What's New and Coming Soon in Orlando - May 2025
- Alastair Mac
- 2 minutes ago
- 17 min read
Whether you're a local looking for the latest hot spots or a visitor looking for things to do, check out our guide to all that's new in Orlando this month!
What's New and Coming Soon in Orlando - May 2025
Welcome to our guide to all what's new and coming soon to Orlando, and whether your looking for the latest restaurants or nightlife hotspots, what's new and coming soon to the theme parks and attractions, or the biggest festivals and the latest events, we've got you covered!
We publish a new list every month, and update the list on a daily basis, and just as soon as we find out what's new in the city beautiful, you will too.
Theme Parks & Attractions
Expedition Odyssey is now open at SeaWorld Orlando! A first-of-its-kind Arctic Adventure that brings unparalleled ride technology, breathtaking real-world footage and up-close encounters with Arctic wildlife to make this the most immersive Arctic experience ever created!
At the heart of Expedition Odyssey is a revolutionary ride system that pushes the boundaries of theme park technology. Unlike traditional motion-based attractions, this next-generation vehicle delivers an unparalleled range of motion, allowing guests to soar, dive, twist and glide with the fluidity of ocean currents.
The adventure begins as guests embark on a breathtaking tour of the Arctic. Guests will feel the rush of navigating powerful currents as they dodge towering icebergs, race alongside pods of beluga whale and dive deep into the hidden depths of the sea—all while experiencing seamless motion and immersive sensory elements that make every twist and turn feel impossibly real.
The adventure doesn’t end when the ride does. Expedition Odyssey seamlessly transitions guests into a real-world encounter with live Arctic animals, including beluga whales and walrus.
High Point Climbing and Fitness will open a new facility in Orlando’s Packing District this spring. The 45,000-square-foot gym will feature a 52-foot rope climbing area with Florida’s only competition speed wall, a large bouldering and training zone and a 5,000-square-foot Kid Zone designed for young climbers. Additionally, the space will include a fitness area with weights; strength and aerobic machines; a yoga studio; locker rooms with showers; and a pro shop.
April 12 - May 17 (Select Nights)
Slide into an exclusive nighttime event at Universal Volcano Bay with rides, a live DJ, games and DreamWorks characters meet and greets. Experience Volcano Bay like you’ve never experienced before. This is a separately ticketed event.
May 2 - 36, Fridays - Saturdays plus Memorial Day
SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium is hosting boatloads of fun all month long with the return of Meet a Mermaid on select dates in May. This interactive experience includes underwater dive shows, meet-and-greets, and a brand-new educational adventure designed to teach families about marine life and conservation. From May 2 to 26, guests can catch “real-life” mermaids diving into SEA LIFE Orlando’s 360-degree ocean tunnel every Friday through Sunday, plus Memorial Day. Watch as they swim alongside sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, and other incredible sea creatures in a series of mesmerizing underwater shows.
May 2- June 19
8-Bit Spring is now live in downtown Orlando, a free interactive art installation that brings retro video game vibes to life with pixel art frogs, flowers, and fruit that animate at the press of a button!
Find it at 30 S. Orange Ave, glowing 24/7 now through June 19. Presented in collaboration with United Arts Orlando, Creative City Project, and the Downtown Arts District, this playful display is part of the DTOLive series, bringing 850+ free arts & culture experiences to DTO.
May 3 - June 8
It’s time to plan a visit to LEGOLAND Florida as the resort has officially launched one of the biggest family celebrations of play ever, with the first-ever LEGO Festival taking place now through June 8, 2025.
LEGO Festival is designed to bring families together for meaningful and memory-making play, taking play to the next level, as guests can build, dance and rock out in LEGO Festival Zones, each with a distinct theme and iconic new LEGO model.
May 3 - 24 (Every Saturday & Sunday)
Gather your family and come to Island H2O Water Park for Family Foam Parties every weekend in May from 12-4 pm! Dance over to the Live! Lagoon Wave Pool Stage, and enjoy a DJ spinning all your favorite family bops and join the foam party fun! The mountain of foam is a great place to play, party, and snap the perfect family photo!
May 16 - September 27 (Select Nights)
Get ready, Orlando—AquaGlow is back, bigger and brighter than ever! Your favorite nighttime splash party returns to Aquatica Orlando on select nights from May through September, bringing back everything you love: 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! But that’s just the beginning—this year, we’re turning up the glow with all-new experiences that take the party to the next level!
May 16 -18
Get ready for Endangered Species Weekend at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, where guests can enjoy a family-friendly weekend of discovery featuring up-close animal encounters, interactive conservation activities, and expanded Keeper Talks. Designed to inspire a deeper connection to nature, this event raises awareness about endangered species and conservation efforts. In partnership with the expert Zoo team, guests of all ages can learn how to protect wildlife worldwide.
May 16 - 17
Guy Harvey is a unique blend of artist, scientist, diver, angler, conservationist, and explorer. He is fiercely devoted to his family and his love of the sea. Guy Harvey will be visiting SeaWorld Orlando on May 16th & 17th for an exclusive dinner and meet & greet opportunities!
May 17 - 18
Get ready for Gatorland’s 6th Annual Gatorpalooza, happening May 17th & 18th, 2025!
This action-packed festival is full of family fun, exciting entertainment, and, of course, all the alligators, animals, and awesomeness that make Gatorland “The Alligator Capital of the World!” PLUS, don’t miss the – 5th Annual Gatorland Florida Man Challenge on Saturday, May 17th – a wild and wacky competition like no other!
May 17 - September 7
DC Super Heroes: Discover Your Superpowers is an interactive, action-packed exhibit at Orlando Science Center that lets you step into the world of Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and other legendary heroes. Do you have what it takes to save the day?
May 21 – September 7
Walt Disney World Resort has announced the re-opening of Blizzard Beach this summer, making it the first time all six parks have been open simultaneously since 2019. From May 21 – Sept. 7, guests can enjoy both the tropical shipwreck oasis of Typhoon Lagoon and the frosty fun of Blizzard Beach water park. Starting May 21, resort guests will have free access to both water parks on their arrival day.
Opens May 22
Get ready. On 22 May 2025, Universal Epic Universe changes everything. Explore astounding worlds beyond anything you've experienced before. Universal Epic Universe offers different worlds for everyone. Step through amazing portals transporting you to the excitement of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe and Celestial Park. Five immersive worlds. One amazing theme park.
May 23 - September 1 (Select Dates)
Indulge in summer flavors and kick-off your day with events like Viva La Musica (June) and NEW Bands, Brew & BBQ (July – August), NEW animal and cirque presentations and stay late to experience the Ignite Fireworks.
May 23 - August 10 (Select Dates)
Stay Longer. Play Later! 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!
Opens May 27
Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After will cast a spell over Hollywood Studios this Summer, starting on May 27, 2025.
In this new show, the villains we love to loathe take center stage. To figure out who has been the most misunderstood, the Magic Mirror summons you (yes, you!) to help him decide who’s been the most unfairly treated. The likes of Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent step into the spotlight to make their case about why they’ve been treated the most unfairly over the years. Step into this mysterious realm, where Disney’s most infamous baddies finally get their chance to share their side of the story. Ready to root for your favorite villain? It’s all happening this summer at Hollywood Studios!
Opens May 27
Life will be the bubbles this summer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios when The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure opens! Journey under the sea with Ariel and friends starting on May 27, 2025, when this all-new theatrical production inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic The Little Mermaid opens to fin-tastic applause.
This fully reimagined show will take the audience to Ariel’s treasure trove, keeping the lively puppets, props, and scenery center stage. But new to this production, get ready to be dazzled with new digital puppetry and jaw-dropping effects. Plus, the addition of new-to-the-show songs! No need to hold your breath, May 27 will be here before you can shake a dinglehopper.
May 31
Trade and explore new and rare pins during a special pin trading event.Calling all pin traders! Get ready for a special day of pin trading taking place on Saturday, May 31st. For each pin purchased, you’ll have the opportunity to play a game, and then trade from one of our pin trading boards with expansive collections.
Dining & Nightlife
A brand new aesthetically-driven and sophisticated dining experience will open this month at International Drive’s highly coveted restaurant, Corazón by Baires - KALI Dining Room.
Opening on May 15 at 8126 International Drive, Orlando, the modern, innovative space will be located adjacent to Corazón’s main dining room, spanning a comfortable 4,000 square feet. Perfectly designed for corporate events, family gatherings, and celebrations, KALI is redefining private dining by serving up Corazón’s Latin American-inspired dishes in an upscale and high-tech space.
EPCOT's new adults-only lounge, GEO-82, will open at Walt Disney World Resort on June 4, with reservations available beginning May 6. This adult-exclusive, sophisticated spot nestled within Spaceship Earth will feature a unique beverage program to enjoy as you delight your taste buds with a selection of small bites that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Guests can indulge in globally inspired small plates like Jumbo Lump Crab Gâteau and Truffled Ahi Tuna, complemented by innovative cocktails such as the Brown Butter Old Fashioned and Clarified New York Sour.
City Food Hall has opened in Ivanhoe Village at 1412 Alden Rd, featuring over 10 chef-driven food stalls and global cuisine including Eggdose, Ramen Takagi, Taglish, Cheese to Share, Kalalou and more; multiple full-service bars; second-floor French brasserie, Chez Les Copains, led by Chef Mike Collantes. The venue also hosts unique events including karaoke, trivia and bingo.
Luminescent, an upscale coffee shop by day and cocktail bar celebrating the unique flavors of India by night, will open at the end of May at 12286 E Colonial Dr, in East Orlando. Luminescent will serve craft cocktails and Indian-style street food featuring house-made sauces and is designed around the interplay of light and mood.
A new chocolate shop has opened in Orlando, offering a delicious new sweet spot for those with a sweet tooth in Orlando. The new concept, O Bon Chocolatier which specializes in hand-crafted bon bons and artisanal treats is from the creator of Light On The Sugar, and is located within East End Market in the Audubon Park Garden District of Orlando.
Handcrafted with the finest of ingredients, you can look forward to hand crafted Bon Bons, Chocolate Bars, Dragée, Hot Cocoa, and a seasonal selection of limited-time Bon Bons and Chcocolates. Speciality Bon Bons will include Gianduja Sea Salt Hazelnut, Passionfruit Mango, Earl Gray Lavender, Strawberry Basil Chocolate, Chocolate Caramel, and Lychee Raspberry.
Tiger Sugar, the popular international bubble tea shop founded in Taichung, is set to open its first Orlando location at 717 N Mills Ave, Orlando, in the Mills 50 District this month. Known for their original methods and authentic Taiwanese flavors, the shop will feature a variety of flavors including their signature black sugar bubble tea.
Black Phin Coffee Bar has opened in Winter Park at 1152 Harmon Ave, specializing in Vietnamese phin-drip coffee using robusta beans. The shop features a variety of drinks including matcha yuzu, ube lattes and earl grey citrus, alongside matcha white chocolate and miso toffee cookies. Guests can also shop for plants at The Heavy plant pop-up.
A new spot in Orlando's nightlife is here! Located at 861 N Orange Ave, Orlando, Noir Bar, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar located through a secret door next to Talay Thai in downtown Orlando, has recently opened. Noir Bar serves Thai-inspired craft cocktails accompanied by small plates in a dark, luxurious setting where every cocktail tells a story of its own.
Lorelei, a new French neighborhood wine bar, opened April 15 at 737 N. Thornton Ave. The 10-seat bar features a selection of European wines and a menu developed by chef Eric Norvelus offering cheese and meat boards; duck prosciutto bruschetta; scallop carpaccio; blue crab cannolis; caviar enhancements and desserts.
May 15 - September 1
Orlando’s coolest bar, ICEBAR Orlando, is transforming in an Epic way this summer! From Thursday, May 15, 2025 through Monday, September 1, 2025, “ICEBAR Orlando’s Epic Summer” will transport guests into an unforgettable evening on International Drive featuring specialty themed cocktail experiences in both the ICEBAR and the room temperature Fire Lounge, as well as a delicious food menu available nightly.
Guests will enjoy Epic entertainment offerings, including a weekly challenge with giveaways, complimentary photos with a specialty digital photo frame, patio games, live ice carving performances every weekend and special parties all summer long starting with the “Epic After Dark” launch party on Memorial Day Weekend.
Festivals & Events
Here we present a selection of the best festivals and events happening in Orlando this month, for our complete monthly events guide, click here.
May 15-18
See Linkin Park, Green Day, Korn, Shinedown and more at America's largest rock festival May 15-18 at Daytona International Speedway!
May 15-18
This year, Thunder on Cocoa Beach offshore powerboat races will be returning for its 15th year on Florida’s Space Coast, scheduled for May 15-18, 2025. Join us for 4 days and nights of parties and lots of racing action. The Space Coast Super Boat Grand Prix is one of the most popular attractions for the whole family in Central Florida. The event, one of the largest in Central Florida, draws the top race teams in the World to compete in various classes with Class 1 reaching speeds over 175 mph.
May 17 - 18
Get ready, Space Coast — the 321: Tacos & Treats Throwdown is coming in HOT!
Join us May 17 & May 18 at Wickham Park (2500 Parkway Dr, Melbourne, FL) for a wild weekend packed with $5 (or less!) tacos & desserts, a FOAM PARTY, AXE THROWING, live music, craft fair, a FREE kids zone, and tons of flavored margaritas, beers, and cocktails!
Eat, drink, dance, and vote for your favorite vendors in the ultimate foodie face-off!
May 17
AAHC hosts the annual Asian Cultural Festival in May. The celebration showcases a wide variety of Asian American cultures and talent from Central Florida’s Asian American ethnic groups from China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
May 17
A day-long celebration of books! Join us for panels and talks from authors from all over the state. Registration is required to attend the keynote.
May 23 - 26
Join Promenade at Sunset Walk for its 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. 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 ORLANDO – It’s the nation’s largest trading card, anime and pop culture event. It’s coming to Orlando May 25-26, 2024 at the Orange County Convention Center.
May 24
Mosey on down for a family-friendly morning 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!
May 24
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 25
We're turning 9, baby! This is our last big party before we hibernate through the summer, so come celebrate another year 'round the sun (and another season of amazing local fests in the bag)!
May 30 - 31
Prepare to storm the gates of Forbidden Kingdom for two days of non-stop bass music and more, this is where your darkest fairytale awaits... Taking place at Orlando Amphitheater, get tickets now.
May 30 - 31
School's out and the rodeo is in! Join us this summer at the Silver Spurs Rodeo and enjoy the dirt-pounding action from the shelter of the Sunshine State's heat! Watch the sport of rodeo's seven traditional events: bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, team roping, steer wrestling, and women's barrel racing.
May 30
Put the cherry on top of your summer with a sweet adventure in Downtown DeLand! The DeLand Ice Cream Walk is approaching and you don't want to miss it! On this delightful walk, you will have the chance to sample ice cream supplied by your local shops. Whether you're a child, an adult, an ice cream aficionado, or just someone who loves to explore new flavors, the DeLand Ice Cream Walk has something for everyone. You will enjoy strolling around downtown while indulging in delightful frozen treats
May 31
Since 2006, the Hurricane Party Music Festival has been the place to rage, rock, and revel while we toast to another tranquil hurricane season (fingers crossed ). This is the OG festival of Sanford, and you don’t want to miss this year’s INSANE lineup! With 5 stages, 20+ bands, food trucks, live art, and vendors—This ain’t your grandma’s music festival! This is your annual excuse to day-drink (responsibly please!), and lose your voice screaming along to some epic bands!
May 31
Pridefest Kissimmee is a vibrant celebration dedicated to honoring and embracing the rich diversity and impactful contributions of our local LGBTQIA+ community. As we come together in unity, this events serves as beacon of inclusivity, fostering awareness and understanding while showcasing the talents and achievements of our LGBTQIA+ neighbors. Join us for a day filled with live performances, engaging activities, and diverse vendors, as we celebrate love, acceptance, and pride in the heart of Kissimmee.
May 31
The Florida SMaSH Beer Festival was created to celebrate the creativity and camaraderie of breweries in the Sunshine State & beyond! With a focus on giving back to our community.
Proceeds of the SMaSH festival are donated to A Spoon Full of Hope a product of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida staging the perfect opportunity to feel good about your day drinking! Each brewery must concoct a beer made from the same single malt and single hop. This limitation forces brewers to think outside the box while focusing on innovative flavor, outstanding quality, and technique. With roughly 80 beers to sample, including one-offs from every brewery, there will be something to please everyone. This year we’re also bringing out our friends from Mayhem on Mills for an exciting live performance.
Entertainment
Here we present a selection of the best concerts, stage shows, comedy and more happening in Orlando this month, for our complete monthly entertainment guide, click here.
May 8 - June 8
Jump in the car to The Winter Park Playhouse and enjoy a high-octane musical celebration along the iconic ROUTE 66! Beginning with the sounds of 1950s Chicago and traveling along the "Main Street of America" to the California coast with surf music of the 1960's, this exciting musical revue features four men singing 34 of the greatest "Rock 'n' Road" hits of the 20th century. Songs include "Dead Man's Curve," "King of the Road," " Little Old Lady from Pasadena," "Beep Beep," "Little GTO," "Fun, Fun, Fun," and many more. Get your kicks with this smash coast-to-coast hit musical!
May 12
The Damned comes to House of Blues Orlando. Get your tickets now!
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!
May 16 - 18
Opera Orlando invites you to embark on a life-affirming journey of family and community in a new production of Scott Joplin’s opera Treemonisha.
May 16
Dylan Scott: Country Till I Die with special guests Dasha & Graham Barham comes to Hard Rock Live Orlando. Get your tickets now!
May 16
Don't miss Dei V: Los Flavorz USA Tour 2025 at House of Blues Orlando. Get your tickets now!
May 17
Rubén Blades is a Panamanian singer, songwriter and actor widely recognized for his contributions to Latin music, particularly salsa. Blades gained international fame in the 1970s as part of the iconic Fania All-Stars, blending Latin rhythms with social and political commentary in his lyrics.
May 17
Perhaps best known for his vibrant portrayal of The Genie in Disney’s ALADDINon Broadway, Michael brings his signature brand of light and laughter to new renditions of classic tunes spanning pop, soul, Disney, and Broadway. Join us in Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts for this magical production.
May 17
BOYWITHUKE: BURNOUT WORLD TOUR comes to House of Blues Orlando. Get your tickets now!
May 18
Daniel Habif: Ascender World Tour 2024 comes to Hard Rock Live Orlando. Get your tickets now!
May 23 - June 15
What’s the buzz? The first musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to be produced for the professional stage, Jesus Christ Superstar has wowed audiences for over 50 years. A timeless work, the rock opera is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally known series of events but seen, unusually, through the eyes of Judas Iscariot
May 24
SiR: The Step Into The Light Tour comes to House of Blues Orlando. Get your tickets now!
May 25
ONE OK ROCK comes to Hard Rock Cafe Orlando. Get your tickets now!
May 31
Steeln' Peaches returns after a show-stopping, sold-out run in Judson's Live. Paying homage to the music that brought together generations of freewheeling spirits, some of Florida’s most exciting young artists channel the founding fathers of Southern rock in this Allman Brothers Band revue project.
May 31
Jim Jeffries: Son of a Carpenter comes to Hard Rock Live Orlando. Get your tickets now!
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