Memorial Day Weekend Things To Do in Orlando 2026
- Alastair Mac
- May 4
- 17 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Schools out, temperatures are rising, and with so much to do, get ready to kick-off your summer plans celebrating Memorial Day Weekend in Orlando!
Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend in Orlando as we kick off the unofficial start of summer with a lively mix of things to do for all the family.
Memorial Day Weekend is the perfect time to honor and remember those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom, the heroes who made it possible for us to enjoy quality time with family and friends.
Take part in a lively mix of exciting events, including theme park celebrations, concerts, family days out, water park fun, and more. Plus, you will discover a great choice of exclusive offers, and discounts, making for a memorable weekend that combines both remembrance and festive fun.
Memorial Day Weekend - Things To Do In Orlando
May 22 - 25
3251 Margaritaville Blvd, Kissimmee
Join the Promenade at Sunset Walk in Kissimmee for a Memorial 4 Day Weekend Party! Everyone is invited to celebrate and honor the men and women of our military who sacrificed their lives for our country with four days of car shows, nonstop live music, DJ's, street performers, and more.
May 22 - 25
Fun Spot Orlando, 5700 Fun Spot Way, Orlando
Fun Spot Kissimmee, 2850 Florida Plaza Blvd, Kissimmee
From Friday, May 22 through Monday, May 25, Fun Spot America is offering a special ticket rate to all U.S. military service members and veterans. Eligible guests may purchase up to four (4) Single Day Fun Passes at a discounted rate of $49.95 per pass, plus tax.
May 22 - 25
Dezerland Park, 5250 International Drive, Orlando
In honor of those who serve, Dezerland Park proudly hosts Military Appreciation Days as a heartfelt thank you to our active duty military, veterans, and their families. During Military Appreciation Days, May 22 – 25, military personnel receive one complimentary Auto Museum ticket, with the opportunity to purchase up to four additional Auto Museum tickets at 50 percent off. It’s our way of recognizing your service and inviting you to enjoy a memorable experience together.
March 4 - June 1
Find magic in bloom at a festival full of flowers, flavor and fun at this year's EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. If you've not attended this year's festival yet, Memorial Day Weekend is a great time to visit. Behold gorgeous gardens, unique exhibits and living sculptures of Disney characters. Move your feet to some of the hottest beats from world-renowned musical acts on select dates at America Gardens Theatre at a Garden Rocks Concert. Plus, savor a tasty meal at an EPCOT eatery and secure a guaranteed concert seat on the same day with a Garden Rocks Dining Package.
May 22 - 24
Downtown Orlando
This Memorial Day Weekend, celebrate the pageantry, parties, music and flavors of Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, Guyana, Barbados, and other Caribbean nations during Orlando Carnival Downtown. The three-day party will include an extravagant runway show, a Caribbean music festival with Calypso singers, moko jumbies, steelpan and more, plus a downtown Orlando parade, a Caribbean food festival and a show-stopping concert at Tinker Field.
May 22 - September 7, Select Dates
SeaWorld Orlando, 7007 Sea World Dr, Orlando
When the sun goes down, the night fires up at SeaWorld Orlando's Electric Ocean. Kicking off in style on Memorial Day Weekend, Electric Ocean is happening from May 22, 2026 to September 07, 2026. Stay late all summer to immerse yourself in exotic worlds of light and music and experience your favorite SeaWorld attractions in a whole new way. Join playful, glowing sea creatures and world-class DJs for a family-friendly dance party beneath the waves. Then end the night with the all-new Ignite, a firework, drone and fountains spectacular that brings the brilliance of the sea to the sky above. Put a charge in your summer at SeaWorld’s vibrant Electric Ocean.
May 15 - September 26, Select Nights
Aquatica Orlando, 5800 Water Play Way, Orlando
Your favorite nighttime splash party returns to Aquatica Orlando on select nights, including Memorial Day Weekend on Friday May 22 and 23. Look forward to high-energy dance parties, dazzling laser light shows, and unlimited complimentary soft drinks to keep you refreshed all night long. In addition to low wait times and a complimentary commemorative bracelet, you get early admission, now at 4pm - that’s TWO more hours added to your night during this exclusive, limited-capacity, family-friendly event!
April 18 - September 6, Select Dates
Grande Lakes Orlando, 4040 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando
This Memorial Day Weekend, step inside The Magic Show: Unboxed, an extraordinary, highly rated experience and established residency appearing exclusively at Grande Lakes Orlando. Created and performed by America’s Got Talent finalist Drew Thomas, this intimate production goes far beyond traditional magic—inviting you into the story behind the illusion with energy, humor, and nonstop audience engagement.
May 3 - August 21
Universal's Volcano Bay, 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando
Happening on select nights, including Memorial Day Weekend, on Friday, May 22, Universal Volcano Bay is a whole different water theme park at night! At this family-friendly after-hours event, all your favorite rides and slides will be available along with a live DJ, games and DreamWorks character meet and greets.
March 1 - May 31
Universal Orlando Resort, 1000 Universal Studios Plaza, Orlando
Celebrate Butterbeer during Memorial Day Weekend! Discover limited-time treats and themed merch in all three lands of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort. A special way to mark the 25th anniversary of the first Harry Potter film.
May 9 - 25, Saturday & Sunday, plus Memorial Day
SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, 8449 International Dr, Orlando
SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium is making a splash this spring with the return of its popular Meet a Mermaid experience, bringing live dive shows, interactive meet-and-greets, and hands-on learning to families looking for things to do in Orlando with kids now through Memorial Day. Guests can catch “real-life” mermaids diving in the ocean habitat surrounding the aquarium’s 360-degree ocean tunnel. The experience features mermaids swimming alongside sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, and other extraordinary sea creatures in captivating underwater performances.
March 7 - May 31
Leu Gardens, 1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando
Memorial Day Weekend is the perfect time to visit Leu Gardens! In 2026, Harry P. Leu Gardens proudly marks its 65th anniversary with a celebration titled Legacy in Bloom—a vibrant tribute to the enduring beauty, growth, and impact of this beloved public garden. Over the course of the year, visitors will experience a dynamic calendar of events, programs, exhibits, and installations that honor the Gardens’ rich past, thriving present, and bold future.
May 22 - August 9
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, 10165 N McKinley Dr, Tampa
Stay Longer. Play Later! Kick off your summer this Memorial Day Weekend and celebrate all summer long with the ultimate evening thrills that light up the park with extended hours, non-stop dazzling entertainment and special summer eats & treats!
May 22
Island H2O Water Park, 3230 Inspiration Drive, Kissimmee
Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend at Orlando’s ONLY Water Park Live Event Party complete with a DJ Club Set by Dustin Lynch, Foam Party, Drink Specials, and exclusive access to Island H2O’s thrilling slides, lazy river, and wave pool at night!
May 12 - 25
Loch Haven Park (Main Festival Campus) 400 S Orange Ave Orlando
The longest-running Fringe Theatre Festival in the United States features every genre imaginable, including drama, dance, musicals, comedy, burlesque, puppetry and more. Orlando’s 14-day immersive cultural experience, the Annual Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival includes over 2,000 ticketed performances, and includes an outdoor music festival called Visual Fringe, which features displays of art, while Kids Fringe provides weekend play and entertainment for younger audience members. Memorial Day Weekend is the perfect time to explore the Fringe, take in a few shows, and also relax, and enjoy the free entertainment outdoors!
May 23 - 24
Orlando Garden Club — 710 E Rollins St, Orlando
Kids Fringe, a family-focused extension of the Orlando Fringe Festival is a kid-friendly fringe experience of shows, crafts, activities, and games. All for FREE, and it's happening Memorial Day Weekend! Perfect for kids of all ages at Orlando Garden Club — 710 E Rollins St, Orlando.
May 23
ALL-IN is Old Town Entertainment District's newest Signature Event, and it's happening Memorial Day Weeekend! A one-night-only showcase created for builders who don't cut corners, and cars that were built to be seen. Exotic, import, classic, muscle, any year, any era, no year restrictions, if it's show quality, you are welcome here. Roll through our famous Old Town car parade, cruising through the Entertainment District in Kissimmee, surrounded by some of the most stunning machines you'll ever see in one place. It's not just a show, it's an experience, the kind that reminds you exactly why you fell in love with car culture in the first place.
May 23
West End Trading Co., 202 S Sanford Ave, Sanford
A high-energy system is approaching with sustained riffs and skanking conditions and it's happening Memorial Day Weekend in downtown Sanford! West End Trading Co. and Kona Big Wave are bringing the storm back to Sanford with the 19th Annual Hurricane Party Music Festival on Saturday, May 23. This is an all day, high-energy celebration of ska, punk, and reggae.
May 23
Ferran Park, 250 Ferran Park Dr, Eustis
Drive to Eustis this Memorial Day Weekend and enjoy a classic car show! About 150 Classic Cars will cruise into beautiful Ferran Park in Downtown Eustis. Enjoy the downtown shops and restaurants, great music and cool cars.
May 25
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. Be sure to check out the FREE Cypress Gardens Water Ski show at Martin Luther King Jr Park, on Lake Silver, Winter Haven this Memorial Day Weekend.
May 23
Altira Pool & Lounge, 325 S. Orange Ave, Orlando
Kick off your Memorial Day Weekend in style at Altira Pool + Lounge for a chic, sun-soaked celebration you won’t forget. Soak up the sun in style, dress in all white and lounge poolside for the ultimate summer vibe. Don’t forget your swimsuit and sunscreen! Sip on signature cocktails and enjoy delicious bites while embracing the sophisticated all-white atmosphere. Groove to lively tunes all afternoon—perfect for dancing, socializing, or simply soaking in the elegant energy.
May 22 - 23
8815 International Drive, Orlando
The 90’s are back, ALRIGHT! Come get jiggy at Howl at the Moon over Memorial Weekend on Friday, May 22 and Saturday, May 23. Join the fun for a nostalgic journey back to the era of grunge, neon and iconic boy bands. It does not matter which 90’s trend was your favorite because we will be rocking all of them!
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 you can 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, and a great place to hang during Memorial Day Weekend. 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!
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 this Memorial Day Weekend.
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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