Author: 
Discover the best events and festivals in Orlando and rent a vacation home with Rent By Owner for a convenient and cost-effective stay! From the Epcot Food & Wine Festival to MegaCon Orlando, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city they call âBeautiful.â
Orlando: A Festival and Events Hotspot
Are you ready to experience the excitement and energy of an Orlando festival?
Whether you’re a foodie, music lover, or pop culture enthusiast, the City Beautiful awaits you with much to offer. From the renowned Orlando Fringe Festival to the delectable Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, the cityâs events calendar is packed all year round.
Rent By Owner has put together this comprehensive guide to help you make the most of your Orlando festival getaway. As you plan your trip to the city, weâll help you find the perfect vacation rental for your stay while youâre at it. With our practical and data-driven approach, you can discover and compare the best vacation rentals and RBO homes for the best prices on properties direct from owners and major OTAs.
But more on that later.
First, join us on a journey through Orlando’s festival scene, as we explore the top cultural, culinary, and seasonal events that make this city a hot destination for festivals.
Let’s dive in and experience the best of the fest!
Orlando Festival and Events: What Makes Them So Special?
Orlando is a city that truly knows how to party. And its events scene is a testament to that. What sets Orlando’s festivals apart is their inclusivity, with celebrations that reflect the city’s diverse population. From music and dance to food and art, there is always something happening in this city that will capture your interest and imagination.
At the culinary events, visitors can indulge in a wide range of flavors and cuisines, from street food to gourmet fare. The music and arts festivals showcase the city’s creative talent, with live performances, exhibitions, and other events. Its seasonal celebrations offer a chance to experience the city’s holidays and seasons like never before. And the unique festivals celebrate niche interests, hobbies, or causes, and offer a chance to meet like-minded people and learn about new things.
Up next, weâll take an inner look at the variety of events in the city that make it a top tourism destination!
For Foodies: Orlando’s Top Culinary Events
If you’re a foodie, you’re in luck – Orlando festivals include some of the best culinary events in the country. World-renowned chefs and local favorites celebrate the diverse flavors and cuisines that make Orlando’s food scene so unique.
Here are a few you should come and visit!
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival
The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is an annual event held at Walt Disney World’s Epcot theme park in Orlando. It originated in 1996 as a way to boost attendance during the slower season, offering guests the opportunity to sample international cuisines and beverages from over 30 marketplaces. The festival offers a diverse range of culinary creations, from fresh seafood to gourmet desserts, with something to please every palate.
Along with the food and drink offerings, visitors can enjoy live entertainment, culinary demonstrations, and other activities suitable for all ages. The festival has become a popular event, attracting foodies and Disney fans from all over the world.
Orlando Tacos and Tequila Festival
The Orlando Tacos and Tequila Festival is another annual food festival in Orlando, this time celebrating Hispanic and Baja California cultures. Visitors get to sample a wide variety of tacos and premier tequilas from local vendors. Attendees can also enjoy live music, dancing, cultural traditions, and vote for their favorite taco to be crowned “Orlando’s Greatest Taco.” No one below 21 years of age is allowed here, though.
The festival is also for a good cause, as it benefits the Getaboard Foundation, whose mission is to positively impact and empower at-risk youth through action sports, art, and education.
Central Florida Veg Fest
Central Florida Veg Fest is an annual event that celebrates the vegan lifestyle and promotes healthy living and sustainability. With over 200 vendors and 100 contributors, the festival offers a diverse range of vegan cuisines and lifestyles, as well as presentations and food preparation demos.
The festival caters not only to committed vegans but also to those who want to learn more about nutritious and ethical foods. Along with an abundance of delicious vegan fare, visitors can also enjoy a variety of activities, including a veggie kids zone, an animal haven, an artist corner, and live music on an acoustic stage.
Additionally, the festival strives to be as eco-friendly as possible, using solar power and providing recycling and composting bins to encourage attendees to bring their own reusable containers and cutlery. Organizers also ask food vendors and exhibitors to use compostable, biodegradable, or recyclable materials for a truly eco-friendly tourism event.
For Artists: Music and Arts Festivals in Orlando
Orlando is not only a city of culinary events but is also home to some of the most anticipated music and arts festivals in the country. From nationally-renowned music acts to up-and-coming artists, the cityâs music and arts festivals offer a diverse range of creative geniuses that attracts both locals and visitors alike.
Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) Orlando
EDC Orlando is a three-day festival that draws around 75,000 attendees to experience electronic dance music (EDM) under the vibrant electric sky. Since 2011, it has captivated music lovers with world-class DJs, mesmerizing productions, and immersive art installations. Under the pulsating beats, it’s a sensory wonderland that electrifies the spirit. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water for your trip to this vibrant music festival.
Orlando Fringe Festival
Modeled after the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland, the Orlando Fringe Festival is the longest-running fringe theater festival in the US and has become a major cultural event in Orlando. The festival attracts over 75,000 attendees each year and features a diverse lineup of productions, including theater, music, dance, comedy, and more.
In addition to the main festival, Orlando Fringe produces special events year-round that celebrate global artists. Kids Fringe, held on weekends, is a free festival for families, while Visual Fringe allows artists to showcase unique works beyond the usual mediums. Fringe ArtSpace, on the other hand, is a year-round venue and hub for Orlandoâs arts community offering affordable rehearsal and performance space, as well as traditional theater and learning experiences.
Florida Film Festival
The Florida Film Festival is an annual event held in Orlando thatâs been entertaining locals and tourists for over three decades. This festival is a premier destination for film enthusiasts, as it showcases the best in current, independent, and international cinema. With over 160 films featured plus first-class events, the festival attracts a large number of attendees from around the world, including prominent filmmakers and celebrities.
As an OscarÂź-qualifying festival, the Florida Film Festival is a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work to a wider audience. Attendees can mingle with industry professionals and fellow film fans over handcrafted cocktails and a delicious menu. With a focus on storytelling and creativity, the festival celebrates the art of filmmaking in all its forms.
For Fanatics: Unique Events and Festivals in Orlando
Orlando also serves as home to some of the most unique and unusual festivals in the world. These events celebrate niche interests, hobbies, and noble causes, easily attracting visitors from all over the globe.
Here are three of the most interesting festivals in Orlando that you wouldnât want to miss:
MegaCon Orlando
MEGACON Orlando is one of the largest and most diverse pop culture events in the country. Attracting hundreds of thousands of fans from all over the world, this annual event for all things âgeeky and greatâ spans four days. World-renowned celebrities from comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming are sure to grace the events, including past guests Jason Momoa, Jeff Goldblum, and William Shatner.
Attendees can get autographs, take photos, and attend celebrity panels for their favorite movies and TV shows. The event also includes professional comic artist Sketch Duels, âHow Toâ workshops, costumed characters, and a massive show floor for shopping. MegaCon, short for âMega Convention,â is the perfect place to celebrate the vast world of pop culture and connect with fans of all kinds.
Spooky Empire
Spooky Empire is a horror convention that has gained popularity among horror enthusiasts from all over the world. Started in Fort Lauderdale in 2003, it found its permanent home in Orlando, Florida, where it grew to become one of the largest horror conventions in the nation. The convention has been graced by celebrated stars of horror films and TV, highlighted by collectibles from over 200 vendors and artists, featured new and upcoming films, and once, even assembled one of the largest zombie walks ever!
The Ultimate Horror Weekend, held every October, is truly the ultimate weekend for horror fans of all ages. Attendees can also get tattooed by some of the best artists from around the world and party like adrenaline-fueled zombies. The convention attracts thousands of fans each year who come to enjoy the spooky spectacle.
Spark STEM Fest
Otronicon is a technology and innovation festival that takes place annually at the Orlando Science Center. Since its debut in 2006, it has engaged thousands of visitors with exciting tech lessons wrapped in an unforgettable package. It has since evolved into Spark STEM Fest, which focuses on the entire science, technology, engineering, and math spectrums.
Presented by the UCF Office of Research, the festival aims to stimulate fascination with STEM careers and encourage meaningful interactions between the public and STEM professionals.
Spark STEM Fest typically draws large crowds and is a must-see event for anyone interested in technology and innovation and is definitely one to keep on your radar every year!
Experience an Orlando Festival with Rent By Owner
No matter what piques your interests, Orlando has the right festival for you. And when it comes to finding the perfect vacation rental near these events, Rent By Owner is your partner!
Rent By Owner is a leading vacation rental platform that connects travelers with property owners, allowing them to book unique and affordable vacation homes. With our teamâs help, you can choose from a wide range of properties, from cozy apartments to upscale villas, all located in and around Orlando’s top festival destinations. This luxury home in Kissimmee is a top choice for big groups, while this lake-view villa in Davenport features seven themed bedrooms!
As an UpNext travel brand, our easy filters and data-driven search intent engine aim to provide better travel manifests in our detailed listings. We complement your search results with high-quality photos so you can quickly compare properties and choose the one that best suits your budget and unique preferences.
You may ask: what benefits do renting a vacation home through Rent By Owner have over traditional hotel accommodations?
Not only is it more cost-efficient, but it also provides you with more space, privacy, and flexibility, especially if youâre traveling with kids and pets. Vacation homes often come equipped with a full kitchen, allowing travelers to save money by preparing their meals at home. Plus, with amenities such as private pools, hot tubs, and game rooms, vacation homes level up the experience for festival-goers.
Be it a music festival or science convention, you can rely on Rent By Owner to find you a place to stay after a day of exploring the best festivities in the city.
Find a rental with us today and make your Orlando festival trip truly one to remember!
TLDR
Orlando is home to many amazing festivals, including the Epcot Food & Wine Festival, Orlando Fringe Festival, and Florida Film Festival, as well as unique events like Spooky Empire and Otronicon. Attending festivals in Orlando is a great way to experience the culture and excitement of the city.
To make the most of your trip, consider renting a vacation home through Rent By Owner. Our easy-to-use platform offers a variety of affordable options in desirable locations, allowing you to have a comfortable and convenient home base while you explore all that Orlando has to offer.
Featured Image Credit: Caleb Oquendo from Pexels
