At long last, the insanely hot and balmy days are behind us, and we can finally look forward to some slightly less hot and balmy days. Orlando is one of the best places to be between September and December–with loads of beer festivals, outdoor concerts, conventions and haunted houses, it’s safe to say you won’t be bored this fall.
Tracy Morgan: Picking Up the Pieces
Nov. 13, 6050 Universal Blvd, 407-351-LIVE
Tracy Morgan (Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock) has had his share of downs throughout his career, from being admonished by former boss Tina Fey for homophobic remarks to a car accident that left him in a coma in June 2014. The comedian who the Chicago Tribune calls a “ferocious intellect” is stopping in Orlando on his way back up.
Photo via Tracy Morgan/FacebookNeil deGrasse Tyson at the Dr. Phillip’s Center
Nov. 15, Walt Disney Theater, 445 S Magnolia Avenue, 844-513-2014
Everyone’s favorite astrophysicist comes to Orlando to discuss all of the science that your favorite movies, from Star Wars to Frozen, got wrong. Tickets start at $45.
Photo via Neil deGrasse Tyson/FacebookCentral Florida Veg Fest
Oct. 22, Orlando Festival Park 2911 E. Robinson Street, 321-331-1859
Coming back for its 10th year, this family-friendly, dog-friendly, and smoke-free event is free for those waiting to veg out! This festival draws those looking for a veg-friendly and an eco-friendly way of life. The event will also include dog and cat adoptions, food preparation demonstrations and live music and entertainment. Parking is $5 per vehicle, car-pooling is encouraged.
Photo via callmewu/InstagramOne Voice Orlando – A Celebration in Song!
Sept. 11, 445 S Magnolia Ave, 844-513-2014
In response to the tragic event at Pulse Nightclub, Opera Orlando is coordinating with One Voice Orlando to bring opera’s most renowned national singers and musicians from Florida. David Charles Abell will conduct the show. Legendary baritone Sherrill Milnes and News 13’s Ybeth Bruzual will be the evening’s hosts. Tickets will range from $25-125 and sales will benefit six organizations that support diversity.
Photo via Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts/FacebookEDC Orlando 2016
Nov. 4-Nov. 5, Tinker Field, South Tampa Avenue
The Electric Daisy Carnival, or EDC, will include stages with electronic dance music, along with street performers, art showcases, and amusement park rides. Tickets are $169 for both days. You must be 18 to attend.
Photo via illbrooklynnino1/InstagramNeanderthal Ball
Nov. 5, 777 E. Princeton Street, 407-514-2000
The Orlando Science Center’s gala with a stone age theme will include live music, a silent auction, and food and drink. While the dress code is cocktail attire, there is no limit on how much cheetah or leopard print you can include.
Photo via /FacebookLauryn Hill at the House of Blues
Dec. 8, 1490 Buena Vista Dr, 407-934-2583
Ms. Lauryn Hill is launching her “MLH Caravan: A Diaspora Calling!” following her well-received exhibition at the Kings Theater in Brooklyn, NY. After spending time in prison, criticisms of homophobia and a less-than-stellar live performance track record, Hill appears to finally, maybe, (possibly?) be hinting at a comeback.
Photo via Lauryn Hill/FacebookUnited We Brunch
Sept. 17, Orchid Garden at Church Street, 122 W Church Street, 407-377-0400
Brunch tastings, cocktails and live entertainment will all be available at United We Brunch. Tickets start at $35 for regular admission and $55 for VIP.
Photo via Leanne Leuterio/Orlando WeeklyOrlando Greek Fest
Nov. -Nov. 6, 1217 Trinity Woods Lane, Maitland, 407-331-4687
Come out and enjoy authentic Greek foods, live music, church tours, iconography presentations, and dancing performances by the members of Holy Trinity’s Hellenic Dance Program. Knock a few dollars of the admission price by bringing a canned good product for the Ephraim project.
Photo via Orlando Greek Festival/FacebookOrlando Beer Festival
Nov. 12, Festival Park, 2911 Robinson St., 407-377-0400
The Orlando Beer Festival will allow attendees to have unlimited samples of over 150 beers from breweries and beer bars across Orlando. The samples are included in admission price, and there will also be live music, wine tasting and food. Over 21 only (naturally).
Photo via orlandobungalower/InstagramSpooky Empire Convention
Oct. 7-Oct. 9, 9800 International Drive, 954-258-7852
Spooky Empire’s Rock n Roll, Horror, Halloween, Tattoo & Film Festival welcomes everyone to the Dark Side of Comic Con. Special guest include but not limited to Weird Al, Robert Englund and Millie Bobby Brown from the breaking summer hit Stranger Things. Ticket prices vary from $30 for advanced tickets to $199 for VIP packages.
Photo via Spooky Empire, Inc./FacebookAnimal Collective at The Beacham
Nov. 11, 46 N Orange Ave, 407-648-8363
Everyone’s favorite experimental psychedelic collective will be gracing Orlando with help from UK-based producer Darren Cunningham, performing under the moniker Actress.
Photo via Animal Collective/FacebookGarth Brooks at Amway Center
Oct. 6-9, 400 W Church St, 407-440-7000
Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood come to Amway for four – yes four – nights in a row. If you miss this show, there’s only one person to blame.
Photo via Garth Brooks/FacebookKenny G at Plaza Live
Nov. 30, 425 North Bumby Ave, 407-228-1220
From the Guinness Book of World Records to Katy Perry’s 2011 video for “Last Friday Night,” saxophonist Kenny G has whisked himself into the mainstream with his powerful lungs. Now, he’s bringing us his signature adult contemporary instrumentals in person.
Photo via Kenny G/FacebookTegan and Sara at The Beacham
Nov. 14, 46 N Orange Ave, 407-648-8363
Canadian indie pop icons Tegan and Sara Quin are known for their constant touring. This time, they’re promoting their recently-released eight album, Love You to Death. Torres will open.
Photo via Chris BuckEpcot International Food And Wine Festival
Sept. 14-Nov. 14, Epcot, 200 Epcot Center Drive, 407-939-5277
Epcot’s “eating and drinking around the world” festival enters its 21st year of allowing park goers to sample cuisine and alcoholic drinks from over 20 countries. Park admission required.
Photo via riscompany/InstagramHalloween Horror Nights 26
Select Nights Sept. 16-Oct. 31, 6000 Universal Blvd., 407-363-8000
Universal Orlando’s annual halloween event returns for its 26th year of horror. This year’s event includes 5 scare zones and 8 houses, including American Horror Story, The Exorcist, and The Walking Dead (Yes, again.). Single night tickets start at $56 with Universal Orlando admission or $105 without.
Photo via Halloween Horror Nights/FacebookMickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Select Nights Sept. 2-Oct. 31, Magic Kingdom, 3111 World Drive, 407-939-5277
The Magic Kingdom’s annual halloween event includes special fireworks, a parade led by the headless horsemen, and trick-or-treating around the park. Guests of all ages are allowed to attend and are encouraged to wear costumes. Tickets start at $72.
Photo via bowsbeadsbows/InstagramNick Swardson
Oct. 10, 12777 Gemini Blvd N, 407-823-3070
Caption: Nick Swardson, the kind of actor/comedian you’ve seen in plenty of movies and would recognize but probably don’t know him by name, will be performing at the CFE arena as part of UCF’s Homecoming week. Swardson has had roles in movies such a Blades of Glory and Grandma’s Boy but got his start as a stand-up comedian performing in various clubs throughout the country. Admission is free to UCF students with student ID while supplies lasts. Admission is open to the general public with tickets costing $25.
Photo via LiveNationWinter Springs ARTober Fest
Oct. 15-Oct.16, Blumberg Blvd, Winter Springs
Winter Spring’s annual art festival will have over 100 artists displaying and selling sculptures, jewelry, paintings, and more. German beer and food will also be available, and admission is free.
Photo via wsfota.orgSlayer and Anthrax at Hard Rock Live
Sep. 27, 6050 Universal Blvd, 407-351-LIVE
Caption: After redefining metal, the only thing left on Slayer and Anthrax’s bucket lists was probably co-headlining a tour. What’s left in it now? That’s for them to answer.
Photo via Tim Tronckoe/Orlando WeeklyLudacris
Oct. 13,12777 Gemini Blvd N, 407-823-3070
Ludacris, more widely known now for his role in the Fast and Furious Franchise than for his music, will be the headliner for UCF Homecoming week. Bebe Rexha will open for Ludacris. Students can attend the show for free. General tickets are available for the public for $25 through Ticketmaster and at the CFE Arena Box Office.
Photo via ludacris/InstagramMaroon 5 at Amway
Sept. 9, 400 W Church Street, 407-440-7900
Former sexiest man alive Adam Levine and the rest of Maroon 5 come to Orlando as part of their world tour promoting their 5th album V that began all the way back in February 2015.
Photo via Maroon 5/FacebookMeghan Trainor at the CFE Arena
Sept. 18, 12777 Gemini Blvd N, 407-823-3070
Meghan Trainor (she’s the one with that “All About That Bass” song that was inescapable last year) heads to the CFE arena singing hits from both her debut album Title and her second album Thank You. Oh, and Hailee Steinfeld from Pitch Perfect 2 will be opening.
Photo via Jason LaVeris/FilmMagicOrlando Oktoberfest
Oct. 1 & Oct. 22, 381 Orange Lane, 407-834-0574
Authentic German bands, bavarian beer, and german food will all be included in The German American Society of Central Florida’s Oktoberfest. Time to bust out the lederhosen, costumes are encouraged. Admission is $10 in advance, $15 at the gate.
Not actual event photo. Photo via 5chw4r7z/FlickrCome Out With Pride Festival
Oct. 8, Lake Eola Park, phone
Members and supporters of the LGBT community will gather for the 12th annual festival as a day of celebration and remembrance. Attendees will be able to see a massive colorful parade line the streets of downtown Orlando. With no shortage of things to do with a marketplace filled with vendors, entertainment, and a fireworks display come show your support and help send a message that we all stand united for Orlando.
Photo via Holly Whelden/Orlando WeeklyOrlandoiX 2016
Oct. 14-Oct.16 , Orange County Convention Center, 321-622-2900
One of the largest meetups of the south OrlandoiX brings digital creators, consumers and investor for a weekend long celebration of interactive media and showcasing advancements in entertainment technology, interactive media, and digital arts. A kickoff party featuring Battle of Geek Bands will start of the event at Wall Street Plaza, downtown Orlando. Passes vary by category but start at $35.
Photo via Orlandoix/FacebookARTlando
Oct.1, Loch Haven Park, 900 E Princeton St., 407-377-0400
This single day arts festival will have over 80 artists selling their work, interactive exhibits, and an outdoor performing arts stage, as well as a kid’s zone with balloon animals and chalk art. Admission is free, and all ages are welcome to attend.
Photo via Chris Bebout and Thuyvi Gates/Orlando WeeklyBig Gay Brunch
Oct.8, The Abbey, 100 S Eola Drive, 407-377-0400
In conjunction with Come Out With Pride, the Orlando Immunology Center will present a brunch spread, including bottomless mimosas and live performances. The event will benefit Pride Gives Back, and tickets are $35 in advance. Must be 21 to attend.
Photo via Ryan Glaze/Orlando WeeklyOrlando Film Festival
Oct. 19-Oct. 23, 155 South Orange Avenue
Downtown Orlando’s annual celebration of film will showcase independent films from around the world.
Photo via Orlando Film Festival/Facebook
