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.
AWARDS & ACCOLADES:
Orlando was named the number one domestic spring break destination for 2026, according to AAA.
Southern Living Magazine named Orlando one of the top 20 Best Cities in the South.
ATTRACTIONS:
Galacticoaster, LEGOLAND Florida’ s first new coaster in 15 years, opened on Feb. 27 in the new LEGO Galaxy area. This indoor, space-themed family coaster places riders in command of their own spacecraft from the moment they enter the queue. Once aboard, families blast off on an immersive indoor adventure reaching speeds of up to 40 miles per hour, navigating through twists, turns and dynamic launches through galaxies featuring different LEGO elements from all eras.
Aquatica Orlando will bring back Aloha to Summer, the limited-time weekend party series running March 7 – May 3. The event transforms the park into an island-inspired escape filled with splash parties, interactive games, live entertainment, specialty food and drinks, new experiences and more.
Old Town Entertainment District will celebrate the 36th anniversary of the weekly Saturday Nite Classic Car Show and Cruise on March 14. Recognized as America’s longest running weekly car show, the event features live bands throughout the day along with the show-quality 1985 and older hot rods, street rods, and antiques.
The Art & History Museums of Maitland announced a $3.1 million expansion, marking the institution’s first major growth since it was founded in 1937. The project aims to triple art school programming, expand the museum’s ceramics department and add three flexible classroom spaces to accommodate a wider range of ages and expanded class offerings.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will offer a new “Adult at Kids Rate” ticket promotion from March 9 – May 24. During the promotion, adults can purchase admission at the child’s price and enjoy educational experiences, astronaut meet-and-greets, rocket launches and more.
The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra will present Little Red Riding Hood March 21–22. The family friendly performance features the OPO’s woodwind quintet and piano in a musical journey through the woods to grandmother’s house.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom will reopen on April 8 in Tomorrowland at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park. This revamped attraction will feature all new interactive targets and hand-held blasters, new visual effects, a new Disney PhotoPass experience featuring rider scores and ranks, and a new Star Command support bot.
The Mandalorian and Grogu will arrive to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney Hollywood Studios on May 22. Visitors can experience a new mission on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, along with new gameplay and a new planet selection that the ship will visit.
EPCOT’s Soarin’ will transform into Soarin’ Across America in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States. Beginning May 26, the attraction will showcase a new orchestration of the classic musical theme and highlight the iconic landscapes and natural beauty of the U.S.A.
“The Walt Disney Studios” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be ready for families to explore on May 26. This outdoor courtyard will feature a “Drawn to Wonderland” playground, meet and greets in the “Off the Page!” and “Olaf Draws,” a guided drawing lesson for guests of all ages.
The Museum of Illusions Orlando will celebrate April Fool's Day with a special $20 ticket offer.
Ripley’s Crazy Golf, an all-new indoor course, opened at ICON Park. This attraction offers a unique glow-in-the-dark miniature golf adventure with each hole showcasing vibrant visuals and unconventional twists.
The Great Big Game Show, an interactive attraction on International Drive, is set to open this spring. Visitors can step into a live, TV-style game show instead of watching from the audience, competing in teams through trivia rounds, quick-reaction challenges and party-style mini-games while a host runs the show from a studio set with lights, buzzers and scoreboards.
DINING & NIGHTLIFE:
Fat Rosie’s Taco & Tequila Bar, the Chicago-born concept, will open its first Florida location at the Waterford Lakes Town Center on March 5. The high-energy restaurant features a family friendly approach to Mexican cuisine with fresh ingredients, rotating seasonal specials, handcrafted beverages and more.
Baires Grill, the official restaurant of the Argentine National Soccer Team (AFA), will open its new flagship location March 10 on International Drive. The dining experience offers a blend of Argentine culture and a passion for soccer.
Hamburger Mary’s, an open-air bar and grille, will be the newest dining and entertainment experience in Old Town Kissimmee. This popular dining experience, set to open in mid-May, features an extensive food and drink menu alongside exciting shows and games.
The Alfond Inn will host its annual Easter Brunch on April 5th. The dining experience will include a ballroom buffet breakfast, welcome mimosa, an egg hunt experience to follow and Easter Bunny photo opportunities.
Hula Mula, a German-born, award-winning Hawaiian café, will open a new location in downtown Orlando. The cafe plans to highlight smoothie bowls, bagels, sushi, poke bowls and specialty coffee on its menus.
EVENTS & FESTIVALS:
The 14th Annual Mayor’s Jazz in the Park is hosted by Orange County Parks and recreation at Cypress Grove Park on March 7. The free event will feature live performances and food trucks from noon to 6 p.m.
The Winter Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns for its 47th year March 7 in downtown Winter Park. The parade features vibrant floats, bagpipers, dancers and local community organizations celebrating Irish culture and heritage.
Harry P. Leu Gardens will mark its 65th anniversary with the Legacy in Bloom celebration, held March 7–May 31. The event serves as a tribute to the garden’s growth, beauty and impact on the community.
Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant at Disney Springs will host the Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival March 13–17. Guests can celebrate at one of America’s most authentic Irish festivals with live entertainment, including the Raglan Road Irish Dancers and top bands flown in from Ireland.
Blue Spring State Park will host Firefly Nights, an afterhours experience held March 13–April 12. Guests can witness hundreds of fireflies rising from the forest floor and illuminating trees along the boardwalk.
VinylFest will be held at Tin Roof at ICON Park on March 14. Visitors can browse a wide selection of vinyl records from multiple vendors while enjoying live music, food and drinks.
Live! at the Pointe will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Shamrocks & Shenanigans on March 14. The districtwide event spans five bars and nightclubs and features a live band, green themed food, festive decor and themed photo opportunities.
Lucky Leprechaun Irish Pub on International Drive will host a St. Patrick’s Day celebration March 17. The Guinness-certified pub, which holds the Guinness Perfect Pint Award, will feature live entertainment, including Irish folk music, dancing and food.
The 14th Annual Mayor’s Jazz in the Park is hosted by Orange County Parks and recreation at Cypress Grove Park on March 7. The free event will feature live performances and food trucks from noon to 6 p.m.
MEGACON Orlando will return to the Orange County Convention Center March 19–22. The Southeast’s largest comics, scifi, horror, anime and gaming event celebrates pop culture with celebrity appearances, autograph and photo opportunities, panels and workshops.
The 67th Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival will take place March 20–22. One of the nation’s oldest and largest outdoor art festivals, the event brings artists and art lovers together with a wide variety of fine art, crafts and live music.
The Orlando Jazz Festival returns to the Mennello Museum of American Art March 21–22. The lakeside event showcases contemporary jazz performances highlighting innovation, cultural storytelling and musical expression.
Orlando Ballet will present Balanchin, Godden, Gill at Dr. Phillips Center’s Steinmetz Hall March 27-29. This program features three powerful works that mix both classical and modern movement for a beautiful and bold performance.
4Roots Spring Flower Festival, presented by Dr. Phillips Charities, will be held on March 28. The inaugural event will celebrate the season with farm-fresh flowers, nursery plants, gardening classes and more.
Amber Brooke Farms will host an Easter Celebration March 28-29. This Easter event will combine outdoor fun, springtime activities and a farm atmosphere for all ages.
Orlando Family Stage will host its Centennial Celebration Concert on April 2 at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Hosted by Star Wars voice actor Ashley Eckstein, the concert will feature performers from Broadway, Sesame Street and more, along with special appearances by national stars and youth performers, honoring generations of artists connected to the theater.
SeaWorld Orlando will bring back the Seven Seas Food Festival 5K on April 25 and the HowlOSprint 5K on Sept. 18, forming the park’s 2026 5K Run Series. Participants will receive raceday benefits and exclusive event experiences.
Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival returns for its 35th year May 12–25 at Orlando Fringe in Loch Haven Park. The festival includes more than 1,000 ticketed performances spanning dance, comedy and more
Halloween Horror Nights returns to Universal Orlando Resort for its 35th anniversary Aug. 28 - Nov. 1. Universal Studios Florida will transform into the “Infernal Carnival of Nightmares,” a decrepit, fear‑fueled carnival featuring a new slate of haunted houses, scare zones and entertainment inspired by elements from Halloween Horror Nights’ history, plus some of the biggest names in horror, including Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow.
The annual Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic returns for its 17th year Nov. 20 – 21. The outdoor event features unlimited food and beverage offerings from the hotel’s 23 restaurants and lounges including Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina, Todd English’s bluezoo, Il Mulino and Rosa Mexicano.