Events, ways to celebrate
Labor Day is Monday, 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 Families and friends can enjoy free daytime admission to the gardens on Monday — 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 runs through Monday. For tickets and a full schedule, visit orlandouff.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 through Monday 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. Find the free-admission festivities through Monday 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 kicked off Friday 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 Monday 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 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. today 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 Monday 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 Monday 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. today at 4990 New Broad St. in Orlando. More information: laborday5korl.com