The best Orlando summer events and festivals

Summer is a time to celebrate, and what better place to do it than in Orlando, Florida? With its sunny weather, stunning beaches, and world-renowned theme parks, Orlando is a sought-after summer destination for tourists and residents alike. And for those looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay, Casiola vacation homes offer a wide range of options to suit any group size or budget. We’ll take a closer look at the best Orlando summer events you must-visit during the summer season, and why they’re definitely worth attending while staying with Casiola vacation homes.

Walt Disney World® Parks Festivals

EPCOT® International Flower & Garden Festival

March 1 to July 5, 2023
The EPCOT® International Flower & Garden Festival is a magical Orlando summer event that should not be missed. As the second event in the line-up of EPCOT® festivals, this festival showcases a stunning display of topiaries throughout the park. Guests can marvel at the intricate designs of their favorite Disney characters and figures made entirely out of living plants. Additionally, this festival offers a delightful culinary experience with various outdoor kitchens serving delectable food offerings and refreshing beverages. The butterfly house, a screened enclosure filled with hundreds of fluttering butterflies of different species, is a favorite among visitors. Visitors can also enjoy the Garden Rocks Concert Series, held at the America Gardens Theatre on select nights, where they can enjoy live performances from renowned musicians. The EPCOT® International Flower & Garden Festival is included with regular admission to EPCOT® and is one of the most vibrant and popular Disney World events, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Disney H2O Glow After Hours

May 20, 2023 to September 2, 2023
For water park enthusiasts, the Disney H2O Glow After Hours event is a can’t-miss Orlando summer event. After a two-year hiatus, the event returned in 2022 to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. The evening event is separately ticketed, making it an exclusive experience for those lucky enough to attend. Guests are treated to a fun-filled night of DJ dance parties, mouth-watering specialty food and drinks, and the chance to ride their favorite water attractions under the colorful glow of neon lights. The event is family-friendly and even tadpoles can join in on the fun. With the park transformed into a magical and mesmerizing aquatic wonderland, the Disney H2O Glow After Hours event is an experience like no other, it takes place select nights May 20, 2023 to September 2, 2023, promising yet another night of unforgettable water park fun.

EPCOT® International Food and Wine Festival

July 27 to Nov. 18, 2023
One of the most highly anticipated Orlando summer event is the EPCOT® International Food and Wine Festival at Walt Disney World®. Running from July 27 to Nov. 18, 2023, this festival is a must-visit for foodies and wine lovers from all over the world. With dozens of global marketplaces and a wide range of culinary experiences, visitors can indulge in delicious food and beverage tastings, cooking demonstrations, and workshops hosted by renowned chefs and beverage experts. Guests can also participate in special events like cheese seminars, mixology classes, and beverage tastings. The festival offers a diverse selection of food and drink, including vegetarian and gluten-free options, ensuring that every guest can find something to savor. With live entertainment, spectacular fireworks, and special dining experiences, the EPCOT® International Food and Wine Festival is a celebration of all things culinary, making it a popular Orlando summer event that shouldn’t be missed.

SeaWorld® Summer Festivals

Cinco de Mayo

Select dates, April 27 – May 7
SeaWorld Orlando offers a unique and exciting way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with their annual celebration, as part of the Seven Seas Food Festival. The park comes alive with vibrant colors, music, and delicious Mexican cuisine, making it the perfect way to celebrate this important holiday. The festival offers guests the opportunity to indulge in a variety of traditional Mexican dishes, including tacos, quesadillas, and churros, all prepared by skilled chefs. Live music and entertainment are also part of the celebration, with mariachi bands, folkloric dancers, and other performers adding to the festive atmosphere. And for those looking to enjoy some Mexican-inspired libations, there are plenty of options, including margaritas and cervezas. With so much to see, taste, and experience, SeaWorld’s Cinco de Mayo celebration is the perfect Orlando summer event to celebrate the holiday with family and friends. Whether you’re a foodie or a music lover, this event has something for everyone to enjoy.

Viva La Música

Weekends, May 13 – 21
Viva La Música is an annual Latin music and cultural celebration held at SeaWorld Orlando. This vibrant and colorful festival offers visitors the chance to experience the best of Latin music, dance, and cuisine in a family-friendly environment. With live music from top Latin artists, there’s always a party atmosphere at Viva La Música. Visitors can dance the night away to salsa, merengue, bachata, and other Latin beats. But it’s not just the music that makes this festival so special – the food is equally impressive. The festival features a variety of Latin-inspired dishes, including empanadas, arepas, and churros, as well as refreshing drinks such as mojitos and margaritas. And if you’re looking for souvenirs, you’ll find plenty of authentic crafts and other items at the festival’s marketplace. With so much to see, taste, and experience, Viva La Música is a must-visit event for anyone interested in Latin culture. Whether you’re a seasoned salsa dancer or simply looking to enjoy the music and food, this Orlando summer event offers a truly unforgettable experience for all.

SeaWorld Summer Spectacular

Select dates, May 27 – Sept. 4
SeaWorld’s Summer Spectacular is a must-see Orlando summer event for anyone looking for a fun and thrilling night out. This event features a spectacular fireworks display, electrifying dance music, and colorful lights that will leave you mesmerized. As the sun sets, the park comes to life with vibrant energy, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for visitors. The fireworks display is a particular highlight of the event, featuring a stunning combination of colorful lights and dazzling pyrotechnics that light up the night sky. The music, provided by some of the top DJs in the region, sets the tone for a night of dancing and celebration. With so much to see and do, SeaWorld’s Summer Spectacular is the perfect way to end a day at the park or to kick off a fun night out with friends and family. Whether you’re a fan of fireworks, music, or just looking for a fun and exciting night out, this event is not to be missed.

Craft Beer Festival

Select dates, July 28 – Sept. 4
The Craft Beer Festival at SeaWorld Orlando is a must-attend Orlando summer event for beer enthusiasts. This festival offers guests the chance to enjoy over 100 different craft beers from breweries across the state of Florida, as well as a few domestic craft favorites. With so many options, there’s sure to be a beer to suit every taste. In addition to the beer tastings, guests can also indulge in a variety of delicious food offerings from the festival’s food vendors. The festival also features live music and entertainment, creating a festive atmosphere for guests to enjoy. The Craft Beer Festival is included with park admission, so be sure to grab your tasting card and sample some of the best craft beers Florida has to offer!

Sports and Outdoor Festivals

Orlando City Soccer Club

The Orlando City Soccer Club is a professional soccer team based in Orlando, Florida, and is a member of Major League Soccer (MLS). The team was founded in 2010 and began playing in MLS in 2015. The team has a loyal fan base, known as the “Wall of the Supporters,” who are known for their passionate and boisterous support of the team during home games. The team’s home games take place at Exploria Stadium, which is located in downtown Orlando and can hold up to 25,500 fans. Watching an Orlando City Soccer Club game is a great way to spend a summer evening, as fans can enjoy the exciting atmosphere, top-notch soccer, and beautiful views of the downtown skyline.

4th of July Fireworks at Lake Eola

The 4th of July Fireworks at Lake Eola is an iconic event that takes place in downtown Orlando every Independence Day. Families and friends gather around the lake to celebrate with live music, delicious food from local food trucks, and games for children. As the night falls, the sky lights up with a spectacular fireworks display that illuminates the entire lake. The fireworks show is choreographed to patriotic music and lasts for around 20 minutes. This event is free and open to the public, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. It’s a great way to celebrate the nation’s birthday and spend time with loved ones while enjoying the beautiful Orlando skyline.

Family-Friendly Festivals

Orlando Science Center Summer Camps

The Orlando Science Center Summer Camps are a great way for kids to have fun while learning about science and technology. These camps offer a wide range of activities, from building robots and exploring outer space to learning about animals and plants in nature. Each camp is designed for a specific age group, so children can participate in activities that are appropriate for their age and skill level. The camps are led by experienced educators who are passionate about science and are trained to engage children in hands-on activities. The Orlando Science Center also offers extended care hours for working parents, making it a convenient option for families. These camps provide a unique and exciting opportunity for children to learn about science, make new friends, and have fun during the summer months.

Orlando is an all-inclusive summer destination that provides a perfect getaway for everyone. Whether you’re a theme park enthusiast, a sports fan, or an art lover, there is always an event or festival that caters to your interests. With Casiola vacation homes, you can experience these festivals while staying in a comfortable and convenient location. These events are not only a great way to celebrate the summer but also to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and community of Orlando. So, don’t miss out on the fun-filled festivals and events and make your summer in Orlando memorable with Casiola vacation homes.