Memorial Day Weekend Events and Things To Do in Orlando 2025
- Alastair Mac
- 2 hours ago
- 16 min read
Schools are out, temperatures are rising, and with so much to do in Orlando, get ready to kick-off your summer plans celebrating Memorial Day Weekend in Orlando!
Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom, the heroes who made it possible for us to enjoy this Memorial Day Weekend.
Here, we’ve gathered some amazing ways to commemorate the day and celebrate the official beginning of summer, including special events, theme park visits, water park fun, day trips to the beach, and so much more.
This year, Memorial Day is Monday, May 26, 2025, and Memorial Day Weekend is the perfect time to enjoy quality time with family and friends throughout Orlando and Central Florida.
Memorial Day Weekend in Orlando 2024
Memorial Day Weekend Events In Orlando 2025
May 16 - September 27, Select Nights
AquaGlow is back, bigger and brighter than ever and this Memorial Day Weekend you can enjoy an awesome nighttime splash party at Aquatica Orlando! On Friday, May 23, and Saturday, May 24, enjoy high-energy dance parties, dazzling laser light shows, and unlimited complimentary soft drinks to keep you refreshed all night long while you enjoy low wait times during this exclusive limited-capacity family-friendly event!
February 1 - September 3
Leu Gardens is open throughout Memorial Day Weekend and you can experience an extraordinary exhibit like no other, connecting the world of nature and art. Origami is the Japanese word for “folding paper,” making something out of nothing, taking a square piece of paper and folding it to create a beautiful object. ORIGAMI IN THE GARDEN takes the folded object and transforms it into colossal metal sculpture that evokes wonder and imagination. Over 20 pieces from the original folds to art pieces will sure to captivate all ages. Included with garden admission.
May 23 - September 1, Select Dates
Just in time for Memorial Day Weekend, SeaWorld Orlando is kicking off summer with the return of its Summer Spectacular! Indulge in summer flavors and kick-off your day with animal and cirque presentations, DJ parties, and more. Plus, stay late to experience the Ignite Fireworks!
May 23 - August 10, Select Dates
Stay Longer. Play Later at Summer Nights, kicking off just in time for Memorial Day Weekend at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay! Celebrate with extended hours, non-stop dazzling entertainment and special summer eats & treats.
May 3 - June 8
This Memorial Day Weekend treat the family to a day out to the LEGO Festival, where imagination will run wild, creativity knows no limits, and fun is always the top priority! At LEGOLAND Florida Resort, they believe that play isn’t just for today - it’s a way of life! You’ve played with the bricks. You’ve seen the movies. Now, get ready for the most epic LEGO play adventure ever!
March 5 - June 2
The popular and fragrant, EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival ends soon, and Memorial Day Weekend is an ideal opportunity to experience fresh cuisine, colorful gardens, playful topiaries and vibrant entertainment. Plus, the popular Garden Rocks Concert Series featuring favorite tunes at the America Gardens Theatre. And of course, fresh flavors will be on the menu at Outdoor Kitchens and other food and beverage locations throughout the park.
May 13 - 26
This Theatrical Festival is the longest running fringe in the United States and provides an opportunity for artists to showcase their craft while making theatre more accessible to audiences and artists alike. It offers lots of live entertainment, unique theatre experiences, visual art displays, kid friendly shows and activities, and free concerts! Plus, best of all the festival is happening throughout Memorial Day Weekend, so get up, get out, and enjoy a show or three!
May 23 - 26
Join Promenade at Sunset Walk for its annual Memorial 4-Day Weekend celebration, honoring the men and women who gave their lives in service to the nation. This four-day event features live music, car shows, an artisan market and so much more - fun for the whole family!
May 23 - 25
The Orlando Carnival Downtown is a vibrant, colorful, and lively celebration of Caribbean culture that takes place annually in the heart of downtown Orlando this Memorial Day Weekend! The event features a spectacular parade of costumed performers, pulsating rhythms of soca, reggae, and calypso music, and a diverse range of Caribbean cuisine and crafts. During the Carnival, the streets come alive with energy as participants and revelers dance, sing, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. The event showcases the rich diversity and heritage of the Caribbean community in Orlando
May 24 - 25
COLLECT-A-CON comes to Oorlando this Memorial Day Weekend – It’s the nation’s largest trading card, anime and pop culture event. It’s coming to Orlando May 25-26, 2025 at the Orange County Convention Center.
May 24
This Memorial Day Weekend, watch as Island H2O Water Park transforms from a day of fun in the sun to a neon island paradise! As adults ages 18+ enter Island Nights, you’ll arrive at the center of the party at Live! Lagoon Wave Pool.
May 24
This exciting event brings together over 30 local vendors showcasing their best handmade goods, unique crafts, and exclusive finds—perfect for holiday shopping, gifts, or treating yourself. Explore the marketplace, meet the makers, and discover something new this Memrial Day Weekend.
May 24
Mosey on down to Horizon West this Memorial Day Weekend and discover a day filled with delightful pony rides, a charming barnyard petting zoo, and DJ Renee's toe-tapping tunes. Engage in heartwarming crafts, lively games, and good ol' fashioned farm fun. Don your western best and join the hoedown hullabaloo!
May 24
Celebrate agriculture, community, and the famous Zellwood sweet corn with a day of family fun, corn-themed treats, and entertainment this Memorial Day Weekend!
May 24
Celebrate the start of summer with Steeln’ Peaches, Florida’s premier tribute to the Allman Brothers Band, headlines Casselberry’s Rock 'N Roll Concert & Car Show on Saturday, May 24, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Lake Concord Park.
May 24
Please join the City of Leesburg as we honor those who have fallen. The City is hosting a Memorial Day program on May 24th at Veterans Memorial Park at 10 am.
May 24
Be sure to come by and celebrate Memorial Day Weekend on Saturday afternoon for an indoor and outdoor market filled with local vendors, treat makers, craft cocktails, food truck, and more at this family and pet friendly event.
May 25
Enjoy this Memorial Day Salute, honoring all Veterans, presented by Friends of Cypress Grove Park and SouthState Bank! This is a free event on Saturday, May 24, from 9:45 - 11:30 am at Orange County Parks and Recreation's Cypress Grove Park, 290 Holden Ave., Orlando. Bring chairs, blankets and a picnic.
May 25
The legendary Milk Mart is turning 9, baby! This is their last big party before they hibernate through the summer, so come celebrate another year 'round the sun (and another season of amazing local fests in the bag)!
May 25
Join Pointe Orlando for an interactive Memorial Day Cocktail Crawl that combines themed drinks, delicious food specials, and exciting games specifically designed for singles and military personnel!
May 26
Join St Cloud in honoring the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our nation's freedom. Location: Mount Peace Cemetery, 755 East 10th Street. Together, we pay tribute to their courage and dedication.
May 26
Join us to honor and remember our local veterans who gave their lives during times of war or while serving in the United States armed forces. Presented by American Legion Post 63 and City of Winter Garden, the event includes a Roll Call of Veterans, placement of wreaths, and patriotic songs to pay homage to those that made ultimate sacrifice.
May 26
Island H2O Water Park presents Top Gun Maverick on May 26 at 2PM as a part of the Matinee Movie Monday event series! Included in the price of admission!
May 26
Members of the original Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team continue to WOW central Florida audiences, and work to pass on their water skiing skills to the next generation. The Water Ski Capital of the World celebrated the 100th Anniversary of Water Ski in 2022. Be sure to check out the Cypress Gardens Water Ski show at the newly remodeled Martin Luther King Jr Park, on Lake Silver, Winter Haven this Memorial Day.
Enjoy The Great Outdoors In Orlando
For those seeking adventure this Memorial Day Weekend there is so much to do, kick-off your weekend by riding an airboat through the swamps in search of gators at both, Wild Florida or Boggy Creek Airboat Rides, or soar above the trees on zip lines and tarzan ropes at Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park!
For a wild outdoor adventure, The Showcase of Citrus’s Park Rangers drive guests aboard monster trucks into the vast Florida Outback. Guests will explore Native Woodlands, Citrus Groves, and Bigfoot territory.
Looking for something a little more laid back? Enjoy a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Orlando with Painted Horizons Hot Air Balloon Rides, or enjoy a Swan Paddle Boat Ride around Lake Eola in downtown Orlando, or you can take a leisurely stroll in one of the many beautiful gardens and parks that Orlando has to offer.
The Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour, located on Lake Osceola in the quiet suburb of Winter Park, offers hour-long, guided cruises through narrow manmade canals on the tranquil Winter Park chain.
Cool Off In An Orlando Water Park
This Memorial Day Weekend experience miles of lazy rivers, massive wave pools and some of the most thrilling water slides imaginable and then some and of course we have awesome weather for water parks!
With the tempertur corisin, cool off in an Orlando water park, there is an amazing choice of local water parks to dive into.
Highlights include Typhoon Lagoon at Walt Disney World, and the amazing South Pacific themed Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando, while over at SeaWorld Orlando you can enjoy all things aquatic at Aquatica.
LEGOLAND Florida's Water Park features Lego of course, while over at Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay you'll discover Adventure Island!
Plus, with even more splashing fun in the sun at the award winning Island H20 Water Park in Kissimmee, Coco Key Water Park on International Drive and Treasure Cove Water Park at Westgate Resort near the Convention Center and you have an incredible selection of Water Parks in Central Florida.
In addition to the awesome Orlando water parks, check out these water adveture park, well worth splashing into! Nona Adventure Park in Lake Nona features an inflatable aqua park/obstacle course, and 60’ climbing tower/ropes course/rock walls, while over near Orlando International Airport you will discover Orlando Watersports Complex, one of the largest cable wakeboard parks in the U.S.
Hit The Beach This Memorial Day Weekend
So... when you think of the Sunshine State, two things spring to mind, theme parks and beaches, and thanks to Orlando's central location, you don't have to choose, pretty awesome!
Orlando is practically in the middle of both the historic east coast beaches and the stunning gulf coast beaches in the west coast of Central Florida, so this Memorial Day Weekend, whether you want a day at the beach or a weekend away, get ready to soak up the sunshine!
East Coast Beaches
The world's most famous beach is just an hour from downtown Orlando, Daytona Beach is all about the cars, a place to catch a NASCAR race and even drive your own car right on the beach.
Free summer concerts with movies and fireworks are offered May through October at the Bandshell, and there's plenty of entertainment and fun at the nearby boardwalk and fishing pier.
For a quieter corner, head to Ponce Inlet and climb to the top of Florida's tallest lighthouse, built in 1835. Plus, for shopping and dining, a visit to Beach Street is a popular choice.
New Smyrna Beach is a hot spot for surfing, quirky shops, and delightful eats, plus you can drive your car onto this beach’s wide, compacted smooth sand! A must do for sure!
Once you’ve gotten your fill with paddle boarding and sunbathing, check out Flagler Avenue with Old Florida shops, local boutiques and casual eateries.
Orlando's closest beach is well known for its surfing culture with Cocoa the home of the world's largest surf shop, Ron Jon Surf Shop at 52,000 square feet, open 24 hours a day, the huge store features everything under the sun, from T-shirts and seashells to beach bikes, paddleboards, and of course, surfboards.
The Cocoa Beach Pier area is fun with lot's of beach activities, while many families like the quiet of Lori Wilson Park where you'll find free parking, restrooms and outdoor showers.
West Coast Beaches
America’s number one beach, Clearwater is definitely a renowned hot spot, complete with shopping, dining, live entertainment, and a revitalized downtown area. White sand and clear, shallow waters make this beach a destination that can’t be beaten for families.
Don’t miss the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and the awesome sunset celebration that is held nightly at the always fun Clearwater Beach Pier. Don't miss it!
At Madeira Beach, the sun, the white sand beaches and emerald turquoise waters invite swimming and sunning, be a beachcomber, or just sit and watch the world go by from the shade of a beach umbrella.
Set sail on a sunset cruise or a daylong fishing excursion or just stroll the wooden boardwalk and check out the waterfront shops and dining options.
The main draw here is three miles of sparkling white, sandy beaches on shores of the Gulf of Mexico.
Go swimming, shelling, sunning, snorkeling, parasailing and more, or simply walk the beach and take in one of the most stunning and memorable sunsets that you will ever see.
Hang out at the world's longest waterfront bar, Gators Cafe & Saloon, to catch the sunset and enjoy the atmosphere at the surrounding beach bars, for live music and dancing.
With miles of beaches, surf shops and boutiques, along with dining and water sports for all ages, it's easy to see why St. Pete Beach is voted one of the best beaches in the U.S.
At the heart of St. Pete Beach is the historic pink palace, the Loews Don Ce Sar Hotel, built in 1928 at the heart of America's Jazz Age. It's worth a visit to soak up the nostalgic, Gatsby-like atmosphere.
Make time to see the Salvador Dali museum in downtown St. Petersburg, housing the largest collection of Dali's work outside of Spain.
Memorial Day Weekend Road Trips On A Tankful
Orlando offers more things to do than most tourist destinations put together, and being located in the heart of Central Florida, Orlando’s convenient location makes it easy to go on Memorial Day Weekend road trip, whether it's for the day, or the whole weekend, you can escape the theme park crowds, and enjoy Florida’s most picturesque landscapes at nearby cities, natural springs, and state parks.
Fill the gas tank and get ready to hit the road...
The perfect place to experience Old Florida, Weeki Wachee is famous for its underwater theater and mermaid shows, located less than a two hour drive from Orlando, this is a beautiful state park where visitors can enjoy the 72 degree crystal clear waters, perfect for a day of swimming, snorkelling and kayaking, there's even a water park with flume rides.
Sarasota is only 2 hours from Orlando and offers a string of eight stunning islands tucked away into the Gulf coast of Southwest Florida.
You’ll find fascinating cultural attractions like The Ringling Museum and Marie Selby Botanical Garden and you can't miss the beautiful Siesta Key Beach.
Only a 40 minute jaunt north and you’re in Mount Dora, one of Florida’s beloved small town charms.
The biggest draw to this area is the Renninger’s Antique Center & Farmer’s Flea Market, where visitors come to shop for vintage treasures, while the array of outdoor cafes, galleries and wineries are perfect for a day trip away.
Drive two hours west past Tampa and you’ll find Caladesi Island State Park,in the city of Dunedin.
Located along the Gulf Coast, its white powdery sand, emerald waters, and lack of tourist crowds make this area feel like an off the grid slice of paradise, regularly ranked one of the top beaches.
Located in Orange City just 45 minutes from Orlando, Blue Springs State Park is the largest spring on the St. John’s River, a manatee refuge offering 72 degree temperatures that are perfect for cooling off.
Take a dip in the pale blue waters and soak in the views of the forested banks that surround you.
The oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine is a great two-hour day trip for history enthusiasts.
Founded in 1565, here you can walk along the cobblestoned streets in the National Historic Landmark District,
walk the walls of the 17th-century Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, and climb the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum for a stunning view of the city below.
In less than two hours you can be in Tampa, a vibrant city with a long list of family friendly attractions.
Browse artwork at the world renown Salvador Dali museum, relax on the award winning Clearwater Beach, or cheer on the local Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
If you’re an animal lover, you’ll enjoy an afternoon of feeding giraffes at Lowry Park Zoo or observing manatees at the Electric Manatee Viewing Center.
Outdoor enthusiasts will delight in the opportunities at nearby Ocala National Forest, the world’s largest sand pine scrub forest, it’s here that you can explore over 360,000 acres of hiking or take a swim in the crystal clear waters of Silver Glen Springs.
One of the best places to experience Florida’s natural landscapes, an excellent choice for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Meet Wild Animals At Amazing Animal Encounters
This Memorial Day Weekend come on out and enjoy all the alligator awesomeness of a day at Gatorland, “The Alligator Capital of the World!” There isn’t a better place to see alligators and crocodiles of all sizes, from babies, also known as grunts, to the 14-foot monsters that call our Breeding Marsh home. We even have the largest collection of extremely rare white leucistic alligators. But, Gatorland is more than just a gator park! Enjoy the free-flight aviary, petting zoo, one-of-a-kind animal shows, and more
You can also enjoy a road trip through the Wild Florida Drive-thru Safari Park where you and your family can see more than 150 exotic and native animals roaming freely. In addition to exploring the drive thru safari, there are also a variety of animal encounters and experiences you and your family will enjoy. From feeding to painting with the tallest living animals on Earth, this adventure will definitely reach new heights.
Wild Florida Alligator Park gives visitors the opportunity to watch, touch and even feed native Florida animals, various species of tropical birds and exotic animals from all over the world. See more than 500 animals, including rare and endangered species at Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, as well as 23 acres of lush natural beauty. Discover more than 900 animals from around the world set within the natural beauty of Florida landscapes at Brevard Zoo in Melbourne.
Chill With An Ice-Cold Treat
When the temperature starting to sizzle, here in Orlando we have some of the best ice cream shops around. From organic gelato, funky soft-serve and old-fashioned sundaes served at the city’s best ice cream shops, locals and visitors have a yummy list of scoop shops to choose from.
Kelly's Homemade Ice Cream is a local, handcrafted ice cream shop. They make all their ice creams and sorbets at their shops right here in Central Florida. In addition to dairy ice creams, they also offer non-dairy alternatives!
Described as Orlando's little ice cream boutique, a visit to Greenery Creamery is a must in downtown Orlando or Sanford. The shop offers a range of dairy and plant-based flavors, some of which are gluten free. of course, no visit to Orlando is complete without soft serve from Twistee Treat, just look for their giant cone buildings! Also serving up yummy soft serve delights is Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard. The much loved brand has local locations on International Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Winter Garden, and Kissimmee.
Jeremiah's Italian Ice serves up tasty frozen treats with a smile! The menu hosts refreshing Italian Ice (available in over 40 flavors), rich & creamy soft ice cream, and the Jeremiah's Gelati - the perfect layering of any flavor Italian Ice with soft ice cream! Find Jeremiah's at tons of locations throughout the Orlando area!
Spend The Day Exploring ICON Park
ICON Park is a must visit on International Drive, offering fun adventures for the whole family. Located in the heart of the Orlando Entertainment District, the complex encompasses entertainment attractions, over a dozen world-class restaurants and bars, nightly live music, retail stores and an outdoor marketplace – all anchored under the 400-ft icon of the Orlando skyline, The Orlando Eye, a stunning observation wheel giving you a view of Orlando like no other.
In addition to The Orlando Eye, there is lots of inside attractions at ICON Park including Madame Tussauds Orlando, here you get up-close and personal with the hottest celebrities and enjoy the glitz and glamour of Hollywood life. Next door is SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium where you come face-to-fin with thousands of fish, sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, and many more. Prepare for a world of glittering scales, humongous tentacles, and razor sharp teeth.
Also at ICON Park you can enter the fascinating world of illusions at the Museum of Illusions Orlando and you will be thrilled because nothing is what it seems, especially not HERE!
Next to Museum of Illusions you will discover Max Action Arena, the perfect place for friends and family to hang out during the rain, competing and exploring together. This is an extreme fun center featuring free-roam Virtual Reality, Axe Throwing, Adventure Rooms, Escape Room and more.
The fun never stops at ICON Park, you can enjoy great attractions including a stunning Mirror Maze, 7D Motion Theater, breath-taking Virtual Reality experiences, great games, prizes, and more at In The Game Orlando, located inside the Wheelhouse at ICON Park. Right in the middle of all the action!
Enjoy The AC at Orlando's Indoor Attractions
Orlando offers a never ending choice of fun experiences for everyone to enjoy, young or old and no matter what you're interested in, you'll find all right it here, and when you can't stand the heat any longer, head indoors and chill out at Orlando's awesome indoor attractions
Discover Kings Dining And Entertainment offering bowling, billiards, bars and more, all in a spacious retro-chic setting. I-Drive also offers Florida's largest indoor attraction, Dezerland Park with so much to enjoy including bowling, go-kart tracks, axe throwing and a huge auto museum.
Take a walk on the weird side at Ripley's Believe It or Not! Orlando with kitschy oddities on display, including shrunken human heads & rare skeletons. Then visit Orlando's upside down house, WonderWorks, an amusement park for the mind with 35,000 square feet of “edu-tainment”, the attraction combines education and entertainment with more than 100 hands on exhibits that challenge the mind and spark the imagination.
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games features indoor karting, 12 lanes of boutique bowling, more than 120 arcade, prize games, two-level laser tag arena, six virtual reality racing simulators, 7D interactive motion theater, an extreme ropes course and more!
At Topgolf Orlando, enjoy climate-controlled hitting bays for year-round comfort with HDTVs in every bay. Using complimentary clubs or your own, take aim at the giant outfield targets and our high-tech balls will score themselves. Discover the dream of flight at iFLY Orlando! Experience the true free fall conditions of skydiving without jumping from an airplane. iFLY's vertical wind tunnel technology creates a wall-to-wall cushion of air on which you can safely float.
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