As we reflect on another impactful year, we are proud to celebrate the growth, partnerships, and community connections that defined 2025 for Ivanhoe Village Main Street. This year was marked by record-breaking events, transformative design projects, and meaningful collaborations that strengthened our neighborhood, supported our small businesses, and enhanced the quality of life for everyone who lives, works, and visits here.

Events & Promotions

Virginia Drive Live (with Mills50 District)
Co-hosted in February, April, and September, Virginia Drive Live welcomed approximately 500 attendees at each event. These street festivals supported both brick-and-mortar businesses and mobile vendors while giving multiple committees, especially our Design Committee, a platform to promote projects like the pocket park and public art panels.

Jingle Eve 2025
Jingle Eve reached record attendance with over 8,500 guests, drawing visitors from throughout the region and beyond. The sold-out Wine Walk (600 guests) once again energized our local businesses.
Partnerships elevated the event, including:

– Collective Corner as market host

– Orlando Museum of Art’s Council of 101 cross-promotion with Festival of Trees

– New sponsors including Orlando Family Stage and BJ’s Wholesale Club, and returning sponsors such as Orlando Health, Lake House Apartments, The Yard at Ivanhoe, Orange County Regional History Center, and OUC.

Sip Into Spring 2025
After a year off, Sip Into Spring returned with record attendance, netting over $4,700 to support district programs.

Once Upon a Halloween
Our inaugural Halloween celebration united the district through a sip & stroll, trick-or-treating, shopping, and our first-ever outdoor movie in Gaston Edwards Park. The Lake Formosa Neighborhood joined in to host neighborhood trick-or-treating, strengthening community connections.

Scavenger Hunts, both of which supported local businesses through gift cards while encouraging district exploration.

– Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt

– Monsters on the Loose Scavenger Hunt

District Cleanups with Keep Orlando Beautiful

– Earth Day Cleanup with over 200 volunteers

– Lake Formosa Cleanups with partners including Ivanhoe Park Brewing and Epic Paddle

“Being part of Ivanhoe Village Main Street has given us such a strong sense of community even before our grand opening… Events like Jingle Eve, Sip Into Spring, and Once Upon a Halloween helped us build meaningful connections. It’s what makes this place so special.”
— Tres Ivanhoe Salon

Regional Collaborative Events

– Sip & Savor with other Orlando Main Streets (6 IVMS businesses participated)

– Orlando Beer Week Ale-Liance

– Golden Girls Gone Wild Pub Crawl with Mills50, Milk District & Curry Ford West:
A sponsored multi-district shuttle addressed parking challenges and encouraged cross-district exploration.

Reimagined Ivanhoe Workshop Series
Bimonthly educational workshops with new presenters averaged 15 attendees per class, supporting business growth and professional development.

State of the Village 2025
This annual reporting event returned in 2025 with generous venue support from Orlando Ballet and raised $2,000 toward the pocket park and $7,000+ through a silent auction.

Marketing & Business Promotion

– Explore Ivanhoe Village Your Way: Monthly themed blogs highlighting local businesses

– Make Your Move Campaign: Curated 3-part date nights in the district

– Business of the Month: 12 businesses spotlighted across our website, newsletter, and social media

– Small Business Saturday / Merry Mobile: Multi-district shuttle collaboration encouraging stress-free local shopping

“The Main Street Program is more than just a support system, it’s a true partner in our success. The campaigns and community initiatives have made a noticeable difference in visibility and foot traffic.”
— Angi, Rare Earth Gift

Design & Placemaking Projects

Art Panels
Another round of art panels was completed, supporting local artists while enhancing district businesses and public spaces with vibrant new artwork.

Well #3 Pocket Park – Virginia Drive (Phase 1 Complete)
After securing $35,000 in funding from Commissioner Stuart’s matching grant, Orlando Health, and community donations, we proudly unveiled Phase 1 of the Pocket Park, including: pavers for accessibility, seating, and landscaping. Additionally, the City of Orlando opened a second pocket park at Virginia Dr and Alden Rd, creating yet another inviting third space for the community.

Partnerships, Recognition & Grants

– Partnered with Fringe Festival for creative district-wide promotion

– Active member of the Loch Haven Alliance

– Hosted Main Street America, reinforcing national accreditation and partnership

– Collaborated with Lake Formosa Neighborhood Association

– Recognized by Mayor Buddy Dyer at the State of the City

– Partnered with the City’s Communications Team to promote small businesses

– Exceeded the City of Orlando’s matching grant expectations

– Advocated for and coordinated construction communication across multiple agencies

– Annual lighting of the Happy Holidays sign atop the historic OUC building

– Hosted the 5th Annual Board Retreat and volunteer board orientation

– IVMS and district businesses received recognition from Orlando Weekly and Orlando Magazine

– Participated in Main Street America’s Annual Conference

– Featured in United Arts Loch Haven Cultural Tours

– Produced 12 monthly newsletters to over 2,500 subscribers

– Celebrated numerous business ribbon cuttings and grand openings

– Participated in Rally Sea’s mentorship forum

– Completed Edyth Bush Institute Non-Profit Leadership Training

– Businesses continued to open and relocate into the district, reinforcing its vibrancy

“Joining Ivanhoe Village Main Street has been a fantastic experience… The team is organized, communicative, and truly passionate about creating opportunities for businesses to grow.”
— Salon Dulay

As we close out 2025, we are deeply grateful for our residents, volunteers, business owners, sponsors, and partners who made this year possible. Together, we strengthened our sense of place, expanded opportunity for local businesses, and continued shaping Ivanhoe Village as one of Orlando’s most vibrant and connected neighborhoods.

We look ahead to 2026 with excitement, momentum, and a continued commitment to supporting our community: one event, one partnership, and one small business at a time.