What is there to do in Orlando this Memorial Day?
Memorial Day weekend is Monday, May 25, 2026! Looking for ideas on how to spend the Memorial Day holiday? Here are 23 cool ideas (off the beaten path!) about how to spend your Memorial Day weekend.
Check out even more ideas in our 50 Summer Date Ideas list.
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Memorial Day Crown Royal Tasting
- Date: Monday, May 25, from 6:30-8:30 PM
- Location: The Whiskey, 7563 West Sand Lake Road
Head to The Whiskey for a special Memorial Day evening featuring an exclusive guided tasting of 4 premium Crown Royal Whisky expressions along with curated bites, and rich storytelling. This elevated experience will showcase four standout pours ranging from approachable favorites to rare aged selections, all thoughtfully paired with curated bites and hosted in an intimate setting limited to only 30 guests. Inspired by the spirit of Memorial Day, the evening is designed to honor legacy, celebrate community, and create meaningful moments around exceptional whisky. Ticketholders will receive a take-home bottle based on their selected ticket tier.
Memorial Day Weekend at JW Marriott Clearwater Beach
- Dates: Booking resort packages now!
- Location: J.W. Marriott Clearwater Beach
Dive into luxury Gulf Front experiences with an exclusive calendar of Memorial Day Weekend events at JW Marriott’s beachfront resort. Enjoy Dive-in movies under the stars, unwind with specialty spa offers, and embrace whimsy with kids’ face painting and fairy hair in the lobby. Reserve nighttime adventures for the little ones at our Hideaway Hangout kids’ club, savor beachfront BBQ delights, indulge in pop-up ice cream shops, and elevate your rooftop pool experience with the Tattinger champagne cart. Your unforgettable beach escape awaits!
Grande Lakes Orlando Memorial Day GLO Summer
- Dates: May 22 – 25, 2026
- Location: Grande Lakes Orlando
Memorial Day weekend kicks off GLO Summer at Grande Lakes Orlando, a seasonal celebration filled with entertainment every Saturday and summer holiday. For Memorial Day Weekend, guests can look forward to a mix of relaxing and high-energy experiences across the resort. Highlights include:
- Memorial Day Feast at Highball & Harvest – A holiday-inspired menu and cocktails in honor of the U.S. military.
- Remember & Honor 5K – A scenic fun run/walk through the back 9 of the Greg Norman-designed golf course, followed by champagne, mimosas, massages with Theragun, and a chance to win spa treatments. Includes a T-shirt, medal, and goodie bag. Open to all ages and the public.
- Inflatable Water Slides on the Da Vinci Lawn – Cool off with kid-approved thrills.
- Movie Under the Stars – Enjoy an outdoor family movie night on the lawn.
- Silent Disco Bleu – Dance to your own beat with wireless headphones, colorful cocktails, tasty bites, and a stunning fireworks finale.
- On-Property Favorites – Food trucks, face painting, balloon artists, live music, steel drummers, and fresh coconuts (with or without alcohol) at The Ritz-Carlton Pool.
EVEN MORE Great Local Ideas!
1. Watch Memorial Holiday Fireworks
Book a Memorial Weekend getaway at one of our fabulous local resorts and enjoy the added bonus of holiday fireworks displays. Orlando World Center Marriott (Sunday at 9pm followed by laser light show at 9:15 pm) and Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate (Saturday at 9pm) will all have festive displays for resort guests.
Glo Summer Nights Celebrations and Weekly Fireworks Displays
Boasting signature weekly fireworks displays in addition to spectacular glow-charged nights at the recently debuted Grande Lakes Waterpark, alongside an abundance of activations fit for every traveler. Throughout the summer, Grande Lakes Orlando will play host to an array of experiences perfect for families and guests of all ages including dazzling fireworks displays that will take center stage every Saturday evening at 9pm.
There are even Memorial Day Weekend Deals!
2. Orlando Fringe
Take in a few shows at the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, which is back this year from May 12th-25th, 2026, perfect for something fun to do the Memorial Day weekend. This 14-day art festival features hundreds of shows throughout multiple venues in Orlando’s Loch Haven Park. Shows range from comedy to burlesque, music to drama, and everything in between.
3. Outdoor movies
Catch a flick at a local drive-in movie theater this Memorial weekend, or watch an outdoor movie.
4. Bike ride Memorial Weekend date
Rent bikes this Memorial Holiday Weekend and cycle the West Orange Trail. We love starting at Killarney Station and ending in Downtown Winter Garden. Oakland Nature Preserve is a notable stop along the way, with a boardwalk to Lake Apopka and free admission. The Cross Seminole Trail is another option.
5. Have lunch on a farm
Memorial Day weekend is the last day to enjoy lunch under the gorgeous oak tree at Bountiful Farms Bistro. The farm will close for the season at the end of May and will reopen in October, so Memorial Day Weekend is your last chance to enjoy this setting until fall. Current hours are Wednesday – Saturday from 11am – 3pm. Summer hours can change due to weather; for info, call 352-409-3204.
6. Float down a river in a tube this Memorial Day
Soak up the sun at one of Central Florida's natural lazy rivers. Two of our favorite spots are Kelly Park and KP Hole.
FYI: Kelly Park will fill up to capacity. Get there early to get in line if you're hoping to get in.
7. Get wild at Gatorland
For an activity that's just as suitable for a date day as a family outing, head to Gatorland. This classic Florida attraction has southern charm and a wild side.
Kids will also love the many petting zoos in Orlando, one of which is located inside Gatorland, along with a great splash pad and water zone!
8. Wekiva Island
Laze the day away at Wekiva Island. Private cabanas are available for rent, and there's live music every Saturday evening.
DISCOVER: 7 Things to Do at Wekiva Island
9. Munch Your Way through a Local Farmer's Market
Pick up something delicious and locally grown at one of our local farmers' markets. Then take it home to create a delicious meal combining local produce with your favorite meats on the grill. Try the Windermere (Friday), Winter Park (Saturday), Winter Garden (Saturday), or Lake Eola Farmer’s Market (Sunday).
10. Pick your own Blueberries and Peaches
Blueberry season is winding down in Florida. The season typically winds down near the end of May/early June, so get out there and visit a local u-pick farm like Southern Hill Farms and Amber Brooke Farms while you can. Farms are also offering u-pick sunflowers, wildflowers, peaches, and more.
11. Take a Hike
Some of our local favorites include Lake Lotus Park, Lake Louisa State Park, Wekiwa Springs State Park, and Flat Island Preserve. Or, try one of these natural parks near the theme parks.
12. Brewery Hop
Orlando has a fantastic craft beer scene, and there are new craft breweries popping up around town. Our Beer Lover's Guide to Breweries in Orlando has them all. And if the kids need to come along, check out 10 Kid-Friendly Orlando Breweries.
13. Go kayaking
There are so many kayaking experiences near Orlando. Explore Rock Springs Run in a clear kayak, paddle the headwaters of the Everglades from The Paddling Center at Shingle Creek (in Kissimmee), or try a nighttime paddle with A Day Away Kayak Tours.
14. Visit Downtown Celebration
Get out and enjoy the sunshine with a lunch date and a walk around Downtown Celebration. Share truffle fries and flatbreads paired with wine at Imperium, get a scoop (or two) of gelato from Le Macaron, rent bikes, or explore the paved pathways on foot.
15. Make your own pancakes
Eat DIY pancakes at Old Spanish Sugar Mill at DeLeon Springs. This open-air eatery is THE reason De Leon Springs State Park needs to be added to your bucket list. You get all-you-can-eat pancakes, made by you. Be prepared for a wait, no matter what time of day you visit, as this is a popular activity.
16. Pack a picnic
Nothing says summer quite like lazing the day away on a picnic blanket in a local park. Go on a romantic picnic with our favorite spots as your guide.
17. Book a Staycation
Book a local staycation at Orlando World Center Marriott, which is hosting a Memorial Weekend celebration with BBQ/live DJ & Fireworks.
Alternatively, Grande Lakes Orlando (Saturday at 9pm) and Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate (Saturday at 9pm) will all have festive displays for guests staying overnight at the resort.
DISCOVER: 12 Amazing Memorial Day Weekend Deals and Getaways
18. Hop on the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
Make Memorial Day weekend the time you finally take the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour. Tours run daily on the hour from 10am – 4pm, and tickets are $20. Combine this with a double date for Prato + Gelato.
19. Dine outdoors
See how many of these 75+ restaurants with great outdoor seating you can make it to in the span of the long weekend.
20. Spend the day at a resort pool
You don't have to be an overnight guest to spend the day at one of Orlando's best resort pools. Many hotels and resorts offer day passes through ResortPass or grant access to locals for the day with a qualifying spa appointment. Memorial Day weekend in Orlando is the perfect time to spend the day together poolside.
21. Try an Only in Florida adventure
There are some things you just can’t do anywhere else. Enjoy a unique experience by trying one of these only in Florida adventures.
22. Relax at a Spa
For a quick and affordable idea, you can enjoy the Wellsystem Massage Bed at JW Marriott Bonnet Creek. This 20-minute spa session melts stress away, starting at $50.
The Spa by JW at JW Marriott Bonnet Creek just earned a 4-star Forbes Travel Guide rating, and it's easy to see why. Unwind with massages, steam rooms, and saunas, and enjoy the co-ed relaxation room together. The Ritz-Carlton Spa at Grande Lakes is the best in Orlando and treatment there unlocks access to an adults-only pool and gorgeous relaxation rooms.
Or head to the Orlando Beer Spa for a private room, cozy tub, and craft brews on tap. This is a fun twist on the spa experience.
The Mandara Spa at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin resort feels like a hidden temple retreat. Book a 50- or 80-minute massage and let your cares drift away Disney-style.
Plan your spa outing with our list of the best spas for couples.
23. Check out some Memorial Day Events in Orlando
In addition to our curated list, here are a few events happening this weekend for you to check out:
Memorial Day Ceremony
- Date: Friday, May 22, 2026, 10am-11:30am
- Location: Orlando VA Medical Center in Lake Nona
This solemn occasion will pay tribute to the brave men and women who have selflessly served and sacrificed for the United States Armed Forces. Attendees will have the opportunity to reflect on the valor and dedication of those who have given their lives in service to our country.
Memorial 4 Day Weekend
- Dates: Friday-Monday, May 22-25, 2026, 5pm-11:30pm
- Location: Promenade at Sunset Walk, 3251 Margaritaville Blvd., Kissimmee, FL 34747
- Cost: FREE
Enjoy live music, street performers, markets, car shows and more.
Memorial Day Feast
- Dates: Saturday and Sunday, May 22-24, 2026, 5:30pm-10pm
- Location: Highball & Harvest, 4012 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando, FL
Join Highball & Harvest in honoring the U.S. Military with a holiday-inspired menu and cocktails.
Remember & Honor – Memorial Day 5k
- Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026, 6:30am-9am
- The Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes, 4012 Central Florida Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32837
The Remember & Honor – Memorial Day 5k is a walk or fun run family event, which you can enjoy while taking in the amazing landscape of this beautiful Grande Lakes resort. After the race, replenish your body with champagne or mimosas, an assortment of healthy snack options, as well as a stretching and massage by their spa therapists. You will also receive an exclusive T-shirt, medal, and a special goodie bag.
Memorial Day Salute
- Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026, 9:45am-11:30am
- Location: Cypress Grove Park, 290 Holden Ave., Orlando, FL 32839
Enjoy this Memorial Day Salute, honoring all Veterans, presented by Friends of Cypress Grove Park. Event activities include Meaning and Folding of the American Flag, VFW Post 2093 Community Band, Veterans Pinning Ceremony, POW/MIA Presentation, Patriotic Guest Speaker, and Posting of the Colors. Bring chairs, blankets, and a picnic.
Rock N’ Blues Concert & Car Show
- Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026, 4pm-9pm
- Location: Lake Concord Park, 95 Triplet Lake Drive, Casselberry, FL 32707
- Cost: FREE
View more than 150 classic cars ranging from Camaros to Chevelles to Mustangs, plus food trucks and live music.
All-White Memorial Day Weekend Pool Party at Altira Pool + Lounge
- Date: Sunday, May 24, 2026, 2:30pm-8pm
- Location: Altira Pool & Lounge, 325 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
- Cost: FREE
Kick off the summer season with a splash at the amazing pool and lounge area. Enjoy refreshing drinks, delicious food, and great music while you soak up the sun and relax by the pool. Don't forget to bring your swimsuit and sunscreen for some poolside fun! Whether you're looking to unwind or dance the day away, this event is the perfect way to celebrate Memorial Day with style.
Memorial Day Community Ceremony
- Date: Monday, May 25, 2026, 8:30am-9:30am
- Location: Veterans Memorial Park, 420 S. Park Avenue, Winter Garden, FL 34787
- Cost: FREE
The Memorial Day Community Ceremony will honor and remember local veterans who gave their lives during times of war or while serving in the United States armed forces. The event includes a Roll Call of Veterans, placement of wreaths, and patriotic songs to pay homage to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Memorial Day Event at Boxi Park
- Date: Monday, May 25, 2026
- Location: Boxi Park
- Cost: No cover, price of food and beverages vary
Featuring food & drink specials, kids activities, and live music!
Memorial Day at Sanford
- Date: Monday, May 25, 2026, 9am-12pm
- Location: Veterans Memorial Park
Honor and preserve the legacy of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and members of the Coast Guard, our heroic guardians of freedom, who gave their lives in service to this Country.
Memorial Day Week Events
- Date: Monday, May 25, 2026, 1pm-5pm
- Location: Astro Skate Orlando, 866 S Goldenrod Rd, Orlando, FL 32822
- Cost: Admission is only $10 + Skate Rental
Enjoy your Extended Weekend at Astro Skate. FREE hot dogs served during the first half hour.
Orlando Vendor Market & Car Show
- Date: Saturday, May 30, 2026, 9am-12pm
- Location: Gateway Classic Cars of Orlando, 635 Century Point, Lake Mary, FL 32746
- Cost: FREE
The fun starts with free coffee and pastries while supplies last and the Vendor Market goes until 2pm. Event includes Vendor Market (9am-2pm), Caffeine & Chrome Car Show (9am-Noon), and Women In Wheels Car Show (Noon-2pm). Bring the whole family and check out the classic cars and support local small businesses.
Check back for 2026 updates…
Memorial Day Ceremony
- Date: 2026 TBA
- Location: Howl at the Moon, Orlando, 8815 International Drive Orlando
Join for a weekend of nostalgic fun packed with your favorite 90s hits, high-energy performers, neon vibes, and themed cocktails that’ll have you partying like it’s 1999. Whether you’re rocking scrunchies, baggy jeans, or your best boy band tee, this is the place to relive the decade of pop anthems, epic dance moves, and unforgettable memories. Grab your crew and don’t miss the most iconic '90s party!
City of Orlando Memorial Day Commemoration
- Date: 2026 TBA
- Location: Greenwood Cemetery
The Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony will honor and remember the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.
Reggae Fest Orlando Memorial Day Weekend
- Date: 2026 TBA
- Location: The Vanguard, 578 N. Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
The biggest dance party in the U.S. returns to Orlando Memorial Day weekend! Get ready to dance and vibe to DJ's spinning the best tunes in Dancehall, Reggae, Afrobeats, Amapiano, Soca, Reggaeton & more.
Memorial Day Cocktail Crawl
- Date: 2026 TBA
- Location: Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive, Orlando
Enjoy an interactive Memorial Day Cocktail Crawl that combines themed drinks, delicious food specials, and exciting games specifically designed for singles and military personnel! Patriotic attire encouraged. Show off your red, white, and blue with pride! Free parking validation with food & drink purchase at any live venue. The first 100 military and first responders will receive complimentary admission with promo code USA. Present proof of service at check-in.
Feature image credit: Orlando World Center Marriott
