Can you guess which retailer used to occupy this space? | Photo via 6AM City
Do you remember the Joann Fabric on East Colonial Drive? What about the CVS down the road on West Colonial Drive? Those retail spaces have something in common — they’re getting dressed up as Spirit Halloween stores.
The seasonal chain has converted over a dozen vacant retail spaces in the Orlando metro area into Spirit Halloween stores. These local spots had past lives when they were occupied by other retailers like CVS, Joann Fabric, Sears, Big Lots, or Party City.
Spirits’ lore
Let’s pull the mask off and learn more. Spirit Halloween finds temporary leases and moves into retail spaces that would otherwise be vacant. This is why there are so many — to the point it’s become a meme — and they might be in different locations next year.
Did you know? The chain is owned by Spencer Gifts LLC, you know, that quirky novelty store from the mall.
Luminary Market and Movie Night | 5:30-9 p.m. | Luminary Green Park | Free | Shop 20+ local vendors to support the Creative Village and stick around for the outdoor film screening — this month, it’s “Selena.”
Halloween Horror Nights | Through Sunday, Nov. 2 | 7 p.m. | Universal Orlando | $86+ | Be afraid — it’s opening week for the scary spectacular featuring 10 haunted houses, rides, and appearances from franchises like “Five Nights at Freddy’s” + “Fallout.”
Thursday, Sept. 4
Christmas in September: A Hispanic Heritage Celebration | 6-8:30 p.m. | Royal Cypress Preserve | $55 | Get in the holiday spirit early with food from Latin American countries, photo ops, cultural performances, and holiday decorations with a Latin flair.
“The Jungle Book” | Thursday, Sept. 4-Saturday, Sept. 6 | 8 p.m. | Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater | $47+ | Modern Theatricals presents the timeless story, directed by Donald Spencer and featuring puppets, circus artistry, and Bollywood dance.
Kali Uchis | 8 p.m. | Kia Center | $50+ | The Latin + R&B star known for hits like “Telepatía” performs for “The Sincerely, Tour” with guest Thee Sacred Souls.
Friday, Sept. 5
Orlando Rocks Country | 6 p.m. | House of Blues, Lake Buena Vista | $21+ | Rock out to country music, featuring local artists Noah Hunton, Patrick Gibson, Dallas Tyler + Eli Mosely.
Saturday, Sept. 6
Winter Parktoberfest | 4-10 p.m. | Mead Botanical Garden, Winter Park | $29+ | Raise a stein and celebrate with beer, German food, entertainment, and a Dachshund Dash — first drink included with ticket.
Sunday, Sept. 7
Grandparents’ Day Workshop | 1-3 p.m. | Orlando Museum of Art | $25 | Kids and grandparents can get creative together at this class inspired by Jason Chin’s picture book “Your Place in the Universe.”
Local leaders + Lynx staff celebrated the grand opening of the Pine Hills Bus Transfer Center — a new $18 million transit hub. The project aims to make commuting easier for Pine Hills residents by offering access to destinations like the Florida Mall, Apopka, Winter Park, and Walt Disney World. (Orlando Business Journal)
Opening
Plans for Orlando’s first H Mart have been baking since 2021, and its opening date is now set for Thursday, Sept. 25. The Korean market + food hall will occupy 100,000 sqft in Westland Terrace Plaza, and prizes and giveaways are expected for its first guests. (TastyChomps)
Parks
Cinderella’s castle at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is getting a makeover. The park’s Imagineers will repaint the iconic attraction to highlight its architecture and keep it looking picture perfect. The “royal palette” includes grays, blues, creams, and touches of gold.
Closed
Frank’s Pizza Shop in Winter Park has served its last slice. Owner Frank Paradiso announced the closure and thanked the community for its support — but locals won’t be without pizza for too long. The University Boulevard location will soon be occupied by NYPD Pizza. (Orlando Sentinel)
Older Adults
It’s no secret Orlando is a popular spot to retire, but according to WalletHub, it’s the best. The publication ranked the city No. 1 in its study of best US cities to retire. The City Beautiful excelled in metrics like cost of living, health care, and the number of activities.
Number
$2 billion. That’s the health care investment in Central Florida as major health systems plan expansions. This includes projects like AdventHealth Orlando’s $660 million, 14-story tower, planned to open in 2030 + Orlando Health’s anticipated $600 million Brevard County hospital. (Orlando Business Journal)
Cause
Keep Orlando Beautiful is looking for volunteers to make a splash on lake pollution. Locals can sign up to participate in the Orlando Lakes Cleanup — a series of events taking place Saturday, Sept. 13 through Friday, Sept. 26 to remove litter from various local water bodies.
Biz
“Straightforward, transparent, and low stress.” That’s how one business described our self-service ad portal. No sales pressure. No hidden fees. Just you, your message, and the tools to get it out there — your way. Get started.
Games
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.
I recently needed someone to explain the Labubu fad to me — but I still don’t quite get the appeal. Regardless, I anticipate the smiling plush toys will be very popular this holiday season because they’re already selling out. I’ve heard Big League Cards in Casselberry has had them in stock, or you could try one of these local spots.
