Halloween Horror Nights returns with frightful fun at the end of this month. | Photo via ORLtoday
We hate to say it, but we’re heading into the last full month of summer. Lucky for us, there are plenty of events taking place this August so that we can make the most of it — and even some Halloween happenings, if you’re ready for summer to end.
Festivals
Tacos + Tequila 2025 | Saturday, Aug. 2 | 1-4 p.m. | Church Street Downtown | $52+ | Sip on over 30 tequilas, mezcals, and other beverages while sampling + voting on tacos from competing cooks.
Halloween Horror Nights Premium Scream Night | Thursday, Aug. 28 | 6:30 p.m.-2 a.m. | Universal Orlando | $400 | For one night only, enjoy Halloween Horror Nights with shorter wait times, “all-you-care-to-enjoy” select food, complimentary self parking, and the opportunity to wear costumes.
For the fam
Disney On Ice 2025 | Friday, Aug. 29-Sunday, Aug. 31 | Times vary | Kia Center | $38+ | Escape the heat with this magical event that brings beloved Disney films to the ice.
D.L. Hughley | 7 p.m. | Funny Bone Comedy Club | $48+ | Known for his role in Spike Lee’s “The Original Kings of Comedy,” the longstanding actor and comedian is set to perform live.
Finally Food Truck Friday | 5-9 p.m. | Lake Eola Park | Cost of purchase | TGI-Foodtruck Friday — grab dinner from a local food truck at the park and stick around for music from DTOLive.
Saturday, July 26
The 4th Annual Vaudeville Variety Show Spectacular | 7:30 p.m. | Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts | $35+ | Experience the world-class talents of Hungarian jazz clarinetist Joe Fritz, barbershop quartets, singers, and Orlando’s Premier Chamber Pops Orchestra and Big Band.
3rd Annual Open House & Benefit Sale | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Flying Horse Editions | Free | Purchase discounted artwork, tour the studio, and watch printmaking demonstrations.
Intro to Sourdough Workshop | 1-3 p.m. | Creative Hub of Apopka | $50 | Learn all the sourdough basics + leave with dough, a starter, and a guide to keep you going.
Sunday, July 27
Paint & Sip | 7 p.m. | Alaska Farms & Co.| $40 | Grab a friend, pick a beverage, and let your creative side loose in the relaxed atmostphere.
Todd Rundgren | 8 p.m. | The Plaza Theatre | $106+ | See the ‘70s star rock out on the Plaza stage.
Here’s the tee — a new mini golf course is planned for Icon Park. The indoor, glow-in-the-dark Ripley attraction is scheduled to open in the winter of 2025. (Orlando Sentinel)
Eat
Over 60 local businesses, all 12 of Orlando’s Main Street districts, and a whole lot of food + drink. That’s what you can expect during Sip & Savor Weeks, which start today and will run through Sunday, Aug. 10. Find participating businesses. (Bungalower)
Shop
Starting in August, several items related to hurricane preparation and outdoor activities will no longer have a Florida sales tax. The permanent sales tax exemption will go towards items like certain batteries, smoke detection devices, portable generators, and sunscreen. (News 6)
Arts
Want to help shape the future of arts and culture locally? The City of Orlando and Orange County are seeking feedback on their CANVAS Cultural Plan draft through Monday, July 28. Read the draft + offer feedback.
Try This
Through this Sunday, July 27, Rifle Paper Co. is hosting its Summer Sidewalk Sale in Winter Park — and tomorrow, it turns into a full block party. Stop by for ice cream, flowers, and in-store discounts. (Bungalower)
Plan Ahead
A “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” ice display will debut at Gaylord Palms Resort this winter. The display will be part of the Kissimmee resort’s annual “ICE!” event that features characters hand-carved out of 2 million pounds of ice, a slide room, and LED lighting. (Orlando Sentinel)
Biz
The Orlando metro area is one of the best places for college graduates to move, according to a recent ranking by ADP Research. The ranking looked at factors like annual wage estimates, hiring rates, and cost of living. Share this newsletter with a recent college grad.
Post of the Day
Crying? Over an Instagram Reel? Not us.
Orlando City’s 20-year-old superstar Alex Freeman recently shared a touching moment with his dad, a sports star in his own right, after playing his first MLS All-Star Game in Austin.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Sometimes, I love getting all dressed up and eating at a local hotel restaurant just to feel like I’m on vacation. If you’d like to try it out, check out Open Table’s list of the top hotel restaurants in the US — seven Orlando-area spots made the list. BACÁN’s Primavera dish is calling my name.
