By Jim Carchidi
September 23, 2026
Fall has landed and Central Florida calendars are bursting with local color. From arts and culture to fundraisers and community gatherings, the selection spans every neighborhood and county.
To spotlight the range of events beyond the theme parks, The Orlando Real is offering an “editor’s choice” of noteworthy happenings, and you can add to the list. If your favorite October event isn’t listed, we invite you to help spread the word and post it in the comments.
Southern Hill Farms Fall Festival
Sept. 26 through Nov. 22, 16651 Schofield Rd.
Celebrate 11 years of the Fall Festival at Clermont’s Southern Hill Farms. Enjoy wagon rides, a pumpkin patch barn, yard games, and a selection of seasonal treats. Guests can try their hand at pumpkin carving and navigate a 5-acre corn maze. The event runs on select Thursdays and every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday between Sept. 26 and Nov. 22. Tickets are $29.94 and must be purchased in advance, children 2 and under are free. Log onto the event website for tickets and times.
Milk Mart's Spooky Soirée
Sunday, Oct. 4, Bumby Ave. & Robinson St.
Start spooky season by dressing up for the Milk District’s yearly Halloween hoopla, Oct. 6, from noon-6 p.m. Join more than 300 local artisans, chefs, and small businesses for a day of family fun and a celebration of the local creative scene. The event spans Milk District venues with appearances by scare actors from A Petrified Forest. Admission is free. For more information and vendor applications go to milkmartorlando.com.
Avalon Park Oktoberfest
Friday, Oct. 9, Saturday, Oct. 10, 3651 Avalon Park E. Blvd.
Avalon Park’s Town Park will host its annual Oktoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 5-10 p.m. Guests can enjoy a beer garden, food vendors, Dachshund races, and live polka music. A preview of the event beer garden is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 9, from 5-10 p.m. Log onto the Avalon Park event page for updates and more details.
4th Annual Orlando Latino Fest USA 2026
Saturday, Oct. 10, 437 N. Terry Ave.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the vibrant sights, sounds, and flavors of Latino culture. Orlando’s Luminary Green Park will host family-friendly entertainment, cultural displays, and a wide selection of local vendors, live music, and food trucks from 2-8 p.m.. Log onto latinofestusa.com/orlandolatinofest for updates and more information.
Inaugural Orlando Fire & Flavor Festival
Saturday, Oct. 10, noon-9 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 11, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., 2911 E. Robinson St.
Hot sauce vendors, ice cold drinks, and a la carte tasting menus at $10 and under will fill Festival park for the two-day, spicy celebration. Events begin on Oct. 10, from noon-9 p.m. and continue on Sunday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Eating competitions, live music, vendors and free kids’ activities will round out the festival. A portion of proceeds benefits One Heart for Women and Children. Tickets are $10 and available at the event website, children 8 and under are free.
Chocoholics 5K
Sunday, Oct. 11, 4990 New Broad St.
The unique event at Baldwin Park’s Mayor Glenda Hood Park mixes fitness with sweet treats at the finish line. Runners enjoy free chocolate, a custom t-shirt, and a limited-edition chocoholic medal. The race starts at 7 a.m. and the family-friendly fun includes a kids' race at 7:30 a.m. A portion of the event fees go towards NVEEE youth leadership. Registration is $44 for the 5K, $25 for the kids’ 400m run. Log onto chocoholics5k.com/orlando for more details
Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival and Asia Trend Culture Expo
Saturday, Oct. 17, 3401 S. Hiawassee Rd.
One of the most popular dragon boat events in Florida returns to Bill Frederick Park on Oct. 17 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival brings teams from across North America for top-tier competition. Events include the Asia Trend Culture Expo, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., celebrating the many cultures of Asia with food trucks, health and wellness exhibits, and live performances. Expo admission is free, race registration and information are available on the event website. Expo admission is free.
Graveyard Smash
Saturday, Oct. 24, Lake Nona Town Center
Halloween comes to Lake Nona Town Center on Oct. 24 from 5-8 p.m. with trick-or-treating, face painting, and inflatables at the Kids Zone. At Boxi Park, DJ Poprox will start spinning at 5 p.m. before No Filter takes the stage at 7 p.m. Kids events are free, admission to Boxi Park is $5. Log onto lakenona.com for more details
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
Saturday, Oct. 31, Lake Eola Park
Orlando's Making Strides walk, presented by AdventHealth, is among 150 national events rallying supporters and participants to raise awareness, fund medical research, and support families facing breast cancer. The event fills Lake Eola Park with vendors, sponsor booths, and activities. Festivities and opening ceremonies begin at 7 a.m. with the walk starting at 9 a.m. The event is free but participants are encouraged to register early. Donations and personal fundraising goals are encouraged but not required. Log onto the Orlando event page for information and to register and donate.
Promenade at Sunset Walk Halloween Costume Contest
Saturday, Oct. 31, 3251 Margaritaville Blvd.
More than $1,000 in cash and prizes is up for grabs at Margaritaville. The event begins at 6 p.m. with judges selecting the Top 25 costumes throughout the plaza from 8-9 p.m. The audience will choose the winners at the Promenade Plaza Stage at 9:30 p.m. Contestants must be 18 and older. The public is welcome and admission is free, but RSVPs are requested on the Sunset Walk community page.
Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the #1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.
About the Author
Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
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