Directors for 2025–2026.  These individuals will further the Downtown Arts District’s mission to enhance the vibrancy, accessibility and economic development of Downtown Orlando through the presentation of outstanding visual and performing arts, the production of dynamic public art programs and the delivery of high-impact artist training and professional development: Chairman of the Board – Daniel Betancourt (Brightline Trains), Vice Chairman – Casey Hall (Orlando Health), Treasurer – Heather Dartez, PhD (Full Sail University), Secretary – Lindsey Hahn (Realtor® ALL Real Estate & Investments), Parliamentarian – Jaison Radcliff (Form 2 Fashion / The Paper Bar Co.), Immediate Past Chairman of the Board – Kyle Sturley (Greater Orlando Sports Commission) and Board Members – Carol Burkett (Orange County Government), Samantha Daniels (Valley Bank), Marcia Hope Goodwin (City of Orlando), Thomas Kehr (Cole Engineering Services, Inc.), Stefani Lockman (Siemens).

Downtown Arts District is home to the world-renowned CityArts, housed inside the historic Rogers Kiene Building.  In addition to CityArts galleries, Downtown Arts District also includes an array of venues for the visual and performing arts and presents numerous programs throughout the year.  Wrapping up 2025, Downtown Arts District will feature the CityArts Café Grand Opening in November, the award-winning monthly 3^rd Thursday programs and Midnight on Magnolia New Year’s Eve Party (Tickets: MidnightOnMagnolia2026.Eventbrite.com).  Patrons can also support Downtown Arts District through the upcoming United Arts Collaborative Campaign (Follow DAD socials for updates – FB: @downtownartsdistrict, IG: @downtownartsorlando).

“I couldn’t be more honored to assume the role of Chairman of the Board for the Downtown Arts District at such an exciting moment in the organization’s history,” says Daniel Betancourt.  “Over the past four years serving on the board and volunteering with the Downtown Arts District staff, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact this institution has on Orlando’s creative community.  I’m proud to help carry that legacy forward and continue supporting the growth and vibrancy of Downtown Orlando’s arts, culture, and economy.”

“It has been an honor to serve as Chairman of the Downtown Arts District for the last two years, working alongside so many passionate advocates for Orlando’s creative community,” says Kyle Sturley.  I’m proud to have contributed to milestones such as the completion of the Fordify the Arts Courtyard project and our team’s participation in the DeVos Institute Capacity Building program, both of which have strengthened the organization for years to come.  Thank you to Executive Director Barbara Hartley and her entire team for their leadership and dedication, and I’m excited to support Danny and our new slate of officers as they continue to advance the District’s mission and momentum.”

Downtown Arts District invites locals and visitors to Downtown Orlando to come and discover local art at one of the many art galleries and performance venues located throughout Downtown Orlando.  For more information, visit https://downtownartsdistrict.com/.

About Downtown Arts District

The Downtown Arts District is a dedicated nonprofit organization for advancing arts and economic development in the City of Orlando.  Established in 2000, the mission of the Downtown Arts District is to enhance the vibrancy, accessibility and economic development of Downtown Orlando through the presentation of outstanding visual and performing arts, the production of dynamic public art programs and the delivery of high-impact artist training and professional development.  Comprised of a series of cultural communities, the Arts District encompasses the visual arts, literature, the performing arts including music, drama, film and dance and arts and culture-related retail businesses.  The Arts District is the producer of a series of mission-based events and programs to heighten visibility for the arts including the monthly 3rd Thursday Gallery Hop, annual themed arts celebrations La Maschera and Día de los Muertos, Orlando Story Club and much more.  In addition, the Arts District manages and operates CityArts Orlando, the multi-use art and cultural destination in the historic Rogers Kiene Building in Downtown Orlando.