Welcome to our monthly guide featuring all the best things to do in Orlando throughout the month of May, and whether your visiting the area, or your a local, there is so much to see and do this month, including events, festivals, shows, and more!
The Top Things To Do In Orlando In May
Check out our list of the best things to do in Orlando in May, and check back often as we add even more events to our bumper list throughout the month.
RECURRING EVENTS
2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
Now - Sunday, July 5, 2023
The popular and fragrant, 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival features fresh cuisine, colorful gardens, playful topiaries and vibrant entertainment.
The popular Garden Rocks Concert Series is back in 2023, featuring favorite tunes at the America Gardens Theatre.
And of course, fresh flavors will be on the menu at Outdoor Kitchens and other food and beverage locations throughout the park, among other delights.
The 2023 SeaWorld Orlando Seven Seas Food Festival
Now - Sunday, May 7, 2023
Oceans of flavor and fun are waiting at SeaWorld. From foodies to families, everyone will find tasty delights among more than 200 distinct offerings.
Explore more than 50 fresh global cuisine choices to pair with over 75 refreshing wine and cocktail selections, including more than 75 craft brews.
With so many exquisite flavors to top off exhilarating coasters and extraordinary animal encounters, the Seven Seas Food Festival is a voyage to fill the belly!
The Seven Seas Food Festival is included with valid theme park admission
Dinosaurs at Leu Gardens
Now - Sunday, July 9, 2023
Dinosaurs are back! This amazing outdoor exhibit of prehistoric creatures are inhabiting Leu Gardens until July 9, 2023.
Explore the the nearly 50-acre gardens to discover some of the most feared creatures on the planet. Featuring over 20 life-size dinosaurs ranging in size from 14 inches to a massive 33 ft. Daspletosaurus, cousin to the T-Rex.
Admission to the Dinosaur Invasion exhibit is included with a daytime garden admission.
Once Upon A Spring Celebration at Gaylord Palms Resort
Now - Sunday, May 14
Spring is in bloom, and the Easter Bunny, and of course the return of the much loved Once Upon a Spring celebration at the luxurious Gaylord Palms here in Orlando.
This year's event features beautiful springtime flowers, activities in the new Adventure Kids’ Clubhouse, a pirate escape room, themed scavenger hunt and so much more.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Food & Wine Festival
Now - Sunday, May 21, 2023
A world of taste awaits at the annual Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Food & Wine Festival with a delicious menu and drinks as dynamic and unique as the park's thrilling roller coaster collection.
Guests can sip & savor their way through flavorful eats and mouthwatering treats before finding their new favorite brew or cocktail.
Park guests can explore a variety of flavors while enjoying a diverse concert lineup, including acts for all tastes.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Food & Wine Festival is available with valid theme park admission.
Art After Dark in Lake Nona
Every Friday in May, 2023
Every Friday night, Art After Dark takes over Lake Nona Town Center from 6 pm.
Perfectly nestled between Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen and Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine of Lake Nona, Art After Dark is a perfect evening out for the whole family.
Enjoy a stroll through the Town Center as you explore hand crafted artisan products, and tasty cuisine. Be sure to grab a glass a wine, stay a while to enjoy the art displayed on the six story art installation, The Beacon.
Saturday Nite Classic Car Show & Cruise at Old Town
Every Saturday in May, 2023
Join Old Town in Kissimmee every Saturday and take a trip down memory lane. The Old Town Classic Car Show has been a local tradition for over 30 years, it is one of the premier weekly car shows in Central Florida. The Saturday Classic Car Show begins at 1:00pm and welcomes show-quality 1985 and older hot rods, street rods, and antiques. Cars will cruise at 8:30pm and all cars registered can participate.
The Classic Car Show is free for participants and free for the public to attend. It’s the perfect outing for families of every generation, young and old, to enjoy.
Something Rotten! at Garden Theater
Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday until May 21
Brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are writing their way through the Renaissance, but are stuck in the shadow of famed playwright William Shakespeare. Sick and tired of failure, Nick visits a less-than-reputable soothsayer, who predicts that musicals will be the next big thing in theatre! The Bottom Brothers scramble to write the world’s first musical while fighting social norms, family struggles, and “The Bard” himself. Will opening night be an over-easy success or a rotten mess? Details here.
The Cocaine Play at Renaissance Theater
Thursday, Friday, Saturday until May 6, 2023
The Cocaine Play is a new play by Orlando writer Adonis Perez-Escobar.It's about cocaine. Well, it's sort of about cocaine. Okay it's mostly about cocaine. But also it's about a group of friends who are all obsessed with pursuing their own self-interests until it leads to their downfall (sound familiar?). It's weird (very weird) and very much for adults (language, sexuality, nudity, and drug use, obviously). And it's also smart and new and cool.
Show Car Saturday Nights at Promenade at Sunset Walk
Every Saturday In May, 2023
The Promenade at Sunset Walk is home to Show Car Saturday Nights. All makes and models are welcome and displayed along Margaritaville Boulevard.
Car enthusiasts will enjoy the music of DJ Scotty B while admiring an amazing collection of classic to modern automobiles, with live bands performing on the Promenade Plaza Stage nightly.
Throughout the evening, find your favorite restaurants and shops at the Promenade at Sunset Walk.
Orlando Area Farmers Markets
Every Saturday in May, 2023
Winter Garden Farmers Market
The Winter Garden Farmers Market is your hometown market open every Saturday from 8:00 am - 1:00 pm. in beautiful Historic Winter Garden.
Winter Park Farmers Market
The Winter Park Farmers’ Market is one of the best produce and plant markets in Central Florida which takes place every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Central Park.
Lake Mary Farmers Market
The Lake Mary Farmers Market features local vendors of produce, plants, baked goods, and arts and crafts. The market is open every Saturday, from 9am-1:30pm at Lake Mary City Hall.
City of Longwood Farmer's Market
Visit every Saturday at the City of Longwood Farmers Market at Reiter Park from 9 am to 2 pm, with locally sourced seafood and produce to handmade crafts and more.
Lake Nona Farmers Market
Join in every Saturday morning in Lake Nona, the Lake Nona Farmers Market takes place in the beautiful Town Center from 11 am - 3 pm, shop local with the freshest produce and more.
Ren Fair at The Renaissance Theatre Company
Every Sunday in May, 2023
Renaissance Fair at The Ren, is outdoor and indoor, featuring:
Shows! Drag shows featuring Dolls Holiday Brunch, live music, Drag Bingo with Myki Meeks! 18+.
Shops! Vendors, Artists, Crafts, Food Vendors/Trucks, Plants, Merchandise.
Divese and Queer-friendly
Orlando Area Farmers Markets
Every Sunday in May, 2023
Orlando Farmers Market at Lake Eola Park
One of the most popular farmers markets in Central Florida, Orlando Farmer’s Market is located in the heart of Orlando at Lake Eola park, and takes place Sundays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Celebration Farmers Market
Every week at Celebration Farmers Market there are multiple vendors here selling everything from fresh food and produce, to local crafted jewelry, and much more, with a beautiful backdrop of Lakeside Park, this is a must go to farmers market on Sundays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m
East Orlando Farmer's Market
The popular East Orlando Farmers Market offers hand selected produce, creative local small business owners, along with botanical varieties to chose from. Every Sunday 11 am - 4 pm.
Clermont Farmer's Market
Clermont Farmer's Market features over 60 vendors selling seafood, organic produce, and other household items, this popular market is the place to go on Sundays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Downtown Mount Dora Village Market
Mount Dora’s open-air Mount Dora Village Market in Sunset Park is open Sundays from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm offering fresh products from over 50 market vendors.
MAY SPECIAL EVENTS
May 1
Kali Uchis: Red Moon in Venus Tour wsg Raye at Hard Rock Live
Kali Uchis comes to Hard Rock Live Orlando. Tickets on sale now.
May 3
Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay at The Abbey
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Orlando. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Coldplay at The Abbey under the gentle glow of candlelight.
May 4
New Jack City Live at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts - Walt Disney Theater
NEW JACK CITY LIVE, transports audiences to metropolis-Harlem, NY where they bear witness to the journey of the infamous Nino Brown, a drug lord who, when caught in the crossfires of the dangerous drug game, must decide what’s most important: friendship, money, or total domination. Balancing betrayal between friends, lovers, and ultimately generational hardships, this riveting rendition of the time-honored movie will have everyone leaving the theatre wondering “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Info here.
May 4
May The 4th Be With You!
May the 4th is Star War Day and here in Central Florida, there is a lot of special events celebrate, check out our complete list of all the events happening in Orlando.
May 5
Cinco de Mayo
May 5 is Cinco de Mayo and there is so many awesome events to celebrate here in Orlando, check out our list of everything happening to celebrate, so grab your sombreros, mustaches and ponchos and let’s party Mexican style Amigos!!
May 5
Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift at the Abbey
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Orlando. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Taylor Swift at The Abbey under the gentle glow of candlelight.
May 5
Movie Night: Black Panther Wakanda Forever at Harry P. Leu Gardens
Enjoy an outdoor movie in Orlando’s most beautiful garden. Pack a dinner picnic basket and seating, alcohol is permitted. This movie is rated PG13, children under 13 years of age require accompanying parent or adult guardian, weather permitting. Info here.
May 5 - May 6
Tesla at House of Blues
Tesla comes to House of Blues Orlando at Disney Springs. Get your tickets now!
May 5 - May 6
Apopkon 2023
Apopkon is a pop-culture, Sci-fi, comic book, and toy collector festival, with a purpose. This inaugural event is debuting in Apopka, Florida May 5-6, 2023 in a family friendly, and nature filled atmosphere at the beautiful Camp Wewa. Apopkon is a family-friendly event with vendors, food trucks, meditation, wellness professionals, music and art practices, Cosplay competitions, arcade rooms and more.
May 6
Kentucky Derby Day
This year's Derby is Saturday, May 6, 2023, and here in Orlando there is many events to enjoy the “most exciting two minutes in sports.” Check out our list of everything happening to celebrate the Derby here in town!
May 6
All Pro Dad Experience at Camping World Stadium
Join Head Coach Gus Malzahn for a Saturday morning you’ll never forget! It starts when you and your child experience the thrill of stepping onto the field at Camping World Stadium.
You’ll spend the next few hours connecting with your kids with plenty of fun and games plus some practical fatherhood tips you can take home and put into practice.
You won’t want to miss this memorable Orlando All Pro Dad Experience, created just for you and your kids.
May 6 - May 7
Bluey's Big Play at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts - Walt Disney Theater
The #1 kids show on Disney Junior and Disney Channel comes to Orlando.
Bluey’s Big Play is a brand-new theatrical adaptation of the Emmy award-winning children’s television series, which broke every box office record for children’s entertainment in Australia.
Join Bluey, Bingo, Bandit & Chilli in “a glorious celebration of everything you love about the show” (The Guardian), featuring brilliantly created puppets, this is Bluey as you’ve never seen it before, brought to real life!
May 6
College Park Spring Fest
College Park Spring Fest will take over Edgewater Drive on SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2023 with an “ANYTHING GOES 90’s PARTY!”
Our annual community street festival is "pedestrian-only" between Smith Street and Winter Park Street and guests will enjoy great live music, creative activities, diverse food trucks, and the local shops and restaurants open onto the street.
We are excited to bring RAMONA and CAT RIDGEWAY to the festival taking us on a musical nostalgia to the 90’s! This event will make you feel “super fly” and ready to break out your scrunchies, mood rings, neon and bike shorts! It’s gonna be “all that … and a bag of chips”
May 6
Kiddies Carnival of Orlando at Trotters Park
Kiddies Carnival of Orlando is a unique festival of cultures demonstrated through, food, music, story telling, historical information, interactive hands-on activities, stage show that includes Caribbean artist, dance, poetry and much, much more, and then a parade of kids masquerading bands in festive fun colorful costumes.
May 6
Make 'm Smile at Lake Eola Park
MAKE ‘m SMILE is the BIGGEST Party celebrating kids with all types of disabilities (our VIPs) of all ages!
It is filled with family entertainment, games, characters, animals, food, helpful resources from the community, and tons of SMILES! It's a time where the community rallies together to celebrate and support those with unique abilities.
May 6 - May 7
Classics Series: Mahler's 5th at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts - Steinmetz Hall
How do you say “I love you” if you’re Gustav Mahler? Nothing could surpass the radiant Adagietto movement, scored for strings and harp, of his Fifth Symphony, a gift for his beloved wife Alma. But there’s also raw, intense music and the manic Rondo-Finale that brings this orchestral tour de force to its climax.
Love was also in the air in Mendelssohn’s First Piano Concerto, dedicated to an object of his youthful affection. Inon Barnatan (“One of the most admired pianists of his generation” ~ New York Times) is the soloist for this sometimes brilliant, sometimes gossamer, but always romantic, work.
Plus, the world premiere of a much-anticipated new composition by former OPO Composer-in-Residence—Orlando’s own—Stella Sung. Get details here.
May 7
The Gipsy Kings Featuring Tonino Baliardo at Hard Rock Live Orlando
The Gipsy Kings Featuring Tonino Baliardo come to Hard Rock Live Orlando. Get your tickets now!
May 9 - May 14
My Fair Lady at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts - Walt Disney Theater
From Lincoln Center Theater that brought you The King & I and South Pacific, comes “a sumptuous new production of the most perfect musical of all time” (Entertainment Weekly), Lerner & Loewe’s MY FAIR LADY. Director Bartlett Sher’s glowing production is “thrilling, glorious and better than it ever was” (New York Times). “Every so often a revival comes along that reminds you how indispensable great theater can be” (NY1).
Boasting such classic songs as “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “The Rain in Spain,” “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” and “On the Street Where You Live,” MY FAIR LADY tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who is determined to transform her into his idea of a “proper lady.” But who is really being transformed? Get details now.
May 10
Tom Jones: Ages & Stages Tour at Hard Rock Live at Universal CityWalk
With a career spanning over 50 years, Tom Jones has gone from strength to strength, with his seminal and ubiquitous hits such as ‘It’s Not Unusual’, ‘Kiss’, ‘Delilah’, ‘What’s New Pussycat’, ‘I’ll Never Fall In Love Again’, ‘Sex Bomb’, and more. Get tickets now.
May 11
100 Gecs: 10,000 Gecs Tour wsg Machine Girl at Hard Rock Live
100 Gecs: 10,000 Gecs Tour with special guest Machine Girl comes to Hard Rock Live Orlando. Tickets on sale now!
May 12
Chimbala at House of Blues Orlando
Chimbala comes to House of Blues Orlando. Get your tickets now!
May 12 - 15
Disney On Ice Presents Frozen & Encanto at Amway Center
Step inside the magical adventures of Disney's Frozen and Encanto as they are brought to life like never before at Disney On Ice! Dazzling ice-skating transports you to Arendelle to be a part of Anna’s adventure to find Elsa, whose icy powers unleashed an eternal winter.
Olaf, Kristoff, and Sven take you along as they encounter wintry conditions in a race to bring back summer. Then, enter the fantastical Madrigal family’s Casita amidst the beautiful mountains of Colombia. Join Mirabel on her journey to save her enchanted family home alongside her sisters, Isabela and Luisa.
Hosted by Mickey and Minnie, invite your family and friends to sing along to your favorite songs and celebrate the power of love and courage at Disney On Ice presents Frozen & Encanto – the show everyone will be talking about!
May 13
Bizarre World at Central Florida Showgrounds
Lunattix LLC presents Bizarre World. Histories vs Mysteries, Fact or Fiction,
Delve into the unknown of our Bizarre World. Join us for a celebration of all that is weird, odd, strange, mysterious or just plain wicked, with Shows. Cosplay. Vendor marketplace.
May 13
Family Fest at Crane's Roost Park
Family Fest is an afternoon of fun for the whole family. Focusing on learning, kids are encouraged to think outside the box with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) activities and demonstrations.
The event also includes a scavenger hunt, plus classic activities like a fishing derby.
May 13
Lulu Santos at House Of Blues Orlando
Lulu Santos comes to House of Blues Orlando. Get your tickets now!
May 13
Pops Series: Let's Misbehave - The Songs of Cole Porter atDr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts - Steinmetz Hall
Here’s a fresh, edgy, and sexy take on the timeless songs of Cole Porter, sung, danced, and played by outstanding guest artists and your Orlando Philharmonic! Get the details.
May 13
Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan: Up Close & Personal USA Tour at
Addition Financial Arena
Globally acclaimed Pakistani singer Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Kahn is bringing the “Up Close & Personal USA Tour” to Addition Financial Arena.
May 14
Mother's Day
There is so many special ways to celebrate with your Mom the Mother's Day in Orlando!
May 16 - May 29
32nd Annual Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival
A 14-day arts festival, the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival is the longest-running Fringe Theatre Festival in the United States, celebrating 30 years as “Orlando’s Most Unique Cultural Experience.”
May 17
Rainbow Kitten Surprise With Candi Carpenter at Hard Rock Live
Rainbow Kitten Surprise With Candi Carpenter comes to Hard Rock Live Orlando. Tickets on sale now!
May 17
Tove Lo: Dirt Femme Tour wsg Slayyyter at House of Blues Orlando
Tove Lo: Dirt Femme Tour comes to House of Blues Orlando. Get your tickets now!
May 18
Straight Up With Stassi Live at The Plaza Live
Fill up your Aperol spritzes!! Stassi Schroeder Clark is back on the road with Straight Up With Stassi LIVE – The Mommy Dearest Tour!!
Stassi may be pregnant, but she can still rally and she’s ready to FINALLY be reunited with her Khaleesis.
Think: the first IRL happy hour with your bestie after *way too long* – aka all the laughs, exclusive gossip, and a glass (or five) of wine… but you’re doing the drinking because Stassi can’t!
May 18 - May 21
Welcome to Rockville at Daytona International Speedway
Catch Avenged Sevenfold’s first show since 2018, the reunion of Pantera, rock heavyweights Tool and fan favorite Slipknot, plus performances from over 90 more artists. View full lineup on the event website.
May 19 - May 20
Guy Harvey Weekend at SeaWorld Orlando
Join Guy Harvey for meet-and-greets, autographs, photo opportunities, and more at SeaWorld Orlando's Guy Harvey Weekend.
May 19 - May 21
Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus Live! at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts - Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater
The Off-Broadway hit comedy Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus LIVE!, is a one-man fusion of theatre and stand-up, and is a light-hearted theatrical comedy based on the New York Times #1 best-selling book of the last decade by John Gray.
May 19 - May 21
Spooky Empire at DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal
Spooky Empire has been delivering the best sights, sounds and screams to Halloween lovers since 2003. We feature an enormous room of vendors, a film and tattoo festival, music, celebrity speakers, and more to satiate even the most diehard aficionados of the spooky season!
May 19
The Psychedelic Furs at Hard Rock Live Orlando
The Psychedelic Furs come to Hard Rock Live Orlando. Tickets on sale now!
May 19
Yacht Rock Revue: Reverse Sunset Tour at House of Blues Orlando
Yacht Rock Revue: Reverse Sunset Tour comes to House of Blues Orlando. Get your tickets now!
May 20
Beer 'Merica 2023 at Gaston Edwards Park
America's Favorite Beer Fest, Beer ‘Merica, brings over 100 American craft brews and innovative brands to a single, beautiful, lakeside park in celebration of American Craft Beer Week on Saturday, May 20, 2023. Enjoy an afternoon with live music, delicious local food trucks, and limitless, complimentary craft brew samplings, and if so inclined, put on your most outrageous red and blue to whoop it up 'Merica-style!
May 20
The Hunchback of Notre Dame in Concert at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts - Steinmetz Hall
What makes a monster, and what makes a man? This is the central theme of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, a sweeping, grand-scale musical from Disney Theatrical, starring Michael James Scott and Derrick Davis, accompanied by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Based on the 1996 Disney film and Victor Hugo’s 1831 novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame tells the story of Quasimodo, the hunchbacked bellringer of Notre Dame, and his desire to one day be a part of the outside world.
When he summons the courage to attend the Feast of Fools, he meets Esmeralda, a compassionate gypsy who protects him from an angry mob. But at the same time, Quasimodo’s master, the archdeacon Dom Claude Frollo, and the new captain of the guard, Phoebus de Martin, fall in love with the beautiful girl. Get details here.
May 22
The Backseat Lovers: Waiting To Spill World Tour at House of Blues
The Backseat Lovers: Waiting To Spill World Tour comes to House of Blues Orlando. Get your tickets now!
May 25
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts - Steinmetz Hall
Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO), comprising 15 of the finest jazz soloists and ensemble players today, has been the Jazz at Lincoln Center resident orchestra since 1988 and spends over a third of the year on tour across the world.
Featured in all aspects of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s programming, this remarkably versatile orchestra performs and leads educational events in New York, across the U.S. and around the globe; in concert halls; dance venues; jazz clubs; public parks; and with symphony orchestras; ballet troupes; local students; and an ever expanding roster of guest artists.
Under Music Director Wynton Marsalis, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra performs a vast repertoire, from rare historic compositions to Jazz at Lincoln Center commissioned works, get details here.
May 25
Stevie Nicks at Amway Center
Following her highly successful 2022 tour, legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Stevie Nicks announces additional 2023 dates. Produced by Live Nation, the 14-city tour launches on Wednesday, March 15 in Seattle, WA and includes a visit to Orlando’s Amway Center, Nicks’ only Florida show, on Thursday, May 25.
May 26 - May 29
Memorial Day Weekend
There is so much to do in Orlando for Memorial Day Weekend that we have compiled a complete guide with all the special events that are taking place throughout the weekend.
May 28
Orlando Carnival Downtown at Lake Lorna Doone Park
Orlando Carnival Downtown is back on Church Street, Downtown Orlando. Our parade kicks off down the streets of Church Street and goes down the street until it gets to Lake Lorna Doone Park where the Festival begins.
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