Add these iconic Orlando events to your July 2026 travel plans.
Updated July 14, 2026
Ready to explore the best of Orlando this July? You’re in luck! We have you covered with endless ideas for summer fun, including the top Fourth of July and America 250 festivities, FIFA World Cup 2026™ watch parties, cool after-hours events, and limited-time offerings at our theme parks and attractions — not to mention local gem art experiences and mouthwatering foodie happenings. Ready to dive in? Cool off this summer with our guide to Orlando’s top July events.
Discover: Orlando Events
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Free Things to Do in Orlando This July
Third Thursdays at CityArts
July 16, 2026 | 6 – 9 p.m.
Experience the best of Orlando’s creative community during Third Thursdays, a downtown Orlando event that includes art activations, live performances, history exhibitions and more, all free of charge. Enjoy complimentary admission at CityArts and the Orange County Regional History Center throughout the evening, with discounted parking available (validation required) at the Plaza Garage.
Discover: Orlando Art Markets
Summer Family Art Workshops at the Art & History Museums of Maitland
Select Dates, July 2026 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
For even more free family fun, head to the Art & History Museums of Maitland for hands-on summer workshops on select Wednesdays. July workshops include fun sessions on printmaking (July 1), yarn tapestries (July 8) and recycled bird sculptures (July 22). Even the youngest visitors can get in on the fun with Little Creatives & Me (July 15), a free event featuring songs, stories and an art activity for kids under 3.
Discover: Free Things to Do
Orlando Foodie Events
Explore the Orlando Ice Cream Trail
Through July 31, 2026
For a limited time this summer, you can explore gelato, soft serve, shakes and more ice-cold treats along the Orlando Ice Cream Trail. Presented by Visit Orlando and Florida Dairy Farmers, this self-guided tour offers multiple tasty stops with a fun prize at the end.
Discover: Orlando Ice Cream Trail
An American Summer BBQ Wine Dinner at Bites & Bubbles
July 16, 2026 | Varies
Continue in the same spirit with a special celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary at Bites & Bubbles. The eatery is known for its elaborate monthly wine dinners, and this month, all five courses are inspired by a classic American summer cookout. Dig in and unwind with special wine pairings for each course.
Discover: Romantic Orlando Restaurants
Chef Night: Redlight Redlight at The Kitchen House
July 20, 2026 | 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Treat your taste buds to a delicious culinary demonstration during Chef Night at The Kitchen House, led by Chef Emily Kaneff of Redlight Redlight Brewpub. Join Orlando’s culinary community for conversation, storytelling and bespoke, summer dinner party-inspired dishes, then stop at Redlight Redlight for a drink next time you’re in town.
Discover: Orlando Cooking Classes
Shaken & Stirred Cocktail Class: Summertime in the Sunshine State at The Edison
July 25, 2026 | 1 – 3 p.m.
Explore the fresh flavors of Florida distilleries and local produce during a special Shaken & Stirred Cocktail Class at Disney Springs®, part of Walt Disney World® Resort. Hosted at The Edison, Summertime in the Sunshine State includes premium spirits, cocktail-making lessons, and delicious beverage tastings with a light lunch.
Discover: Mixology Workshops
Crab Dinner at Summer House on the Lake
July 30, 2026 | 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Toast to an unforgettable summer with a welcome glass of rose and a multi-course crab dinner at Summer House on the Lake, a breezy, California-style eatery at Disney Springs. Dig into a classic seafood boil with Chesapeake blue crab, Maryland oysters, shrimp, corn and potatoes, plus passed appetizers, icy beer and Summer House’s signature rosé.
Discover: Things to Do at WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort
Arts, Culture & Entertainment Events
Sunset at the Zoo: Celebrating Black & African American Heritage
July 24, 2026 | 5 – 8 p.m.
Celebrate the rich history, culture and contributions of Black Americans during a special after-hours event at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. Sunset at the Zoo is a summer tradition featuring food trucks, specialty eats, interactive activities, cultural experiences, music, animal feeding opportunities and more to satisfy your whole crew.
Discover: Central Florida Zoo
Into the Woods Starring Jodi Benson
July 31 – Aug. 2, 2026 | Varies
Long hailed as a creative hub for global and local talent, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts will step into the producer’s seat with Into the Woods, a Tony Award-winning musical that weaves several classic fairy tales into one story. The self-produced play will feature Tony Award nominee and Disney Legend Jodi Benson alongside a talented cast of local artisans, actors and creatives in Steinmetz Hall, one of the most beautiful theaters in the world.
Discover: Orlando Arts & Entertainment
Benson, who voiced Ariel in The Little Mermaid, will also make a cabaret-style appearance featuring beloved Broadway and Disney classics at the center’s swanky listening lounge on July 8.
Sports & Outdoor Events
Soccer Celebration Presented by Verizon at Pointe Orlando
Through July 19, 2026
Want to catch the FIFA World Cup 2026™ while you’re in town? The Orlando Soccer Celebration at Pointe Orlando offers live streaming of all 104 matches, not to mention immersive fan experiences, meet and greets, live music, entertainment, globally inspired cuisine and more on select dates. Discover even more options near you with our guide to the top summer watch parties.
Discover: Soccer Watch Parties
Lake Nona Triathlon
July 25 – 26, 2026 | 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Discover Orlando’s high-tech Lake Nona region as you swim, bike and run with the Lake Nona Triathlon. The thrilling point-to-point race begins at Lake Nona Adventure Park and ends with post-race festivities and free beer at Boxi Park, with a stunning blend of urban and natural scenery along the way.
Discover: Things to Do in Lake Nona
Orlando Theme Park & Attraction Events
Summer of Sharks at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium
July 1 – Aug. 9, 2026 | Varies
Sink your teeth into a jawesome takeover of SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium during the Summer of Sharks. The ICON Park® attraction will feature shark-themed activities including keeper talks, hands-on-activities, weekend meet-and-greets with SEA LIFE mascot Sharky, and additional paid adventures like virtual reality shark diving and a themed behind the scenes tour.
Save on discount tickets: SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium
Baby Shark at SeaWorld® Orlando
July 6 – Aug. 7, 2026 | Varies
Want even more shark-tastic summer fun? Swim over to SeaWorld® Orlando for the Baby Shark Experience, where you and your kiddos can meet Baby Shark and Pinkfong, catch an interactive musical performance, and enjoy themed treats and merchandise.
Discover: Things to Do at SeaWorld Orlando
Paradise Nights at Discovery Cove®
Select Dates, July 2026 | 6 – 9 p.m.
Unwind in a tropical paradise with dinner, live entertainment and extraordinary views during this special after-hours event at Discovery Cove®. Hosted on select dates throughout the summer, Paradise Nights includes a welcome cocktail, a lush buffet spread with complimentary beer and wine, and a mesmerizing live performance inspired by earth, air, water and fire, plus optional add-on experiences.
Discover: Orlando Dinner Shows
Want even more cool after-hours fun? Orlando’s water parks are also hosting nighttime events with lower wait times, fun food and beverage options, and exclusive experiences you won’t see by day. Unwind with limited-time evening events at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, Aquatica® Orlando, Universal Volcano Bay and Island H2O Live while you’re in town.
Discover: Orlando Water Parks After Dark
KPop Demon Hunters Pop Up at Crayola Experience
July 1 – 12, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Unleash your inner pop star with limited time KPop Demon Hunters activities at Crayola Experience. Create your own colorful mic, color a VIP access badge, explore themed photo ops, and add yourself to a coloring page starring HUNTR/X or The Saja Boys. You can even snap a photo with your favorite demon hunter during a special meet and greet, available exclusively from 12 – 2 p.m. on July 11.
Save on discount tickets: Crayola Experience
Stellar Nights at Orlando Science Center
Fridays & Saturdays, July 10 – Aug. 1, 2026 | Through 10 p.m.
Stay up with extended hours and special programming during Stellar Nights, a limited-time offering at the Orlando Science Center. This all-ages event includes guided stargazing (weather permitting), live shows, planetarium and laser light shows, and so much more, all included through 10 p.m. with daytime admission.
Stay Connected to Orlando
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