Plan Ahead as Downtown Orlando prepares for busy weekend with over 60,000 Visitors expected!

With several major events, anchored by three shows from Garth Brookes at Kia Center, Sept. 27 - 29, visitors to downtown Orlando are being urged to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journey.

Get ready for a busy weekend in downtown Orlando! From Friday, September 25 through Sunday, September 27, more than 20,000 people are expected to converge on downtown for a packed lineup of events anchored by Garth Brooks, who is playing three shows at the Kia Center.

Another highlight of the weekend includes the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team who are playing an international friendly against Peru on Saturday, Sept. 26 at Inter. co Stadium. The match will mark the USMNT's first appearance since the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Other notable events include Little Big Town who will take to the stage at Walt Disney Theater on Sept. 25, and the Melrose Film Festival at Orlando Public Library on Sept. 26.

With so may major events taking place throughout the weekend, visitors can expect busier roads, heavier traffic, and increased activity across downtown, and whether you’re coming downtown for an event, heading to work, or enjoying a meal with friends, Downtown Orlando is urging you to plan ahead, and allow lots of extra time to arrive on time!

Discover the Latest  Events, Festivals, and Things To Do in Central Florida

EVENTS:

Friday, September 25, 2026

• Santiago Cruz, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 6:30 pm & 9 pm 

• Little Big Town, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 pm 

• Garth Brooks, Kia Center, 8 pm

Saturday, September 26, 2026

• USA vs. Peru, Inter. co Stadium, 4:30 pm 

• Charly Reynolds, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 6 pm & 9 pm.  

• Pride: The Rhythm of the Chosen Hearts, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 pm 

• Bonnie "Prince" Billy, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 8 pm  

• Garth Brooks, Kia Center, 8 pm

Sunday, September 27, 2026

• Orlando Farmers Market, Lake Eola Park, 10 am - 3 pm 

• Garth Brooks, Kia Center, 2 pm 

• Opera X: Flights of Puccini, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 5 pm. & 7:30 pm

Plan Ahead and Allow Extra Time 

With thousands of people traveling to downtown at the same time, attendees are encouraged to leave earlier than usual and allow extra time to get to their destination. 

If you’re coming downtown, consider arriving early and enjoying a meal or a quick bite at one of downtown’s many restaurants before heading to your event.

Peak traffic times expected: 

• Friday, September 25: 6 - 8 pm

• Saturday, September 26: 2 - 8 pm

• Sunday, September 27: 12 - 2 pm

Motorists should expect increased traffic in the following areas: 

• South Street from the SR 408 exit to Division Avenue, including the area around the ThreatLocker and City Commons parking garages, 

• I-4 eastbound off-ramp at South Street, 

• I-4 westbound off-ramp at West Anderson Street, 

• I-4 South Street Express off-ramps

Coming early can help you avoid some of the busiest travel times while giving you more time to enjoy everything downtown has to offer. 

Construction associated with the DTO Action Plan and other projects throughout downtown may also affect travel routes and create additional delays. Before heading downtown, check the City of Orlando’s road closure information to see what may impact your trip.  

Know Your Transportation Options 

Driving isn’t your only option for getting downtown.  SunRail is a great option for those attending events on Friday, September 25, with service connecting downtown Orlando to communities throughout Central Florida (be sure to check the schedule for the last train departure).

You can also use the FREE bus circulator, LYMMO, which makes it easy to connect to restaurants, venues, parking, and other downtown destinations - including a stop at Kia Center.  

Where to Park 

If you’re driving, plan your parking before you arrive. Downtown has a variety of parking garages, surface lots, and on-street spaces, and "reserve and pre-pay" options, but availability may be more limited during a busy event weekend. Give yourself extra time to find a space and walk or connect to your final destination. 

Gotta Go Orlando is your local source for the latest Entertainment News, Events and Things To Do throughout Central Florida. Discover Concerts, Theater, Arts & Culture, Nightlife, Food & Drink. Theme Parks & Attractions, Festivals, Events, and more.

Before going to any event listed on Gotta Go Orlando, it's advisable to reach out to the organizer or venue to verify the event's status, as details, changes, and cancellations may happen. Gotta Go Orlando do not organize any of the events listed on our website.

Contact Us:

You can contact us Here. To advertise with us, Click Here. To list your upcoming event, Submit It Here.

Newsletter:

Sign Up For Our Newsletter and stay in the loop with all the latest news from Central Florida delivered daily to your mailbox.

Social Media:

Join the local conversation on X, Facebook, and Instagram, plus, for extended Orlando coverage, catch the latest on our YouTube channel.