Ava McDonnell
As spring turns to summer, Orlando bursts into life with an array of festivals to celebrate everything from food and music to culture and creativity. Whether you’re a local looking for weekend plans or a visitor hoping to experience the city’s unique energy, May 2025 is packed with events promising fun, flavor, and unforgettable memories. So, here’s your guide to the can’t-miss festivals lighting up Orlando this May.
Orlando International Fringe Fest
Location: Loch Haven Park
Orlando, FL
Dates: Tuesday, May 13, 7:00 p.m. – Monday, May 26, 7:00 p.m.
Ticket prices: free – $15 + free event parking
Since 1922, Orlando Fringe has been the longest-running Fringe theater festival in the United States. The festival lasts two weeks and turns Loch Haven Park into a lively, diverse environment, including comedy, immersive art, music, theater, and performances from over 1,000 artists. As a relaxed and uncensored festival, Orlando Fringe provides a platform for artists to showcase their work. Notably, 100% of ticket sales are returned directly to every artist at the festival, ensuring compensation for their creative effort and time. So, whether you’re an artist looking for inspiration or a local excited to consume innovative art, the Fringe Festival offers just that.
Taste of Florida Food & Wine Fest
Location: Apopka Amphitheater
Orlando, FL
Date: Wednesday, May 21, 5:00 p.m.
Ticket pricing: $50 – $100 + free event parking
The Taste of Florida Food and Wine festival is an all-inclusive culinary celebration of local and national vendors. This event offers attendees the opportunity to indulge in a diverse array of food from Huey Magooes and Carrabba’s Italian Grille to Sticks & Stones, along with wine, spirits, beer, and beverages for one inclusive price. It is the perfect event for a date night or girls’ night out to eat incredible food and drink divine wines.
Please note that this event is rain or shine, meaning it will continue regardless of weather conditions. It is also important to note that this event is a 21 or older event with no pets allowed.
Orlando Carnival Downtown
Location: Camping World Stadium & Tinker Field
Orlando, FL
Date: Friday, May 23 – Sunday, May 25
Ticket prices: $60 – $70 per event
If you’re looking for something to do this Memorial Day weekend, Orlando offers an immersive experience into Caribbean culture, music, and festivities. The Orlando Carnival is a three day flagship split into four main events: Carnival on the Runway (Fri, May 23), Orlando Carnival Jouvert (Sat, May 24) Soca Anthropology (Sat, May 24, 6:00 – 11:00 p.m), and Carnival Parade & Concert (Sun, May 25, 1:00 p.m.).
Friday contains a fashion show featuring elaborate costumes and designs by emerging and international artists from 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Saturday follows up by starting the day with a pre-dawn street party where people cover themselves in paint and powder from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. As the sun sets, performances by Bunji Garlin and Fay-Ann Lyons, steelpan orchestras, African Drumming, and fire breathers fill up the night from 6:00 – 11:00 p.m. The weekend closes with a grand procession of masqueraders in colorful costumes, joined with live music and dancing at Tinker Field starting at 1:00 p.m.
Mimosa Land Mimosa Festival
Location: Apopka Amphitheater
Orlando, FL
Date: Saturday, May 24, 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. & 6:00 -10:00 p.m.
Ticket pricing: $25 per session + free event parking
The Mimosa Land Festival is an all-day event split into two sessions, both filled with music, mimosas, and memories. This event promises an unforgettable experience for attendees aged 21 and over, featuring live R&B performances, a variety of food trucks, and, of course, a bottomless mimosa package for anyone who purchased a ticket. It is the perfect blend of what Central Florida has to offer, with great music, free drinks, and a beautiful outdoor setting.
Soca Fest Orlando 2025
Location: Emery Hamilton Sports Complex Field
Orlando, FL
Date: Saturday, May 24, 5:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Ticket pricing: $50 + free event parking
The Soca Fest is a premier Caribbean music and culture event at the Emery Hamilton Sports Complex. This vibrant celebration is the highlight of the Orlando Carnival weekend, offering an immersive experience of live soca performances, Caribbean cuisine, and community energy. Musical performers include KES the Band, Mical Teja, Raymond, Blaka Dan, Trinidad Killas and many more. So, whether you’re a longtime soca fan or new to the genre, this event will expose you to the best of soca, calypso, and Caribbean fusion.
The 18th Anniversary Hurricane Music Festival
Location: West End Trading Company
Sanford, FL
Date: Saturday, May 31, 12:00 p.m.
Ticket prices: $40
Located in the heart of Historic downtown Sanford, the West End Trading Company’s 18th Annual Hurricane party is Saturday, May 31. Started in 2006, the local festival features live music, food, drinks, and entertainment to celebrate the start of the hurricane season. Although there will be musicians from all over the world, the festival emphasizes local culture, featuring live art installations from local artists and fostering a sense of community among attendees.
Comments