Savvy travelers will know that Orlando is often referred to as O-Town when it comes to nicknames and other fan-friendly designations.
But we have another name for our city at this time of year – Halloween Town.
Because, once September rolls around, the next few months become a non-step welter of Fall events and happenings that are essential viewing for locals and visitors alike.
Fortunately, we have compiled a full list of everything you need to know this September, October, and November, with the city gearing up for an extraordinary period of Fall festivities.
With 93 days of frightful scares and family-friendly fun at theme parks and attractions, foodie culinary experiences, and vibrant cultural celebrations, our favorite destination presents an exceptional array of events for visitors of all ages.
Halloween Delights
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World Resort (select nights, now through November 1) makes a frightfully fun return to the Magic Kingdom. The family-friendly, all-ages event features eerie entertainment that includes the fab Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular! at Cinderella Castle, Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular, Disney Junior Jam for young party-goers, Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade, the Trick-or-Treat Trail, Disney Characters in costume, and more than 20 favorite attractions with a Halloween twist. Guests are also invited to wear costumes, with some restrictions.
Universal Orlando Resort’s Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida (Sept. 1-Nov. 4) returns for a record-breaking 48 nights featuring 10 new, movie-quality haunted houses featuring everything from cinematic greats to original abominations, including the all-new Stranger Things 4 and The Last of Us houses; five scare zones filled with creatures lunging from the shadows; and two scintillating live shows.
At SeaWorld Orlando, guests can experience TWO Halloween-themed events:
Howl-O-Scream returns to terrorize guests on select nights from September 8 to October 31. Offering 24 nights of fully immersive fear, the event will feature fright-inducing haunted houses and scare zones; thrilling night-time coaster rides and experiences; an interactive bar; and an electrifying live show.
Little ones can dress up in their favorite costumes to go Trick-or-Treating and meet colorful Halloween characters at the SeaWorld Spooktacular (weekends, Sept. 16-Oct. 29), a family-friendly daytime event included with regular theme park admission.
Brick or Treat Presents Monster Party at LEGOLAND Florida Resort (weekends, Sept. 16-Oct. 29), a signature Halloween event included with theme park admission, will feature tons of candy, an all-new show line-up, never-before-seen exclusive LEGO characters and an all-new cinematic experience to create the ultimate family Halloween celebration.
Vampirates dinner show returns to the Pirates Dinner Adventure arena, just off International Drive, on select nights from September 19 to October 31, featuring a spooktacular journey filled with aerial artistry, swordplay, death-defying stunts, and dynamic duels.
Foodie Events
The allure of Orlando extends beyond its adrenaline-pumping attractions with an array of savory eats and delectable treats throughout the destination this autumn.
Celebrating its 18th year, Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining (Aug. 18-Oct. 1) returns with more than 130 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. This year’s roster brings 22 new restaurants to the dining program, as well as eight restaurants recognized by the prestigious Michelin Guide.
SeaWorld Orlando’s Craft Beer Festival (now through Sept. 4) features more than 100 craft brews, wines, seltzers, and cocktails, including an unbeatable mix of domestic and local Florida favorites. Guests can also savor more than 20 specialty food items expertly paired to match their preferred brews. Then, top it all off with nightly fireworks during Ignite.
At the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival (now through Nov. 18), guests can sample exciting and unexpected flavors from around the globe as they circle Epcot’s iconic World Showcase. This delicious celebration features more than 25 global Marketplaces, including a menu of new dishes and beverages along with live entertainment, family activities, and more. This year, the festival welcomes back two fan-favorite flavor destinations: Hawaii, featuring tastes from the Pacific paradise; and The Noodle Exchange, offering ramen and noodle bowls. On September 22, four all-new Global Marketplaces will debut to mark the Disney100 celebration that commemorates the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company.
Central Florida Veg Fest (Oct. 28), the family and dog-friendly vegan event held at Orlando Festival Park near downtown Orlando, returns for its 18th year this autumn. The event will feature a day of educational exhibits and activities from a diverse cross-section of vegan cuisines and lifestyles, including new products and ideas from more than 200 vendors and 100 contributors, as well as a wide variety of food preparation demos.
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic (Nov. 10-11) will return for its 14th year, treating guests to a street party festival with unlimited food and beverage tastings at diverse food stations, featuring culinary selections from the hotel’s award-winning restaurants and wine from around the world.
Fall Festivals & Events
The city’s vibrant arts and music scene takes center stage in October and November with an array of lively celebrations.
Come Out With Pride Orlando (Oct. 21) returns for its 19th year for a celebration at Lake Eola Park in Downtown Orlando. This non-profit celebration fosters a sense of community, encourages LGBTQ+ citizens to live openly and with pride, and educates the public. Attendees will be able to experience a diverse series of live entertainments featuring local artists and celebrity headliners; view The Most Colorful Parade with more than 100 groups of participants strolling a mile through downtown Orlando; and enjoy the signature Fireworks Grand Finale over Lake Eola.
Festival Calle Orange (Oct. 27) is Central Florida’s largest Latino experiential event. Taking over 10 city blocks, the one-day event features four stages with performances from musicians and artists showcasing Hispanic culture and more than 40 artists and vendors serving authentic food and drinks throughout.
Fall Fiesta in the Park (Nov. 4-5) will return for its 52nd year to Lake Eola Park, where visitors and locals alike can celebrate the beauty of the season as hundreds of artist and craft booths surround the park, along with a variety of food vendors, live entertainment and a kids’ zone.
The wildly eclectic Electric Daisy Carnival (Nov. 10-12) will return to Orlando at Tinker Field History Plaza, featuring three days of more than 120 dance music acts, full-size carnival rides, and art, for one of the most vibrant and electrifying editions of EDC.
And, of course, Real Florida Adventures’ tours and excursions are in full flow this month as Florida continues to enjoy perfect outdoor weather, so be sure to book up YOUR next day out soon!
Be sure to ask about the Price Match Guarantee. If you find a lower qualified price for an identical tour on another site, we will match it, no questions asked.
And don’t forget to Follow RFA on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram!