Welcome to another weekend of things to do here in Orlando, as always, we've selected the best events that are taking place throughout the weekend. Enjoy!
The Best Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend!
MULTI-DAY EVENTS
The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
Now - November 18, 2023
The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is dishing up delights at Walt Disney World Resort now through November 18, 2023.
Get ready to sip and savor at more than 25 Global Marketplaces throughout EPCOT, including returning favorites such as The Fry Basket, Flavors from Fire, Canada, India and Spain. Several new Global Marketplaces will open later during the festival as summer turns to fall.
The festival will also welcome back the popular Eat to the Beat Concert Series presented by Florida Blue Medicare at America Gardens Theatre.
And don’t forget to commemorate your EPCOT visit by bringing festival magic home with official event merchandise including apparel, home décor, trading pins and more.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Now - November 1, 2023
Select Nights
Get ready for a spooktacular celebration with plenty of tricks and treats when the series of parties kicks off this year on August 11, 2023
Enjoy spellbinding entertainment, favorite Disney characters dressed in their Halloween best and more, celebrate the most haunting time of the year at Walt Disney World Resort.
This limited-capacity, nighttime eventallows guests to experience shorter wait times on attractions, themed food and beverage and more.
SeaWorld Orlando Summer Spectacular
Now - Monday, September 4, 2023
When the sun goes down, the night comes to life at SeaWorld’s Summer Spectacular! Stay late all summer to immerse yourself in exotic worlds of light and music and experience your favorite SeaWorld attractions in a whole new way.
Dance the night away with world-class DJs for a family-friendly party beneath the waves. Then end the night with Ignite, a fireworks spectacular that brings the brilliance of the sea to the sky above. Put a charge in your summer at SeaWorld’s vibrant Summer Spectacular.
Craft Beer Festival at SeaWorld Orlando
Now - September 4, 2023
Recurring weekly on Sunday, Friday, Saturday
SeaWorld is serving up an incredible party for craft beer lovers. SeaWorld’s Craft Beer Festival features more than 100 crafts brews, wines, seltzers, and cocktails.
Sample an unbeatable mix of domestic and local Florida favorites. Plus savor more than 15 food items expertly paired to match your preferred brew. And to top it all off, festive entertainment will keep the party going all day long.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Bier Fest
Now - September 4, 2023
Park guests can toast delicious brews and soar on epic thrill rides at Busch Gardens’ beer-inspired food festival.
A slice of Bavaria returns to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay as the park celebrates its fan-favorite Bier Fest event, Friday – Sunday from July 21 through Sept. 4, including Labor Day. This popular event, now in its sixth consecutive year, allows guests to sip, sample and savor classic German flavors while enjoying tunes from rising local artists.
Bier Fest is included with park admission. Food & Beverage available at an additional cost.
Gaylord Palms Resort Summer Of More
Now - September 4, 2023
Gaylord Palms Resort is inviting guests to a Summer of More with their regal court an band of spirited buccaneers for plenty of pirate and princess fun.
Guests will find a treasure trove of shows and activities, hands-on experiences, fun-in-the- sun at Cypress Springs Water Park and pirate- and princess-themed décor across the 64-acre resort.
During the event, families can create treasures in a craft clubhouse, look for jewels in a puzzle- filled escape room, stroll through remnants of a pirate galleon, embark on a plundering scavenger hunt, see a family films at the resort’s water park, and more.
Visit Orlando Magical Dining
Now - October 1, 2023
Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining is back, celebrating Orlando's eateries, now in its 18th year, locals and visitors alike love this event, which is on now through Oct. 1, 2023, offering 6 full weeks and 45 delicious days of amazing food at a bargain price!
With more than 115 of Orlando’s best restaurants serving up three-course prix-fixe menus for either $40 or $60, as part of a new tiered menu system, Magical Dining is a great way to get out and explore Orlando's vibrant dining scene and discover new favorites for a really great price.
This year’s roster brings 16 new restaurants to the dining program, as well as seven restaurants recognized by the MICHELIN Guide.
Visit Orlando’s Magical Nights is also back, encouraging diners to turn their night on the town into an affordable, end-of-the-summer Orlando staycation with special savings and offers.
Duel of Fools at SAK Comedy Lab
Weekly, Every Friday, and Saturday
This is SAK’s signature improv show! Two teams of professional improvisers compete for your laughs with audience judges selected at the start of the show. The actors make up songs, scenes and characters right in front of your eyes with the help of the audience’s suggestions and participation. Appropriate for all ages. 7 pm.
King Of The Hill at SAK Comedy Lab
Weekly, Every Friday, and Saturday
In this knockdown, drag-out comedy battle, a cast of our professional performers pair up in teams of two and use audience suggestions to create scenes, songs and characters on the spot. After each round, the audience decides which team wins and which team loses. The winning team stays for the next round while the losers form new teams to dethrone the Kings. By the end there can only be one King of the Hill! 9 pm.
GLO Summer Nights at Grande Lakes Orlando
Every Saturday - September 2, 2023
Grande Lakes Orlando invites guests to celebrate the summer in style with the introduction of "GLO Summer Nights," an exhilarating seasonal celebration in honor of the resort's 20th anniversary.
Boasting signature weekly fireworks displays in addition to spectacular glow-charged nights at the recently debuted Grande Lakes Waterpark, alongside an abundance of activations fit for every traveler, Grande Lakes Orlando has crafted a truly unforgettable summer experience all season long.
Throughout the summer, Grande Lakes Orlando will play host to an array of experiences perfect for families and guests of all ages including dazzling fireworks displays that will take center stage every Saturday evening.
Summertoberfest
Every Saturday - September 2, 2023
Celebrate German culture at Summertoberfest at Krush Brau Park in Kissimmee. This is a lively event with music, food, and beer. Enjoy traditional tunes, dance, and modern performances. Indulge in bratwurst, pretzels, and more. Sip on authentic German beers. Family-friendly activities and contests included. Join us for a memorable day of joy and authentic German experiences. Prost!
Honky Tonk Laundry
Now - Sunday, August 27, 2023
Wash your cares away with this musical comedy full of country favorites from Carrie Underwood, Trisha Yearwood, Reba McEntire, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline and more!When Lana Mae Hopkins, owner of the Wishy Washy Wahateria, hires Katie to help out, they soon find themselves up to their elbows in soap, suds and cheatin' hearts and turn their good ol' laundromat into a boot scootin' honky tonk!
Get your tickets now for this foot tapping musical at Winter Park Playhouse now!
54 at The Ren
Every Friday & Saturday - August 26, 2023
54 is the newest high-concept entertainment experience from Renaissance Theatre Company.
Guests are encouraged to dress in theme and step into a re-imagination of the iconic nightclub from the 1970s.
The live sound of modern disco fills the air. A colorful dance floor is open (when a cast of professional dancers isn't performing). High-end cocktails and mocktails are on-the-ready.
Later, audiences can continue the party with 54 After-Hours, an elevated themed nightclub experience, also featuring nightly entertainment and a more classical 70s disco soundscape.
The CARNIVAL Presented by Creative City Project
August 25 - 27, 2023
Come one, come all to this collaboration between Creative City Project and Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra!
Experience circus, dance, performance and live orchestra in this limited engagement. The uniquely beautiful Cheyenne Saloon is the backdrop of this not-to-be-missed event.
This theatrical journey transports you to an imaginative world with actors, dancers, circus performers, musicians, costumes and large puppetry bring the world of the circus to life like never before. It’s an artful night out of music and mystery as the Ringmaster introduces you to the menagerie of Camille Saint-Saëns’ “Le Carnaval des Animaux.” It’s a journey into self-discovery and the complexity of what it means to be alive.
With the original piece as the backbone, talented Composer, Julian Bond has expanded the original 23 minute score. A cast of professional dancers reveals what’s hidden beneath our own animalistic instincts. And circus performers awaken our sense of vitality and wonder through jaw-dropping acts. Get tickets now.
Barbie Bioluminescence Tour
Friday, August 25 - Saturday, August 26, 2023
The Clear Kayaking Bioluminescence Barbie Tour at Parrish Park will transport you to Florida’s bioluminescent waters with a touch of Barbie enchantment! You will receive glow-in-the-dark pink gifts, professional photos to capture your radiant moments, and witness the incredible bioluminescence under your transparent kayak
Destination Days at ICON Park
Saturday, August 26 - Sunday, August 27, 2023
To launch the new Great Florida Road Trip — an interactive camera game played aboard The Wheel that spotlights popular family vacation destinations across the state —Orlando’s ICON Park is partnering with destinations featured in the game to welcome their residents and celebrate their unique attributes.
This weekend, August 26 and 27, It's Sarasota Days at ICON Park, offering $10 tickets to The Wheel for guests from Sarasota (regular price is $34.99). There will be education booth and videos in ICON Park from Sarasota, and a raffle to win a gift basket of prizes from the region such as a hotel stay, attraction tickets and more..
The Central Florida Home Expo
Saturday, August 26 - Sunday, August 27, 2023
The Central Florida Home Expo returns to the Orange County Convention Center, North Hall this weekend.
With FREE admission, The Central Florida Home Expo features the latest in products and services for home improvement, with regional and national experts in remodeling, building, decorating and more.
For one weekend, there will be wall-to-wall displays and exhibits, and its not only home improvements, there will be lots for the whole family to enjoy including a petting zoo for the kids, and lots of shopping opportunities with the latest home gadgets, and more on sale.
End of Summer Party
Saturday, August 26 - Sunday, August 27, 2023
Celebrate the end of summer at Boxi Park, Lake Nona Town Center all weekend. Live music with Blonde Ambition Saturday Night & Reggae Day all day Sunday!
FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2023
Art After Dark at Lake Nona
Weekly, Every Friday
Every Friday night, Art After Dark takes over Lake Nona Town Center from 6 pm.
Enjoy a stroll through our 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.
Sunset Walk Fired-up Fridays
Weekly, Every Friday
Friday nights, the Promenade at Sunset Walk presents Fired-Up Fridays, a free Car & Truck Show event with all makes, models, and years welcome of show car quality.
Featuring music by DJ Scotty B and Company, plus the very best regional live bands.
Winter Garden Friday on the Plaza
Weekly, Every Friday
Come enjoy live music every Friday night on the Plaza, at Downtown Winter Garden, Centennial Plaza Gazebo.
Friday Muscle Car Show & Cruise
Weekly, Every Friday
Join the heart pounding excitement of high-performance engines and true horse power for our Muscle Car Show every Friday night at Old Town in Kissimmee. The Friday Muscle Car Show will begin at 3:00pm and the qualifications are show-quality muscle and factory-performance cars from 1964 and newer and classics from 1985 and older. Cars will cruise at 8:30pm and all cars registered can participate.
A Reggaeton Rave (18+)
Friday, August 25, 2023
A Reggaeton Rave comes to House of Blues Orlando at Disney Springs. Get your tickets now!
Beres Hammond: Forever Giving Thanks Tour
Friday, August 25, 2023
Beres Hammond comes to Hard Rock Live Orlando. Get your tickets now!
Emmanual: Toda La Vida
Friday, August 25, 2023
With millions of albums sold in his career, important recognitions and international tours, EMMANUEL is one of the most prestigious artists in the Spanish-speaking world.
See him perform live at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts - Walt Disney Theater. Get tickets now.
Glow to the Max at Max Action Arena
Friday, August 25, 2023
Get ready for a night of electrifying fun at Glow to the Max at 8441 International Drive, Orlando. Free admission, half off all attractions & half off the entire bar!
Immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere filled with pulsating music, dazzling lights, and a sea of neon colors. This is your chance to let loose, dance like nobody's watching, and embrace the energy that fills the air
Orlando Indie Night at The Abbey
Friday, August 25, 2023
Indie Night Live, Red Eye Booking, and Montgomery Drive Present Orlando Indie Night at The Abbey, featuring, 0 Miles Per Hour, Better Than This, Pheromones, and The Forum, 18+
Radiohead Tribute Show Featuring Lavola & Friends
Friday, August 25, 2023
Montgomery Drive Presents RADIOHEAD Tribute Show Featuring Lavola & Friends plus Blaine The Mono at Will’s Pub - Orlando. 21+
Sunset at the Zoo: Native American & Alaska Native Cultural Celebration
Friday, August 25, 2023
Join Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens for the fourth Sunset event of 2023, as we proudly celebrate Native American & Alaska Native culture and heritage!
Wawa 250 Powered by Coca-Cola
Friday, August 25, 2023
Be here to experience the intensity as NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers go all out to keep their championship hopes alive at the World Center of Racing, Daytona International Speedway.
Back To School 90's Style Milky Way
Friday, August 25, 2023
Find the adventure in your own backyard! Explore The Milky Way in a neighborhood crawl through The Milk District.
This is a new event that takes you through The Milk District, with stops at favorite spots and exciting new places! Tickets are only $10 and include a tasty sample-sized drink at each participating business.
Parking Lot Party
August 25, 2023
Parking Lot Party is back at Wally's Bar & Liquors starting at 6:30 PM! We love Mills50 and have an awesome lineup of food trucks for you to enjoy!
SATURDAY, AUGUST 26, 2023
Science Night Live
Saturday, August 26, 2023
It's social. It's science. It's 21+. And it's specially engineered for fun with special programming designed just for adults! Science Night Live at Orlando Science Center is especially for the big kids, featuring everything you love about the Science Center – without the kids!
There’s no age limit on curiosity, and whether you're looking for a get-together of old friends or a fun date night out, Science Night Live is your chance to let out your inner child and experience the joy of science! Explore interactive exhibit halls, try hands-on experiments in Dr. Dare's Lab, and catch special guest speakers.
Featuring a new theme each time, no two Science Night Live events are the same!
This event has been known to sell out and tickets are available online only for just $19, so get yours before they're gone...
Disney Springs Kids Club
Weekly, Every Saturday
Dance, play and be entertained at engaging shows for kids of all ages at the Disney Springs Kids Club, taking place every Saturday. Free Entertainment and Free Parking.
Saturday Nite Classic Car Show & Cruise
Weekly, Every Saturday
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. The event is free for participants and free for the public to attend.
Live Music on the Lawn in Lake Nona
Weekly, Every Saturday
Live on the Lawn is your Saturday oasis to relax and recharge while listening to live music and playing lawn games with family and friends. Join Lake Nona from 11 am – 3 pm every Saturday!
Show Car Saturday Nights at Promenade at Sunset Walk
Weekly, Every Saturday
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.
Colin Jost
Saturday, August 26, 2023
Colin Jost serves as a head writer at Saturday Night Live, television’s longest running and most successful sketch and comedy show, now in its 48th season. Jost originally joined the show as a writer in 2005 and became a co-head writer in 2012. Jost has also co-anchored “Weekend Update” alongside fellow cast member Michael Che since 2014.
Get tickets now at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts - Walt Disney Theater
Coke Zero Sugar 400
Saturday, August 26, 2023
The Coke Zero Sugar 400 returns once again as the Regular Season Finale for the NASCAR Cup Series in 2023! Racing under the lights of the famed high banks and with only a couple Playoff spots up for grabs, anything could happen as the stage is set for NASCAR to crown a Champion! Daytona International Speedway.
One More Time: A Tribute to Daft Punk
Saturday, August 26, 2023
One More Time: A Tribute to Daft Punk comes to The Vanguard in downtown Orlando. Get your tickets now! 18+
Orlando Play-in-a-Day 2023!
Saturday, August 26, 2023
Teams of local artists work in the course of 24 hours to create short plays (10 min. or less) with a theme given to them the day before and these works are presented off-book with minimal props/set/costumes for a live audience at Fringe ArtSpace.
Radley London Anniversary Event
Saturday, August 26, 2023
It's been one year since the doors opened in Orlando, and Radley want to celebrate with you! Join them for bubbly, bites, a visit from the iconic Scottie dog, and custom handbag painting on Saturday, August 26th from 1PM to 4PM at the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets.
Slippery When Wet
Saturday, August 26, 2023
Slippery When Wet comes to House of Blues Orlando at Disney Springs. Get your tickets now!
Universal Funk Orchestra, The Dark Arctic, Bangarang,
10 Foot Mountain
Saturday, August 26, 2023
Universal Funk Orchestra, The Dark Arctic, Bangarang, 10 Foot Mountain LIVE at Will's Pub. Get tickets now. 21+
MEGA Pop Up Market at The House on Lang & Quantum Leap Winery
Saturday, August 26, 2023
Get ready for the latest Orlando Local Makers Market. Shop 40 local makers, grab some delicious food, and enjoy live music, plus pet friendly at both locations indoors and out.
An Evening with: Linda Larkin, Jonathan Freeman
Saturday, August 26, 2023
The stars of Disney’s animated classic, Aladdin, Linda Larkin (Princess Jasmine) and Jonathan Freeman (Jafar) are coming to Give Kids the World Village in Kissimmee, where they will share their unique perspectives and insights in an engaging, highly interactive format this summer as part of Give Kids The World Village’s popular An Evening With… speaker series.
Proceeds will benefit the Village, an 89-acre, whimsical nonprofit resort in Central Florida that provides critically ill children and their families from around the world with magical week-long wish vacations at no cost.
This special evening will take place on Saturday, August 26, at 5:30 pm, when Linda Larkin (Princess Jasmine) and Jonathan Freeman (Jafar), stars of Disney’s animated classic, Aladdin, host a one-of-a-kind discussion about their Disney careers, followed by a Q&A.
Tickets can be purchased at www.gktw.org/speakers, with all proceeds donated to make wishes come true for critically ill children and their families.
Orlando Area Saturday Farmers Markets
Weekly, Every Saturday
The Winter Garden Farmers Market is your hometown market open every Saturday from 8:00 am - 1:00 pm. in beautiful Historic Winter Garden.
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 am - 1 pm in Central Park.
The Lake Mary Farmers Market features local vendors of produce, plants, baked goods, and arts and crafts. The market is open every Saturday, from 9 am - 1:30 pm at Lake Mary City Hall.
Visit every Saturday at the City of Longwood Farmers Market at Reiter Park from 9 am - 2 pm, with locally sourced seafood and produce to handmade crafts and more.
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.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 27, 2023
Opera Orlando in Concert:
Summer Concert Series - A Siren's Song
Sunday, August 27, 2023
Opera Orlando launches its 2023-24 All for Art season in song this August with its annual Opera Orlando in Concert: Summer Concert Series at the University Club of Winter Park.
Enjoy a fun and diverse selection of songs, arias, and duets, as well as wine and light hors d'oeuvres during a post-concert reception with Shannon Jennings, who is originally from Central Florida, will present a spectacular program as a preview to her singing the title role in Rusalkalater in 2023-24.
Sensory Sunday at Crayola Experience
Sunday, August 27, 2023
Sensory Sundays are offered on select dates at Crayola Experience throughout the year. The attraction will open early at 9 am.
These special mornings are designed for kids and families who would like to experience the attraction adapted just for sensory needs: Lights will be dimmed, Music will be turned off, Quiet room available, Paper Towels available in the restrooms.
Brunch Lot Party
Sunday, August 27, 2023
Thats right folks - it's time for another brunch parking lot party! This time we are teaming up with our pals over at Redlight Redlight to throw down a can't miss brunch event!
Sundays On South Vegan Market
Sunday, August 27, 2023
Sundays On South Vegan Market features all vegan Vendors, sampling, games, outdoor and indoor seating, Vegan Food Trucks, Beer/ Wine!
Ren Fair at The Renaissance Theatre Company
Weekly, Every Sunday
Renaissance Fair at The Ren, is a unique outdoor and indoor event, featuring drag shows, live music, and more. Diverse and Queer-friendly, 18+.
Shops! Vendors, Artists, Crafts, Food Vendors/Trucks, Plants, Merchandise.
Orlando Area Sunday Farmers Markets
Weekly, Every Sunday
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 am - 4 pm.
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 am - 2 pm.
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 features over 60 vendors selling seafood, organic produce, and other household items, this popular market is the place to go on Sundays 9 am - 2 pm.
Mount Dora’s open-air Mount Dora Village Market in Sunset Park is open Sundays from 9 am – 2 pm offering fresh products from over 50 market vendors
Whatever You Decide To Do, Have A Great Weekend!
For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day.
Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando.
Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts.
Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses.
Please Note:
We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site.
Comments