9 Best Things To Do in Orlando This Labor Day Weekend 2025
ORLANDO, Florida — Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to enjoy everything Orlando has to offer — from theme park festivals to downtown parades, live music, pool parties, and family fun. Whether you’re a local or planning a holiday getaway, here are nine of the best ways to celebrate the long weekend in Central Florida.
1. Universal Orlando Resort Labor Day Celebration
No city celebrates bigger than Orlando’s theme parks, and Universal Studios Florida makes the long weekend unforgettable. Visitors can expect extended hours, nighttime fireworks, and live entertainment. Many restaurants inside CityWalk also offer Labor Day weekend menus and drink specials.
Tip: Book tickets early — Universal’s Labor Day weekend tends to sell out quickly.
2. Walt Disney World – EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
For foodies, the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is a must-do. Running through Labor Day, the festival features global food marketplaces, celebrity chef demonstrations, and Eat to the Beat concerts with top performers.
Highlight: Pair a festival tasting passport with nightly fireworks at EPCOT’s lagoon for the ultimate summer sendoff.
3. Orlando Carnival Downtown
Experience Caribbean culture at Orlando Carnival Downtown, a high-energy celebration filled with soca and reggae music, costumed dancers, steel drums, and authentic cuisine. The colorful parade runs through downtown streets, making it one of the city’s most vibrant cultural festivals.
4. CityWalk Block Party at Universal Orlando
For nightlife lovers, Universal CityWalk transforms into a massive block party over Labor Day weekend. With live DJs, themed dance floors, and drink specials, it’s a prime spot for groups looking to party into the night without leaving the resort district.
5. Lake Eola Park Fireworks & Festival
Families can head downtown for the Labor Day Festival at Lake Eola Park. The event features food trucks, local vendors, live performances, and concludes with a spectacular fireworks show over the lake on Sept. 1. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for the best view.
6. Orlando Salsa Festival at Amway Center
The Orlando Salsa Festival returns to the Amway Center, featuring world-class salsa, bachata, and merengue artists. The high-energy event draws thousands of Latin music fans and makes for an exciting Saturday night out.
7. Dezerland Park – Family Fun Indoors
Looking to beat the Florida heat? Dezerland Park Orlando, one of the city’s largest indoor attractions, offers go-karts, trampoline zones, arcade games, and bowling. Over Labor Day weekend, families can take advantage of discounted passes and combo deals.
8. Resort Pool Parties
Orlando’s hotels keep the holiday vibes going with poolside celebrations. Resorts like The Grove Resort & Water Park and Rosen Plaza Hotel host DJ-led parties with day passes, cabana rentals, and drink specials. It’s an easy way to relax and celebrate without heading into the parks.
9. Orlando City SC Labor Day Match
Sports fans can join the purple wave at Exploria Stadium, where Orlando City SC takes on rivals in a special Labor Day weekend home match. Expect holiday promotions, fan giveaways, and a loud, electric atmosphere.
Why Orlando Is Perfect for Labor Day Weekend
Unlike many U.S. cities, Orlando doesn’t slow down when summer ends. Theme parks stay in full swing, cultural festivals fill downtown, and the nightlife scene is thriving. Labor Day also marks the transition to fall travel season, making it a sweet spot for deals on hotels and attractions before the holiday crowds of Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Orlando Labor Day weekend 2025 is packed with options for every type of visitor — whether you want to ride roller coasters, dance at a carnival, sip cocktails by the pool, or enjoy fireworks downtown.
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