decorative font style
    Travel >> Holiday Travel >  >> Travel Notes

Must‑See Orlando Events in August

Don’t miss theme park celebrations—including the 2019 Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival, pictured—along with Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining® and other August highlights.


Whether you’re hunting for culinary adventures or family fun, Orlando delivers a rich lineup of events this August. From theme‑park specials to community festivals, there’s always something to spark your curiosity.

Use our Orlando Events Calendar to plan around your travel dates. No matter when you arrive, there’s always a new experience awaiting.

Theme‑Park Highlights for August

Before you book your tickets, explore Visit Orlando’s authorized discount offers for Walt Disney World®, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld® Orlando, and LEGOLAND® Florida Resort, plus other top attractions.

Weekends through Aug. 4: LEGO® Movie Days

LEGOLAND® Florida Resort celebrates the LEGO® Movie franchise with weekend‑only activities. Guests can assemble a mystery LEGO® mosaic, tackle a scavenger hunt, and meet characters Emmet, Wyldstyle, and the exclusive Rex Dangervest—all included with admission.

Select nights through Aug. 24: Disney H2O Glow Nights

Typhoon Lagoon® Water Park at Walt Disney World® turns into a nighttime glow party. Featuring Toy Story’s Rex, special lighting, character greetings, a DJ, and an adult‑only bar, the event is included with park entry.

Select nights through Sept. 1: SeaWorld’s Electric Ocean

SeaWorld® Orlando launches a summer‑long after‑dark spectacle. Guests enjoy luminous sea creatures, live DJs, and a fireworks display—all included with admission.

Aug. 10‑11: LEGOLAND® Florida Resort Fire Safety Weekend

Partnering with the National Fire Protection Association, LEGOLAND® hosts a free, educational weekend on fire safety. Families enjoy mural builds, scavenger hunts, and photo‑ops while learning essential home‑protection skills.

Aug. 16‑Nov. 1: Mickey’s Not‑So‑Scary Halloween Party

Magic Kingdom® offers 36 after‑hours nights of spooky décor, themed music, the “Mickey’s Boo to You Parade,” the “Hocus Pocus Villains Spelltacular,” and trick‑or‑treating. Classic attractions such as Mad Tea Party and Pirates of the Caribbean receive special Halloween treatments. Costed tickets are required.

Aug. 29‑Nov. 23: Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival

With 87 days of global cuisine, music, and workshops, this landmark festival features chef demos, “Party for the Senses,” a scavenger hunt, nightly dance parties, and the “Eat to the Beat” concert series (Aug. 19‑Nov. 19). Entry is included with park admission; food and drinks are separate.

Featured Dining & Cultural Events in August

Must‑See Orlando Events in August
Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining® showcases over 100 restaurants, including The H Cuisine (pictured).

Aug. 23‑Sep. 30: Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining®

In its 14th year, the program offers three‑course, prix‑fixe meals for $35 per person at 100+ restaurants. Every dollar donated supports local charities—announced Aug. 22. Reserve via VisitOrlandoMagicalDining.com.

Aug. 13‑19: GayDayS® Orlando 2019

Known for #RedShirtDays, GayDayS® delivers pool parties, community events, and a vibrant LGBTQ+ celebration throughout August.

Aug. 1‑Sep. 2: Disney Springs® Flavors of Florida

All‑month culinary showcase pairing Florida‑inspired dishes with craft cocktails and local brews. Discover the island’s citrus zest at Disney Springs®.

Aug. 2: Jake’s Beer Dinner featuring Walking Tree Brewery

Private Clipper Room at Jake’s American Bar, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, offers a five‑course dinner paired with specialty craft beers. Admission $55.

Aug. 9: Wine Riffs featuring Kobrand Italian Wines

Hard Rock Hotel® hosts a five‑course dinner and Italian wine tasting with a custom soundtrack. Admission $125.

Aug. 16: Harry’s Sip & Savor Pairing Series

Rosen Centre Hotel’s Harry’s Poolside Bar & Grill presents craft‑beer pairings with a multi‑course menu. Admission $60.

Family‑Friendly Activities for August

Must‑See Orlando Events in August
Harry P. Leu Gardens hosts family events throughout August.

Aug. 5: Story Time at Leu Gardens

Free admission. Local storytellers from the Orange County Library System bring books to life for children.

Aug. 17‑18: Florida Kids & Family Expo

At the Orange County Convention Center, 150+ exhibitors showcase sports, arts, crafts, and a bounce house. Tickets $6 online, $10 at the door.

Aug. 23: Leu Gardens Fairy Festival

Night hike through Fairy Doors, crafts, scavenger hunt, and fairy‑garden making in Harry P. Leu Gardens.

Sports Highlights in August

Must‑See Orlando Events in August
Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge hosts junior golf.

Through Aug. 1: Arnold Palmer Invitational Junior (Honoring Jim Bell)

54‑hole tournament for youth golfers 12‑19 at Bay Hill Club & Lodge.

Aug. 17: Track Shack’s 5K Celebration

3.1‑mile run/walk featuring a medal for finishers, free kids’ run, and proceeds for the Track Shack Youth Foundation.

Aug. 24: 2019 Camping World Kickoff – Florida vs. Miami

University of Florida Gators take on the Miami Hurricanes at Camping World Stadium.

Cultural & Entertainment Events

Aug. 1‑19: The Full Monty

Ten‑time Tony nominee runs at The Abbey. Tickets $25 general, $45 VIP.

Aug. 2: Velvet Sessions – Bret Michaels

Hard Rock Hotel® hosts a cocktail party with Bret Michaels. Admission $65 standing.

Aug. 2: Movies at Leu Gardens – Mission: Impossible – Fallout

Outdoor screening on a 32‑foot screen; snacks available. Admission $6 adult, $3 child; free for under 4.

Orlando City Soccer Club August Schedule

All home games at Exploria Stadium.

  • 3 Aug.: vs. FC Dallas
  • 14 Aug.: vs. Sporting Kansas City
  • 23 Aug.: vs. Atlanta United FC

Cover image courtesy and © Disney (Matt Stroshane, photographer)


Stay Connected to Orlando!
Never miss a moment—follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for the latest offers, exclusive tips, and live feeds. Subscribe to our eNewsletter for insider info from the Theme Park Capital of the World.

Travel Notes
  • Kick Off Your Summer in Myrtle Beach: Top Can t-Miss Events and Festivals

    Pack your sunglasses and sunscreen for a sun-soaked summer getaway in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Nestled along the 60-mile Grand Strand coastline, this Lowcountry gem offers endless adventures for families, music lovers, and beach enthusiasts alike. Planning your summer itinerary? Myrtle Beach delivers with a lineup of vibrant events, from star-studded music festivals to free fireworks and family-friendly festivities. Heres your guide to the seasons highlights: Carolina Country Music Festiva

  • -

    Upcoming Partner Events A Virtual Discussion About Race In collaboration with Sophic Solutions, LLC, Visit KC is proud to present a new, engaging series designed just for our partners. Through five, expert-led learning sessions, we will ex

  • Experience Orlando the Grandparent Way

    Discover 10 ways to create unforgettable Orlando vacation memories with your grandkids. Orlando isn’t just the most visited U.S. destination—it’s a family playground where grandparents can bond with their grandchildren and create lasting memories. With activities for ages 0 to 90, the city offers a “gramping” experience that lets grandparents lead the adventure while parents stay home. Health and sanitization protocols are in place to ensure a safe, worry‑free trip for all ages. From turning a