Labor Day is on Monday, giving many Central Floridians an extra day off to spend with friends and family. The federal holiday honors the American labor movement and the contributions of workers to the United States. To celebrate, here are some suggestions for ways to spend the three-day weekend around Orlando and Central Florida.
Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining: The event is back through Sept. 30 with three-course, prix-fixe meals for $40 or $60 per person at many Central Florida eateries. More than 180 restaurants throughout Central Florida are on the list. Cuisine ranges from seafood to Italian, steak and Japanese. More information: magicaldining.com
Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining 2026: 188 restaurants, 38 newcomers, 1 Michelin star
Raglan Road’s Great Irish Hooley: Guests can once again enjoy craft beer and food while listening to music from The Consequences, Folk Division, Plain Sailin, Men of Aran, Northern Crossing and more. The Raglan Road Irish Dancers are another focal point. Advanced reservations for tables are recommended. Music and merriment happen daily Sept. 4-7 at 1640 Buena Vista Drive in Orlando. More information: raglanroad.com
The Promenade at Sunset Walk: Enjoy a Labor Day weekend street party with live bands, DJs, street performers and more. Situated next to Margaritaville Resort Orlando, Sunset Walk also offers plenty of food options, a racing car and truck show on Sept. 4 and a charity car show on Saturday night. Find the free-admission festivities Sept. 4-7 at 3251 Margaritaville Blvd. in Kissimmee. More information: sunsetwalk.com
Boxi Park Lake Nona: Bourbon & Boots Weekend includes a range of events including line dancing on Sept. 4, a mechanical bull on Sept. 5 and face painters and bounce houses on Sept. 6. The weekend also includes plenty live music, children’s activities, food and drinks. The family-friendly festivities go on daily Sept. 3-7 at 6877 Tavistock Lakes Blvd. in Orlando. More information: boxiparklakenona.com
Disney On Ice: “Spotlight Magic” features Disney’s beloved characters as well as stories from “Zootopia 2,” “Tangled,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Toy Story” and “Monsters, Inc.” this weekend at the Kia Center with six shows to dazzle fans of all ages. Show times are 7 p.m. Sept. 4; 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sept. 5; noon and 4 p.m. Sept. 6 at 400 W. Church St. in Orlando. More information: disneyonice.com
Ozzy Osborne gets a tribute as the “Prince of Darkness” in one haunted house during Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios: Explore the gore on select nights in September, October and the first weekend of November. Single-night tickets for the after-hours event start at $89.99 per person. The frightening festivities take place on select nights at 6000 Universal Blvd. in Orlando. More information: universalorlando.com
Labor Day Skate: Astro Skate of Orlando hosts a holiday skate with free all-you-can-eat hamburgers and hot dogs for the first hour. The event is from 1-5 p.m. Sept. 7 at 866 S. Goldenrod Road in Orlando. More information: astroskatingcenter.com
Status of citrus workers pay homage to Orlando’s past at Leu Gardens. Leu Gardens has free admission on Labor Day. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Leu Gardens: Take advantage of free admission to Orlando’s 50-acre botanical oasis on Sept. 7, sponsored by Orlando Health. The outdoor green space is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 7 at 1920 N. Forest Ave. in Orlando. More information: leugardens.org
A Labor Day 5K: The 7th annual event pays tribute to the roots of Labor Day, which is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of the country’s workforce. Registration discounts are available for active-duty military, veterans and first responders. Registration starts at $45 or $20 for participants age 17 and younger. The race kicks off at 8 a.m. Sept. 6 at 4990 New Broad St. in Orlando. More information: laborday5korl.com
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