LUXE Top 5: New in Orlando This August
Orlando continues to welcome exciting new places to eat, explore, and experience, and August brings another fresh lineup to Central Florida. From highly anticipated restaurant openings and local dining concepts to creative experiences and a newly renovated performing arts venue, there’s plenty worth checking out this month. Here are five new places opening in and around Orlando this August.
1. Whataburger
📍 12305 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando
After a 17-year absence from the Orlando market, Whataburger officially returned on August 6. The new East Colonial Drive restaurant is open 24 hours a day and features both dine-in and drive-thru service. Fans can once again get their hands on the Texas-born chain's signature burgers, patty melts, chicken sandwiches, fries, shakes, and famous spicy ketchup without leaving Orlando.
2. Viet-Nomz – Winter Park
📍 1330 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park
Local favorite Viet-Nomz is expanding with its fourth Central Florida restaurant, scheduled to open in Winter Park this August. The fast-casual Vietnamese concept is known for fresh, customizable favorites including pho, bánh mì, rice bowls, vermicelli noodle bowls, and Vietnamese iced coffee. The new restaurant will sit near the corner of Orange and Orlando avenues.
3. The Hidden Kitchen at Hall's on 5th
📍 15 E. 5th St., Apopka
Downtown Apopka's Hall's on 5th is adding another dining concept this August with The Hidden Kitchen. Created by Executive Chef Lloyd Tucker, the new spot puts a modern spin on American comfort food with handcrafted burgers, smoked specialties, scratch-made starters, and bold takes on familiar favorites.
4. The Hot Spot Studios
📍 12904 Sunstone Ave., Suite 100, Orlando
A new creative experience is arriving in Orlando this August with The Hot Spot Studios. The hands-on studio will offer paint-your-own pottery, canvas painting, parties, group activities, date nights, team-building experiences, and Sip & Create events. It's an easy new option for anyone looking for something different to do beyond Orlando's traditional attractions.
5. The Newly Renovated Winter Park Playhouse
📍 711 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park
The Winter Park Playhouse is reopening its newly renovated theater to the public this August as it launches its 2026–2027 season. The intimate professional theater specializes in musical productions, including Off-Broadway hits and regional premieres, giving Central Florida theatergoers a refreshed destination for live entertainment.
Visit The Winter Park Playhouse
What’s New in Orlando This August
August brings another wave of fresh experiences to Central Florida, with new restaurants, creative spaces, and entertainment destinations adding even more variety to the Orlando area. Whether you're grabbing a late-night burger, discovering a new Vietnamese favorite, exploring Apopka's growing food scene, getting creative at a new studio, or catching a live musical in Winter Park, these openings offer plenty of reasons to explore something new this month.
