Join 30,000 locals who stay current on Orlando news, culture, and events. Get Orlando Weekly’s free daily newsletter.
So what if the leaves don’t change color and you most definitely can still enjoy a day at the beach, fall is here in Orlando. There are plenty of ways to seize the season, and we’ve got you covered with everything from pumpkin patches, to beer festivals.
Support local artists at the Winter Park Autumn Art Festival
Saturday, Oct. 14 – Sunday, Oct. 15
Winter Park is bringing you a fall art celebration for the 44th year in a row. This local tradition offers you the chance to check out the local art scene and pick up a new addition for your living room.
Central Park in Downtown Winter Park, 251 S. Park Ave., Winter Park; free
Photo via Winter Park Autumn Art FestivalCheck out some of the best comedy acts coming this fall
Monday, Oct. 9 – Wednesday, Dec. 27
In the crazy world that is 2017, we could all use a laugh. Good thing some seriously funny acts like Adam DeVine and Jim Gaffigan are bringing comedic relief to Orlando before the year comes to an end.
Photo via louisvillepalace/InstagramCelebrate Oktoberfest at Hollerbach
Thursday, Oct. 12 – Saturday, Oct. 14
Chances are you missed the real Oktoberfest in Germany, but don’t worry Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe has got you covered. Enjoy authentic German food, drinks and entertainment at this three day festival. You can even stop in the location’s outfitter store and try on some lederhosen.
Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe, 205 E. First St., Sanford; 407-321-2204; $15-$60
Photo via Hollerbach Willow Tree Cafe/FacebookEnjoy the fall breeze on any of these bike trails
Now that you don’t have to risk passing out from the heat, try out a ride on a local bike trail. Bring along some family and friends to get some quality time in while you’re at it.
Photo via Celebration Bike Rental/FacebookSkip Netflix and head out to one of the many fall film festivals coming to Orlando
Saturday, Oct. 7 – Monday, Nov. 6
Watch some movies from a place other than the comfort of your couch. Whether you want to take in some culture at the South Asian Film Festival or watch some work from locals at the Orlando Film Festival, there’s something here for everyone.
Photo via cahidedevekusufilm/InstagramEnjoy some plant-based goodness at the Central Florida Veg Fest
Saturday, Oct. 28 – Wednesday, April 12
Celebrate vegan and vegetarian lifestyles with plenty of plant goods, workshops on healthy, sustainable living, and eco-friendly products at the Central Florida Veg Fest. Animal rescue organization will also be present, so you may even make some furry friends.
Festival Park, 2911 E. Robinson St.; 407-381-5310; free
Photo via Central Florida Veg Fest/FacebookTake in the sights and great weather on a Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
The only way to make fall weather even better is to take it in on the water. Spent a relaxing afternoon floating through Winter Park where you’ll be able to see swaying palms, giant cypress trees, lush ferns and opulent homes.
312 E. Morse Blvd., Winter Park; 407- 644-4056; $14
Photo via winterpark_scenicboattour/InstagramCelebrate Mediterranean culture at the Orlando Greek Fest
Friday, Nov. 3 – Sunday, Nov. 5
Did somebody say Baklava? Enjoy authentic cuisine, dancing, live music, church tours and iconography presentations from the local Greek community.
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 1217 Trinity Woods Lane, Maitland; 407-331-4687; $3
Photo via Orlando Greek Fest!/FacebookTake part in the Fall Fiesta at Lake Eola
Saturday, Nov. 4 – Sunday, Nov. 5
Take advantage of the autumnal season and its great weather at the annual Fall Fiesta at Lake Eola. Live entertainment, vendors, food, drink and more will be available at this two-day celebration
Lake Eola Park, 195 N. Rosalind Ave.; free
Photo via Fiesta In The Park/FacebookDine out for a cause at Cows ‘n Cabs benefit gala
Saturday, Nov. 11
Grab your cowboy boots and hats for this charity event featuring drinks, cigars and live music. Local chefs will also be putting on live food demonstration, with plenty of options to satisfy your appetite. All proceeds raised from the event will benefit Elevate Orlando and After School All Stars.
Central Park’s West Meadow, North Park Avenue and West Morse Blvd., Winter Park; $110-200
Photo via Cows ’n CabsSavor a BBQ and brew-filled brunch at Osprey Tavern
Saturdays
Ditch the mimosas and grab a cold one instead for brunch at Osprey Tavern. Pulled pork and smoked ribs are also served to give this weekend dining experience a twist.
The Osprey Tavern, 4899 New Broad Street; 407-960-7700; $18
Photo via ami_yolo_/InstagramCrack open some cold ones at the Orlando Beer Festival
Saturday, Nov. 11
Get ready to chug, chug, chug your choice of over 200 craft beers from local and regional breweries. You can even feel good about guzzling some brews since a portion of proceeds benefit the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida.
Festival Park, 2911 E. Robinson St.; 407-381-5310; $40-$75
Photo via Orlando Beer FestivalDrink with local podcast celebrities Tom & Dan Bad at the Bad at Business Beerfest
Saturday, Nov. 18
You’ve heard them through your headphones and car speakers, now you can see Tom & Dan in person. And the best part is you can do it with a cold brew in hand. Listen to some live music and chow down on your choice of food truck offerings while you’re at it.
West End Trading Company, 202 S. Sanford Ave., Sanford; free; 407-322-7475
Photo via Tony Palmiotti/FacebookExplore Central Florida’s pumpkin patches and corn mazes
Find the perfect pumpkin for carving, get lost in a corn maze or go on a bumpy hayride. Whatever your fall-loving heart desires there are plenty of photo ops at these pumpkin patches and corn mazes for your newest Instagram pic.
Photo via tunesbyalex/InstagramGo to an Orlando Magic game, because who knows, they might not suck this year
Tuesday, Oct. 17 – Wednesday, April 12
NBA regular season kicks off a little earlier than normal this year, so get ready to watch some ball. Yeah, they sucked last year, but at least for the first game of the season the Magic will take on their rivals the Miami Heat at the Amway Center.
400 W. Church St.; 407-440-7900; $14-88
Photo via orlandomagic/InstagramTake advantage of patio season by dining outside
Most of the year Floridians eat inside just to survive the heat and humidity, but in the fall you can actually take advantage of patio dining. Try out any of these outdoor eateries the next time you grab a bite.
Photo via estillwaggon/InstagramAppreciate the cooler weather at the picturesque Bok Tower Gardens
About an hour and half away from Orlando is the scenic Bok Tower Gardens. The 205-foot neo-Gothic, art deco singing tower and acres of beautiful flowers and foliage are unlike anything else.
Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales; 863 – 676-1408; $20
Photo via boktowergardens/InstagramTry out a fall specialty cocktail at a local spot
Ditch the pumpkin spiced lattes and try a fall drink with a real kick. These speciality cocktails crafted by local bartenders and mixologist take fall spirits to another level.
Photo by Norman Van AkenHike without risk of heatstroke at any Central Florida trail
Take advantage of the slightly less sweltering Florida heat and head outside for a hike. With 25 options for exploring, we’re sure you’ll find one to your liking.
Photo via madamn.q/InstagramGet some fresh air at your local vineyards and wineries
With over 27 vineyards and wineries to choose from, there are plenty of places to sip on a glass in Orlando.
Photo via Schnebly Redland’s Winery/FacebookMount Dora Ghost Walk
100 Alexander St., Mt Dora | 352-602-0783
Hear about Mount Doras most exhilarating (and often hilarious) ghost stories, urban legends and myths in this hour-long lantern-led tour. $5 for kids, $10 for adults.
Photo via Visit Mount Dora/Facebook