Scream if you’re ready for Halloween fun. | Photo via Universal Orlando
Halloween is still a few months away, but Orlando definitely isn’t scared to celebrate early. Here are a few local haunts you can visit before September comes around.
Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights begins Friday, Aug. 29 with attractions from franchises like “Terrifier” and “Five Nights at Freddy’s.”
Get an early start on your trick-or-treating at SeaWorld’s Spooktacular, beginning Saturday, Aug. 30.
Cool off from the heat and watch a scary movie with AMC Theatres’ “Thrills & Chills” lineup.
Scream away summer by taking a local ghost tour or haunted pub crawl.
Events
Events
Monday, Aug. 18
August Night Owl Write Club | 7 p.m. | Milkhouse Eatery & Cocktails | Free | Join other writers and work on your own project at this casual, creative gathering.
Feisty Trivia | 7 p.m. | The Burrow Cafe and Play | Free | Let’s get quizzical at this general knowledge trivia game with prizes for the top three teams.
Tuesday, Aug. 19
Winter Park Business Academy | 6-8 p.m. | Winter Park Library, Winter Park | Free | Learn about the local market at this business-focused workshop — this session’s theme is “secrets to outsmarting your competition.”
UB40 | 8 p.m. | Hard Rock Cafe | $63+ | Watch the English reggae band whose tunes are smoother than “Red, Red Wine.”
Wednesday, Aug. 20
Abi and Alan | 8 p.m. | House of Blues, Lake Buena Vista | $96 | The collaborative act featuring Erykah Badu + The Alchemist shares the Disney Springs stage.
Forrest Shaw | 6 p.m. | Funny Bone Comedy Club | $25+ | The marine biologist-turned-comedian from Miami brings his funny business to the local stage.
Thursday, Aug. 21
Access for All | 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | Orlando Museum of Art | Free | Enjoy free entry to the museum and explore the galleries during extended hours.
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Oviedo is getting served its first-ever Olive Garden. Orlando-based company Darden Restaurants Inc. revealed plans to move the Italian restaurant into the former Romano’s Macaroni Grill location on Red Bug Lake Road. Its opening date has not yet been announced. (Orlando Business Journal)
Travel
Get ready for an increase in visitors, Orlando is the No. 2 destination for Labor Day weekend travel, according to booking data from AAA. This might also be your cue to plan a trip — average flight, hotel, and car rental prices are lower than last year.
Outdoors
40 minutes. That’s how much daylight will be lost in Orlando during the month of August as the sun progressively rises later and sets earlier. We recommend taking advantage of the daylight while you have it by hitting a local trail. (AccuWeather)
Pets
Talk about a golden opportunity — auditions are now open for “Air Bud Returns,” the latest installment in the beloved movie series. If you want to sign up your golden retriever, you’ll need to submit a video of their best skills. For the camera-shy dogs, these dog-friendly restaurants await in Orlando.
Tech
What’s that sound? Dial-up’s final rings. AOL announced it will discontinue its dial-up services on Tuesday, Sept. 30, after three decades. Help bring any users up to speed by connecting them to ORLtoday when they get a new provider. (NPR)
Listen
Do you feel like popular music has been a summer bummer recently? The lack of upbeat hits has resulted in many people deeming 2025 a year without a song of the summer. Luckily, Orlando has many upcoming concerts that will give us something to listen to in the fall. (CNN)
Mansion Monday
Enter this Orlando oasis with five bedrooms, six bathrooms, and a large-open concept kitchen with frameless cabinetry. Or, head outside to play basketball on your private court followed by a dip in the spa + pool.
You’ve probably heard of HELOCs, but what about Equity Sharing Home Loans? Hint: These can offer significantly lower monthly payments for homeowners. See how low your payment could go.*
Furry friends are welcome at several Orlando brunch spots with outdoor dining, like the Tap Room at Dubsdread. | Photo courtesy of @taproomatdubsdread
If your plans include brunch with a side of sunshine, Orlando has you covered. We’ve compiled a whole bunch of brunch options — including these spots where you’ll find outdoor dining options.
Note: All times listed are brunch-only. Briarpatch Restaurant, Winter Park | Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Reservations
Readers wrote in sharing this spot as a go-to fave, but reservations are highly recommended if you plan on visiting during the weekend.
AC Sky Bar | Saturday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Reservations
Reviewer Xavier V. says this rooftop eatery “is the kind of place that makes you fall in love with Orlando all over again.” And we have to agree — just look at those views.
The Tap Room at Dubsdread | Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Reservations
Located on the Dubsdread Golf Course, this country club casual spot was named a Diners Choice restaurant by OpenTable for 2025.
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.
Today’s the day we say farewell to Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Studio Florida. It had a great run, but I have no doubt that the park will follow it up with another great attraction. Until then, there are plenty of new things to explore inside Universal Epic Universe.
