Orlando Event Calendar For October 2024
We've rounded up the best events in October and beyond!
Halloween Happenings
LEGOLAND BRICK OR TREAT
Through Oct. 27: One of the few all-out kid-friendly Halloween events in Central Florida. Trick or treat throughout the park, sink your teeth into specialty foods and beverages, meet exclusive LEGO Halloween monsters and end the evening with Monster Skytacular, a new aerial show using drones, fireworks and music. Included with admission. 1 LEGOLAND Way, Winter Haven. 877-350-5346. legoland.com
HAPPY FRIGHTS HAUNTING NIGHTS
Through Oct. 31: This immersive Halloween experience has new characters, live music and an expanded pathway. Choose Happy Frights, beginning at 5 p.m., for the youngsters or Haunting Nights, starting at 8 p.m., for adventurers 13 years and up. Tickets online. Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. 407-246-2620. halloweeninthegarden.com
MICKEY’S NOT SO SCARY HALLOWEEN PARTY
Through Oct. 31: The folks at Disney gently spook your little ones on select nights in the Magic Kingdom. Enjoy the not-terribly terrifying parades, stage shows, special effects, projections, music, fireworks and foods. 7 p.m. Separately ticketed event. Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista. disneyworld.disney.go.com
SEAWORLD HOWL-O-SCREAM
Through Nov. 2: Legend has it, the only thing missing from this scare experience is a place to hide. Treat yourself to a night of screams in five haunted houses and seven scare zones. Separately ticketed event, intended for mature guests only. SeaWorld Orlando, 7007 SeaWorld Drive. 407-545-5550. seaworld.com
HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS
Through Nov. 3: They’re killin’ it at Universal Studios, where evil minds have conjured the best of the worst experiences money can buy, including 10 haunted houses, five scare zones and outrageous live shows. Separately ticketed event, 13 and older. 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando. 407-363-8000. universalorlando.com
SEAWORLD HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR
Through Nov. 3: A special, not-so-scary celebration of the spooky season for the entire family, with trick-or-treat stations and silly Halloween characters. SeaWorld Orlando, 7007 SeaWorld Drive. 407-545-5550. seaworld.com
ROCKY HOROR PICTURE SHOW 49TH ANNIVERSARY SPECTACULAR TOUR WITH BARRY BOSTWICK
Oct. 4: The original “Brad Majors” joins the audience and a live shadow cast to throw lines, insults and props at this outrageous cult pic. 18 and up. 8 p.m. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 407-358-6603. drphillipscenter.org
PHANTASMAGORIA XV
Oct. 10-12: The Victorian horror troupe presents “Grim and Grimmer Tales,” a whimsically macabre journey through literature, poetry, folk tales, legends and Edgar Allen Poe’s nightmares. 8 p.m. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org
ZOO BOO BASH 2024
Oct. 12-13, 19-20, 26-27: Trick or treat at the wildest place in town, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. All are invited to wear costumes at the zoo’s annual Halloween celebration, which features not-too-scary activities and decorations. Included with admission. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 3755 W. Seminole Blvd., Sanford. centralfloridazoo.org
GATORS, GHOSTS AND GOBLINS
Oct. 12-13; 19-20 & 26-27: Cyrus the Gravedigger is dying to teach visitors a thing or two about the paranormal, including Florida’s own Bigfoot, the Skunk Ape. Take the Cryptid Express to the woods, where you’ll run into Moth Man, a Chupacabra, the Jersey Devil and other creatures. This daytime, family-friendly Halloween event includes a children’s costume parade, games, candy and a live DJ, included with park admission. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Gatorland, 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando. 407-855-5496. gatorland.com
THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW
Oct. 17-18: Join Brad and Janet as they become increasingly aware that the castle full of lovable weirdos who rescued them on a stormy night do not live by any societal norm of which they are aware. 18 and up. 8 p.m. Athens Theatre, 124 N. Florida Ave., DeLand. 386-736-1500. akthensdeland.com
AVALON PARK SPOOKTACULAR
Oct. 26: This family-oriented evening of spooky fun is in the heart of Avalon’s downtown, with food trucks, community performances, bounce houses, vendors and a costume contest. 5-9 p.m. 3680 Avalon Park E. Blvd., Orlando. 407-658-6565. avalonparkorlando.com
Oct. 26: Not your ordinary race, the Creepy Crawl has a costume contest for humans and pets, trick or treating, food, music and prizes. Benefits the Bleeding Disorders Foundation of Florida. Harbor Park at Baldwin Park, 4990 New Broad St., Orlando. 800-293-6527. bleedingdisordersfl.org
HALLOWEEN AT CRANES ROOST PARK
Oct. 31: Families trick-or-treat in a safe environment as local businesses hand out candy and trinkets from booths lining the lake. Live entertainment, costume contests, games, food and beverages for sale. 5-9 p.m. 274 Cranes Roost Blvd., Altamonte Springs. 407-571-8180. altamonte.org
THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW EXPERIENCE
Oct. 31: Come early and in costume for the preshow shenanigans with games, contests and prizes awarded. Under 17 must have adult. 10 p.m. Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. 407-877-4736. gardentheatre.org
Special Events

The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE. This year’s event features more than 30 Global Marketplaces serving up hundreds of delectable dishes from around the world. (Bennett Stoops, Photographer)
EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
Through Nov.18: Explore the world of culinary treasures on a leisurely tour of marketplaces featuring authentic global foods and beverages while enjoying the sights and sounds at entertainment spots throughout the World Showcase. Epcot, Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista. disneyworld.disney.go.com
AVALON PARK OKTOBERFEST
Oct. 11-12: It’s Oktoberfest time, and Central Floridians are invited to spend the evening in the Avalon Park beer garden, sipping Germany’s favorite beverage. Beer Garden Preview is Friday and the festival runs on Saturday. 5-10 p.m. 3651 Avalon Park Blvd. East, Orlando. 407-658-6565. avalonparkorlando.com
DOG DAY AT LEU GARDENS
Oct. 12: Bring your dog and its human family for a fun day of exploration and dog-centric activities, including three contests (Best Dressed, Look-A-Like and Best Kisser.) Each doggo will receive a goody bag while supplies last. 9 a.m. Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. 407-246-2620. leugardens.org
GOLD OVER AMERICA TOUR WITH SIMONE BILES
Oct. 12: Fresh off her Paris 2024 Olympics victory, Simone Biles leads America’s best gymnasts in this display of athletic brilliance and high-energy choreography. 7 p.m. Kia Center, 400 W. Church St., Orlando. 407-440-7900. kiacenter.com
PLEIN AIR PAINT OUT 2024
Oct. 12-19: Come watch as artists paint landscapes of the beauty that is Mount Dora and help support art education in local schools and underserved communities. Mount Dora Center for the Arts, 138 E. Fifth Ave., Mount Dora. 352-383-0880. mountdoraart.com

Fun and ocean breezes are in the air at the Clearwater Jazz Holiday.Two dozen performances take place over four days. ©Jeremiah Khokhar
CLEARWATER JAZZ HOLIDAY
Oct. 17-20: The world’s best jazz performers play against the backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico.Times vary by day. Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland St., Clearwater. 4727-461-5200.
clearwaterjazz.com
COUNTRY THUNDER 2024
Oct. 18-20: Three days of the best in country in the heart of Central Florida’s farm and ranch lands, headlined by Luke Combs, Jon Pardi and Bailey Zimmerman. Friday 1:30 p.m., Saturday 12:30 p.m., Sunday 12:30 p.m. Osceola Heritage Park, 1901 Chief Osceola Trail, Kissimmee. 321-697-3333. ohpark.com
COME OUT WITH PRIDE ORLANDO
Oct. 19: It’s time for the Pride parade and festival, an enormous show of support for Central Florida’s LGBTQ+ communities. Don’t miss the Most Colorful Parade, where more than 150 businesses march for love. Lake Eola Park, 512 E. Washington St., Orlando. Noon to 10 p.m. comeoutwithpride.com
AWARENESS—TWO STORIES, ONE POWERFUL MESSAGE
Oct. 20: Two compelling performances dedicated to breast cancer awareness. My Left T!t tells the poignant story of Gwen, who courageously battled her cancer. Artisanal Carcinoma is filled with the dark humor that helped Jennica McCleary survive a year of chemo and surgery. 18 and up. 4 p.m. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 407-358-6603. drphillipscenter.org
JIM HENSON’S LABYRINTH IN CONCERT
Oct. 25: Watch Jim Henson and David Bowie’s cult classic “Labyrinth” on a massive screen, accompanied by a live rock band, synthesizers, percussion and lighting effects. 8 p.m. The Plaza Live, 425 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando. 407-228-1220. plazaliveorlando.org
ROCKTOBERFEST
Oct. 25-26: Live music, German food and craft beer. Tribute bands play multiple stages while fans take in the authentic German cuisine, craft beers, handmade goods and unique merch. Friday 6 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. Orlando Amphitheater, 4603 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando. 407-295-3247. orlandoamphitheater.com