Unmissable Orlando Events to Experience in May 2024
Explore comprehensive details on theme park specials, MegaCon Orlando, live shows, and a variety of must‑do experiences in Orlando this May.
Planning your May itinerary in Orlando? We’ve curated the city’s most exciting attractions—from theme park showcases and MegaCon Orlando to the Monster Jam World Finals XX and the country’s oldest fringe festival. Below you’ll find the highlights.
Use our Orlando Events Calendar to discover additional activities tailored to your arrival dates. Orlando offers nonstop entertainment, regardless of when you arrive.
Theme Park Events in Orlando for May
Weekends Through May 5: Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld® Orlando
Included with admission to SeaWorld, this weekend‑only celebration showcases global “street food” dishes and craft beers, both local and imported. The event also features live concerts from popular musicians spanning rock, country, Latin, and more.
Through June 3: Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
Nature enthusiasts of all ages can marvel at Disney‑themed topiaries, sample garden‑themed cuisine, and enjoy chart‑topping musicians at the “Garden Rocks” concert series. The 90‑day spring festival is included with Epcot admission.
May 3: Jake’s Beer Festival at Universal Orlando Resort
Relax at this craft‑beer‑centric event hosted by Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando™ in the outdoor Wantilan Pavilion. It features over 50 local and regional craft beers, delectable food, live entertainment, and more.
May 11: SeaWorld’s Furry Friends Fun Run at Sesame Street
Featuring beloved Sesame Street characters, this inaugural 3‑mile race loops through SeaWorld’s new Sesame Street land. Runners receive Sesame Street‑themed awards, medals, and surprises. Pre‑registration is $40 per runner through May 10; same‑day registration is $45.
Weekends, May 11‑19: SeaWorld’s Inside Look
Included with park admission, this behind‑the‑scenes event invites animal lovers to meet SeaWorld’s animal‑care experts and behaviorists while learning about their dedication to animal welfare.
Select Nights, May 24 – Sept. 1: SeaWorld’s Electric Ocean
When the sun sets, SeaWorld transforms into a luminous spectacle. The summer‑long party features glowing sea creatures, live DJs, and a fireworks display—all included with park admission.
Select Nights, May 30 – Aug. 24: Disney H20 Glow Nights
Typhoon Lagoon Water Park hosts its signature glow party, starring Toy Story’s Rex and friends. The celebration includes themed lighting, character greetings, a DJ dance party, an adult‑exclusive bar, and full park access.
Featured Events in Orlando for May
May 10‑11: Monster Jam World Finals XX
The legendary monster truck rally returns to downtown Orlando’s Camping World Stadium. Tickets start at $30, offering family‑friendly entertainment as male and female athletes push state‑of‑the‑art trucks to the limit over two evenings.
May 14‑27: 28th Annual Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival
Orlando’s oldest non‑juried fringe festival—also known as the Orlando Fringe—celebrates theater, art, and music across multiple venues at Loch Haven Park. With a reusable $10 festival button, attendees can access 130+ shows ranging from free to $12. Productions span from mild to wild, and Kids Fringe shows run on weekends. Live music, food vendors, and a beer tent add to the experience.
May 16‑19: MegaCon Orlando
The Southeast’s largest comics, sci‑fi, horror, anime, and gaming event returns to the Orange County Convention Center for four days of celebrity appearances, sketch duels, workshops, exclusive merchandise, and more. Admission prices and hours vary by day.
May 18: Gatorpalooza Fun Fest
Celebrating its 70th anniversary, Gatorland’s Gatorpalooza Fun Fest runs from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Included with park admission, the event features live music, artisans, vendors, family games, giveaways, and, of course, the alligators that define Gatorland.
Mother’s Day Dining & Deals in Orlando for May
Mother’s Day falls on May 12, 2019. Orlando offers brunches, buffets, tea parties, and special offers to honor moms.
LGBTQ Events in Orlando for May
May 30 – June 3: Girls in Wonderland
Targeting female LGBTQ community members, this counterpart to One Magical Weekend features parties, celebrity appearances, and special performances.
May 31 – June 3: One Magical Weekend
Hosted every first weekend in June, this world‑famous LGBTQ pride and music festival showcases internationally renowned DJs and around‑the‑clock events.
Performing Arts in Orlando for May
May 4: MercyMe — The Imagine Nation Tour
Multi‑American Music Award and Dove Award winners perform a one‑night exclusive show at the Amway Center in downtown Orlando.
May 4 & May 11: Orlando Philharmonic Presents Aesop’s Fun Fables
Geared toward children and families, these performances bring Aesop’s fables to life with narration, hand‑drawn illustrations, and live Orlando Philharmonic musicians. Held twice daily at The Plaza Live near downtown Orlando.
May 14‑19: Anastasia
Inspired by the beloved films, this new musical transports audiences from the final days of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of 1920s Paris. Hosted by the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
More Events in Orlando for May
May 2: Orlando Museum of Art’s 1st Thursdays: Steampunk Revolution
On the first Thursday of each month, discover local artists, live music, and an eclectic mix of attendees at the Orlando Museum of Art. Free for members; $15 for visitors. This edition focuses on steampunk art and artifacts.
May 3: Movies at Leu Gardens Featuring Crazy Rich Asians
From February through June and August through December, weather permitting, Harry P. Leu Gardens hosts a film on its 32‑foot outdoor screen. In May, “Crazy Rich Asians” takes the spotlight. Grilled items, popcorn, and drinks are available. Admission is free for Leu Gardens members; $6 for adults, $3 for children ages 4‑17, and free for kids under 4.
May 18: Beer ’Merica
Sample over 100 American craft brews at this event, coinciding with American Craft Beer Week. Live music and food complement the experience. Held at Gaston Edwards Park near downtown Orlando, tickets start at $25.
May 21: Monthly Food & Wine Pairing at Carrabba’s Italian Grill
At Carrabba’s location in ICON Park, enjoy a curated pairing: Bruschette Paolo with Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand); Spaghetti Puttanesca with Renato Ratti Barbera (Asti, Italy); Chicken Bruschetta with Aruma Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina); and Strawberry Cheesecake with Saint M Riesling (Germany).
May 25‑27: Putting for Patriots
Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf on International Drive hosts this fundraiser over Memorial Day weekend. A portion of sales will support Hope for the Warriors, Homes for Our Troops, and TAPS. Donations are also accepted.
May 26: Orlando Carnival Downtown
A family‑friendly celebration honoring Caribbean culture with pageantry, live music, arts & crafts vendors, and more. Held at Camping World Stadium’s Tinker Field and McCracken Field in downtown Orlando. A free parade and tickets starting at $20 for the main party.
May 31 – June 2: The Villages Balloon Festival
Featuring more than 30 hot‑air balloons, this event offers three days and nights of ballooning activities and entertainment in The Villages, about an hour northwest of downtown Orlando. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for kids ages 10‑18, and free for children under 10.
Orlando City Soccer Games in May
All Orlando City Soccer home games are played at Orlando City Stadium in downtown Orlando.
- May 4: vs. Toronto FC
- May 19: vs. FC Cincinnati
- May 24: vs. LA Galaxy
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