Welcome to a sizzling hot summer here in Orlando, and as the temperatures soar, I-Drive heats up with a non stop choice of things to do and special events you gotta check out!
There is always so much to see and do on International Drive, with Orlando's I-Drive home to theme parks, all in-one entertainment centres, attractions, dining, shopping, hotels and more.
Get ready for an unforgettable summer adventure, and whether you looking for fun things to do with all the family or a night out to remember, there truly is something for everyone here on I-Drive this summer, with exciting new experiences, special events and more happening throughout the long hot summer days and sizzling nights. Enjoy!
Things To Do On International Drive This August
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando are currently working on multiple new attractions, plus a brand new Theme Park - Epic Universe which is due to open in Summer 2025.
Minion Land
For summer this year, the huge news at Universal Orlando is that a brand new land is now open, currently in soft opening Minion Land and its brand new attraction, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast will have a grand opening on August 11.
Minion Land invites guests to step inside the world of the Minions, with unique dining experiences like Minion Cafe, Bake My Day and Pop-a-Nana, plus Minion Land will also be home to new Villain-Con Minion Blast Attraction which is not yet open.
Minion Land on Illumination Ave. is an immersive new area created in partnership between Universal’s award-winning creative team and the acclaimed filmmakers from Illumination.
The new land expands upon the wildly popular Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction and will debut a new collection of experiences for guests of all ages inspired by the beloved Minions franchise.
Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast
Guests can put their villainous skills to the test in Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast – an all-new attraction where guests compete against each other in a fully interactive gaming experience that’s so much fun, it’s a crime. Afterward, guests exit through Evil Stuff, an all-new retail location where they can stock up on Villain-Con and Minions merchandise. More details about Villain-Con Minion Blast will be revealed soon.
Illumination’s Minion Cafe
It’s Minions in the kitchen, mischief in the dining room, and tons of tasty food at the new Illumination’s Minion Cafe – the marquee dining location within Minion Land. This immersive new eatery offers something for every palate in a highly-entertaining dining experience that features three themed areas designed after beloved Minions Kevin, Stuart, Bob and Otto: the Kitchen – where guests will get a glimpse of the equipment and gear the Minions have used to whip up the cafe’s menu; the Breakroom – where guests can dine in the Minions’ break space that includes everything from “Office Safety Tips” to a vending machine stocked with mischievous items; and the Dining Room – a vibrant space adorned with colorful artwork courtesy of the Minions and more. Guests can also enjoy their meal on an outdoor patio that overlooks the fun of Minion Land.
Bake My Day
Topped with a massive pink cupcake that’s visible from anywhere in the land, Bake My Day is a whimsical retail location and bakery featuring a selection of Minion-themed sweet treats, including cupcakes, macarons, s’mores and more, along with exclusive Minion-inspired merchandise like apparel, plush, drinkware, accessories, keychains and more.
Pop-A-Nnana
Banana-flavored popcorn, anyone? This walkup location features sweet and savory popcorn inspired by the Minions’ love for bananas. Here, guests may also find an assortment of cute popcorn buckets, including the Minion Selfie bucket.
Freeze Ray Pops
Guests can cool off with a visit to Freeze Ray Pops, featuring a variety of colorful popsicles inspired by Gru, the Minions and Vector – along with beverages.
Illumination Theater
Guests can meet, greet and interact with beloved characters like the Minions, Gru, Margo, Edith and Agnes, plus new additions from the hit film “Sing” – Rosita, Gunter and Johnny – at an outdoor Illumination Theater facade.
Guests can also discover murals, photo ops and more throughout Minion Land that celebrate additional characters from popular Illumination films.
Taste of Terror Dining Preview
A brand new Taste of Terror Dining preview for this years Halloween Horror Nights 32 is happening in August.
This brand new preview dining experience will take place on select night in August, ahead of this year's Halloween Horror Nights which kicks off September 1.
This will be an all-you-care-to-enjoy preview of select Halloween Horror Nights food and drink options in Soundstage #33 at Universal Studios Florida.
Taste of Terror Dining costs $159.99 per person. Theme park admission for the same day is also required and not included.
One Taste of Terror ticket (available to purchase here) is valid for one night on the following dates: Aug. 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, or 26.
New UNIVRS Store
Universal UNIVRS, a first-of-its-kind retail destination, recently opened on Hollywood Boulevard inside Universal Studios Florida at Universal Orlando Resort, and we love it!
This shop-in-shop brings favorite brands from across NBCUniversal to life through seasonal apparel offerings that lean into the "get it before it's gone" drop culture shopping mentality.
Launching with this new location, and now also available at Universal City Walk Hollywood, is a summer collection inspired by JAWS, Felix the Cat and the 30th anniversary of Jurassic Park.
Tapping into entertainment and fashion tastemakers through their style-driven offerings, merchandise at UNIVRS marries popular brand designs with current fashion silhouettes and trending styles, driven by favorite characters and iconic on-screen moments.
Exclusive merchandise will be released in limited quantities, from tees and jackets, to tracksuits and skirts, to tote bags and hats, products will range in price from $30-$150 and in size from XS-2XL, across the mens, womens and unisex categories.
Jurassic Park Tribute Store
A new Jurassic Park Tribute Store: Jurassic Park takes over this summer in the Tribute Store at Universal Studios Florida. The immersive retail location will invite guests to explore the history of the blockbuster movie as they venture through a series of themed rooms that highlight everything from pre-production elements like storyboards and blueprints to photo ops that recreate memorable scenes from the iconic film.
Guests can also shop exclusive 30th anniversary merchandise including apparel, hats, key chains, plush, collectibles, and more.
For more information about Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.universalorlando.com.
SeaWorld Orlando
Get ready for a spectacular summer at SeaWorld Orlando, throughout August, SeaWorld is celebrating with fun days amped up with gnarly entertainment, thrilling rides and breathtaking presentations, and when the sun goes down, enjoy fiery nights featuring new shows, entertainment and a brilliant fireworks spectacular.
Pipeline: The Surf Coaster
Now Open!
First up is Pipeline: The Surf Coaster, which is Orlando's newest and most unique coaster.
Pipeline is the first-of-its-kind stand up surf coaster where you experience the rush of launching 110 feet up at 60 mph and feeling every bank and curve as though you’re really riding the waves, thanks to innovative dynamic seats that gives you unparalleled freedom of movement.
Experience the ultimate thrill with the addition of this seventh coaster to the Coaster Capital of Orlando.
Summer Spectacular
Now - September 4, 2023
When the sun goes down, the night comes to life at SeaWorld’s Summer Spectacular! 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.
Dance the night away with world-class DJs for a family-friendly party beneath the waves. Then end the night with Ignite, a fireworks spectacular that brings the brilliance of the sea to the sky above. Put a charge in your summer at SeaWorld’s vibrant Summer Spectacular.
Club Sea Glow
The party amps up in the evening at Bayside Stadium, where a DJ will be mixing dance music all evening leading up to the start of our nighttime fireworks show.
Enjoy plenty of space to spread out and dance while enjoying the entertainment. That includes dancers and high-energy atmospheric acts to get the party going!
Surf Holiday at Nautilus Theater
Surfers and dreamers, join us for the wildest party on the sea! You’ll feel the motion of the ocean in a live stage show with singing, dancing, and an inspiring story of preservation and conservation for the beauty within our living ocean.
Summer Spectacular Concert Series
Concerts taking place on Saturdays and Sundays within the Nautilus Theater.
The series concludes this month with 2 concerts:
August 5: A Flock of Seagulls
August 6: Skillet
The summer concert series is included with park admission.
Pearl Divers
This one-of-a-kind experience gives you the chance to watch pearl diving live! Witness a pearl diver pick the perfect Akoya oyster for you in our lagoon. The oyster will produce a beautiful pearl for you to add to a setting of your choice.
In the lagoon next to Oyster's Secret, starting at Noon.
Ignite Fireworks
Surf the wave to a whole new level with Ignite, a fireworks and fountains spectacular that brings the brilliant colors of the sea to the skies above the park.
The fireworks can be seen from all around SeaWorld’s large central lake, including from Bayside Stadium, The Waterfront, and the Orca Encounter Pathway.
Plus, enjoy a special 4th of July firework spectacular on SeaWorld’s large central lake with inspiring music synced to beautiful fireworks in celebration of America. View from areas like Bayside Stadium or find a spot along the water. This event will bring the red, white, and blue, to you, so be sure not to miss it!
For more details on SeaWorld Orlando's spectacular Sumer events: SeaWorld Orlando
Free Beer
Now - September 4, 2023
It wouldn’t be summer at SeaWorld Orlando without FREE BEER!
When you visit SeaWorld Orlando this summer, from now through September 4, park guests 21 and older, can enjoy a free 7oz. brew every time you visit!
The free beer is available daily at Waterway Grill from 11 am until an hour before the park closes. As always, SeaWorld will offer a variety of beers throughout the promotion.
Craft Beer Festival
Now - September 3, 2023
SeaWorld is serving up an incredible party for craft beer lovers this Summer, with the return of the Craft Beer Festival at SeaWorld Orlando until September 3, 2023.
Taking place weekly on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the festival will feature more than 100 crafts brews, wines, seltzers, and cocktails.
Sample an unbeatable mix of domestic and local Florida favorites. Plus savor more than 15 food items expertly paired to match your preferred brew. And to top it all off, festive entertainment will keep the party going all day long.
Best of all, admission to the Craft Beer Festival is included with admission to SeaWorld Orlando.
American Ghost Adventures at Pirates
August, 6, 15, 21, 2023
Who you gonna call? Well here in Orlando, as a Tripadvisor winner of the Travelers’ Choice award three years in a row (2020, 2021, 2022), American Ghost Adventures is well-known for its ghost tours in the heart of Orlando.
Now they will be appearing at Pirates! Dinner Adventure for a limited three-night run on August 6, August 15, and August 21 for a special upgrade that allows you to hunt for ghosts with Orlando's American Ghost Adventures.
You will help paranormal investigators utilize top-of-the-line equipment such as EMF detectors, Dowsing Rods, Motion Balls, and more as you communicate with the spirits, both past and present, who may reside in the seats and in the walls of the theatre.
The 3-night event is an upgrade/add-on to the Pirates! Dinner Adventure.
If you book any show for a date in August you can participate in any of the American Ghost Adventure dates on August 6, August 15, or August 21 for the ghost adventure experience.
You can only purchase the ticket through the Pirates reservation line: 407-206-5100. For more details, check the Pirates Dinner Adventure website.
Summer Of Sharks at SEA LIFE Orlando
Now - August 27, 2023
This month, new through August 27, 2023, you can explore underwater conservation and learn more about sharks during the limited time, Summer Of Sharks event at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium.
Be sure to grab a scavenger hunt guide on your way inside, because the full family can take part in a fun Shark Scavenger Hunt, where you discover the 5 species of sharks in the aquarium, and win a a shark themed prize!
You will learn about some rare species of sharks, including the Zebra, Epaulette, Bonnethead, White Spotted Bamboo, and Coral Catshark.
Plus, during Summer of Sharks Tour, experience a shark-tastic behind the scenes tour, only during the Summer of Sharks event!
During this shark-tastic spin o the behind the scenes tour - only during the Summer of Sharks event, tour guides will answer all of your shark questions and show you exactly how we care for these incredible creatures.
If you come during lunchtime, you can even see the aquarists prepare food for the sharks. Don't miss this JAW-some opportunity!
This allows a behind-the-scenes look at what experts are doing to help sea life and how communities can do their part by keeping beaches safe for aquatic animals.
You can even upgrade your tickets for a deep-dive experience, allowing you to swim with sharks and manta rays!
This event is on now through August 27, for more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
Museum Of Illusion
Museum of Illusions Orlando at ICON Park is celebrating the start of a new school year and all that teachers do for our communities by offering them complimentary entry to the attraction.
Right now, active Florida teachers and professors can redeem the complimentary ticket offer by presenting a valid school ID and email address. No need to register in advance. To make the deal even better, teachers can purchase companion tickets at a discounted price of $19.99 and receive a 10% discount in the gift shop. Teachers can redeem the offer by booking in-person or online. To book online, teachers can use code “TEACH23” to reserve a free ticket and code “BACK2SCHOOL” to reserve a discounted companion ticket. The code can only be used once per order and teachers will be asked to provide credentials upon arrival.
WonderWorks Orlando
WonderWorks Orlando, an indoor amusement parks with something for everyone is inviting Florida residents to make the most of the final weeks of summer break by offering discounted tickets during a special Back 2 School Bash!
Beginning July 31, Florida residents can purchase discounted tickets for as little as $22 plus tax.
The tickets allows guests to explore all the fun that's inside I-Drive's WonderWorks Orlando, including laser tag, STEAM-focused exhibits, the glow-in-the-dark ropes course, the Bed of Nails, Bubble Lab and over 100 other interactive experiences.
The Florida residents, Back 2 School Bash tickets will be available to purchase soon, and can be used from July 31 through August 9.
Florida residents must present their identification in person on day of admission.
Main Event Entertainment
Main Event Entertainment at Pointe Orlando on international Drive is offering a Summer Season Pass so families can enjoy All You Can Play activities, discounts on food and beverage items, and Bonus Game Play, perfect for those stormy afternoons here in Central Florida!
For a limited time through September 5, the Summer Season Pass includes activities like bowling, billiards, laser tag, and more for just one price of $59.99 per person - good for as many visits as you want, all summer long!
The Summer Season Passes are available online, through the Main Event app, or on-site at the Bowl Desk.
For more information and details on Main Event's Summer Season Pass, you can visit https://www.mainevent.com.
Florida Wedding Expo
Sunday, August, 13, 2023
Whether your recently engaged or finalizing the little extra special details for your upcoming wedding, Florida's biggest wedding show, the Florida Wedding Expo Summer Spectacular is the place to find vendors that are offering innovative ideas, valuable offers and special pricing for your wedding!
Taking place at the Orange County Convention Center, West Concourse on Sunday, August 13, from 12 pm - 5 pm, tickets are $12 online, with complimentary admission for children 12 & under.
From the dress to the cake and beyond… this is your opportunity to meet and compare a huge variety of the most popular vendors and venues and find the best for your style and budget!
The expo will feature 150+ Vendors, 100+ Giveaways, 20+ Grand Prizes, 5 Honeymoons, Amazing Food & Dessert Tastings, Free Wedding Service Giveaways, The Venue Experience Exclusive Area, Style Down the Aisle Fashion Show, Fun Interactive Exhibits, Gram-Worthy Photo Spots, Beauty, Hair & Makeup Demos, plus Amazing Entertainment!
For show details, and ticket information: Florida Wedding Expo.
Orlando Boat Show
August 18 - 20, 2023
The Marine Industry Association of Central Florida (MIACF) presents the Orlando Boat Show for a three-day event August 18 - 20, 2023 at the Orange County Convention Center, North Hall B.
The highly anticipated show features 20 of Central Florida's top boat dealers representing more than 80 manufacturers with approximately 400 boats on display.
The Orlando Boat Show features a wide variety of boats including bowriders, center consoles, deck boats, flats boats, freshwater fishing boats, jet boats, pontoons, and surf boats to fit any lifestyle and budget.
Extra incentives are available only during the show from dealers and manufacturers such as extended warranties, service packages, waived dockage, enhanced electronics, and accessory packages.
Ticket prices are $10 per person and are available for purchase online at https://orlandoboatshow.com/tickets or at the gate.
Kids under the age of 12 are free!
Orange County Convention Center parking is $20 with cashless pay only.
Central Florida Home Expo
August 26 - 27, 2023
The Central Florida Home Expo features exhibitors with fabulous ideas for consumers. At this show you’ll find the latest in products and services for home improvement. Visitors meet with professionals to make your next remodeling, renovation, landscaping, patio or decorating project a big success.
Hard Rock Live Orlando
Hard Rock Live Orlando at Universal CityWalk is going to have you rocking all summer long with a great line up of entertainment.
Orlando’s “Coliseum of Rock” is the destination for the hottest entertainment. Step through the grand entrance to enjoy a show at this amazing venue.
5 August 2023
GEORGE LOPEZ: OMG ALLLRIIIIIGHHTTT! COMEDY TOUR
10 August 2023
STEPHEN MARLEY: BABYLON BY BUS WITH SPECIAL GUEST SKIP MARLEY
18 August 2023
BAYLEN LEVINE: THE NEVER GROW UP TOUR
19 August 2023
CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE: BILLY JOEL "THE STRANGER"
25 August 2023
BERES HAMMOND: FOREVER GIVING THANKS TOUR
Improv Comedy Theater
The Orlando Improv Comedy Club located at Pointe Orlando, is one of the premier live stand-up comedy clubs in Orlando. The Improv welcomes the biggest names in comedy to their stage as well as supporting our local talent here in Central Florida!
Atsuko Okatsuka: Full Grown Tour
August 4 - August 5
Renny
August 9
Pour Minds - For Rich or For Pour II Tour
August 10
Open Mic
August 10
JOSH WOLF: Bring Your Kid To Work Tour
August 11 - August 12
DL Hughley
August 18 - August 19
Keep checking back for all the latest from I-Drive!
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