11 Great Ways to Celebrate Fall in Orlando

Warm-hued leaves, spooky stories, apple and pumpkin spice-everything—they all point to one thing: Fall is here!

(Courtesy Pexels, Inna Heasley, Photographer)

Although we may not feel a dip in temps quite as quickly as our northern friends (and some of those fall leaves might be artificial), it’s time to embrace autumn in all of her glory.

While 2021 may look a little different, there’s still plenty of festive fun waiting for you out there. Here’s a rundown of some fantastic fall events happening this month and next throughout Central Florida.

Walt Disney World

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has been replaced this year with Disney After Hours Boo Bash. The event place on select nights from August 10 – October 31. This 3-hour event begins at 9:00 p.m. or 9:30 p.m., depending on the date.

Courtesy of Walt Disney World Resorts

You’ll find even more goodies at Disney Springs and throughout the Disney Resorts. Beyond Magic Kingdom, the Taste of Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is in full swing, and you won’t want to miss one delicious bite. Check out our previous story for lots of details!

SeaWorld

Beginning September 18 through November 1, SeaWorld’s Spooktacular returns for plenty of family fun every weekend. Included with valid park admission, kids of all ages can enjoy a trick-or-treat trail and seasonal festivities with the Sesame Street gang.

On select nights, September 10 – October 31, a new terror will surface, and there’s nowhere to hide. Howl-O-Scream has washed ashore at SeaWorld Orlando, and this time, the fear is everywhere.

Adults who are more into food and drink than tricks and treats can also check out this year’s Craft Beer Festival, which includes menu items that feature beer as an ingredient, in addition to a well-curated list of pours. The fest runs through September 12. Check out details and menus here.

Universal Studios

Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights, now in its 30th year, brings together terrifying haunted houses, sinister scare zones, outrageous live entertainment and some of the park’s most exhilarating attractions. Jack the Clown will be back as well, lunging from the shadows where you least expect. Beginning September 3 – October 31 on select nights.

Find out what makes Halloween Horror Nights your nightmare come true with haunted houses, scare zones, live entertainment and more. Learn more!

The Haunted Road: A Drive-Thru Halloween Experience

Looking for frights without leaving the comfort of your car? One of the last remaining haunted roads in Central Florida is now a seasonal drive-thru experience.

After launching in 2020, the cast and crew of The Haunted Road in East Orlando quickly realized everything was not as it seemed. Rumor spread that tortured souls who died on the land materialize when the sun sets, resulting in paranormal phenomena and eerie occurrences. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit The Haunted Road website.

Southern Hill Farm Fall Festival

Head to the country for fall, Florida style, at Southern Hill Farm’s Fall Festival. Nestled amid Clermont’s rolling hills, feast on apple cider donuts, pick out prize-winning pumpkins, and take home beautiful sunflowers and zinnias.

Southern Hill Farms’ goodies. (Courtesy Catherine Walters)

Visit the pumpkin patch, load up on farm-grown corn, and stay for lunch, which is served 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. In addition, grown ups can visit the Beer Shed for craft beer, wine, mimosas and more. With plenty of autumn-inspired photo ops, games, and play areas for the kids, it’s the perfect place to make memories.

The Fall Festival takes place Thursdays through Sundays, starting Saturday, September 25 through November 7. Purchase tickets here; advance reservations are required to ensure that the farm stays within capacity limits.

Long & Scott Corn Maze

Long & Scott Farms in Mount Dora has been Central Florida’s first choice for locally-grown produce since 1963. However, come fall, there’s a whole new reason to visit: Scott’s Maze Adventures! Meander through 6.5 acres of cornstalks, with 23 Q&As, picture rubbings and puzzles to complete along the way. There’s also a half-acre mini maze for small-fry (or impatient large-fry.)

Long & Scott Farm. (Courtesy Catherine Walters)

The maze opens October 1. Along with the mazes, farm visitors can play on the open air playground, go for hayrides and visit Scott’s Country Market.

To learn more and purchase tickets, visit the Long & Scott Farms website.

Grande Lakes Fall on the Farm

Every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. through October and November, Whisper Creek Farm at Grande Lakes welcomes guests for “family-friendly offerings celebrating the season.” Activities include arts and crafts, pumpkin picking and carving, hayrides, games and more.

Along with plenty of fun, guests can also visit the farmer’s market to purchase locally-produced and homemade items such as sauces, jams, spices and honey.

(Courtesy Pexels Timothy Paule, Photographer)

Grande Lakes Orlando’s Fall on the Farm takes place at Whisper Creek Farm, an 18,000 square-foot farm located on-property at Grande Lakes Orlando. For more information, visit GrandeLakes.com.

Oktoberfest at Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe

Join Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe for their annual Oktoberfest, a festival celebrating German food, beer, music, dance, folk costumes, and of course Gemütlichkeit!

This year they moved the party to the Sanford Civic Center and surrounding streets, just a block away from the Willow Tree Café German restaurant!

The Food & Wine Classic Returns at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort

Don’t miss the return of The Food & Wine Classic October 29 – 30 from 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. each day. Stroll the causeway where you will be tempted with a diverse selection of delectable delights prepared by their award-winning chefs. Their chefs will be offering unrivaled cuisine to please every palate.

Sample fine wine, beer and spirits from around the world. This is a great opportunity to sample beverages you may not have thought to try before. Their certified sommeliers will be on hand to answer all questions regarding choosing the right wine for your meal or celebration.

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic (Courtesy Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort)

Packages are available for overnight guests, and tickets are available for purchase for individual events. There will be live entertainment on both nights…so eat, drink, mingle, learn, and cap off your evening watching the fireworks under the stars at our world famous resort!

For more information, visit the Swan and Dolphin’s website.

Goblins and Giggles Getaway Weekends

Finally, the Gaylord Palms is offering all treats and no tricks with their Goblins and Giggles Getaway Weekends September 10 through October 31.

(Courtesy Gaylord Palms Resort)

The package offers tons of activities, including meet and greets, trick or treating, animal encounters, bedtime stories, moonlight movies, and so much more. Visit their website to learn more.

The Boo Bash at the Central Florida Zoo

Returning again this year (for TWO WEEKENDS) on October 23-24 and 30-31, families are invited to dress their best for this not-so-scary all ages event.

The Central Florida Zoo will have tons of trick-or-treating stations, festive spooky activities and of course, can’t miss animals! Get your tickets now!