Labor Day in Orlando 2022: Events and ways to celebrate

Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel
·4 min read
Labor Day in Orlando 2022: Events and ways to celebrate

Labor Day is Sept. 5, providing 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. In celebrating that, here are some suggestions for ways to spend the three-day weekend around Orlando and Central Florida.

  • Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining is back through Oct. 2, offering three-course, prix fixe meals for $40 per person at many Central Florida eateries. More than 100 restaurants throughout Central Florida are on the list. Cuisine ranges from seafood Italian, steak and Japanese. More information: magicaldining.com

  • Leu Gardens brings a movie night for guests to kick off Labor Day weekend with “Uncharted.” Snacks and alcohol are allowed but pets and tents are not. Leu Gardens members receive free admission to all movie nights on a first-come, first-served basis. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the movie starts at 8 p.m. Sept. 2 at 1920 N. Forest Ave. in Orlando. In addition, families and friends can enjoy free daytime admission to the gardens on Labor Day, Sept. 5 — and see the ongoing Fairy Doors exhibit. More information: leugardens.org

  • Orlando Urban Film Festival highlights the work of African-American creators and artists during Labor Day weekend. Music, food and networking events are included in the festivities, which will take place in and near CMX Cinema Plaza in downtown Orlando. The festival is Sept. 1-5. For tickets and a full schedule, visit orlandouff.com

  • Rockpit Brewing kicks off Labor Day weekend with a food truck parking lot party and live music from Steven Cardwell & The Neon Drifters. Find the festivities from 6-10 p.m. Sept. 2 at 10 W. Illiana St. in Orlando. More information: rockpitbrewing.com

  • Howl at the Moon Orlando, known for its jubilant atmosphere and dueling pianos, helps revelers celebrate the holiday weekend with a “Neon Nights” party. Guests can find drink discounts — including $4 Miller Light, $5 Topo Chico hard seltzer and $8 cherry limeade. Celebrate on Sept. 2 at 8815 International Drive in Orlando. More information: howlatthemoon.com

  • Raglan Road’s Great Irish Hooley returns with lots of Irish music and cuisine at the Disney Springs restaurant. Guests can once again enjoy craft beer and food while listening to music from Téada, One for the Foxes, Celtic Croí and more. Advanced reservations for tables are recommended. Music and merriment happen daily Sept. 2-5 at 1640 Buena Vista Drive in Orlando. More information: raglanroad.com

  • The Promenade at Sunset Walk hosts 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 and a car show on Saturday night. Find the free-admission festivities Sept. 2-5 at 3251 Margaritaville Blvd. in Kissimmee. More information: sunsetwalk.com

  • Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios begins this weekend for the 31st year of scares, complete with 10 haunted houses, five scare zones and two live shows. Explore the gore select nights in September and October. Single-night tickets for the after-hours event start at $73.99 per person. The frightening festivities kick off Sept. 2 at 6000 Universal Blvd. in Orlando. More information: universalorlando.com

  • Brother Jimmy’s BBQ at ICON Park is offering a special Labor Day deal where kids under 12 eat free on Sept. 5 with the purchase of an adult meal (one kid meal per adult). The venue also includes arcade games, TVs and plenty of space. In addition, ICON Park now offers birthday party packages, which includes a ride on The Wheel, arcade credits, pizza and a group photo. More information: iconparkorlando.com or brotherjimmys.com

  • Disney On Ice presents “Road Trip Adventures” this weekend at Amway Center with six shows to dazzle fans of all ages. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Sept. 2; 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sept. 3; 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sept. 4 at 400 W. Church St. in Orlando. More information: disneyonice.com

  • SeaWorld Orlando’s Craft Beer Festival serves up its last weekend of brews in Central Florida. The event features a wide range of food and beverages, with festival access included in the price of admission. Explore the festivities through Sept. 5 at 7007 Sea World Drive in Orlando. More information: seaworld.com

  • Bionic Me will have its last weekend at Orlando Science Center during Labor Day weekend. The exhibit focuses on technology that is changing the human experience and carrying us into the future. Visit 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through Sept. 5 to see the exhibit at 777 E. Princeton St. in Orlando. More information: osc.org

  • A Labor Day 5K presented by Southern Timing will celebrate the American worker with a run around Lake Baldwin. The event pays tribute to the roots of Labor Day, which is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of the country’s work force. Registration discounts are available for active-duty military, veterans and first responders. The race kicks off at 8 a.m. Sept. 4 at 4990 New Broad St. in Orlando. More information: laborday5korl.com

Find me @PConnPie on Twitter and Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com. For more fun things, follow @fun.things.orlando on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.