Things to do near Disney World this week: 15 events and activities
Halloween week is here, with the holiday falling on Saturday this year. Our weekly guide rounds up things to do near Walt Disney World, from theme park festivities and Disney Springs events to activities throughout the surrounding attractions area.
This week, Oct. 27–Nov. 1, 2026, brings Spooky Empire, Halloween artist showcases at Disney Springs and a costume contest at Sunset Walk.
It’s also the final weekend for many seasonal celebrations at Disney, Universal, SeaWorld and Legoland Florida.
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 Oct. 27–Nov. 1, 2026
For events happening at Disney World, as well as Sunset Walk, Kissimmee, International Drive and other nearby destinations.
Kraft Pocket Parm giveaway rolls through Orlando
When: Oct. 28–30, 2026; giveaway hours and exact locations announced through Kraft’s social media
Where: Lake Buena Vista on Oct. 28; UCF area on Oct. 29; International Drive on Oct. 30
Cost: Free, while supplies last
Kraft Natural Cheese’s giant Parmesan-themed billboard truck is visiting the Orlando area with limited-edition Pocket Parm giveaways. The miniature cheese containers clip onto bags and come with collectible charms.
The bottles preview three flavors arriving in full-size containers nationwide in January 2027: Tomato Basil Parmesan, Garlic Herb Parmesan and Cheddar.
Check the IG stories posted on Kraft natural cheese Instagram account for exact addresses.
- Tuesday, Oct. 27 — Kissimmee/Celebration: Old Town Kissimmee, Fun Spot America, Target Kissimmee West, The Loop, Publix Sunrise City Plaza, Promenade at Sunset Walk and Target Rolling Oaks.
- Wednesday, Oct. 28 — Lake Buena Vista/Vineland: Vineland Premium Outlets, Target Vineland, Publix Regency Village, Vineland Pointe, Publix O-Town West, Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores and the Disney Springs area.
- Thursday, Oct. 29 — UCF/Alafaya: UCF Recreation & Wellness Center, UCF Spirit Store, Plaza on University, Publix University Palms, Publix Suncrest Village, Publix Town Park and Waterford Lakes Town Center.
- Friday, Oct. 30 — International Drive: ICON Park, Pointe Orlando, International Premium Outlets, Orlando Outlet Marketplace, Dezerland Park, Publix Marketplace at Dr. Phillips, Publix Lake Cay Commons and Target Sand Lake Road.
Halloweek at Tin Roof at Icon Park
When: Oct. 27–Nov. 1, 2026; performance times vary
Where: Tin Roof at Icon Park, 8371 International Drive, Orlando
Halloweek at the Roof brings themed music nights and a Halloween costume contest to Tin Roof. The lineup includes Scaryoke Idol on Wednesday, Oct. 28, and Emo Night with The Long Shot on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 10 p.m.–1 a.m.
Friday’s pre-Halloween party features live music throughout the afternoon and evening. Saturday’s costume contest offers a $100 gift card and Boo Basket for the best costume, with Florida Hit Machine performing from 9 p.m.–midnight and Stereo FM from 10 p.m.–1:30 a.m. Stereo FM returns Sunday from 10 p.m.–1 a.m. to close out the celebration.
Artist showcase at Disney Springs: Great Flood Publishing featuring Noah Elias
When: Fri., Oct. 29–Sun. Nov.1, 2026; artist appearances 2–8 p.m.
Where: The Art of Disney, Disney Springs
Artists Noah Elias and Scott “Scooter” Burroughs will showcase their artwork at The Art of Disney at Disney Springs from Oct. 29 – Nov. 1. Guests can browse and purchase artwork during regular store hours, with artists scheduled to appear and sign artwork from 2–8 p.m.
Photo by Dani Meyering
The Patch at Sunset Walk
When: Oct. 16–30, 2026
Where: Promenade at Sunset Walk, 3251 Margaritaville Blvd., Kissimmee
Cost: Free admission and parking; pumpkins cost extra
The Patch at Sunset Walk offers pumpkins, a children’s corn maze and fall photo opportunities featuring a tractor and scarecrow. Pumpkin purchases include paints and supplies for decorating on-site or at home.
Visitors can pair a stop at The Patch with the entertainment district’s restaurants, shops and nightly live music.
Not So Spooky Pop-Up Halloween Market in Celebration
When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, from noon–4 p.m.
Where: Celebration Brewing Co., 1601 Future Way, Celebration
Cost: Free admission; vendor purchases cost extra
The Not So Spooky Pop-Up Halloween Market brings local makers, bakers, crafters and other creative vendors to Celebration Brewing Co. for an afternoon of Halloween shopping.
Browse locally made goods and treats during this daytime outing near Walt Disney World.
Trick-or-Treat at The Pointe
When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, from 3–6 p.m.
Where: Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive, Orlando
Cost: Free event admission; parking fees may apply
Families can bring their candy bags to Trick-or-Treat at The Pointe for an afternoon of Halloween fun on International Drive. Costumes are encouraged for this daytime outing at the shopping, dining and entertainment complex.
Halloween Safe Trick-or-Treat at Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores
When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, from 1–8 p.m.
Where: Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, 15657 State Road 535, Orlando
Cost: No admission price listed; shopping purchases cost extra
Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores hosts its Halloween Safe Trick-or-Treat event on Halloween afternoon and evening. Families can pair the seasonal outing with shopping at the outlet center near Walt Disney World.
Spooky Empire
When: Oct. 30–Nov. 1, 2026
Where: Hyatt Regency Orlando, 9801 International Drive, Orlando
Cost: $40 – $80; most autograph sessions and photo opportunities cost extra
Spooky Empire brings horror, Halloween and pop culture fans together for a three-day convention on International Drive. Visitors can browse vendors, meet celebrity guests and explore the darker side of movies and entertainment.
Check the convention’s guest lineup, schedule and ticket options before purchasing, as appearances and activities vary by day.
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
When: Daily through Saturday, Nov. 21
Where: Epcot, 200 Epcot Center Drive, Lake Buena Vista
Cost: Festival activities are included with admission; food and drinks cost extra
The 2026 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival continues with Global Marketplaces serving dishes and drinks inspired by six continents. The festival also includes Emile’s Fromage Montage, Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak and nightly Eat to the Beat concerts.
Photo by Dani Meyering
Here are five little changes to Epcot to know before you visit this year’s Food & Wine Festival, and our picks for the best (and worst) eats.
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
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
Hallmark Holiday Pop-Up at Disney Springs
When: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m., daily through Jan. 3, 2027
Where: Town Center at Disney Springs, near Gateway to Discovery and the Disney Springs Welcome Center
Christmas arrives early at Disney Springs with the new Hallmark Holiday Pop-Up, featuring holiday merchandise inspired by Walt Disney World and the Hallmark Channel movie “Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True.” Look for Disney-themed ornaments, plush, apparel, home goods and other holiday merchandise. An in-person virtual wait list may be used during busy periods.
Photo by Dani Meyering
Spirit Christmas in Winter Garden
When: Now open for the 2026 holiday season
Where: Winter Garden Village, 3049 Daniels Road, Suite 220C, Winter Garden
Spirit Christmas is now open in Winter Garden, with holiday decorations, gifts, apparel and animated characters. The seasonal store also features a Candy Cane Express train-themed display and a letter-writing station for Santa.
Photo by Dani Meyering
Shoppers can browse merchandise inspired by Disney, “Elf,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and other familiar characters. Families should be aware that the store also carries a Creepmas collection featuring horror-themed Christmas merchandise.
Halloween Spooktacular at The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show
When: Oct. 5–31, 2026
Where: WonderWorks Orlando, International Drive
Cost: $37.99 adults (13+); $27.99 children (4–12) and seniors (60+); free for ages 3 and younger
The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show at WonderWorks gets a Halloween makeover throughout October with its Halloween Spooktacular. The seasonal version of the interactive magic and comedy show adds Halloween-themed surprises to the experience, which includes dinner during the performance.
Halloween events at Orlando theme parks
The Halloween season is entering its final two weeks at Central Florida’s theme parks. From haunted houses and nighttime scares to daytime trick-or-treating for families, several seasonal events continue on select dates.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: The separately ticketed event continues at Magic Kingdom through Oct. 31, but tickets are sold out for the remaining dates.
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida: Haunted houses, scare zones and live entertainment continue on select nights through Nov. 1. Separate event admission is required.
Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando: Haunted houses, scare zones and nighttime entertainment continue on select nights through Nov. 1. Separate event admission is required.
SeaWorld Spooktacular: Family-friendly trick-or-treating, character encounters and Halloween activities continue on select dates through Nov. 1. Included with regular park admission.
Legoland Florida Brick-or-Treat: Halloween-themed entertainment, character encounters and trick-or-treating plus new Brick or Treat Street continue on select dates through Nov. 1. Included with regular park admission.
Looking ahead: Upcoming events near Disney World
Celebration Founders Day: 30th anniversary
When: Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, from 5–10 p.m.
Where: Celebration Town Center, 701 Front St., Celebration
Cost: Free admission; food and drinks cost extra
Celebration’s 30th anniversary Founders Day festivities include Kid Zone inflatables, food and beverage tents, and live entertainment. The Pop2000 concert features Chris Kirkpatrick of *NSYNC, O-Town, Ryan Cabrera and LFO from 7–9 p.m., with free standing-room access.
A drone show is scheduled for 9:20 p.m., followed by a DJ set from Ryan Cabrera at 9:30 p.m. The schedule is subject to change.
Veterans Day Car & Truck Show at Sunset Walk
When: Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, from 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: Promenade at Sunset Walk, 3251 Margaritaville Blvd., Kissimmee
Cost: Free admission and parking
Sunset Walk’s annual Veterans Day Car & Truck Show honors military veterans with a display of classic and modern cars and trucks. DJ Jennifer provides music, with the national anthem scheduled for noon.
Visitors can pair the outdoor event with Sunday brunch or a stop at the entertainment district’s restaurants and shops.
Orlando Japan Festival in Kissimmee
When: Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, from 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Kissimmee Lakefront Park, Festival Lawn, 201 Lakeview Drive, Kissimmee
Cost: Free admission; food and vendor purchases cost extra
The Orlando Japan Festival celebrates Japanese culture with taiko drumming, traditional dance, martial arts demonstrations and arts and crafts exhibits.
Organized by the Japan Association of Orlando, the outdoor festival also features Japanese food vendors along Kissimmee’s lakefront.
Worth the drive: Maker Faire Orlando
When: Nov. 7–8, 2026, from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. both days
Where: Central Florida Fairgrounds & Expo Halls, 4603 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando
Cost: Advance tickets start at $20 for adults and $15 for youth and students, plus fees; free on-site parking
Farther afield from Walt Disney World, Maker Faire Orlando is a bonus idea for visitors and locals willing to travel beyond the attractions area. The annual event features more than 250 exhibits across indoor halls and outdoor spaces, including hands-on workshops, combat robots, modified electric ride-on vehicle races, cosplay and prop-making demonstrations.
This year’s stage programming also includes conversations about theme park making. Children ages 2 and younger enter free, as do first responders, active military members and veterans with identification.
Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan at Gaylord Palms
When: Nov. 23–26, 2026; event hours not yet provided
Where: Gaylord Palms Resort, Kissimmee
Cost: to be announced
The Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan will visit Gaylord Palms for the first time, with photo opportunities featuring the Coca-Cola Polar Bear, beverage tastings and giveaways.
Check Christmas at Gaylord Palms for event details as the dates approach.
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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