We may still be getting regular heat advisories and unrelenting Florida heat (and rain) but that doesn’t mean it’s not time to start getting excited for fall in Orlando. Arguably the Sunshine State’s leader in fall-focused festivities, Central Florida has plenty of must-do events coming up.
Whether you’re most looking forward to Orlando Pride, festivals, haunted houses or just some slightly cooler weather, we’ve got it covered. Here’s a bucket list of the top things to do in Orlando this fall.
Credit: Photo by Matt Keller LehmanHalloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld
Sept. 16-Oct. 31
SeaWorld’s kid-friendly and no-so-scary Halloween Spooktacular gives guests the opportunity to enjoy the park in costume, with some special surprises and trick-or-treating as well. This is a daytime event perfect for kiddos not quite old enough for SeaWorld’s Howl-O-Scream, happening at the park on select nights through Halloween. Credit: Photo via SeaWorldEpcot International Food & Wine Festival
Now through Nov. 18
The signature Epcot event started in July and is set to continue providing international sips and eats through mid-November. The extensive food-focused festival features more than 25 Global Marketplaces (food stalls) serving up international cuisine from six continents, including countries like Canada, Spain and India. Credit: Photo via Walt Disney World/InstagramBrick-or-Treat at Legoland
Select weekends Sept. 16-Oct. 29
Brick-or-Treat at Legoland features trick-or-treating around the park, plus a new fireworks show, spooky Lego characters and limited-time Halloween food offerings. The party also includes a V.I.M. (Very Important Monster) Dance Party with Lord Vampyre and more live entertainment, featuring the new Lego Plant Monster and the Jammin’ Jacks singing jack-o’-lantern trio. Credit: Photo courtesy Legoland Florida
Old Town, 5770 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee All year This spooky experience may be open year-round, but fall is really its time to shine. Mortem Manor, located just outside Orlando, offers guests the chance to stroll through a two-story Victorian-themed haunted mansion. There are live scare-actors, animatronics and no shortage of creepy special effects. Credit: Photo via Mortem Manor/FacebookYellow Dog Eats
1236 Hempel Ave., Gotha
This quaint cafe in Gotha has everything you could want for a fun, casual dining experience: the barbecue, the history and an awesome garden to enjoy their food in. Check out Yellow Dog’s live music schedule to catch a show in that very same garden. Credit:Photo via Yellow Dog Eats/YelpEDC Orlando
Nov. 10-12
The multi-day EDM extravaganza Electric Daisy Carnival draws massive crowds to town every year with live music, carnival rides and more. This year’s lineup features 2AR, Afroki (AfroJack B2B and Steve Aoki), Alan Walker, Alesso, Alison Wonderland and that’s just the letter A! Tickets are on sale now. Credit: Photo via EDC Orlando/FacebookHowl-O-Scream at SeaWorld
Sept. 8-Oct. 31
For the last couple of years, Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld has embodied the dark and disturbing aspects of the ocean and its lore, including creepy and grotesque sea creatures like mermaids and sirens. This year’s fright fest returns Sept. 8 and runs select nights through Oct. 31. Like Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights, Howl-O-Scream is for those who love to be scared. Credit: Photo via Howl-O-Scream Orlando/FacebookMickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
Now through Nov. 1
This Halloween party is basically an explosion of colorful, kooky and slightly spooky shows; costumed characters; themed food and drinks; and trick-or-treating throughout the park. There’s the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular show on the Cinderella Castle stage and the grand finale Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks and projection show. There’s also the famous Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade featuring beloved characters in their Halloween best, including some from Haunted Mansion and the Headless Horseman. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is also a chance for everyone of all ages to dress up in costume and trick-or-treat around the park. Credit: Photo courtesy Walt Disney WorldThe Haunted Road
2023 dates not announced
This drive-through haunted house/theatrical experience takes place on real Florida farmland, offering guests a 30-minute drive-through of terror. Tickets to the Haunted Road also include admission to the afterparty, complete with music, pop-up performers, a Halloween-themed vendors market, a slaughterhouse-themed haunted house and a bar serving up themed cocktails as well as non-alcoholic drinks. Credit: Photo via The Haunted Road/FacebookCredit: Patrick BarnesScream at Halloween Horror Nights
You might have trouble sleeping after, but the thrill is always worth it. Credit: Photo courtesy Universal OrlandoSanta’s Christmas Tree Forest
35317 Huff Road, Eustis, 352-357-9863
Halloween Town’s citizens’ wildest dreams come true at Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest, where pumpkins are abundant Oct. 1-Oct. 30. If you’re the type of person counting down to singing Christmas carols but you still need a pumpkin to carve, this is your place to buy. Jack and Judy Ewing created this wonderland full of pines, a petting zoo and and year-round Santa’s workshop on 33 acres of land that visitors can enjoy no matter the season.
Photo via Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest /Website Credit: Photo via Santa's Christmas Tree ForestHaunting Nights at Leu Gardens
Sept. 29-Oct. 31
Haunting Nights offers an elevated, artful Halloween experience in Leu Gardens, complete with jump scares, a neon light maze and more. This event is recommended for those aged 13 and up (although Leu Gardens does offer a separate Halloween event fit for younger audiences). Credit: Photo via HalloweenInTheGarden.comHappy Frights at Leu Gardens
Sept. 29-Oct. 31
Free of any major scares, Happy Frights is a kid-friendly Halloween event at Leu Gardens, featuring a dancing bridge troll, garden of sunflowers, neon light maze, a Dia de los Muertos celebration and more. Credit: Photo via HalloweenInTheGarden.comWalt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic
Nov. 10-11
For the 14th year, Walt Disney World is putting on the Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic, offering its foodie guests the opportunity to experience a seemingly endless amount of gourmet bites, wine and live entertainment. The event happens only for one weekend, and tickets are guaranteed to sell out fast. Credit: Photo via Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic/Facebook
14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando Weekends through Oct. 27 Gatorland’s Gators, Ghosts and Goblins is a family-friendly Halloween event filled with wildlife and spooky entertainment. This year’s event promises the return of Swamp Ghost’s Monster Museum complete with an all-new exhibit, all new haunt zones, the Cryptid Express ride, interactive characters, animal meet-and-greets, shows, vendors, a kids’ Halloween costume party, an undead polka band and more festivities. Credit: Photo courtesy GatorlandCentral Florida Zoo Boo Bash
Weekends Oct. 14-29
The Central Florida Zoo is offering three weekends of wild Halloween fun onsite and alongside the animals. The not-so-spooky event invites kiddos of all ages to show up in costume to trick-or-treat and join in on some special Halloween activities. All Boo Bash activities and experiences are included with zoo admission. Credit: Photo Central Florida Zoo/FacebookFusionFest
Nov. 25 & 26
FusionFest is a nonprofit organization that aims to share and uplift the arts, cultures and foods of the world right here in Orlando. The organization’s signature two-day festival event happens the Saturday and Sunday after Thanksgiving every year, drawing people from the more than 100 different cultures represented in Orlando to experience music, dance, food, visual arts, spoken word, games and interactive activities. Credit: Photo via FusionFest Orlando/Instagram
27839 St. Joe Road, Dade City Through Nov. 2 This intense Dade City horror park is creeping visitors out once again. This year’s event attractions include the houses Demon’s Revenge, Bloodwater Bayou, Ravenhill Asylum and many more nightmarish activities. Credit: Photo via Scream-A-Geddon Horror Park/Facebook
