Orlando, FL
Orlando events and things to do, from Walt Disney World, Universal and Epic Universe to Magic games, concerts, Disney Springs and things to do besides theme parks.
Orlando Events & Things to Do: Disney World, Universal, Epic Universe & More
Quick answer: The best things to do in Orlando include visiting Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort and its newest park, Universal Epic Universe, exploring ICON Park and Disney Springs, seeing a rocket launch from the nearby Space Coast, and catching the Orlando Magic. Coming up: EPCOT Food & Wine Festival (through November 21), Halloween Horror Nights (select nights through November 1), and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (select nights November 8 – December 22).
Searching for things to do in Orlando beyond the rides, or planning a theme park trip? Orlando is home to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and Epic Universe, and SeaWorld, but it also has Orlando Magic games, concerts at the Kia Center, shopping and dining at Disney Springs, and a charming lakeside downtown in Winter Park. Seasonal events like Halloween Horror Nights and EPCOT festivals keep the calendar full.
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Upcoming Orlando Events in 2026 and 2027
- EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival: Runs August 27 – November 21, 2026.
- Halloween Horror Nights: Universal Orlando's 35th year of scares runs 49 select nights through November 1.
- Orlando Magic home opener: The Magic host the Atlanta Hawks at Kia Center on October 21, 2026.
- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party: Select nights at Magic Kingdom, November 8 – December 22, 2026.
Find Tickets: Universal Orlando Resort Tours & Tickets • Walt Disney World® Resort Tours & Tickets • EPCOT® Tours & Tickets
Which Orlando Theme Parks Should You Visit?
- Walt Disney World: Four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom) plus two water parks.
- Universal Orlando Resort: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and Universal Epic Universe, the resort's newest theme park.
- SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica: Marine life, coasters, and water slides.
- LEGOLAND Florida: A great pick for younger kids, about 45 minutes away in Winter Haven.
Explore: Orlando Sightseeing Tickets & Passes • Orlando Tours & Sightseeing • Universal Studios Florida Tours & Tickets
What Is There to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks?
- Disney Springs and ICON Park: Shopping, dining, entertainment, and The Wheel.
- Airboat rides and wildlife tours: Gators and wetlands just outside the city.
- Kennedy Space Center: Rockets, astronauts, and launch viewing on the Space Coast, about an hour east.
- Winter Park: Boat tours, Park Avenue shops, and museums.
- Natural springs: Crystal-clear swimming at spots like Wekiwa Springs and Blue Spring.
Explore: Orlando Half-Day Tours • Disney Springs® Tours & Tickets • Fun Spot America Theme Parks Tours & Tickets
Orlando Sports & Live Entertainment
- Orlando Magic: NBA basketball at Kia Center downtown.
- Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride: MLS and NWSL soccer at Inter&Co Stadium.
- UCF Knights: College football in Orlando.
- Concerts and comedy: Big shows at Kia Center and the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
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Where Should You Eat in Orlando?
Orlando's food scene goes well beyond the parks. Try International Drive's restaurant row, Disney Springs, the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival booths, Mills 50's Vietnamese and Asian spots, and Winter Park's cafés.
Explore: International Drive Tours & Tickets • Disney Springs® Tours & Tickets • Universal Volcano Bay Tours & Tickets
Things to Do in Orlando With Kids
Orlando might be the most family-friendly destination in the world. Beyond the big parks, families love Gatorland, the Orlando Science Center, LEGOLAND, Kennedy Space Center, dinner shows, and mini golf on International Drive.
Explore: Kennedy Space Center Tours & Tickets • International Drive Tours & Tickets • Orlando Sightseeing Tickets & Passes
Free Things to Do in Orlando
- Disney Springs: Free entry and free garage parking for shopping, live music, and people-watching.
- Lake Eola Park: Walk the loop, see the swans, and catch the Sunday farmers market downtown.
- Winter Park's Park Avenue: Shops, cafés, and Central Park, plus a Saturday farmers market.
- Universal CityWalk: Free to enter for restaurants and bands, though parking has a fee.
Things to Do in Orlando for Adults & Couples
- Disney Springs dinner and drinks: Waterfront restaurants and lounges without a park ticket.
- Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour: A relaxed cruise through lakes and canals past historic homes.
- Dr. Phillips Center: Broadway tours and concerts downtown.
- Halloween Horror Nights: Universal's fall scare event for grown-ups.
Things to Do in Orlando This Weekend & Today
Most Orlando weekends are theme park days, so buy tickets and reservations in advance. For a break, spend an evening at Disney Springs or CityWalk, catch a Magic game, or head to Winter Park for brunch and the boat tour.
Browse Now: Orlando Tours & Activities • Wild Florida Airboats and Gator Park Tours & Tickets • Universal Islands of Adventure Tours & Tickets • Orlando Outdoor Activities
Popular Orlando Questions
What are the best free things to do in Orlando?
Free favorites in Orlando include Disney Springs, Lake Eola Park, winter Park's Park Avenue, and Universal CityWalk. See the free things to do section above for details.
What are the best things to do in Orlando for adults and couples?
Popular picks for adults and couples in Orlando include Disney Springs dinner and drinks, winter Park Scenic Boat Tour, Dr. Phillips Center, and Halloween Horror Nights.
When is Halloween Horror Nights 2026 in Orlando?
Halloween Horror Nights runs select nights August 28 – November 1, 2026 at Universal Orlando.
When is the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival 2026?
The festival runs August 27 – November 21, 2026.
When is Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2026?
Select nights from November 8 through December 22, 2026, 7 p.m. to midnight.
What is Epic Universe?
Universal Epic Universe is the newest theme park at Universal Orlando Resort, with immersive themed worlds.
How many theme parks are in Orlando?
Walt Disney World has four theme parks, Universal Orlando has three plus a water park, and SeaWorld, Aquatica, and LEGOLAND are nearby.
When is the best time to visit Orlando?
Late September through early November and late January through February often bring smaller crowds and pleasant weather. Holidays and summer are the busiest times.
What is there to do in Orlando this weekend?
Browse Orlando tours and activities for park tickets, airboat rides, and experiences you can book for your dates.
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Plan Your Orlando Trip
Ride your favorite attractions at Disney and Universal, explore Epic Universe, scream at Halloween Horror Nights, taste your way through Food & Wine, and celebrate the holidays at Magic Kingdom.
Start exploring Orlando with Get Your Ticket and discover your next park day, event, or family adventure.
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