The kids are out of school, temperatures are rising, and with so much to do in Orlando, get ready to kick-off your summer plans by 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.
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
Watch The New Drone Show At Disney Springs
At Disney Springs, drones take to the skies above Lake Buena Vista with “Disney Dreams That Soar,” a summertime experience that will be a late-night perk for visitors.
“You can fly” takes on a whole new meaning as we showcase Disney stories celebrating the joy of flight with state-of-the-art drones choreographed to create designs in the sky and paired with a “soaring” musical score (see what I did there?) and memorable movie quotes.
After spending a day delighting in shopping, discovering fun activities and savoring diverse flavors at Disney Springs, turn your eyes to the skies above the West Side with a show amongst the stars. “Disney Dreams That Soar” will run nightly from May 24 through Sept. 2!
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.
Samba Your Way To Orlando Carnival Downtown
Join a weekend-long celebration of Caribbean and carnival culture bringing a fashion show, Jouvert party, parade, contests, concerts and more to downtown Orlando this Memorial Day weekend.
Orlando Carnival Downtown: Carnival on the Runway
May 24
Carnival on the Runway - A 'Red Carpet' fashion and Carnival costume showcase celebration with elaborate costumes, body-wear, 'Monday-Wear' and so much more. It will feature students, emerging and international fashion designers in a festive environment that celebrates art, beauty and creative freedom.
Orlando Carnival Downtown: Jouvert
May 25
Jouvert - A traditional pre-dawn street party celebrated in many Caribbean countries and communities around the world. In this vibrant and colorful event, participants throw paint, powder and water on each other, and dance to the rhythmic beats of calypso, soca, and steelpan music. It's a time of unity, community bonding, and cultural pride.
Soca Anthropology: Back in Time Lime
May 25
Orlando Carnival Downtown “Back in Time Lime” is a Caribbean multicultural celebration that showcases the diversity of the Caribbean American community while taking visitors back to its origins. Enjoy an action-packed evening outdoors with authentic Caribbean performances including steelpan, African drums, Tassa drums, junk-a-noo parade, fire breathing, stick fighting, cultural Calypso music and dances along with Spoken Word/Poetry. Guests will experience authentic Caribbean food including roti, doubles, jerk, conch salads, and so much more at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts - Seneff Arts Plaza.
Orlando Carnival Downtown Parade & Festival
May 26
Orlando Carnival Downtown starts with a parade in the streets of Downtown Orlando and ends at the festival village at Tinker Field Historic Plaza where some of the most renowned international Caribbean artists will perform. The Mas Band parade will showcase artistically designed and handmade costumes.
Memorial Day Weekend Events In Orlando 2024
Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival
May 14 - 27
Since 1992, Orlando Fringe has provided a space and opportunity for artists to emerge and showcase their talents and craft. The Orlando Fringe produces The Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, the longest-running Fringe in the United States, which strives to be unjuried, uncensored, accessible for artists and audiences alike, with 100% of ticket sales given back to the artists.
Memorial 4 Day Weekend
May 24 - 27
Join the Promenade at Sunset Walk for their Memorial 4 Day Weekend as they honor the men and women of our military who sacrificed their lives for our country. Bands, DJs, Street Performers, Markets, Car Shows, & More!
Tin Roof Orlando
May 24 - 26
Celebrate the long weekend and those who served, with great entertainment from Leonard Brothers Band, Stereo FM, Soundscraper, and R.A.D. at Tin Roof Orlando.
Howl at the Moon Memorial Day Weekend
May 24 - 26
The 90’s are back, ALRIGHT! Come get jiggy at Howl at the Moon this Memorial Day Weekend.
Join us 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 them all for an entire weekend.
Into the Woods
May 24
James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim bring everyone's favorite storybook characters together for a timeless fairytale with a twist. The Tony Award-winning book and score are both enchanting and touching, brought to life in this exciting production by CFCArts Youth Theatre Troupe. Get tickets now at Dr Phillips Center.
Orlando Pride vs. Portland Thorns
May 24
Orlando Pride of the National Women's Soccer League take on the Portland Thorns at Inter&Co Stadium. Get your tickets now!
LADY GAGA Born This Way Dance Party
May 24
Join your host and Orlando’s own Lady Gaga tribute artist, MR MS Adrien for a night celebrating one of music's most iconic and accomplished artist, Lady Gaga! This Born This Way Dance Party will having you dancing and marrying the night with DJ Scott Roberts, MR MS Adrien and some of Orlando’s best drag performers!
Our Last Night: The Covers Only Tour wsg Broadside & Normandie
May 24
Our Last Night: The Covers Only Tour comes to Hard Rock Live Orlando. Get your tickets now!
Queen: Rhythm & Rhapsody
May 24
Get ready to rock out with “Queen: Rhythm and Rhapsody!” This mind-blowing concert event is an electrifying salute to the legendary rock band Queen and their iconic front man Freddie Mercury. It features Broadway star and vocal powerhouse Justin Matthew Sargent, live at Garden Theatre.
Reggaeton Rave (18+)
May 24
Reggaeton Rave (18+) comes to House of Blues Orlando. Get your tickets now!
Sunset at the Zoo: Celebrating Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage
May 24
Join us at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens for our first Sunset event of 2024, as we celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander culture and heritage!
Collect-A-Con Orlando
May 25 - 26
The Nation's Largest Trading Card, Anime and Pop Culture Convention. Featuring Ying Yang Twins (Get Low, Salt Shaker, Say I Yi Yi, Wait "The Whisper Song") live mid-day concert Saturday afternoon on the main stage. Get details here.
Orlando City SC vs. Columbus Crew
May 25
Orlando City Soccer Club takes on Columbus Crew at Inter&Co Stadium in downtown Orlando. Get your tickets now!
Orange County Memorial Day Salute
May 25
Enjoy this Memorial Day Salute, honoring all Veterans, presented by Friends of Cypress Grove Park! This is a free event on Saturday, May 25, from 9:45-11:30 a.m. at Orange County Parks and Recreation's Cypress Grove Park, 290 Holden Ave., Orlando. Bring chairs, blankets and a picnic.
Reggae Fest Orlando Memorial Day Weekend at The Vanguard
May 25
Reggae Fest is not only a dance party experience; it's a vibe! 21+ Live at The Vanguard.
Vivanativa: 25th Anniversary
May 25
Vivanativa: 25th Anniversary comes to House of Blues Orlando. Get your tickets now!
Memorial Day Weekend at The Abbey
May 26
Cece Teneal and Unique Designs present the return of Sunday Night Live Memorial Day Weekend. Enjoy an evening of live music featuring Cece Teneal & more and soundtrack by DJ Squirrel; find your METALLIC AND SHINY attire and show up and show out! We’re pulling out all your favorite songs. It feels like a reunion. Tables are first come first serve and seating is limited.
Carmen Carrera at Southern Nights Orlando, Memorial Sunday
May 26
Carmen Carrera From Rupauls Drag Race Memorial Sunday at Southern Nights Free Entry. Free BQQ, Free Parking. Show Time 7pm in the Theatre
Memorial Weekend Block Party
May 26
ORLANDO! GET READY, The legend Vintage Culture is coming back and this time for a special edition BLOCK PARTY at Wall Street Plaza to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend.
Anitta: Baile Funk Experience
May 26
Anitta: Baile Funk Experience comes to Hard Rock Live Orlando. Get your tickets now!
Milk Mart 8th Birthday Bash
May 26
Yeehaw y'all, time to party; we turn 8 this year! Break out the juice boxes and join us on May 26th for Milk Mart's 8th Anniversary Birthday Bash! Another year of incredible markets in the bag; we've got some really exciting stuff in store, and we're excited to celebrate with all of you before we hibernate for the summer.
Orlando Predators vs. Nashville Kats
May 26
Welcome to the exciting world of Orlando Predators Arena Football at Kia Center! Get your tickets now.
Memorial Day Community Ceremony 2024
May 27
Join Winter Garden at the Memorial Day Community Ceremony to honor and remember our local veterans who gave their lives during times of war or while serving in the United States armed forces.
The event includes a Roll Call of Veterans, placement of wreaths, and patriotic songs to pay homage to those that made ultimate sacrifice.
Wheein: Whee in the Mood Tour
May 27
Wheein is coming to Hard Rock Live Orlando. Get your tickets now!
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