The latest Orlando happenings updated weekly using information provided by partners and destination press releases. Stay up-to-date on Orlando's most recent announcements and openings from accommodations and attractions to restaurants and more.
ACCOMODATIONS:
Marriott Village Orlando will host a wide range of spooky and not-so-spooky fall activities, select dates Sept.1 – Oct. 31, including crafts, games, scavenger hunts, movie nights, a haunted maze, trick-or-treat opportunities and more. Adults can also enjoy the “Witches Brew” happy hour with themed drinks including the Hocus Pocus martini and the Nightmare on Bourbon Street.
ATTRACTIONS:
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will offer free admission for kids ages 3-11 throughout the entire month of September for Future Voyagers Month. Children will be able to experience the all-new immersive experience, All Systems Are Go!, featuring lights, sounds and state-of-the-art puppetry. The free, one-day admission will be available with the purchase of at least one adult admission ticket and valid for up to three complimentary children’s tickets, per adult.
DINING & NIGHTLIFE:
Exploria Stadium’s new “Orlando Made” local food and beverage offerings will expand with the addition of 13 new local vendors to the program. Soccer fans can find these offerings at different locations in the venue or as part of the “Orlando Made” rotating vendor cart. New vendors include Dexter Birdland, SusHi Eatstation, Cholo Dogs, NOSH, Norma’s Italian Eatery, Pattie Lou’s Donuts, Chill in Tacos and Fortuna Bakery. Local vendors such as Adelita’s Mexican Cocina, Guacamole Mexican Grill, Kappy’s Sandwiches, Mecatos Café and Bakery, and Phat Ash Bakes will be coming soon. The new additions join the five previously announced permanent concession stands, including 4Rivers Smokehouse, Black Rooster Taqueria, Harrell’s Hot Dogs, Teak Neighborhood Grill and The COOP by 4Rivers.
Night Owl Cookies, a Miami-based concept, is expected to open an Orlando location. The shop features signature cookie flavors such as Chocolate Chip, Ave Maria, Cookies & Cream, Rainbow Over Bedrock, Birthday Cake and more.
EVENTS & FESTIVALS:
Orlando Fringe announced its programs for the new Fringe ArtSpace as it embarks on its 2023-2024 season. The new season will feature full theatrical runs; limited engagements; an 18-month accelerator core artistic program; The Collective Incubator Program at Fringe ArtSpace, which will foster and mentor emerging local arts groups; touring shows; educational experiences; and the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival and Winter Mini-Fest. The fall season will begin with a three-night cabaret series, Sept. 22-24, presented by Central Florida Vocal Arts. The remainder of the season will include a residency for Velvet Toreador Company’s productions, Winnie’s Rock Cauldron Cabaret (WRCC) and Winnie's Full Moon Burly-Q show, Oct. 5-31; along with other productions including The Coldharts’s dark and critically acclaimed Poe Trilogy, Nov. 10-19, featuring performances of their self-written works: Edgar Allan, Eddie Poe, and Edgar Perry; and Ophelia the Musical presented by Phoenix Tears Productions, Dec. 1-18. Orlando Fringe will also host the 8th annual Winter Mini-Fest, Jan. 11-14, featuring shows that will span a wide-variety of genres, a visual arts market and a Kids Fringe mini-fest.
Camping World Stadium will showcase one of the nation’s greatest football rivalries as it hosts the 2023 Florida Blue Classic on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. This year includes the 78th meeting between Florida A&M University (FAMU) and Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU) and the 43rd official “Florida Classic.”
Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company will host a pop-up market and a food truck party Sept. 9-10. On Sept. 9, The Orlando Parking Lot Party will feature various local food vendors including Cholo Dogs, Conrad’s Shanty, Hot Asian Buns and more. On Sept. 10, The Florida Vintage Market will feature a curated variety of vintage clothing, sustainable fashion, streetwear, custom clothing, sneakers, makers, artists, food trucks, drinks from the brewery and more.
CityArts Gallery will host Opera del Sol’s production of Dracula The Musical in downtown Orlando Oct. 20-29. The non-traditional, immersive experience will explore the audience’s deepest fears and darkest desires, while questioning reality itself, in an intimate space.
TRANSPORTATION:
Canada Jetlines will launch new service operating four days a week, from Toronto (YYZ) to Orlando (MCO) beginning October 30.
Porter Airlines will launch two new daily services, starting November 21, from Toronto (YYZ) and Ottawa (YOW) to Orlando (MCO).
Lynx Air will be increasing their service from Toronto (YYZ) to Orlando (MCO) from three times a week to a daily service starting Nov. 1. The company will also begin three new flights to Orlando (MCO) over the course of November: Montreal (YUL) to Orlando (MCO) operating four times a week beginning November 2; Calgary (YYC) to Orlando (MCO) operating two times a week beginning November 7; and Vancouver (YVR) to Orlando (MCO) operating weekly beginning November 18.
