Something wicked this way comes. | Photo W. Dickson via Flickr
It’s time to prepare for Universal Studios’ annual Halloween extravaganza. Halloween Horror Nights returns for its 34th year this Friday, Aug. 29.
That’s the official start date, but there’s a special Premium Scream Night on Thursday, Aug. 28 for those who can’t wait for the fun to begin, featuring shorter lines + bottomless eats.
Speaking of eats, this year’s menu is chock-full of specialty items. We’ve got our eye on the Jason Voorhees-inspired smores.
You can buy tickets now, and the event runs through Sunday, Nov. 2.
Pro tip: While it doesn’t feel all that Halloween-ish in the air yet, we’ve found that the sooner you go, the smaller the lines. No guarantees, though.
Asked
Asked
How many times have you been to Halloween Horror Nights?
A. I’ve lost count B. On multiple occasions C. Once was enough for me D. Never
Audubon Park Community Market | 5-8 p.m. | Audubon Park Garden District | Price of purchase | Swing by the artisan market on the way home from work to pick up fine foods like fresh produce, cheese, bread, and decadent desserts.
Monthly Craft Market | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Marks Street Senior Recreation, Orlando | Price of purchase | Browse local senior crafters’ treasures, from knitted clothes and handmade jewelry to artwork and photography.
Wednesday, Aug. 27
OCLS Craft the Leftovers | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | North Orange Branch , Apopka | Free | You don’t need a specific project and there’s no pressure — it’s just a chance for pure creative freedom.
Stroller Tours | 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Orlando Museum of Art | $15 | Gaze at art and inspire an infant as you walk through the gallery with your stroller.
Thursday, Aug. 28
Orlando Urban Film Festival | Times vary | Thursday, Aug. 28-Saturday, Aug. 30 | CMX Cinemas Plaza Cafe 12, Orlando | $13+ | Enjoy three days of movies, live music performances, and meet-and-greets with filmmakers + stars.
You’ve never seen a house like this recent Kissimmee listing. There’s a casino, an arcade, a “Jurassic Park"-themed room, a home gym, a movie theater, a gorgeous pool + outdoor area, and it sits on the sixth hole of the Jack Nicklaus-designed Reunion Resort & Golf Club. Maybe in another life.
Stat
54%. That’s the percentage of Americans who say they consume alcohol — the lowest number recorded since tracking began in 1939. If you’re part of the 46% taking a break from booze (but still want a delicious drink), we recommend a bespoke mocktail at Tori Tori.
Trending
Been singing “Golden” from “KPop Demon Hunters” all summer? A sing-along version of the hit Netflix movie is coming to theaters this Saturday, Aug. 23 + Sunday, Aug. 24. Check out locations and showtimes near you — and get it all out, once and for all.
Ranked
No. 34. That’s where Kissimmee’s Neocity Academy just ranked in a report of the nation’s best high schools. Almost 18,000 schools were ranked using metrics like academic performance and college preparation. Consider yourself a top student? Prove it on our games site. (US News & World Report)
Kids
Calling all Liams — it’s your time to shine. This name ranked as Florida’s most popular for babies born last year, with names Noah, Olivia, Emma, and Mia rounding out the top five. No matter the name of the little munchkin — or munchkins — in your life, good thing O-Town is chock full of kid-friendly activities.
Pets
Forget Whiskers and Mittens — Zelda is the most popular cat name in Florida, according to a new study. Have a better moniker in mind for a feline friend? Meet adoptable cats at Orange County Animal Services who still need a name — and a home. (Newsweek)
Terminal C is open after years of planning and construction, which were impacted by economic recession and the pandemic. | Photo provided by Orlando International Airport
Labor Day is right around the corner. Let’s plan a trip.
A recent report shows the average cost of domestic round trip flights is 6% lower this year than it was last Labor Day weekend, averaging $720. So, let’s get familiar with Orlando International Airport.
What to know
Parking | Not everyone has a bestie who will drop them off at the terminal at 3 a.m., but thankfully, MCO has options. See rates for short-term, long-term, and valet parking.
Map it out | If you’re like us and need to completely visualize a place before you step foot inside, these maps of the entire airport will be your saving grace.
Reminder | As of May 7, 2025, flyers now need a REAL ID (or another acceptable form of ID, like a passport) to board commercial flights in the US.
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.
“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift, that’s why it’s called the present.”
While I may have taken that quote from an animated movie about a kung fu-fighting panda, it serves as an excellent reminder to try and appreciate the here and now. So, I challenge you to do something for yourself this week. Take a stroll through a park you haven’t been to yet, go to that restaurant you’ve been too busy for, ortake a moment to slow down and smell the roses. The possibilities are endless.
