By Jim Carchidi
February 21, 2026
Performers, painters and patrons began a weekend celebration of the arts on Friday, Feb. 20, when IMMERSE 2026 took over downtown Orlando.
Setting the stage
Raymi Dance School performed Peruvian fold dances on the Dr. Phillips Stage at the start of IMMERSE 2026. Photos by Jim Carchidi
Orlando Science Center presented a "colorful fire tornado" demonstration by burning a combination of methyl alcohol and acids as box fans swirled the flame.
Local crafters set up an art market in the courtyard of the 200 South Orange building.
Presented by Creative City Project, in partnership with the City of Orlando and AdventHealth, the festival entered its 11th year of filling 10 city blocks with experiences by more than 100 arts groups. Creative City Project founder and executive director Cole NeSmith and his staff spend more than a year curating the shows with local and national talent ranging from U.K.-based Architects of Air and Blue Man Group to Cirque du Soleil and Orlando Vocal Collective. And every artist is paid for their participation.
Proceeds from VIP experience ticket sales benefits the Creative City Project 501(c)(3).
A night to remember
The inflatable environments by U.K.-based Architects of Air have become an IMMERSE tradition.
The structures use the sun to light the interior and feature chambers with unique acoustic features.
The students of Joyce Lemos Aerial Arts Academy performed above the Orange Avenue crowds.
Four sponsored stages hosted an array of performers, from acrobats to musicians. Contortionist SK Kim demonstrated her skills with two performances.
Kim's repertoire includes shooting an arrow with her feet.
Performers from World Dance Orlando presented a colorful display on Church Street.
Singer songwriter Pretty Rico Bandz performed a set on Orange Avenue.
Art installations including a paint-by-numbers wall encouraged community participation.
Guests were invited to customize several "art cars" parked along Orange Avenue.
The OUC installation offered an interactive maze of string lights.
Orlando artist Tiffany Ramos presented a live mural demonstration.
Guests walk through a black light graffiti room.
One of the most outstanding displays came from West Palm Beach-based performance troupe, MESH. Their combination of dance and acrobatics culminated in a pyrotechnic halo of aerial performers suspended hundreds of feet above the crowd.
The fun continues Saturday, Feb. 21, from 5-11 p.m. A daytime color fireworks display over Lake Eola is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 22, at 1 p.m. Log onto immersefest.com for more information.
Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the #1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.
About the Author
Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
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