OUR MONTHLY GUIDE TO THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN ORLANDO FOR DATE NIGHT
There are so many fun events happening in the City Beautiful. The weather is getting more pleasant so enjoy our nearby beaches or natural springs, try a mixology class or explore the foodie scene.
There’s a lot on our curated guide of things to do in Orlando, so keep scrolling! It starts with event highlights for things to do this week, followed by our top picks for things to do in Orlando for the rest of the month. You'll also find an ongoing events section for even more ideas.
Believe it or not Fall Festivals and Pumpkin Patches are arriving, and it's time to explore Halloween in Orlando Date Ideas.
Check back often as we add more Orlando events to this listing throughout the month.
For even more things to do in Orlando, check out these trending stories:
- Magical Dining 2023
- Orlando’s Most Romantic Experiences
- Best Orlando Spas for Couples
- Orlando’s Most Romantic Restaurants
- New Restaurants and Experiences to Try in 2023
–> PS: Want to see your Orlando events listed here? Submit your event to us here.
This guide is updated throughout the month.
Scroll down for a look ahead to the big events of 2023, and 2024
Attention Parents: Head to Orlando-Parenting.com for things to do with kids in Orlando.
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Road Trip: Events in Tampa Bay this month
Here's a guide to the best Tampa Bay events this month from Tampa Bay Date Night Guide. If you're planning to bring the kids, check out this guide to family-friendly events and activities in Tampa Bay from our subling publication Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.
Featured Events + Save the Date
JoJo's ShakeBAR Instagrammable Fall Pumpkin Patch Experience at Pointe Orlando
Monday, September 25 – Friday, November 3, 2023 from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
This whimsical fall transformation promises many Instagram-worthy moments, including pumpkin picking and painting, mobile succulent pumpkin workshops by FarmGal Flowers, and a Basic Witch mixology class for adults.
Pumpkin Patch Extravaganza: Enjoy a charming setup that captures the essence of fall. The patch will be adorned with vibrant orange pumpkins of all sizes, creating an ideal backdrop for memorable photos. Pick a pumpkin and paint it to your heart’s desire. JoJo’s Pumpkin Patch runs Monday through Friday from Monday, Sept. 25 to Friday, Nov. 3 and costs $11 per person. Tickets can be found on Eventbrite.
The Basic Witch Mixology Class costs $35 per person and will be held on select Mondays beginning Sept. 18 through Oct. 31 from 6pm to 8pm. The class includes 2 fall specialty cocktails and 20% off food. Tickets can be found on Eventbrite. Guests must be 21+.
Succulent Pumpkin Workshop: FarmGal Flowers, an urban flower farm and design studio, will shake things up at JoJo’s for a succulent pumpkin workshop class where guests will make their own custom arrangement. The $85 ticket comes with a pumpkin succulent and group dining experience on Thursday, Oct. 5 and Thursday, Oct. 19 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Tickets can be found on Eventbrite.
Enjoy seasonal menu items like the Pumpkin Patch Shake with taffy apple, pumpkin pie, and more, as well as the Cowboy Shake.
Don't miss out on the Apple Pie Shot, Iced Pumpkin Spiked Latte, Caramel Apple Mule, Apple Cider, and Biggie Hot Chocolate.
The Residency Festival
Six nights, October 3 – 8, 2023
Steinmetz Hall, Dr. Phillips Center
The Residency Festival, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the world’s most impressive artists as you’ve never seen them before. Six nights of spectacular entertainment, a lifetime of memories.
Featured Shows
The Royal Philharmonic’s performances will feature collaborations with:
● Birmingham Royal Ballet – Tuesday, October 3, 2023
● Beck – Wednesday, October 4, 2023
● Harry Connick Jr. – Thursday, October 5, 2023
● Diana Ross – Friday, October 6, 2023
● Broadway Royalty featuring Sutton Foster, Brian Stokes Mitchell – Saturday, October 7, 2023
● The Bach Festival Choir – Sunday, October 8, 2023
Volver (“The Comeback”) by Tango Lovers
October 14, 7:30 p.m.
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
A cast of professional artists perform a sensational tango show featuring one of the most renowned and awarded tango singers, Guilermo Fernandez. The orchestra features, and is directed by, Grammy and Latin Grammy awards winner Lautaro Greco. The 90 minute long tango show includes some of the best talent from Rio de la Plata.
This show is brought to you by Tango Lovers, multiple-times awarded Best Show and Best Production of the year, which made a comeback with Volver, mesmerizing all audiences across the Americas. Volver is staged by a live orchestra, dancers and singers from Argentina and Uruguay who will make you live the passion and sensuality of tango for an experience you will never forget.
Tosca
October 27 and 29
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Opera Orlando presents Puccini’s tragically grand Tosca to kick off its 2023-24 All for Art MainStage series at Steinmetz Hall on October 27 & 29 at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. As war and rebellion ravage the city of Rome, the celebrated and passionate opera diva Floria Tosca finds herself caught in a web of religious and political intrigue, betrayal, and jealousy as she tries to save her lover the painter and firebrand Mario Cavadorossi, while being coveted by the villainous and corrupt Baron Scarpia, who holds all the power.
Tickets start at $29.
Annual Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic
Friday, November 10 & Saturday, November 11 from 5:30-9pm
The Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic treats guests to a street party festival with UNLIMITED tastings of culinary selections from the hotel’s award-winning restaurants plus UNLIMITED wine, beer, sprits, and beverage samplings from around the world.
The event features live entertainment in a number of locations and on the causeway, along with themed areas including the Beer Garden, The Bubbles Lounge, and more. The event will also offer a variety of food and beverage seminars delivered by the hotel’s expert team of culinarians and sommeliers.
Causeway Event Tickets are $185 plus tax – Seminar Ticket prices vary. Special Event Tickets are available. www.foodandwineclassic.com
NOTE: Guests who purchase a causeway ticket for either night is entitled to a discounted guest room rate. Reservation agents can assist you with your stay for the event. Contact them at 800-227-1500
Things to Do in Orlando This Week September 18 – 24, 2023
Artists’ Series: Electric Harpist Lunch and Learn
Tuesday, September 19, 12:00 – 1:00pm
Center for Health & Wellbeing
For the inaugural lunch and learn event, you’ll enjoy a performance by Electric Harpist Deanna Carolina. She can regularly be found performing at Disney Springs and at Sunday Brunch at the Alfond Inn. Meet the artist behind the beautiful music and sit back, relax and enjoy the show! Bring your own lunch from home or pick up something from Nourish Coffee Bar + Kitchen on the way in.
FREE
The Gaga Ball
Thursday, September 21, 8:00pm
Renaissance Theatre
Paws up, little monsters! The GAGA BALL is BACK with an all-new production. The show is a fully staged and choreographed drag tribute production dedicated to the career of Grammy and Academy award winning artist Lady Gaga, and her legions of dedicated fans.
$25
Reflections: 50th Anniversary Celebration
September 21 – 24
Steinmetz Hall
Marking 50 years of creative strides in the esteemed dance company’s story, this 50th anniversary celebration comes alive in Paul Taylor’s “Company B” and Balanchine® Ballet: Serenade.
Tickets from $29.
Ruthless!
September 22 – October 15
The Winter Park Playhouse
This outrageous hit musical comedy garnered rave reviews during its long Off-Broadway run. Meet Judy, a naive 1950s housewife, and her adorable but sociopath 8-year-old daughter Tina. Encouraged by her manager, Sylvia, Tina will do ANYTHING to get the lead role in her school play “including murdering the leading lady!”
Tickets start at $20
Sunset at the Zoo
Friday, September 22, 5:00 – 8:00pm
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Join the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens for their last Sunset event of 2023, as they proudly celebrate Hispanic culture and heritage! There’ll be Vendors, Food Trucks, Plus other one-night only food options, DJ Darren spinning your favorite tunes, and Themed crafts & family activities.
Tickets start at $6
Orlando Salsa Festival
Friday, September 22, 8:00pm
Amway Center
Get ready for the ultimate salsa extravaganza! The Orlando Salsa Festival is coming to Amway Center, featuring the legendary Willie Colón and El Gran Combo! Prepare to dance the night away to the electrifying rhythms of salsa and experience a once-in-a-lifetime concert event.
Tickets start at $61
Fall Wreath Making with Bloombox Floral
Saturday, September 23, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Bok Tower Gardens
Join floral designers Laurel and Michael Lopes of Bloom Box Floral in this fun hands-on class. Participants will learn floral arranging and styling techniques, tips and tricks to make and take home a stunning autumn wreath. All materials will be supplied and include a variety of dried, preserved and permanent products such as seed pods, feathers and mushrooms for a natural and long lasting design.
Tickets start at $85
International Vegan Food Festival
Saturday, September 23, 3:00 – 8:00pm
Wall Street Plaza
The International Vegan Food Festival is a celebration of delicious plant-based cuisine from around the world! Get ready to indulge in a wide array of mouthwatering vegan dishes, all under one roof. This vibrant event will showcase the very best of vegan food, prepared by talented chefs and vendors who are passionate about cruelty-free and sustainable dining options.
FREE admission, VIP tickets are $35
Lake Nona Hispanic Heritage Festival
Saturday, September 23, 3:00 – 8:00pm
Nona Adventure Park
Join this vibrant celebration of culture, music, food, and fun at the Lake Nona Hispanic Heritage Festival! Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Hispanic traditions as we come together to honor and enjoy the diversity that defines us. This family-friendly event promises an unforgettable experience filled with live entertainment, delicious cuisines, captivating performances, and thrilling activities.
$10 – 40
Clermont Salsa and Sips Festival
Saturday, September 23, 5:00pm
Clermont Waterfront Park
This much-anticipated event will offer the community all things SALSA! A display of cultural cuisine will be available in a variety of exquisite dishes, accompanied by live salsa music and dancing. Lots of activities for the whole family including Fidos Fiesta Costume Contest, a domino tournament, kids' zone, and much more!
FREE
Guided Hike: Owl Prowl
Saturday, September 23, 7:30 – 9:30pm
Spring Hammock Preserve
Knowledgeable guides will lead you through a variety of beautiful ecosystems and highlight the special plants and creatures who live there. If you’re lucky, you might even get to meet a few of them! Explore the park after dark in search of owls! Learn how to identify owls by sight and hoots.
$5 per person
AMBER BROOKE FARMS FALL FESTIVAL
Saturday, September 23 – Sunday, October 29 (Saturdays and Sundays)
$15 – Saturday & Sunday (ages 3 and older)
Petting Zoo, Crop Maze, Pumpkin Patch (Pumpkins Available for Purchase), Pumpkin Painting, Jump Pads, Sand Tire Pit and Diggers, 2 Playgrounds, Cow Train, 16×16 Spiderweb, Hay Ride
Access to Sunflower Field for Photo Ops & Picking (Sunflowers Available for Purchase)
Access to Zinnia Field for Photo Ops & Picking (Zinnias Available for Purchase)
There is a lot to do at Amber Brooke Farms. The sunflower picking is $2 a flower or buy a mason jar for $15 and fill it up as much as you want. There is not much shade so be sure to wear sunscreen and comfortable clothing. Adorable photo opportunities are everywhere, including a decorated farm pick-up truck.
MORE: Our Favorite Fall Festivals and Pumpkin Patches
Boys Like Girls – The Speaking Our Language Tour
Sunday, September 24, 6:00pm
House of Blues Orlando
Tickets start at $39.50
Karol G
Sunday, September 24, 7:00pm
Camping World Stadium
Get ready for an explosive night of Latin music! Karol G is coming to Camping World Stadium and bringing her infectious energy and chart-topping hits to the stage. Her breakthrough came in 2017 with the release of the hit single “Ahora Me Llama,” featuring Bad Bunny, which garnered millions of views and put her on the international radar.
Tickets start at $67
Becky G: Mi Casa, Tu Casa Tour
Sunday, September 24, 8:00pm
Hard Rock Live Orlando
Tickets start at $60
Magical Dining 2023
Friday August 18 – Sunday, October 1
115 participating restaurants
Most restaurants are $40 per person, some are $60
EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival
Thursday July 27 – November 18, 2023
EPCOT
Everyone's favorite EPCOT festival is back. Check out our festival tips and our picks for the best eats and drinks this year.
Park admission required
Things to Do in Orlando September 25 – October 1, 2023
Vegan Street Party
Tuesday, September 26, 4:00 – 8:00pm
Ivanhoe Park Brewing
Orlando's Vegan Food Festival is BACK! Catch the Vibe at Ivanhoe Park for some of the BEST Plant Based Finds from all around FLORIDA.
FREE
Haunting Nights
September 29 – October 31
Leu Gardens
It’s a fun night out this fall! An elevated, artful, exciting Halloween experience in the gardens with a few jump-scares. Haunting Nights adventure is recommended for guests 13 and up.
Tickets start at $15
MORE: Halloween Date Ideas 2023
Guided Hike: Harvest Moon Hike
Friday, September 29, 7:30 – 9:30pm
Chuluota Wilderness Area
Take a break on this Friday night to enjoy the splendor of this month’s full moon and search for hidden night creatures. Make sure to bring water and bug repellant and wear comfortable closed-toed shoes.
$5 per person
Lake Nona Orlando VegFest
Saturday, September 30, 11:00am – 5:00pm
USTA National Campus
This completely vegan festival will have over 60 vegan vendors including local businesses and special guests from out of town. You can expect live music, speakers, dance classes, yoga classes, and other entertainment all free. This is a family and pet-friendly event where all are welcome.
FREE
5th Annual Best of Challenge: Sandwich Edition
Saturday, September 30, 12:00 – 3:00pm
Sunset Walk
This Sandwich Edition of the Best of Challenge showcases the best sandwiches from many of the Promenade’s amazing venues, plus the neighboring Margaritaville Resort Orlando. The cast of The Jim Colbert Show from Real Radio 104.1 return as celebrity event hosts. VIP participants/judges will sample sandwiches from each competing venue and vote for their 3 favorite sandwiches.
Admission is FREE, VIP tickets are $20
Oktoberfest
Saturday, September 30, 4:00 – 10:00pm
Lake Nona Town Center
Oktoberfest is returning on Saturday, September 30 at Lake Nona Town Center with live music, German food from Park Pizza, German-themed entertainment, photo-ops, games, and our annual Stein Hoisting competition.
FREE
MORE: Raise a Glass at These Fantastic Oktoberfest Events in Orlando
Flogging Molly: Summer Tour 2023
Saturday, September 30, 8:00pm
House of Blues Orlando
Tickets start at $39.50
Universal Funk Orchestra
Saturday, September 30, 8:00pm
West End Trading Co.
Tickets are $10
Kona Luau
Saturday 30, 6pm – 9pm
Wekiva Island
There will be a hula hoop contest, fire dancers and a limbo contest.
There will also be $25 buckets of Kona Big Wave and $4 Big Wave drafts, as well as giveaways and Luau themed décor.
King Mika Singh
Saturday, September 30, 8:00pm
Dr. Phillips Center
Mika Singh is a renowned Indian singer, songwriter, music composer and performer. He has released numerous hit songs in Hindi, Punjabi and other regional languages. He is best known for his collaborations with other artists such as Neha Kakkar, Iulia Vantur, Bohemia and Raftaar.
Tickets start at $9
Kim Petras: Feed The Beast World Tour
Sunday, October 1, 8:00pm
Addition Financial Arena
Tickets start at $46
AMBER BROOKE FARMS FALL FESTIVAL
Saturday, September 23 – Sunday, October 29 (Saturdays and Sundays)
$15 – Saturday & Sunday (ages 3 and older)
Petting Zoo, Crop Maze, Pumpkin Patch (Pumpkins Available for Purchase), Pumpkin Painting, Jump Pads, Sand Tire Pit and Diggers, 2 Playgrounds, Cow Train, 16×16 Spiderweb, Hay Ride
Access to Sunflower Field for Photo Ops & Picking (Sunflowers Available for Purchase)
Access to Zinnia Field for Photo Ops & Picking (Zinnias Available for Purchase)
There is a lot to do at Amber Brooke Farms. The sunflower picking is $2 a flower or buy a mason jar for $15 and fill it up as much as you want. There is not much shade so be sure to wear sunscreen and comfortable clothing. Adorable photo opportunities are everywhere, including a decorated farm pick-up truck.
MORE: Our Favorite Fall Festivals and Pumpkin Patches
More Ideas: Ongoing Orlando Events
Food for Thought Tours
Select Wednesdays – Wednesday, September 6 at 11:30 am
Second Harvest Food Bank
This tour goes inside an active warehouse and distribution facility with a focus on elevated hunger relief efforts in Central Florida.
FREE – snack included
Orlando Local Makers Pop Up Markets
Most Fridays and Saturdays
20+ local makers in the delightful backyard of The House on Lang in the Mills 50 neighborhood
Movie Mondays
A La Cart Orlando
Monday nights, 7pm or sunset (whichever comes first)
Enjoy a FREE outdoor movie every Monday evening while enjoying food for purchase from the resident food trucks. Sign up for A La Cart's email list to find out which movies are playing each week.
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
RELATED: How to Have an Orlando Food Truck Date
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.
Tibetan Meditation with Puja Madan
Second Wednesday of every month, 7:30pm
Timucua, 2000 S Summerlin Ave, Orlando, FL 32806
No prior meditation experience necessary. An open mind and heart will suffice. If you do however meditate regularly, this technique will deepen your practice.
Note: this is an alcohol-free event. The meditation is best practiced on a light stomach. Please dress comfortably.
CHWB Commons Co-Ops
First Wednesday of every month from 3 to 8 PM
Center for Health and Wellbeing
Local vendors and makers selling food goods, plants, self-care products, clothing, jewelry and much more
FREE
Sanford Art & Jazz Night | 3rd Thursdays
Thursday August 17, September 21, October 19 6pm – 9pm
A special evening celebrating the arts, music & spirits at multiple venues!
FREE
Piano Bar Show at Jewel
Thursday, 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
Weekends at the Winery
Saturdays and Sundays, 11am – 5pm
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 – 2pm
Rollins Museum of Art
Docent-led tours of highlighted works from the season’s exhibitions at the Rollins Museum of Art.
FREE
Painting With Primates
Chase Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservatory (Webster, FL)
Most Sundays, 10am
A memorable morning surrounded by some incredible endangered species. Lemurs and a local artist will help you paint a chosen picture on a canvass while sitting amongst the grandfather oaks that reside in a 5 acre open habitat. All materials will be included. This consists of paint, the canvass, easel, and brushes. Each participant will leave with their own work of art.
All participants must be 13 and over when painting with adult only.
Class lasts 2-3 hours in total
$75
2023 Highlights
Get those date ideas rolling with these great events in Orlando in 2023.
Take your pick of the endless options: a stellar concert lineup, Broadway shows, festivals to delight foodies, theme park happenings, sporting events, and so much more.
RELATED: Best New Restaurants and Experiences for Couples in 2023
Dazzling Nights Presented by AdventHealth
(November 17, 2023 – January 6, 2024)
Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803
Back for its fourth year and bigger and more interactive than ever – Orlando’s 50-acre Harry P. Leu Gardens transforms once again into a stunning winter wonderland featuring a million dazzling lights, shining forests, magical displays, music and beautiful sculptures during “Dazzling Nights” – a family-friendly adventure that gives guests the opportunity to embark on an unforgettable, interactive holiday experience.
This year’s favorite annual tradition features the return of popular immersive environments, plus, a brand-new, large-scale light show. Elements include hundreds of hanging Moroccan lanterns, interactive pads that light up when guests jump on them, a forest with thousands of laser beams, a brand-new light show with 100, 10’ light tubes synced to music, a 30’ tree in splendid, shimmering gold, upgraded food and drinks, and, of course, snow.
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Edwin Outwater, Conductor
Bach Festival Choir
October 8, 2023
Steinmetz Hall
The Cleveland Orchestra
Karina Canellakis, Conductor
Seong-Jin Cho, Piano
February 4, 2024
Steinmetz Hall
Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra
Lahav Shani, Conductor
Daniil Trifonov, Piano
March 6, 2024
Steinmetz Hall
Academy of St Martin in the Fields
Joshua Bell, Conductor & Violin
March 22, 2024
Steinmetz Hall
P!NK – The TRUSTFALL Tour with GROUPLOVE and KidCutUp
November 18
Amway Center
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