Columbus Day 2026: The History Behind the Holiday and What It Means for Central Florida
October 12, 2026Observed Monday, October 12, Columbus Day commemorates Christopher Columbus’s 1492 arrival in the Americas. But the holiday also raises important questions about exploration, Indigenous history and how Americans remember the past. Every October, Americans encounter a holiday that means different things to different people. For some, Columbus Day celebrates exploration, maritime achievement and the contributions of Italian Americans. For others, the date is an opportunity to recognize the Indigenous peoples who lived throughout the Americas long before European ships arrived. And for many Central Florida residents, the most immediate question is much simpler. Is the post office open? Are banks…
New Lake Nona Park Planned With Splash Pad, Pickleball and Trails
Lake Nona Is Getting a New 14-Acre Public Park With a Splash Pad, Pickleball Courts, Walking Trails and a Landmark Sculpture Orlando is moving forward with plans for Poitras Park, a new community recreation destination along Luminary Boulevard in Lake…
Fun Things to Do in Orlando October 12–18, 2026
Fun Things to Do in Orlando This Week: October 12–18, 2026 Beautiful mornings, outdoor festivals, dragon boat races, free art, Halloween fun and neighborhood markets make this a great week to get out and enjoy Central Florida. October is finally…
SunRail Weekend Service: A New Way to Explore Greater Orlando
SunRail Is Making a Small Change That Could Make Weekend Orlando Trips Much Easier Central Florida’s commuter rail system is testing expanded weekend service tied to major events and growing ridership demand. For Orlando residents who normally think of SunRail…
Active Seniors in Orlando: Kayaking, Wine, Beaches, Live Music and More
Active After 50 in Orlando: Adventure, Wine, Live Music, Beaches and More Forget the stereotype of what getting older is supposed to look like. For active adults in their 50s, 60s and beyond, Greater Orlando offers kayaking, cycling, camping, wine…
Over 50 and Active in Orlando: Things to Do Oct. 5–11, 2026
Over 50 and Still Active in Orlando: Things to Do This Week and Next Weekend Being over 50 in Central Florida does not mean slowing down. From free gardens and line dancing to cycling, live orchestral music, art walks, Oktoberfest,…
Totally Free Things to Do in Orlando This Weekend: Oct. 3–4, 2026
Totally Free Things to Do in Greater Orlando This Weekend: Oct. 3–4, 2026 Looking for something to do around Orlando without spending money? This weekend brings free museum admission, fall events, classic cars, wildlife viewing, farmers markets and even a…
10 Best Special Bakeries in Orlando Locals Should Try
10 Special Orlando Bakeries Every Local Should Try at Least Once Forget the supermarket bakery. Greater Orlando has everything from award-winning Southern pies and handmade French croissants to Asian cream puffs, Colombian cheese bread, Puerto Rican quesitos and half-pound cookies.…
10 Free Things to Do in Orlando This October 2026
10 Free Things to Do in Orlando This October 2026: Festivals, Halloween and Family Fun October is one of the best months to get out around Central Florida without spending theme park money. From free admission at Leu Gardens and…
Things to Do in Orlando This Weekend: Oct. 2–4, 2026
Things to Do in Orlando This Weekend: Oct. 2–4, 2026 October arrives with one of the busiest fall weekends yet: free museum activities, Oktoberfest, pumpkin farms, home-and-garden ideas, classic cars, food trucks, Halloween markets and plenty of inexpensive things to…
Orlando Home & Garden Show 2026: Free Admission, Dates & Parking
Orlando Fall Home & Garden Show 2026: Free Admission, $10 Parking and What to Know Before You Go The Orlando Fall Home & Garden Show returns Oct. 2–4 with remodeling contractors, kitchens and baths, landscaping, outdoor living, gardening, cooking demonstrations,…
