Celebrate 150 years of Orlando with special events and more ways to play in 2025.
Orlando is turning 150 years old on July 31, 2025, and we’re celebrating in style with special events, exhibitions, merchandise and more. Explore some of the limited-time celebrations coming to Orlando this year, then help us blow out the candles with classic attractions, culinary adventures and more must-do Orlando experiences.
Orlando vacation planning made easy — and free. Make a complimentary appointment with Visit Orlando’s Vacation Planners at a time and date of your choosing for the latest insider advice, special offers and more ahead of your next visit.
Join Limited Time Orlando Birthday Celebrations
Explore 150 Years of Orlando History With ‘Orlando Collected’ at the Orange County Regional History Center
Discover 150 fascinating and rarely seen historical items in “Orlando Collected,” a limited-time exhibition at the Orange County Regional History Center (April 12, 2026 – January 11, 2026).
Witness Orlando’s evolution in “The Changing Face of Orlando,” a limited-time exhibition that pairs 12 historical photos with their modern-day counterparts at Orlando City Hall (July 10 – August 21, 2025).
The historic neighborhood of Lake Eola Heights will host a neighborhood block party north of downtown Orlando. It will include family-friendly trivia, games, stories and coloring activities for kids.
Discover the fascinating history of downtown Orlando’s Church Street block during a complimentary lecture at the Orange County Regional History Center. The presentation is free as part of the museum’s ongoing Third Thursdays program.
Join the City of Orlando’s grand anniversary celebration and enjoy free admission to popular attractions like Harry P. Leu Gardens, the Orange County Regional History Center and The Mennello Museum of American Art on July 31, 2025.
If you’re local, take some time to give back during the 150th Anniversary Day of Service on July 31. Each city district will host their own event, including opportunities to build hygiene kits, sort food, engage with seniors and tidy up the community.
Snap a selfie with our new Orlando 150 mural, coming soon to the Art² pocket park in downtown Orlando.
Zipline over alligators and crocodiles on the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line. The thrilling adventure is part of Gatorland, a classic Orlando attraction for over 75 years.
Turn your world upside with over 100 mind-bending attractions at WonderWorks. Legend has it that the building was once a secret lab in the Bermuda Triangle before it crash-landed on its head on International Drive.
Enjoy a leisurely day out in a swan-shaped paddle boat in downtown Orlando’s Lake Eola Park.
Orlando is famous for its incredible storytelling and themed escapes. Dive into a story of your own with hands-on escape rooms throughout Orlando, including options themed after classic films at Universal’s Great Movie Escape at Universal CityWalk.
Discover fantastic views of Orlando aboard The Orlando Eye by Merlin Entertainments, a 400-foot observation wheel in the heart of International Drive. Make a full day of it with dining, attractions, shopping and more at ICON Park®.
Raise your goblet and cheer your noble knight to victory at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, a rousing dinner show with jousting, stunts and epic battles. If royal feasts aren’t really your thing, check out more dinner shows throughout Orlando.
Marvel at hundreds of curiosities at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Florida-inspired pieces include ancient alligators, a shrunken torso owned by Ernest Hemingway, and even a real piece of Mars.
Prepare to be wowed by a $200 million vehicle collection at the Orlando Auto Museum at Dezerland Park. Spot famous film cars like a Ghostbusters Ecto 1, Back to the Future DeLorean, a Batmobile, a $100 million dollar James Bond collection and more.
Eat your way through up to 59 MICHELIN Guide restaurants. With nine starred venues, 15 Bib Gourmands and 35 Recommended restaurants, Orlando has gourmet options for all palates and price points.
Embrace the farm-to-table movement at restaurants and hotels with onsite gardens. Whisper Creek Farm at Grande Lakes features a farm, garden and apiary for ultra-fresh and sustainable fare.
Explore gardens, nature preserves and breweries along the West Orange Trail, a paved, 22-mile trail that’s open to bicyclists, pedestrians, horseback riders and more. Score rentals from Bikes & Blades in Winter Garden or bring your own gear.
Unwind on the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour, a one-hour guided excursion that combines outdoor adventure, historic charm and some unbelievably scenic views in Winter Park.
Float down emerald springs in a kayak rental or guided tour from King’s Landing, or head downtown for a glow-in-the-dark kayak tour with Epic Paddle Adventures.
Look for alligators, bald eagles, cranes and more on a high-speed airboat tour through wild Florida waters. Choose from daytime, sunset or after-dark excursions.
Swing through the trees at aerial obstacle courses like Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park and Seminole Aerial Adventures, both of which feature zip lines for an extra dose of fun.
Spot real manatees in our warm-weather springs from mid-November to March. Blue Spring State Park sees hundreds of manatees annually, and it’s just one hour north of Orlando for an easy day trip.
Learn to sail or enjoy the sunset views with Sailing Orlando right here in the downtown Orlando area.
Get a bird’s eye view of Orlando on a tandem discovery flight from Wallaby Ranch, the largest hang-gliding flight park in the world.
Pick your own citrus from November to May at The Showcase of Citrus, then hop aboard a monster truck tour for a guided tour of Central Florida’s agricultural past.
Take a day trip to explore Orlando-area natural springs where you can swim, kayak, hike and explore Central Florida past and present.
Discover a true local gem in Timucua Arts Foundation, a custom home with a 100-seat theater and a world-class sound system in Orlando’s SODO District. The White House, as it’s called, features themed music festivals, plays, live visual artists and more in an intimate setting.
Catch a family-friendly performance at Orlando Family Stage, not to mention hands-on Baby & Me sessions, Toddler Story Strolls, and more ways for little ones to engage with the arts.
Celebrate a holiday tradition with The Nutcracker presented by Orlando Ballet, then explore their full 2025-2026 season for more jaw-dropping performances.
Sing along with the likes of Billie Eilish, Benson Boone, Sleep Token and more at Kia Center, plus The Weeknd and Vans Warped Tour at Camping World Stadium. Catch even more top-rated acts at Hard Rock Live at Universal CityWalk, part of Universal Orlando Resort.
Go beyond Shakespeare at Orlando Shakes in Loch Haven Park. The classic theatre may be named for the bard, but you’ll find contemporary plays, children’s performances and musical cabarets alongside classics like Romeo and Juliet and Henry VI.
Discover up-and-comers and major headliners alike at intimate Orlando music venues like Will’s Pub, The Beacham and The Plaza Live for an authentic taste of Orlando’s music scene.
Catch drag shows, musicals, plays, themed cabaret performances and more at Renaissance Theatre Company near downtown Orlando.
Try up to 13 indoor sports and games with state-of-the-art sports simulator suites at Stadium Club, part of Caribe Royale Orlando. Keep it simple with football and baseball, or try something new with a lifelike game of zombie dodgeball.
Chill out if you can at a thrilling Orlando Solar Bears hockey match at Kia Center.
Cheer on the 2025 Pro Volleyball Federation champs the Orlando Valkyries at Addition Financial Arena near the University of Central Florida.
Snag awesome Orlando 150 merchandise from local brands and companies for a limited time. The Discover Downtown shop features branded beanies, pennants, tees, Corkcicle canteens and more. The Orlando Solar Bears, meanwhile, released a colorful, customizable jersey in partnership with art and paper goods company A.B. Newton and Company.
Upgrade your shopping spree with a complimentary personal shopping session at The Mall at Millenia. Your personal stylist will bring a variety of items to your personal shopping suite, and the service is free with a minimum spend required.
Gear up for a sustainable future at eco-friendly shops like Indeu Apothecary, Good Fills and Rouge Beauty Lab.
Sample body scrubs, hand creams, lip balms and more at Basin, then bring home some bath treats exclusive to our Disney Springs® and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa locations.
Discover regional exclusives like the American Girl® store inside The Florida Mall®. This nostalgic shop features salon services, doll styling, ear piercing, a cafe, and a charming teatime experience for kids, dolls and adults.
Discover beloved local vendors at Lake Nona After Dark, the Orlando Local Makers market, Kaleidoscope 360, and more recurring festivals throughout the Orlando area.
Design a custom candle at Wash & Wik or Bowes Signature Candles for a souvenir that’s perfectly you.
Mandara Spa at Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Hotel
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Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort
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Explore an all-inclusive paradise at Discovery Cove®. Swim with dolphins, snorkel in colorful reefs, and enjoy endless food and drinks in a tropical oasis.
Rejuvenate your mind, body and soul with a soothing treatment at top Orlando spas.
Unwind with a free yoga workout in the Lake Nona Sculpture Garden, plus more budget-friendly yoga classes at Orlando gardens, galleries and breweries.
Create your own wellness retreat with sound healing sessions, digital detox zones, wellness-focused hotels and more ways to practice self-care.
Enjoy unlimited beer and a one-of-a-kind soak at Orlando’s Beer Spa. Their hot tubs are enhanced with key beer ingredients like hops, malt and brewer’s yeast.
Design your own floral or succulent arrangement for a serene hint of nature in your vacation getaway. Workshops are available at Leu Gardens, 4Roots, Forward/Slash Distillery, Boxi Park and more throughout the year. See our event calendar for upcoming dates.
Indulge in fully bespoke spa treatments at the Poseidon Spa at The Grand Bohemian, or seek out locally inspired services like the Peacock Peel and Facial at The Spa at Alfond Inn.
Join a master trainer for tai chi at Mead Botanical Gardens in Winter Park, available Saturdays from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Get a fully customizable, technology driven Aescape robot massage at The Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort. This innovative, robotic massage table precision-tuned to match your ideal massage pressure, technique and flow.
Get lost in rotating and permanent galleries at the Orlando Museum of Art, an Orlando staple for over 100 years.
Also in Loch Haven Park, The Mennello Museum of American Art features an incredible collection of paintings by Earl Cunningham. They also feature rotating exhibitions and events, including annual festivals in the free-to-visit outdoor sculpture garden.
See the most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, including an elaborate chapel and stained glass windows, at The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park.
Witness 12,000 years of local history spread across three floors at the Orange County Regional History Center in downtown Orlando. With exhibits dedicated to aviation, theme parks, the citrus industry and more, there truly is something for everyone to enjoy.
Uncover Central Florida history in a stunning natural setting at the Art & History Museums of Maitland. See incredible art and sculptures, take a workshop, and get hands-on at four unique galleries and history centers.
Discover a trio of museums with small-town charm in downtown Winter Garden. Dive into local history at the Winter Garden Heritage Museum, see railroad memorabilia at the Central Florida Railroad Museum and browse local art at the Healthy West Orange Arts & Heritage Center.
History and art also combine at the Winter Park History Museum. This small-but-mighty spot features free educational exhibits and lectures in the heart of historic Winter Park.
See over 400 works from acclaimed sculptor Albin Polasek at the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens. The Winter Park museum was in fact Polasek’s home for many years. You can see many of his most popular works in a serene waterfront garden.
Explore exhibits on nature, the citrus and cattle industries, early tourism and more at the Osceola County History Museum. Then, head to the Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek to see a permanent collection of late 19th century structures from the earliest Osceola County settlers.
Named for Eatonville’s most famous resident, the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts showcases works from artists of African descent.
Get a glimpse of Orlando’s vibrant arts scene on a guided art tour of downtown Orlando, Loch Haven Park and nearby Winter Park. Offered in partnership with United Arts of Central Florida, each walking tour guided admission to multiple locations, plus a tasty snack break.
Discover Orlando’s paranormal past on a guided expedition from American Ghost Adventures or Orlando Haunts, both of which offer a variety of tours in downtown Orlando.
Explore more local history with self-guided options like the Historical Highlights Walking Tour from VoiceMap and the historic Winter Park walking tour. Guided tours are also available in Eatonville, one of the oldest African American communities in the United States.
Taste-test local gems on a guided foodie tour with food, drinks and more included in your ticket. Check out Wandering Palm Food Tours in downtown Orlando, Original Orlando Tours in Winter Park and International Drive, and the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation in Winter Garden.
Explore the greenhouses of The Land Pavilion in EPCOT® during a Behind the Seeds Tour. The one-hour is one of many unique Orlando theme park tours.
Hop aboard the SunRail commuter train to explore local gems in Orlando neighborhoods and surrounding cities. Our SunRail day trip guide covers the best things to do at each stop, plus helpful pricing info and more FAQs for a full day of fun.
Take a self-guided tur of Orlando’s public art and sculpture gardens, including free options at Rollins Museum of Art and The Crealdé School of Art.
Replicate your favorite film and television moments on self-guided tours inspired by Orlando filming locations. Recreate the culinary adventures of Somebody Feed Phil; shop, dine and play like the cast of The TODAY Show; and discover Central Florida filming locations for movies like My Girl, Armageddon, House on Haunted Hill and Jaws 3-D.
Make day trips easy with Gray Line of Orlando. Whether you’re looking to swim with manatees, meet an astronaut, or lay out on the beach, Gray Line has you covered with convenient local pickup options and licensed tour guides.
Celebrate art, culture and history with 3rd Thursdays in downtown Orlando. This free event features art activations, live performances, history exhibitions and rotating galleries at CityArts Orlando, plus complimentary admission to the Orange County Regional History Center.
Unwind in a scenic park or public garden, and don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch! Choose from free options like the art-forward Lake Nona Sculpture Garden in Lake Nona, romantic Kraft Azalea Garden in Winter Park, and iconic Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando.
Soak up the vibes at sprawling entertainment complexes like Disney Springs, ICON Park, Pointe Orlando, Promenade at Sunset Walk, Universal CityWalk and more.
Learn more about Central Florida’s rich African American history through art, novels, local memorabilia and more at the Hannibal Square Heritage Center and the Wells’Built Museum of African American History and Culture. Both are free to enjoy.
Enjoy free admission, lectures, tours and family events all year long at Rollins Museum of Art.
Explore the 50-acre Leu Gardens with free admission for all on the first Monday of each month. Free Days also include story time, crafts, an origami station and more fun for little ones at no additional cost.
Catch a free outdoor movie in Winter Park with Popcorn Flicks in the Park, hosted by the historic Enzian Theatre. Keep an eye on our events calendar for more outdoor movies in Orlando throughout the year.
Join an after-hours art party with free admission, gallery tours and lectures on the last Wednesday of each month at the Art & History Museums of Maitland.
Unwind with free live entertainment during Fridays on the Plaza in downtown Winter Garden.
Bank of America cardholders can score free admission to the Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando Science Center, Mennello Museum of American Art and the Orange County Regional History Center during the first full weekend of every month as part of the Museums on Us® program.
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort
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Swim, paddleboard and kayak in a pristine, 8-acre lagoon at Evermore Orlando Resort.
Float down a lazy river, slide down a waterslide and make a big splash at some of our coolest resort pools. No reservation? Check out ResortPass for day access to top-rated resort pools at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, Waldorf Astoria® Orlando and more.
Explore your favorite water parks after dark with limited-time, specially ticketed events like AquaGlow at Aquatica® Orlando and Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park.
Slide up a waterslide at Krakatau Aqua Coaster at Universal Volcano Bay.
Enjoy dive-in movies at Island H2O Live! plus more poolside films (free for resort guests) at hotels like Orlando World Center Marriott and Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort.
Soak up sky high views with rooftop pools at the Grand Bohemian Orlando and The Alfond Inn.
Book a private cabana for an ultra-luxe getaway at our water parks and resorts, plus more options at Discovery Cove.
Rock out at pools with an underwater sound system for a unique aquatic escape. Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort is one of our most well-known options. Several other Universal Orlando Resort hotels boast underwater speakers, as does the Four Seasons.
Customize a raft with LEGO bricks at LEGOLAND Florida Water Park, then float down a 1,000-foot lazy river featuring playful LEGO models, flowering vegetation and palm trees.
Plunge into beachside fun at Stormalong Bay, a 3-acre getaway where you’ll find a shipwreck with a slide, a lazy river, multiple whirlpools and eateries, and the only sand-bottomed pool in Orlando. It’s part of Disney’s Beach Club Resort at Walt Disney World Resort.
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Bring your whole crew to the all-new villas at Villatel Orlando Resort, where you’ll find epic resort attractions, themed amenities and sprawling vacation homes for up to 26 people.
Book a stay or grab a drink at three One-MICHELIN-Key hotels, including the ette hotel near Walt Disney World, the Lake Nona Wave Hotel in Lake Nona, and The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes near International Drive.
Sleep, dine and play at Orlando resorts with incredible views — like theme park view rooms overlooking Universal Epic Universe at Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel.
Immerse yourself in early 20th century charm at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, a nostalgic waterfront escape complete with carnival games, live street entertainment, outdoor movies and an Art Deco-style dance hall for adults 21+.
Explore exceptional eco-adventures at Grande Lakes Orlando, ranging from falconry and archery to sunrise safari tours and private fishing expeditions.
Discover one of Orlando’s newest speakeasies, Epilogue, at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, plus more must-see spots in our guide to the city’s most buzzworthy hotel bars.
Hop aboard the Disney Skyliner or Walt Disney World Resort Monorail line for a laid-back day of snacking and sightseeing your way through the Disney Resorts Collection.
Explore twinkling lights, massive gingerbread houses, chocolate statues and more during the holiday season at Orlando hotels and resorts.
Check into unique family suites with a backstory. From princess-themed digs at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — Riverside to Despicable Me themed rooms at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Resort, you’ll find plenty of options to ignite your imagination day and night.
Discover one of Orlando’s best hotel values at Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando – Disney Springs® Area. As an overnight guest, you’ll score free breakfast and a free “5:30 kickback” with a rotating menu of hot food, beer, wine, mixed drinks and soda every night, plus more perks.
Immerse yourself in global cultures at FusionFest, an annual celebration that combines music, dance, food, art, games and more from over 110 countries.
Celebrate love with a parade, live music and more at the annual Come Out With Pride festival in downtown Orlando.
Celebrate the holiday season with festive decor, concerts and beloved annual events like Festival of Trees at Orlando Museum of Art. Stay tuned for updates to our full holiday events guide.
See Orlando’s collaborative spirit in action during IMMERSE, a three-day interactive art festival coming this February to downtown Orlando. The celebration features hundreds of live performers, immersive art installations, and unexpected experiences across ten city blocks.
Discover even more seasonal fun in Orlando all year long. We have you covered with ideas for everything from the best Black History Month celebrations to the top dining picks for Easter, Mother’s Day and more.
Discover five amazing worlds at Universal Orlando Resort’s newest theme park, Universal Epic Universe. You’ll find new rides, entertainment, restaurants and more throughout Celestial Park, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, Dark Universe, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Ministry of Magic™ and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk.
Experience more of Orlando’s newest theme park offerings, including Expedition Odyssey at SeaWorld® Orlando, SEA LIFE Florida at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort, and two new shows, two new bars and a new evening parade (Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away) at Walt Disney World Resort.
Admire majestic Emperor Penguins at their only home in the Western Hemisphere, the Antarctica Realm at SeaWorld Orlando.
Book a character dining meal to meet your favorite friends without waiting in line. Snap a few photos and enjoy delicious food and drink with year-round options at Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World and seasonal character dining at SeaWorld Orlando.
Book a prince or princess makeover at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Walt Disney World (ages 3 – 12), or transform into your favorite classic monster with the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience at Universal Orlando Resort (ages 5+).
Challenge yourself to ride as many roller coasters as you can in a single day. We have over 30 options, so you better get cracking!
Build your perfect getaway with kid-approved rides, snacks, waterslides and more at LEGOLAND Florida Resort. Did we mention they have a pirate-themed hotel as well?
