50+ Best Things to do in Orlando in October: Events and More!

It is hard to believe, but fall fun has arrived! And the spirits have materialized in many Halloween bars in Orlando. Let's take a look at the best events and things to do this week.

Updated multiple times each week by Nancy DeVault, Dani Meyering, and Kelly Lamano Diaz

Giving an extra shoutout to the following events, which help us to bring this guide to you for FREE!

Harbor Nights ‘La Dolce Vita’

Friday, October 17, from 6:30 – 10 p.m. – This Friday!
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel Harbor Piazza at Universal Orlando

A celebration of Italian-inspired flavors, great wines, and captivating live music set against the captivating backdrop of the Harbor Piazza, this outdoor event brings the spirit of Italy to life in the heart of Universal Orlando Resort. Savor unlimited food from the hotel’s award-winning restaurants, paired with a handpicked selection of 18 wines. Upgrade to a VIP ticket to enjoy our special six-course wine dinner featuring the wines of Santa Margherita.

Loews Portofino Harbor Nights

5th Annual Fall Fest

Saturdays & Sundays, Now through November 2
Amber Brooke Farms
Celebrate fall at Amber Brooke Farms during the 5th Annual Fall Festival: “Harvest on the Hill.” From flower fields and live music to archery, gel blasters, yard games, and fall-themed fun, there’s something for every member of the family. Enjoy delicious food, hands-on activities, and beautiful photo spots throughout the farm. Located in Eustis, FL, tickets start at just $15.95 online. Make it a season to remember!

Amber Brooke Farms is celebrating their 5th Annual Fall Festival

Keel Farms Harvest Days

Weekends in October, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
5202 Thonotosassa Rd, Plant City, FL 33565

Visit Keel Farms every Saturday and Sunday in October for Harvest Days! From 10am – 3pm, enjoy family-friendly, festive fun with hay rides, a corn maze, pumpkin patch and painting, camel rides, seasonal wines and ciders, a pumpkin pie eating contest, local vendors and food trucks, and more. No tickets are required for this FREE event, and all ages + dogs are welcome! Parking is just $10.

Celebrate the season weekends in October at Keel Farms

Events This Week Things to Do October 13 – 19, 2025

EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival
August 28 to November 22, 2025
EPCOT
Eat and drink your way through the park’s largest culinary fest on Labor Day!
Theme park admission required; food and beverage additional cost

Longwood Haunted History Tour
Saturday, October 18 and 25, 2025
Evening tours beginning at 7 p.m.
Bradlee-McIntyre House, 130 W Warren Ave, Longwood, FL

Step inside the historic Bradlee-McIntyre House for an immersive haunted history tour led by magician and storyteller Michael Matson. Explore three floors of eerie rooms while hearing ghostly tales and local legends. Recommended for ages 13 and up.
$35

Find more weekend ideas in our Halloween Season Events list.

OMA Exhibition: Jason Chin: Your Place in the Universe
September 5-November 30, 2025
Orlando Museum of Art
2416 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
Explore the captivating world of renowned children's book author and illustrator Jason Chin, whose award-winning works illuminate the natural world. This exhibition showcases Chin's artistic journey, inviting you to delve into the mysteries of coral reefs, redwood trees and the vast universe itself.

Attention Parents: Head to Orlando-Parenting.com for things to do with kids in Orlando

National Dessert Day at Kelly's Homemade Ice Cream
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
120 Independence Ln, Maitland, FL
Celebrate National Dessert Day with Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream and enjoy the limited-edition Bride of Frankenstein Ice Cream, inspired by Gideon’s Bakehouse’s Frankenstein cookie. This monstrous flavor features Double Stuf Oreo pieces, milk chocolate chips, and mini M&Ms—available for one day only while supplies last.

Harbor Nights La Dolce Vita
Friday, October 17, 2025, Multiple showtimes
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando
5601 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32819
Spend a lively evening on the Italian-inspired Harbor Piazza, enjoying wine, food, and live music at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.
Tickets start at $114.47

Harry Potter Night Market
Saturday, October 18, 6:30 – 11 p.m.
Bao Spot, Church Street Downtown Orlando
Step into a magical evening inspired by the Wizarding World, featuring themed merchandise, delicious food, live music, and a spirited costume contest. Enjoy enchanting vibes and plenty of photo-worthy moments throughout the night.

Longwood Haunted History Tour
Saturday, October 18 and 25, 2025
Evening tours beginning at 7 p.m.
Bradlee-McIntyre House, 130 W Warren Ave, Longwood, FL

Step inside the historic Bradlee-McIntyre House for an immersive haunted history tour led by magician and storyteller Michael Matson. Explore three floors of eerie rooms while hearing ghostly tales and local legends. Recommended for ages 13 and up.
$35

Next Week: Things to Do October 20 – 26, 2025

German Chef Dinner with Beer + Wine Pairing
Tuesday, October 21, 2025, 6pm
Ivanhoe Park Lager House
23 North Orange Blossom Trail
Enjoy a 5-course German-inspired dinner, each course thoughtfully paired with a German wine from a featured winemaker and a German-style craft beer brewed right here at Ivanhoe Park Lager House. Throughout the night, you’ll hear directly from the chef, the winery representative, and brewers, who will guide you through each pairing, sharing tasting notes and stories behind every pour.
$125 per person

Clermont Harvest Festival
Saturday, October 25, 2025, 10am – 4pm
Clermont Main Street
Fall fun is calling! Over 100 artisan vendors, a costume contest (for people and pets!), kids zone with fun activities, live music, and food trucks. Bring the whole family out for a festive day of fall vibes, fun, and community!

Dragon Nights: Hidden Treasure Quest
Friday & Saturday, October 24–25, 2025
6 – 9 p.m.
Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, FL
Experience Leu Gardens after dark during this special Dragon Nights event. Explore the gardens by moonlight as you follow clues, solve riddles, and uncover the dragons’ hidden treasure. Enjoy the glowing garden atmosphere and mythical adventure perfect for families and fantasy fans.

Tickets required (includes garden admission)

Farewell Post Time
Saturday, October 25, 2025, 8:30pm
Post Time Lounge, Longwood, FL
Join Bar Fly for a farewell night of live music and good vibes at Post Time Lounge. Enjoy performances from fan-favorite local musicians and celebrate the memories made at this beloved venue.

Boos & Brews Bar Crawl Orlando
Saturday, October 25, 6pm
Live! at the Pointe Orlando
9101 International Drive Orlando, FL 32819
Join the spookiest bar crawl of the season featuring Halloween-themed drinks, festive costumes, and a lively route among participating bars. Enjoy drink specials, fun surprises, and a festive crowd.
Tickets start at $16, VIP $45 gets 3 drink tickets and early entry

Florida Bat Festival – Worth the drive!
Saturday, October 25, 2025, 10am – 5pm
Lubee Bat Conservancy
1309 NW 192nd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32609
For over two decades, the Florida Bat Festival has been a much-anticipated Family Friendly Fall Festival and is a beacon of education, conservation, and excitement! Join Lubee Bat Conservancy for a day filled with thrilling activities, captivating exhibits, and unforgettable experiences for the whole family. And of course, the world’s largest bats!
Admission Donation: $10 ages 13 & up, $5 ages 5-12, Children 4 & under are FREE

Fall Festival
Sunday, October 26, 2025, 10am-5pm
Formosa Winery Tasting House
3011 Formosa Gardens Blvd., Kissimmee, FL 34747
Keep the fall fun going with a pumpkin patch, a petting zoo, local vendors, and plenty of food, wine, and beer!

Later This Month: Things to Do October 27 – 31, 2025

Love Gone Wild: Halloween Edition
Tuesday, October 28, 2025, 7pm
PBR Orlando
9101 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
It's an unforgettable night of wild love, unpredictable games, and spooky fun! Singles and couples will dive into outrageous love games, costume contests, and surprises all night long. Enjoy beats by DJ Chino & DJ MD. Plus, enter the costume contest for a chance to win $200.
Tickets starting at $25

Weekly Ongoing Orlando Events

Wine Wednesdays at NORMAN’S Orlando
Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
7924 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando, FL 32819
Head to NORMAN’s on Wednesdays for summer specials featuring 30% off select bottles of wine, curated by their Sommelier! Plus, try their new “Flights & Bites” offering hand-picked Red, White, and Sparkling Wines paired to complement the Chef-curated Bites Menu. You can also book a 15-minute tasting session with our Sommelier to learn about wines, regions, and pairing suggestions (complimentary tastings included). Can’t go on a Wednesday? NORMAN’S offers daily Happy Hour from 5-7 p.m. with dinner available until 10 p.m.

AC Orlando Downtown Express Lunch
Lunch served Tuesday-Friday 11am-3pm
333 S. Garland Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
Introducing AC Hotel's new Express Lunch—crafted for those on the go but unwilling to compromise on flavor. For just $18, enjoy a chef-inspired entrée and a non-alcoholic beverage, all guaranteed to be served within 20 minutes of ordering. Perfect for a power lunch or a quick catch-up, it's speed without sacrifice. Available Tuesday-Friday—because great taste shouldn't have to wait.

Pottery Night
One Thursday Every Month, from 6:30-8 p.m.
8602 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
Discover the magic of pottery in this 2-hour group session at the Castle Hotel! Guided by a skilled instructor, you’ll master the basics of throwing clay on the pottery wheel and create your very own unique piece. From shaping the clay to glazing for a polished finish, this experience offers hands-on fun from start to finish.

Makers Market at Forward/Slash Distillery
The Last Saturday of Every Month, from 2-6 p.m.
650 S Capen Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Support your local Orlando makers at Forward/Slash Distillery’s monthly Makers Market. Hosted by Orlando Local Maker’s, this event features the best of vendors who craft and make various items, goods, trinkets, and gifts. The market is on a break for summer and will return on September 27th. Food will be served by Bien Fuego BBQ for some light bites while you shop. Free to attend!

Happy Hour + Art @TheFalconBar
Mondays from 6:30-10pm
The Falcon Bar & Gallery
819 East Washington Street, Orlando, FL 32801
Local vibes. Awesome people. Enjoy Happy Hour adult libations while viewing local art at one of Orlando’s favorite local spots for creatives!
FREE Admission

Tasty Takeover in The Milk District
Tuesdays from 6:30-10pm
The Milk District – E. Robinson St
THE food truck block party in Orlando! Find it in The Milk District every Tuesday night behind the bars and shops of E. Robinson St.
FREE Admission

Game & Hobby Night at The Burrow
Every Tuesday, 5pm – 8pm
The Burrow Cafe & Play, Mills area
Bring along your favorite game, knitting project, book, or enjoy one of the games available at The Burrow. Come relax, be playful, and enjoy your favorite hobby or discover a new one. Free to attend and drink specials available.

Luminary Market
First Wednesday of every month, 5:30-9pm
Luminary Green Park in Creative Village
Explore 20-25 local vendors featuring unique, curated goods and support our growing community of residents, students, and workers. Stick around after shopping for KaleidoScope 360°, an outdoor movie series where you can enjoy family-friendly films under the stars! Showtime is at 7pm.

Late Night Thursdays
Thursdays, 5pm – 8pm
Leu Gardens
Bring a picnic & seating, sip some spirits, or take a stroll through the gardens and discover the amazing ORIGAMI IN THE GARDEN exhibit. Included with general admission. Rain or shine.
$15 per adult, $10 per child

Piano Bar Show at Jewel
Friday and Saturday Nights
Jewel Orlando
Dueling Piano players take the stage for a fun night of song requests and sing-alongs! Call (321) 444-5306 after 5pm to get your password for speakeasy entry.
FREE admission with password

Cirque du Soleil “Drawn to Life”
Wednesdays – Sundays
Performances of “Drawn to Life” take place on most nights at 5:30 pm and 8:00 pm. Go for the later show if you prefer to potentially have less kids in attendance. Additionally, it will give you more time to enjoy Disney Springs before the show.

Weekends at the Winery
Saturdays and Sundays, 10am – 5pm (Sat) & 11am – 5pm (Sun)
Lakeridge Winery
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.
FREE admission

Check out multiple Farmers' Markets around Orlando every weekend.

Saturday Exhibition Highlights Docent-Led Tour
Every Saturday, 1pm & 3pm
Rollins Museum of Art
Docent-led tours of highlighted works from the season’s exhibitions at the Rollins Museum of Art.
FREE

Dinks & Drinks
Every Saturday, 6:30-9:30pm
ClearOne Sports Centre
4141 N. John Young Parkway, Suite 3, Orlando
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.
$20 per person

Read more: Places to Play Pickleball in Orlando

Tai Chi in the Garden
Every Saturday through 2025, 10:30am – 11:30am
Mead Botanical Garden, 1300 S. Denning Dr, Winter Park
A gentle exercise program that is composed of slow deliberate movements, meditation, and deep breathing to enhance health and well-being.
$15

Week of Halloween Orlando Events

Murder on the Dance Floor
Friday, October 31, 4pm-2am
Blue Martini, 9101 International Drive, Orlando, Florida 32819
Step into the dark side of luxury this Halloween… where the cocktails are deadly, the beats are hypnotic, and the energy is to die for. Come dressed to haunt for the costume contest, and enjoy live entertainment by VZN Band and DJ Chris. Plus, stop by for happy hour from 6-8pm with spooky sips to set the mood.

AC Sky Bar Adult Halloween Costume Party
Friday, October 31, from 5-11 pm
AC Sky Bar, 333 S Garland Ave, Orlando 32801
Head to AC Sky Bar for a creepy, 21+, fun-filled night featuring Halloween-inspired cocktails and bites. DJ Dracula will be spinning spooky sounds of the season. Expect dancing, party favors, and more; Appropriate attire required.

The Halloween Torture Show
Friday, October 31, 7pm
Blue Martini, 9101 International Drive, Orlando, Florida 32819
This special event show only comes around once a year! Watch as the SAK players face torturous elements… all while trying to improvise for your pleasure and amusement. Mixed in with fan favorite games, you'll see some classic torture games such as the vinegar challenge scene (players do “serious” improv while eating vinegar marshmallows) and the mousetrap scene (players do a scene on a stage littered with set mousetraps while blindfolded and barefoot). It's hilarious and sometimes hard to watch, all at the same time. Come dressed up for the in-show costume contest. The top three best dressed will win prizes.
General admission $20

MORE: 31 Halloween Season Date Ideas

November Preview

Spa After Dark
Saturday, November 1, from 1-9pm
The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Orlando Grande Lakes
4020 Central Florida Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32837
Pamper yourself and enjoy relaxation with refreshing facials, salon services, and massages. The Spa After Dark experiences include access to the sauna, steam room, whirlpool, and outdoor heated pool, as well as passed Hors d'oeuvres and a signature cocktail.
Services starting from $115

Fall Wine Walk
Saturday, November 1, from 2-5pm
Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853
Set sail for an unforgettable afternoon at the Yacht Rock-inspired Wine Walk, where you’ll sip, sample, and stroll through the Gardens in style – It’s Captain’s Orders! Navigate a course of 12 exquisite wines, each curated from the world’s finest wine regions and hand-selected by top wine experts. Along the way, enjoy Chef Matt’s perfectly paired bites at each port of call, crafted to complement every pour. Your ticket includes wine samples, gourmet snacks, a souvenir tasting cup, and access to the after-party.
Tickets for members $60, non-members $80.

33rd Pioneer Day
Saturday, November 8, 10am-4pm
Pioneer Village
2491 Babb Rd, Kissimmee, FL 34746
Step back in time and celebrate history with a day full of fun, learning, and family-friendly activities. Experience what life was like in the pioneer days with crafts, games, demonstrations, and more!

Celtic Fest & Highland Games
Saturday, November 8, 10am-5pm
Dewey O. Boster Park
1200 Saxon Blvd, Deltona, FL 32725
Get ready for some Highland competitions, traditional food & drinks, live music, and fun for all ages! The Highland Games are a cornerstone of Celtic culture. From the tug-o-war and the stone put, to the hammer throw and the iconic caber toss, athletes will attempt to flip a massive log end-over-end. These games are more than competitions — they’re about community, tradition, and celebrating centuries of history.

16th Annual Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Food and Wine Classic
Friday-Saturday, November 14-15, from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
1200 Epcot Resorts Blvd., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Get ready to sip, savor, and stroll under the stars at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic! Indulge in a world-class celebration of global flavors, fine wines, and craft beers—all just steps from EPCOT. With unlimited tastings, live entertainment, and breathtaking ambiance, it’s the ultimate evening escape for foodies and fun-seekers alike. Don’t miss your chance to experience this unforgettable culinary event. Tickets are limited—get yours now at FoodAndWineClassic.com!

ICE! Featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™
November 14 through January 7, 2026
Gaylord Palms Resort

For the very first time, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ will be featured at Gaylord Palms Resort in 2 million pounds of intricately carved ice sculptures in ICE!, the resort's signature holiday attraction. Strike a pose with Santa and Rudolph in one of the longest ice carvings measuring over 32 feet long, crawl into whimsical photo setups, or become one of the misfit toys in this winter wonderland made for memory-making. Experience the splendor of the holiday season at Gaylord Palms.


For even more things to do in Orlando, check out these top stories:


Want your Orlando events listed here? Learn more about advertising with us.