Top 10 Things TO DO in Orlando this October
October is an amazing time to live in Central Florida! There are SO many things going on, you can’t fit them all in. Of course Disney offers a wide variety of events (some of which are listed below), but there are many more! Over the years we have come up with our favorites.
We hope you think so too! Enjoy!
1. A Petrified Forest, Altamonte Springs.
This spooky event has been offering haunted trails for guests to walk through and special themed nights for over ten years. October 16th is dedicated to visitors with special needs. October 30th is a Total Eclipse walk for groups over the age of 13. 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. $12-$35. Tickets purchased at the door are cash only. ATM onsite. 1360 E. Altamonte Drive. 407-468-6600. apetrifiedforest.com
2. Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, Walt Disney World.
The annual food and wine lover’s paradise offers beverages from close to 30 global marketplaces. Also on tap are celebrity chef demonstrations and rock star performances during the Eat to the Beat concert series. 200 Epcot Center Drive; 407-939-5277; free with park admission, but food costs extra; disneyworld.com/foodandwine
3. Winter Park Autumn Art Festival
October 12-13, 2019
Central Park in Winter Park
Now in its 45th year, the annual Winter Park Autumn Art Festival is a wonderful creative opportunity for the whole family to explore the local arts scene.
Exclusively showcasing Florida artists, this community event features visual art in addition to live entertainment, kids’ activities, and crafts, and much more.
It’s also held in a historic district, so a visit here will give you the chance to see more of Florida’s heritage.
Getting In: Admission to the Winter Park Autumn Art Festival is free.
4. Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa
Select dates, September 20 – November 2, 2019
For those really big Halloween fans out there, this is the event for you. Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens in Tampa offers a series of truly terrifying experiences and events for adults to enjoy.
Roam the creepiest haunted houses you’ll ever see. Get stalked by hordes of roaming monsters as you wander through scare zones. Be endlessly entertained by the dancing Fiends. Enjoy the extra level of thrill that comes with riding the coasters after dark. Don’t forget to sample their signature cocktails!
This is for those who love nothing more than a good scare!
Getting In: Admission to Howl-O-Scream is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go Orlando pass.
5. Orlando’s Magical Dining Month – Various Locations!
August 23 – October 7, 2019
Various locations
If you’re a foodie, you’re in luck this September. All month is Magical Dining Month in Orlando, which means delicious food at delectable prices.
Enjoy affordable prix fixe menus at fine dining locales, special deals at local favorites, and even unique menus designed just for the event. Come hungry!
Getting In: Meal prices are not included with the Go Orlando® pass. For more information about participating restaurants, please visit the event website.
6. Celebration Kicks off 13th Annual Oktoberfest with Falling Leaves
October 18th and 19th
On October 18th and 19th , Celebration Town Center transforms before your very eyes as the falling leaves of the season drop on Market Street in the Fall Festival known as Oktoberfest. Listen for the rustling of leaves, relax by the lakeside and rock your troubles away, and enjoy the live music with family and friends in this one-of-a-kind themed extravaganza.
On Friday October 18th, Oktoberfest will be celebrated in the old-world German tradition featuring the sounds of Dan Witucki & Heimatland Musikanten. Come join in on the interactive live show featuring everything from yodeling to crowd sing-a-long fun.
Then, come back on October 19th as Celebration Town Center will celebrate “Rocktoberfest”. Featuring Central Florida’s own Audio Exchange with opening act James Boyd. Town Center will be the place to be to usher in Fall. It’s the coolest family-friendly Oktoberfest in the Southeast, so don’t miss it.
Hop on a hayride, dance to terrific live music, or just stroll and enjoy the crisp fall air and enjoy the great savings at the lakeside promenade.
LEAVES FALL DAILY AT 7:00, 8:00, AND 9:00 PM.
PARKING AND ADMISSION ARE FREE!!!
7. Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights, Orlando
This event, now in its 29th year, is a ten-time winner of Amusement Today’s “Best Halloween Event” Golden Ticket award. Guests will experience live mega-horror movies with this year’s haunted houses, scare zones and roaming hordes. 6:30 p.m. to 1 or 2 a.m. Ticket prices start at $67.99 per person and discounted hotel packages are available. 407-363-8000. halloweenhorrornights.com
8. BBQ and Blues Festival, Clermont. At Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards,
Enjoy a variety of live blues music by top-class performers on the outdoor stage. Lakeridge wine, beer, soft drinks and a variety of food will be available for purchase, along with complimentary winery tours and wine tasting. Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. $10 for adults, children under 12 are free. 19239 U.S. 27 North. 800-768-WINE. lakeridgewinery.com
9. Scott’s Maze Adventures at Long & Scott Farms
One of the most popular adventures around is Scott’s Maze at Long & Scott Farms in Mount Dora. This educational and fun corn maze has a new unique design each year with twisting pathways, questions and answers and picture rubbings. Admission includes both corn mazes, tree maze, rope maze, labyrinth, mist maze, super slide, jumping pillow, small kids zip line, playground, tot lot, sand tires and games.
Where: 26216 County Road 448A in Mount Dora
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays from Oct. 5 to Dec. 8.
Admission: $12 per person, free for kids 3 and under
10. Sea World’s Halloween Spooktacular®
Enjoy an all-new parade, a dance party, and trick-or-treating for candy and goodies throughout the park.
BONUS!!!! SeaWorld® Craft Brew Festival
SeaWorld® Craft Brew Festival is serving up an incredible party for craft beer lovers. SeaWorld’s Craft Beer Festival features more than 100 crafts brews. Sample an unbeatable mix of domestic, international and local Florida favorites. Plus savor more than 20 food items expertly paired to match your preferred brew. This is the one craft beer celebration you won’t want to miss. The fun is brewing Weekends through October 27.
