Orlando delivers a summer full of headline concerts, vibrant festivals and new attractions | News

Orlando offers vacations full of unforgettable moments this summer with top concerts, night-time water park takeovers, moments of character, food and music festivals and international sporting events, including a friendly World Cup match. Orlando was recently named the #1 summer travel destination for 2026 by WalletHub and continues to expand its mix of entertainment offerings, giving travelers more reasons to return.

“Our unmatched combination of world-class theme parks, live entertainment and year-round sunshine, plus our exceptional dining scene, is why families, music lovers and adventure seekers continue to choose Orlando for their summer vacations,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando.

Visitors can discover exclusive discounts at VisitOrlando.com/offers or receive travel tips and free vacation planning services from Orlando-based vacation planning experts by visiting VisitOrlando.com/plan.

NEW ATTENTION EXPERIENCES

Theme parks

Universal Orlando Resort

Volcano Bay Nights returns on select evenings from May 3 to August 21, offering families shorter wait times on all rides and slides, a live DJ, themed island treats and meet-and-greets with DreamWorks characters.
Universal CityWalk will welcome the return of the Universal Legacy Store in late April with retro merchandise and photo ops inspired by classic Universal attractions and films. Later this summer, Five Guys will open in the former Burger King Whopper Bar location, serving its signature fresh, made-to-order burgers and fries.
Visitors can continue to enjoy Universal Epic Universe, Orlando’s newest theme park, featuring more than 50 attractions across five immersive worlds: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and Dark Universe.
Walt Disney World Resort

Cool KIDS’ SUMMER returns to the Walt Disney World Resort from May 26 to September 8:
At Animal Kingdom, Bluey’s Wild World opens May 26 at Conservation Station, where guests can take the Wildlife Express Train to play games, take photos with Bluey and Bingo and discover animals native to Australia.
Magic Kingdom Park debuts Jessie’s Roundup: A Rip-Roarin’ Revue, a limited-time Toy Story experience at the Diamond Horseshoe in Frontierland featuring playful activities with beloved characters.
EPCOT’s CommuniCore Hall will host GoofyCore, a special party with interactive games, DJ-led dance breaks and playground-style activities.
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! premieres May 26 and invites families to join Mickey and friends for a party full of original songs, dancing and interactive fun inspired by the popular Disney Jr. Series.
At Magic Kingdom Park, guests can experience the redesigned Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin with a range of enhancements, including portable blasters for greater freedom of movement, additional interactive targets and more. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens in May with new magic, including a journey through the spectacular natural phenomena of the Rainbow Caverns, complete track replacement, new opening scene designs and an updated queue.
At EPCOT, Soarin’ Across America will showcase America’s natural beauty and iconic cityscapes with a new orchestration of the classic Soarin’ theme, beginning May 26 in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States.
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a new Millennium Falcon mission begins May 22 in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, where guests can choose which planet the ship visits and engineers can interact with Grogu as they play. Opening in late summer, The Magic of Disney Animation transforms the former Star Wars: Launch Bay into an interactive experience where Disney characters come to life in the iconic animator’s studio. Debuting later this summer is Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets, taking guests behind the scenes to the recording studio where the Electric Mayhem performs rocking tunes.
Disney H2O Glow After Hours returns to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon on select evenings from June 2 to September 5, inviting guests to experience the water park after dark. New additions for 2026 include character appearances from Powerline Max and Chip ‘n’ Dale Rescue Rangers.
United Parks & Resorts

Opening this spring at SeaWorld Orlando just in time for summer, Expedition Odyssey: Fire & Ice will transform guests into Arctic explorers on a groundbreaking scientific mission featuring a breathtaking drone journey through dynamic environments and wildlife encounters before transitioning to real-world encounters with live beluga whales and walruses.
Bands, Brew & BBQ runs from July 4 to August 23 at SeaWorld Orlando featuring live country and rock music, BBQ favorites and craft beer, with tasting cords available to try a variety of smoked and grilled selections.
AquaGlow, a family-friendly nighttime swim party taking place at Aquatica from May 15 to September 26, transforms Aquatica into a neon paradise with enhanced rides, foam parties and low wait times.
Beyond the theme parks

The Great Big Game Show opened its first Florida location in Orlando, offering a TV-like experience with nearly 20 rotating mini-games, including Trivia Temple, Drawing in the Dark and Split Decision. With stage lighting, music, buzzers and a live host, the interactive attraction takes participants to their favorite game shows.
Blue Man Group returns on May 1 with a new custom-built home in ICON Park, featuring its signature mix of art, energetic live music, comedy, non-verbal storytelling and audience participation for a multi-sensory experience.
SUMMER EVENTS

Through May 31, Harry P. Leu Gardens celebrates its 65th anniversary with Legacy in Bloom, a seasonal experience featuring immersive garden zones that transform the gardens into a living storybook showcasing Florida’s natural beauty, heritage and future through curated landscapes, floral installations and themed environments.
Orlando International Fringe Theater Festival, the longest-running fringe theater festival in the United States, returns for its 35th year May 12-25 at Orlando Fringe in Loch Haven Park with more than 1,000 tickets for performances in comedy, dance, plays and more.
Gatorland’s 7th annual Gatorpalooza Weekend, taking place May 30-31, is included with park admission and features live music, local artisans and vendors, family fun, exciting giveaways and more.
Kia Center will feature many notable artists this summer, including Rosalía (June 8), Noah Kahan (June 11-12), A$AP Rocky (June 14), 5 Seconds of Summer (June 17), Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire (July 25) and others.
SUMMER SPORTS EVENTS

A friendly match between the England national team and Costa Rica will take place at the Inter&Co Stadium on June 10, as Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions complete their preparations for the FIFA World Cup.
Orlando Pride (NWSL) will compete against several teams at Inter&Co Stadium this summer, including North Carolina Courage (May 8), Bay FC (May 29), Kansas City Current (July 10), Boston Legacy FC (July 15), Chiago Stars FC (July 24), Racing Louisville (August 8), Utah Royals (August 29).
Orlando City SC (MLS) welcomes several teams to Inter&Co Stadium, including Philadelphia Union (May 13), Atlanta United FC (May 16), Nashville SC (July 25), FC Cincinnati (August 15), Chicago Fire FC (August 19) and Real Salt Lake (August 22).
Visit www.visitorlando.com/events for more summer events and festivals happening around the destination.