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6️⃣ things to do in Central Florida this weekend: Orlando Air Show, Howl-O-Scream, Jurassic Quest and more (Sept. 25-27)

From haunted houses and scare zones to conservation-friendly outdoor fun and farmers market finds, here are six weekend picks around Central Florida

Kara Moeller, Creative Services

ORLANDO, Fla. – Spooky season is picking up fast in Central Florida — but the weekend lineup isn’t all screams. Here are six things to do in the Orlando area this weekend (Sept. 25-27), it’s a mix of nighttime thrills, family-friendly shows and a couple bonus picks.

6) SeaWorld Howl-O-Scream

If you want a major Halloween event in Orlando, this one brings the big-budget scares.

  • Where: SeaWorld Orlando
  • When: Sept. 25 and 26 (select nights Sept. 11 through Oct. 31)
    • Gates open: 6:30 p.m.
    • Event starts: 7 p.m.
  • What to know: Features five haunted houses, six scare zones, themed bars and entertainment, plus select SeaWorld rollercoasters operating during the event.
  • Tickets: seaworld.com/orlando/events/howl-o-scream/

Check out my full Howl-O-Scream event guide here.

5) Nature Fest at Oakland Nature Preserve

A great daytime pick for families and anyone who wants fresh air with a side of Florida nature.

  • Where: Oakland Nature Preserve, 747 Machete Trail, Oakland
  • When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • What to know: Meet members of the environmental community, take part in animal interactions and guided hikes, and check out presentations celebrating Florida’s natural history, conservation and future.
  • Cost: Donations are greatly appreciated.
  • Full schedule: https://oaklandnaturepreserve.wildapricot.org/

4) Orlando Air Show

A bucket-list kind of day for aviation fans — and a rare chance to see multiple military demo teams in one show.

  • Where: Orlando Sanford International Airport
  • When: September 26 & 27
    • Gates open at 9 am on Saturday and Sunday.
    • The Flight Line Club and Corporate Chalets will open at 10 am on Saturday and Sunday
    • The aerial portion of the show runs from noon to approximately 4:00 pm.
  • What to know: Headliners include the F-22 Raptor Demo Team and the U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornet Demo Team, plus Navy SEALs Leap Frogs, the Racers Jet Team, and aerobatic pilots including Galen Killam and John Black.
  • Tickets: Starting at $32
  • Info/Tickets: https://air.show/cf-purchase-tickets/

3) SCREAM-A-GEDDON (Halloween horror park)

A road-trip-worthy haunted attraction with classic horror creatures and hangout spots.

  • Where: Dade City, Florida
  • When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday (running weekends through Nov. 1)
    • Park opens: 7 p.m.
  • What to know: Haunted house attraction with zombies, demons and scary clowns, plus fire pits, food and drink. It’s recommended for adults and teens, but younger children may attend if parents choose to bring them.
  • Tickets: Purchase online: https://screamageddon.com/

2) Chase Sanctuary animal experiences

A hands-on way to support rescue, rehabilitation and conservation — with experiences scheduled all weekend.

For more details and to see what it’s like at Chase Sanctuary, you can my full video here.

1) Jurassic Quest

A big, indoor, family-friendly road trip idea — one weekend only in Daytona Beach.

  • Where: Ocean Center, Daytona Beach
  • When: Sept. 25-27, 2026 (one weekend only)
  • What to know: Three experiences included with admission: Jurassic Quest, Ancient Oceans, and the all-new Frozen Frontier. Families can see life-size dinosaurs from multiple time periods, plus live dinosaur shows, baby dinosaur encounters, dinosaur rides, fossil digs, inflatables, crafts and other kid-friendly activities.
  • Tickets/Info: JurassicQuest.com

Bonus🎉

4Roots Farmers Market

If you’re staying closer to Orlando, this is an easy Saturday morning stop.

  • Where: 4Roots Farm Campus
  • When: Sept. 26, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • What to know: Farm-fresh produce, handcrafted goods, local vendors and artisans.

Lemesto Brand Launch Party

A crafty, community-forward night out with mini make-and-take stations — and a little sparkle encouraged.

  • Where: Bookburn, 2425 E. South St., Orlando, FL 32803
  • When: Sept. 27, 6-8 p.m.
  • What to know: Lemesto is launching its new brand with micro-craft stations, a photobooth, giveaways and swag bags. Festive attire recommended, and spots are limited.
  • Tickets: $10 (18+): https://lemesto.com/tickets/p/launchparty

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