15 fun ideas and events near Walt Disney World this week and weekend
The fun doesn’t stop at the theme park gates. Each week, we round up fun things to do near Walt Disney World for visitors and Orlando locals, including special events at the Disney theme parks and Disney Springs, plus activities throughout the surrounding attractions area.
This regularly updated guide includes events near Walt Disney World, International Drive and Kissimmee, including Sunset Walk. These are some of the best events and experiences happening this week and weekend near Orlando’s theme parks.
Events near Walt Disney World this week and weekend
For events happening at Disney World, as well as Sunset Walk, Kissimmee, International Drive and other nearby destinations.
Friday Night Muscle Car Show and Cruise at Old Town
When: Friday, Aug. 14; show begins at 3 p.m. and the cruise begins at 8:30 p.m.
Where: Old Town, 5770 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee
Cost: Free for spectators
Theme park admission required: No
Old Town’s Friday Night Muscle Car Show and Cruise displays show-quality muscle and factory-performance vehicles from 1964 and newer, along with older hot rods and classics. The cars line Trophy Row during the afternoon before cruising through Old Town’s brick streets at 8:30 p.m.
Animate! Orlando
When: Friday, Aug. 14-Sunday, Aug. 16
Where: Orange County Convention Center, 9800 International Drive, Orlando
Cost: Paid convention admission
Theme park admission required: No
The event also includes panels, costume contests, gaming, celebrity appearances and animation-focused programming. It is a strong fit for the weekly article because it is directly on International Drive.
Disney Springs Kids Club
When: Saturday, Aug. 15, and Sunday, Aug. 16, at 10:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m. and noon
Where: Marketplace Splash Pad at Disney Springs, 1486 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista
Cost: Free
Theme park admission required: No
The Disney Springs Kids Club features interactive entertainment inspired by Polynesian culture. Kids and adults can learn dances from South Pacific islands and participate in hula-hooping, limbo, games and a high-energy DJ celebration.
The outdoor performances are subject to weather-related changes or cancellations. Disney Springs offers complimentary self-parking.
Summertime Surprise Market
When: Saturday, Aug. 15, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Horizon West Middle School, 8200 Tattant Blvd., Windermere
Cost: Free registration and parking
Theme park admission required: No
This indoor, family-friendly market near Magic Kingdom will feature local small businesses, themed treats and summer-inspired merchandise. The first 100 guests who register will receive a complimentary tote bag. Pets are not permitted, except service animals.
Disney and Kingdom Hearts Night Market
When: Saturday, Aug. 15, from 4-8 p.m.
Where: The Bao Spot, 54 W. Church St., Orlando
Cost: Free entry; purchases and downtown parking cost extra
Theme park admission required: No
Disney and “Kingdom Hearts” inspire this downtown Orlando night market featuring local vendors, themed merchandise, a cosplay contest, raffles, giveaways and Disney-inspired food and drinks. Costumes are encouraged.
Fat Joe performs at Island Nights Live
When: Saturday, Aug. 15, from 8 p.m. to midnight
Where: Island H2O Water Park, 3230 Inspiration Drive, Kissimmee
Cost: General admission starts at $49.99
Theme park admission required: A separate Island Nights ticket is required
Island H2O becomes an adults-only nighttime water park during Island Nights Live featuring Fat Joe. The event for guests ages 21 and older includes a Fat Joe performance, DJ Nasty, a foam party, drink specials and nighttime access to slides, the lazy river and wave pool.
A valid government-issued photo ID is required for entry.
The Boss Project performs a Bruce Springsteen tribute
When: Sunday, Aug. 16; doors and dinner service begin at 5 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m.
Where: The Wharf at Sunset Walk, 3274 Margaritaville Blvd., Kissimmee
Cost: $30 to $60
Theme park admission required: No
The Boss Project performs music associated with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band during a ticketed tribute concert at The Wharf. The all-ages performance includes table seating with food and drinks available for purchase.
Sensory Sunday at Crayola Experience
When: Sunday, Aug. 16, from 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Crayola Experience at The Florida Mall, 8001 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando
Cost: Included with general admission; admission is required for guests ages 3 and older
Theme park admission required: No
Crayola Experience’s Sensory Sunday adapts the attraction for children and families with sensory needs. Adjustments include lower lighting, music and sounds turned off, and adapted attractions.
Children ages 2 and younger receive free admission with proof of age.
Seasonal events and happenings
Jock Lindsey’s Halloween Hangar Bar at Disney Springs
When: Tuesday, Aug. 11, through Monday, Nov. 9
Where: Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, Disney Springs, 1486 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista
Cost: No admission required; food and drinks are sold separately
Halloween arrives early at Disney Springs when Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar begins its seasonal overlay Aug. 11. The Indiana Jones-inspired waterfront bar adds Halloween décor and a limited-time menu featuring new items such as Candelabra Eggs and Midnight Mayhem Popcorn Chicken.
Disney Springs offers complimentary self-parking. More Halloween and fall treats and decorations arrive at Disney Springs on Aug. 11 as well.
Photo by Carly Caramanna
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
When: Tuesday, Aug. 11, and Friday, Aug. 14, from 7 p.m. to midnight
Where: Magic Kingdom, 1180 Seven Seas Drive, Lake Buena Vista
Cost: Separate event tickets for these dates are listed at $119, plus tax
Theme park admission required: A separate party ticket is required
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party fills Magic Kingdom with trick-or-treating, Disney characters, attraction overlays, the “Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade” and “Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular.” Party guests may enter Magic Kingdom beginning at 4 p.m. without purchasing a separate daytime park ticket.
Parking is not included with the event ticket. Tickets are limited and can sell out.
Photo by Dani Meyering
Things to do near Disney World without a theme park ticket
Weekly events are only the beginning. Multiple venues in Orlando are free to explore, and others are relatively affordable. For indoor fun, browse comics and collectibles at Gods & Monsters, tackle immersive missions at The Bureau Adventure Games or compete in TV-style challenges at Great Big Game Show—both are on International Drive.
The Florida Mall also offers more than shopping. Attractions Magazine reviewed the mall’s Fever Hub and “Titanic” virtual-reality experience, while Crayola Experience includes hands-on activities such as The Cartoon Creator.
These entertainment districts, parks and local attractions can be explored without purchasing theme park admission. Walking around may be free, but food, rides, shows, activities and some parking options cost extra.
Explore Disney Springs
Disney Springs is free to enter and offers complimentary standard self-parking. Beyond its restaurants and stores, visitors can find live entertainment, waterfront views and several overlooked things to do at Disney Springs.
Disney Springs parking information
Walk around Universal CityWalk
No theme park ticket is required to visit Universal CityWalk. Regular parking fees generally apply before 6 p.m. Free self-parking is available after 6 p.m. on nights that are not Halloween Horror Nights event nights.
Universal Orlando parking information
Visit Fun Spot America
Fun Spot America’s Orlando and Kissimmee parks offer free admission and free parking. Visitors can walk around, watch the rides or meet up with friends without buying an armband; rides, games and food are priced separately.
Fun Spot America visitor information
Explore International Drive
ICON Park and Pointe Orlando are both free to enter and walk around, with restaurants, shops and separately priced attractions.
- ICON Park provides free garage parking on floors 4-7. Premium parking is also available closer to the attractions.
- Pointe Orlando has a paid parking garage, with validation available from select businesses.
In this area, you can step onto a television-style set at Great Big Game Show, see Blue Man Group at ICON Park, attempt “Legend of the Yeti” at The Escape Game or try free-roaming virtual reality at Pointe Orlando.
Courtesy of Blue Man Group
Promenade at Sunset Walk
Promenade at Sunset Walk at Margaritaville Resort Orlando is free to explore and offers free self-parking. Its calendar regularly includes live music, artisan markets, car shows and other free events. Restaurants, attractions and valet parking cost extra.
Old Town Kissimmee
Old Town is an open-air entertainment district on U.S. 192 with shops, restaurants, rides, live music and recurring car shows. Admission is free. Free parking is plentiful Monday through Thursday, but the large overflow lot may charge on weekends.
Stroll through Celebration
Walk around Celebration Town Center, follow the lakeside paths or stop for a meal near Market Street. The district is free to explore and offers free parking, along with markets, concerts and seasonal community events.
Downtown Kissimmee
Historic downtown Kissimmee has locally owned restaurants and shops within walking distance of Kissimmee Lakefront Park. The city operates three free public parking garages downtown.
Downtown Kissimmee parking information
Visit a free museum on U.S. 192
The Osceola County Welcome Center and History Museum at 4155 W. Vine St. explores the area’s natural habitats, cattle and citrus industries, and early tourism. Admission is free, and the museum is currently open daily from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., except for listed holidays. Visitors should verify hours before going.
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