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 week, Sept. 16-20, 2026, brings multiple Disney artist appearances, a pirate takeover at Sunset Walk, a pet-friendly fall festival and the grand opening of Fat One’s Hot Dogs & Italian Ice. Halloween Horror Nights and SeaWorld Orlando’s Howl-O-Scream continue, while families can find daytime Halloween activities at SeaWorld Orlando 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 Sept. 16-20, 2026
For events happening at Disney World, as well as Sunset Walk, Kissimmee, International Drive and other nearby destinations.
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival begins
When: Thursday, Aug. 27, 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
Theme park admission required: Yes
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.
Opening Friday, Sept 18, is the ‘Cheers to Cheese’ exhibit and booth at CommuniCore Hall.
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.
Photo by Dani Meyering
Friday Night Muscle Car Show and Cruise at Old Town
When: Friday, Sept. 18; 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.
Disney artist showcase
When: Friday, Sept. 18-Sunday, Sept. 20; artist signings are Friday & Saturday – 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday noon to 4:30 p.m.
Where: The Art of Disney at Disney Springs, 1486 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista
Cost: Free to attend; artwork is available for purchase
Theme park admission required: No
Disney Artist Showcase with Art Brand Studios. Zachary Kinkade will meet guests and sign his latest artwork during an artist showcase at The Art of Disney. Artwork will be available throughout regular store hours, with appearances subject to change.
Disney Springs Kids Club
When: Saturday, Sept. 19, 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.
National Talk Like a Pirate Day
When: Saturday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
Where: Promenade at Sunset Walk, 3251 Margaritaville Blvd., Kissimmee
Cost: Free admission and self-parking
Theme park admission required: No
Promenade at Sunset Walk celebrates National Talk Like a Pirate Day with pirate-themed activities and entertainment throughout the district. Restaurants, shops and attractions will be open during the event, with individual purchases priced separately.
Island H2-YO-HO Pirate Weekends
When: Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19-20 and Sept. 26-27
Where: Island H2O Water Park, 3230 Inspiration Drive, Kissimmee
Cost: Included with regular park admission and free for 2026 season passholders; tickets start at $44.99
Theme park admission required: Yes
Pirates take over Island H2O Water Park during the final two weekends of September with roaming live entertainment, photo opportunities, family activities and specialty food and drinks. Each event day also features a family-friendly pirate movie, beginning with “Treasure Planet” on Sept. 19 and “Hook” on Sept. 20. Activities are included with admission.
Fat One’s officially opens at Universal CityWalk
When: Saturday, Sept. 19, 10 a.m.
Where: Universal CityWalk, 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando
Cost: No admission required; food and drinks cost extra
Theme park admission required: No
Fat One’s Hot Dogs & Italian Ice officially opens at Universal CityWalk on Sept. 19. Founder and *NSYNC member Joey Fatone and manager Joe Mulvihill are scheduled to make appearances during the celebration, with free hot dogs available to a limited number of guests according to the announced promotion.
From the Fog: A Tribute to HHN Past & Present
When: Saturday, Sept. 19, noon-5 p.m.; VIP hour 11 a.m.-noon
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Theme Park Resort, 10100 International Drive, Orlando
Cost: Free general admission; free parking with validation
Halloween Horror Nights fans can shop from 40 vendors at From the Fog: A Tribute to HHN Past & Present, an indoor market inspired by the event’s history. Among the items debuting at the market is “The Legend of Delancey Dan and Other Stories,” a new Fear Press book from the Theme Park Preservation Society. The market also features horror-themed art, collectibles, apparel and other merchandise.
Seasonal events and happenings this week
SeaWorld Orlando blood drive offers Howl-O-Scream ticket
When: Friday, Sept. 18
Where: iHeartMedia Orlando, 2500 Maitland Center Parkway, Maitland
OneBlood and iHeartMedia will hold a blood drive at the iHeart Media office building (about 35 minutes from Walt Disney World). Donors who schedule in advance can receive a complimentary ticket to Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando and a OneBlood Halloween T-shirt while supplies last. Appointments and donor eligibility requirements apply.
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: Friday, Sept. 18 and Sunday, Sept. 20 from 7 p.m.-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
Other theme park events
Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights
When: Select nights from Friday, Aug. 28, through Sunday, Nov. 1
Where: Universal Studios Florida, 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando
Cost: Prices vary by date
Theme park admission required: A separate Halloween Horror Nights ticket is required
Halloween Horror Nights Orlando begins its 35th year with the “Infernal Carnival of Nightmares,” led by returning icons Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow. The separately ticketed nighttime event has a jam-packed 2026 lineup with 10 haunted houses, five scare zones, two live shows, themed food and select attractions.
This year’s houses draw from “Stranger Things 5,” “Sinners,” “Hellraiser,” “Evil Dead Burn” and other original and licensed stories.
Photo by @magiccitymayhem Mikey
SeaWorld Orlando Spooktacular
When: Saturday, Sept. 19, and Sunday, Sept. 20; select dates through Nov. 1
Where: SeaWorld Orlando, 7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando
Cost: Included with regular park admission; a SeaWorld reusable bag must be purchased to participate in trick-or-treating
Theme park admission required: Yes
SeaWorld Orlando’s daytime Halloween Spooktacular returns with trick-or-treating, costumes and family-friendly entertainment.
New for 2026, characters from “Hotel Transylvania,” including Drac and Mavis, join the celebration in the park and during a themed breakfast. Guests can also meet Spookley the Square Pumpkin and enjoy additional seasonal activities throughout the park.
Photo by Dani Meyering
Legoland Florida Brick-or-Treat
When: Saturday, Sept. 19; select dates through Oct. 31
Where: Legoland Florida Resort, One Legoland Way, Winter Haven
Cost: Included with regular park admission and select annual passes
Legoland Florida Brick-or-Treat begins its 2026 season over Labor Day weekend. The family-friendly Halloween event includes trick-or-treating, Lego monster character encounters, live shows, seasonal activities and a small interactive light trail.
New this year, Brick-or-Treat Street turns trick-or-treating into an interactive Lego adventure with stops including the Wacky Witch’s Cottage, Spider Lady’s Castle and Plant Monster’s Greenhouse. Brick-or-Treat Street uses a virtual queue. Guests can scan a QR code near the front of the park or at Imagination Zone to join through the app and receive a notification when it is time to enter.
Candy stations operate from 2-7 p.m., and bags are provided.
SeaWorld Orlando Howl-O-Scream
When: Select nights through Oct. 31
Where: SeaWorld Orlando, 7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando
Cost: Tickets currently start at $47.99, plus taxes and fees
Theme park admission required: No; a separate Howl-O-Scream ticket is required
Howl-O-Scream continues with five haunted houses, six scare zones (including one dark romance-themed and another based on Y2K), five themed bars, live entertainment and four attractions operating after dark. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., and the event begins at 7 p.m.
The event contains blood, gore, violence and other mature material. Costumes are not permitted.
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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