Spring is here, and this weekend's weather looks great for some outdoor dining. Let's take a look at the best events and things to do this week.
Updated multiple times each week by Kelly Lamano Diaz and Zoe Joiner.
Featured Events
Giving an extra shoutout to the following events, which help us to bring this guide to you for FREE!
Cirque du Soleil Drawn to Life
- Dates: Wednesdays – Saturdays, at 5:30pm and 8pm, & Sundays at 1:30pm and 4pm
- Location: Disney Springs
Set your imagination in motion with Drawn to Life, a love letter to the art of Disney animation. In this first-ever creative collaboration between Cirque du Soleil and Disney, journey into a whimsical world of animation where an animator’s desk becomes the stage and drawings come alive. It’s the magic of Walt Disney Animation interpreted through dazzling performances and the acrobatic mastery of Cirque du Soleil. Live on stage, only at Disney Springs.
Events This Week: Things to Do May 4 – May 10, 2026
May the 4th Be With You Maker's Market
- Dates: Monday, May 4, 2026, 6pm-9pm
- Location: 13002 Founders Square Dr, Orlando, FL 32828
- Cost: FREE admission
Travel to a galaxy far, far away for Avalon Park’s Night Market! This year’s Night Market has turned galactic and is guaranteed to be out of this world. 30+ local vendors, artists, cosplays, and light/dark side restaurant specials will be happening all throughout town. Dress up your pet as your favorite Jedi or Sith and have a chance to win the pet costume contest! You can also enjoy a cup of Blue Milk as you travel to Avalon Park’s Arts and Culture Center. Be on the lookout for characters around Avalon Park and explore your favorite video games and comics.
May the 4th Be With You Workout
- Dates: Monday, May 4, 2026, 5:30pm-8:30pm
- Location: Tempra – Infrared Pilates and Sculpt Studio, 150 Cranes Roost Blvd #1210, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
- Cost: $45 general admission, FREE with verified health insurance
This is not your average workout night. Bring together movement, community, and creativity for one elevated evening you won't forget. Includes one 45-minute mat Pilates class, “Train like a Jedi,” all levels welcome. Enjoy galaxy-inspired bites, themed drinks, a diamond craft guided activity, yours to take home, a curated wellness goodie bag, and a social hour.
Sip & Social
- Dates: Tuesday, May 5, 2026, 6pm-8pm
- Location: City Food Hall, 1412 Alden Rd, Orlando, FL 32803
- Cost: FREE admission
Join for a relaxed evening at City Food Hall, an open-air social space that is perfect for meeting new people and unwinding after the day. Grab drinks, hang out at the high top tables, and keep things easy and low-pressure. Whether you're coming solo or with a friend, this is a welcoming space to connect, chat, and just enjoy the night. No agenda, no awkward icebreakers, just good conversation and a great atmosphere.
Explore more: Top 20 Things to Do for Cinco de Mayo – Events and More
Kaleidoscope 360° & Luminary Market – Movie Night: Inside Out 2
- Dates: Wednesday, May 6, 2026, 5pm-9pm
- Location: Luminary Green Park, 437 N Terry Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
- Cost: FREE admission
Explore 20-25 unique vendors featuring local favorites and curated goods, supporting Creative Village’s vibrant community. Plus, enjoy the free movie, “Inside Out 2,” with stunning LED visuals and immersive sound.
Upcycling Workshop
- Dates: Thursday, May 7, 2026, 6pm-8pm
- Location: À La Cart – Milk, 609 Irvington Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
- Cost: FREE admission
This upcycling workshop will be a space for you to get creative with your clothes, adding embroidery, stamps, beads, and more. No matter your skill level, you’re welcome to join. There will be guides helping throughout the program.
Bites Night
- Dates: Friday, May 8, 2026, 5pm-9pm
- Location: BarkHaven, 724 Brookhaven Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
- Cost: $20
Come hungry and ready to try a little bit of everything. Bites Night is all about small plates, shareable items, and pairing them with your favorite drinks. It’s the perfect night to explore the menu, try something new, and enjoy a casual, social atmosphere. 3 slices of specialty pizza, 3 cocktails to match. No choices. No stress. Just chef and bartender picks.
Watercolor Hydrangeas
- Dates: Saturday, May 9, 2026, 10am-12:30pm
- Location: Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
- Cost: $44.52 for members, $49.87 for nonmembers, includes supplies
Let your creativity bloom! Local artist Natalie Brooks will guide you step by step through painting a vase full of hydrangeas. You'll practice layering, color-mixing, and softening edges. Whether you’re new to watercolor or already have experience, you’ll learn new techniques, have fun, and go home with a lovely watercolor painting!
Mother’s Day Celebration Lunch & Dinner Cruise
- Date: Sunday, May 10, 2026, Boards at 11:30am & 4:30pm
- Location: St. Johns Rivership Co., 433 N Palmetto Ave. Sanford, FL 32771
- Cost: $79 – $94 per adult, $39.50 – $47 per child, free parking
Treat Mom to a relaxing 3-hour journey along the scenic St. Johns River and Lake Monroe with reserved seating in our enclosed, climate-controlled dining area. From the comfort of your table, you’ll place your order with a server and enjoy a full meal from appetizer through dessert, including your choice of entrée. Coffee, hot tea, and iced tea are included, and a full cash bar is available.
Explore more: Have an Unforgettable Mother’s Day in Orlando: Brunch, Events, and More (2026)
EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
- Dates: Now through June 1, 2026
- Location: EPCOT, 200 Epcot Center Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
- Cost: Included with park admission. A park reservation may be required, based on admission type.
The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is here! The festival celebrates spring with fresh flavors, vibrant topiaries, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun. Enjoy gardens, unique exhibits, and living sculptures of Disney characters, as well as a butterfly observation, Blossoms of Fragrance, a whimsical playground at Playalong Bay, and Camp Get Out ‘N' Play Garden, a camp-themed garden.
Explore more: Springtime Festivals in Orlando
More Featured Events
Wantilan Luau
- Weekly dinner show – Saturdays 6pm – 8:30pm
- Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando
- $99* Adults, $45* Children (ages 3- 9) -*Tax and ticketing fees apply
Get away to the islands with our festive Hawaiian feast and dinner show, featuring an authentic Polynesian fest, live island music, and captivating hula and fire dancers. The evening features a tropical, all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet. You may even get the chance to show off your own hula skills! It’s a true island party – perfect for a date night, special occasions and celebrations.
Tickets available here.
Next Week: Things to Do May 11 – May 17, 2026
Orlando Fringe 2026
- Dates: May 12-25, 2026, 9pm-1am
- Location: Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 E Rollins St, Suite 300, Orlando, FL 32803
- Cost: Varies
The annual international theatre festival is back with 2 weeks of live entertainment, unique theatre experiences, visual art displays, kid-friendly shows and activities, and a celebration of independent artists. It is the oldest Fringe festival in the US and, with its lottery-based selection, offers a variety of experiences you won’t find anywhere else. 100% of ticket sales go to artists.
Speed Friending: Hobbyists
- Date: Friday, May 15, 2026, 6pm-8pm
- Location: Lobos Coffee, 3000 Corrine Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
- Cost: FREE admission
Calling all hobbyists! Come mix, mingle, and rapid-fire connect with other cool humans who get excited about their hobbies, too.
Island Nights Live! Edition
- Date: Saturday, May 16 & August 15, 2026, 8pm-1am
- Location: Reiter Park, 311 W Warren Ave, Longwood, FL 32750
- Cost: $49.99 early bird admission
Adults ages 21+ can enjoy Orlando’s ONLY adult water park party, complete with a live DJ, glow foam party, drink specials, and exclusive access to Island H2O’s thrilling slides, lazy river, and wave pool at night! During Island Nights LIVE! Edition, get a special performance from Rick Ross on May 16, and Fat Joe on August 15!
Weekly Ongoing Orlando Events
TPD Night Market
- Dates: Thursdays, 6pm-10pm
- Location: Thornton Park District, 23 S Osceola Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801
- Cost: FREE admission
Check out unique local makers and artists at this weekly market in Thornton Park!
Access for All
- Dates: Third Thursday of Every Month, 10am-8pm
- Location: Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N. Mills Ave. Orlando, FL 32803
- Cost: FREE admission
Enjoy free admission to the Orlando Museum of Art during Access for All, a monthly free day dedicated to the community featuring extended hours, special programs, and opportunities to connect with art. Guests can take part in drop-in sketching with provided materials and join a docent-led Highlights Tour at 7:00pm. By removing financial barriers, this program ensures that more people can experience the joy and inspiration of art in Orlando. Also, every third Thursday, you can ride SunRail to OMA for FREE. As part of the partnership, SunRail riders can present their ticket at the museum’s Visitor Information desk to receive a pass to ride SunRail for FREE to the next Access for All event. Museum guests must show their free ride pass to the SunRail conductor to receive a complimentary fare to and from the AdventHealth Station, which is a five-minute walk from the museum. The pass will only be valid for specified dates.
Flamingos & Fuel Cruise Night
- Dates: Third Thursday of Every Month, 6pm-8pm
- Location: Flamingo Crossings Town Center, 13200 Hartzog Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
- Cost: FREE admission
Horizon West Cars & Coffee comes out at night for Flamingos and Fuel Cruise Night at Flamingo Crossings Town Center. Any make, model, or year of car or truck is welcome. Hang out in this area of Horizon West and enjoy drinks and food at the many restaurants in Flamingo Crossings.
Weekends at the Winery
- Dates: Saturdays and Sundays, 10am-5pm (Sat) & 11am-5pm (Sun)
- Location: Lakeridge Winery
- Cost: FREE admission
Head to this Central Florida winery's expansive vineyard green each weekend for delicious food, live entertainment, complimentary wine tastings/tours, and Lakeridge wines by the glass at the outdoor bar. Plus, delicious food at the Food Pavilion, as well as live music all weekend long.
Check out multiple Farmers' Markets around Orlando every weekend.
Saturday Exhibition Highlights Docent-Led Tour
- Dates: Every Saturday, 1pm & 3pm
- Location: Rollins Museum of Art
- Cost: FREE
Docent-led tours of highlighted works from the season’s exhibitions at the Rollins Museum of Art.
Dinks & Drinks
- Dates: Every Saturday, 6:30pm-9:30pm
- Location: ClearOne Sports Centre, 4141 N. John Young Parkway, Suite 3, Orlando
- Cost: $20 per person
Open courts for casual drop-in play. Includes 1 free drink (Beer, High Noon, or Soda). Paddle rentals are available for $5. Tennis shoes required. Different music theme each week. No partner? No experience? No problem. This is the perfect night to bring a friend, meet new people, or just vibe with the community.
Read more: Places to Play Pickleball in Orlando
Tai Chi in the Garden
- Dates: Every Saturday, 10:30am-11:30am
- Location: Mead Botanical Garden, 1300 S. Denning Dr, Winter Park
- Cost: $15
A gentle exercise program that is composed of slow deliberate movements, meditation, and deep breathing to enhance health and well-being.
For even more things to do in Orlando, check out these top stories:
- Best Orlando Spas for Couples
- Orlando’s Most Romantic Restaurants
- New Restaurants and Experiences in Orlando
Looking Ahead 2026
Sip & Thrift
- Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026, 12pm-5pm
- Location: À La Cart – City, 274 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
- Cost: FREE admission
Get ready for thrifted gems, amazing food, drinks, a live DJ & nonstop vibes!
Brick Convention: LEGO Fan Event
- Date: Saturday, June 6 – Sunday, June 7, 2026, 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm
- Location: Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 W Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32808
- Cost: $17.46 for adults and children ages 3+, FREE for children 2 and under
BRICK CONVENTION is the Greatest LEGO® Fan Event on Earth and brings all of the creative hands-on, minds-on fun of LEGO® building and experiences together in one activity- and entertainment-packed family event for children of all ages and builders of all skills and interests. Meet professional LEGO artists, build with thousands of LEGO bricks, see massive LEGO models, and more! A portion of the proceeds from each Brick Convention is donated to Creations for Charity.
Anime Festival Orlando 2026
- Date: Friday, June 19 – Sunday, June 21, 2026, 11am Friday through 6pm Sunday
- Location: Rosen Plaza, 9700 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819
- Cost: $51.26–$158.78
Anime Festival Orlando celebrates its 25th year as Central Florida’s favorite local anime convention, bringing fans together for a full weekend of Japanese pop culture, cosplay, and immersive entertainment. The event draws anime, manga, and gaming enthusiasts from across the region for a vibrant, fan-driven experience.
SAVE THE DATE!
The Winter Park Playhouse Announces 2026-27 Series of Professional Musicals!
- Dates: New Season beginning August 7
- Location: 711 North Orange Avenue, Winter Park
The Winter Park Playhouse is undergoing an extensive renovation made possible by a generous grant from Orange County. The beautiful new theater will open to the public in August 2026 with the launch of the 2026-2027 Series. Subscriptions are now on sale at winterparkplayhouse.org or call the Box Office at 407-645-0145.
Here's a sneak peak into the season:
- August 7 – August 30: Never Can Say Goodbye: The 70s Beehive Musical
- September 25 – October 18: The Rat Pack Lounge
- November 20 – December 20: A Christmas Survival Guide
Taste! Central Florida
- Date: Friday, August 28, 2026, from 6:30-11 p.m.
- Location: Orlando World Center Marriott
Orlando World Marriott Center Taste! Central Florida is the region’s premier annual culinary and beverage tasting event, bringing together more than 80 of Central Florida’s top chefs, restaurants, and beverage experts for an unforgettable evening to include live entertainment, interactive revenue enhancers and a mission to combat hunger in our community. It stands out as one of the year's major fundraisers for Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, and the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, creating profound awareness and relief for the children in our community who face hunger on a daily basis. Every dollar raised stays within the community, ensuring children in Central Florida have access to the nourishment they need to thrive.
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