We’ll see the Orlando Magic on their home court in October. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
No tricks, our monthly Plan Ahead is here to treat you to Orlando events in October. So, take out your calendar or text all your friends — these are our event recommendations heading into the month.
(Don’t see anything you like? Check out our full events calendar.) Brandon Lake | Friday, Oct. 3 | 7 p.m. | Kia Center | $80+ | The “Hard Fought Hallelujah” singer performs for his “King of Hearts” tour.
Oktoberfest 2025 | Saturday, Oct. 4 + Saturday, Oct. 25 | 12-9 p.m. | German American Society of Central Florida, Casselberry | $9+ | Join the organization for a celebration with beer, food, a flag parade, music, and family-friendly fun.
Orlando Latino Fest | Saturday, Oct. 11 | 1-7 p.m. | Luminary Green Park | Free | Celebrate our community with a day filled with sights, sounds, and flavors.
Orlando Magic vs. Miami Heat | Wednesday, Oct. 22| 7 p.m. | Kia Center | $48+ | Swish — cheer for the Magic in their first game of the season.
Jonas Brothers | Sunday, Oct. 26-Monday, Oct. 27 | 7:30 p.m. | Kia Center | $76+ | Celebrate two decades of the Jo Bros with guest All-American Rejects.
Construction on the Orange County Convention Center’s $530 million expansion will begin in October. The project will add over 344,000 sqft of space, including a multipurpose exhibit area, meeting areas, and a flexible ballroom. Construction is expected to be completed in 2029 and create 800 jobs. (Orlando Business Journal)
History
Eatonville Mayor Angie Gardner announced the town reached a deal to reclaim the 117-acre Hungerford School site. The Orange County School District acquired the property, which has historical significance for educating Black students in Central Florida, in 1951. Town leaders plan to redevelop the land and preserve this legacy. (Fox 35)
Edu
The University of Central Florida was named a “Preeminent State Research University” — the state’s highest designation. The Florida Board of Governors recognized UCF based on metrics that assess student success and quality of research. With this honor, the university may be eligible for additional state funding.
Concert
Barry Manilow may be taking his final trip to the “Copacabana.” The beloved performer announced his farewell shows, including “The Last Orlando Concert.” The performance will take place at the Kia Center on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026; general public tickets go on sale today at 10 a.m.
Watch
Live from New York, it’s Kam Patterson. The Orlando-born comedian, podcaster, and YouTuber will appear on “Saturday Night Live” as one of the show’s new Featured Players. You can catch Patterson on the sketch show’s 51st season, debuting on Saturday, Oct. 4. (NBC)
Parks
Refreshing the Hogwarts Express isn’t as easy as waving a wand. The Universal Orlando attraction is expected to temporarily close for two weeks of maintenance starting Monday, Feb. 9, 2026. The ride is expected to board passengers again starting Tuesday, Feb, 24.
Eat
Happy Birthday Jeff. If you’re wondering which Jeff we’re talking about, it doesn’t really matter — every Jeff can score a free bagel + spread at Jeff’s Bagel Run locations today. Technically, the promotion observes founder Jeff Perera’s birthday, but if you share his name, you’ll score the freebie. (Bungalower)
Festival
Central Florida Food Fest is coming to Bonnet Springs Park on Saturday, Oct. 18, 5-9 p.m. Grab tickets for this 21+ event to indulge in sublime flavors from savory to sweet to spicy.*
Olipop is heading to Orlando, be there or be SquarePants. | Photo via @drinkolipop
He may live in a pineapple under the sea, but SpongeBob would never miss a chance to visit Orlando. Perhaps that’s why “The Pineapple-iest Pop-Up Tour” is stopping at the City Beautiful.
The animated sponge will be promoting Olipop’s limited-edition Pineapple Paradise flavor with an 11-city US tour. This will bring him to Orlando on Saturday, Nov. 1 + Sunday, Nov. 2.
The popup’s location has not yet been announced, but attendees will get free soda samples, will be able to play SpongeBob-themed games, and will have the chance to buy exclusive merch.
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.
It’s the time of the year when weekends are for football and accompanying snacks. Apparently, Buffalo chicken wings are the most popular game day snack in Florida. If that made you hungry, we’ve heard great things about the options at Flyers Wings & Grill + Papa Bees Wings.
