Orlando, September 18, 2025 This fall, Orlando is bustling with a variety of charity events and community festivals. From elegant galas to the HOWL-O-WEEN Dog Walk-aThon, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy golf tournaments, creative art displays like Canstruction, and film festivals showcasing local talent. These events not only offer fun and entertainment but also opportunities to support local causes and engage with the community. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the vibrant autumn spirit in Orlando while giving back to the community. Orlando’s Fall Charity & Festival Roundup If you live in Orlando or are planning a visit this fall, get ready for a stretch of events that pack heart, fun, and a little bit of spectacle. From wild costume contests for dogs to high-glam gala nights, this season is stacked. Read on for a fast, punchy guide to the top charity and community happenings, with tips an Orlando events insider would give you at the bar after the show. Big Charity Nights Worth Your Fancy Shoes Gala season hits early. Expect an elegant masquerade gala at a major hotel on October 25, dinner and dancing under chandeliers, and a silent auction loaded with curated items. Another fall highlight is a legacy gala on October 4 in Southern Oaks — a night built to raise funds for local causes. These evenings are great chances to dress up, network, and make an impact. Tip: buy tickets early and check dress code details; some rooms enforce cocktail attire. Golf, Stars, and Family-Focused Fundraising The annual Stars & Pars event is back for its 13th year on October 24 at Universal Orlando Resort. Expect a full day on the greens followed by evening festivities. This one draws families and celebrities, and gives travelers a chance to mix theme park energy with philanthropy. If you prefer college spirit, a UCF charity all-star game on October 10 gives a local twist to fundraising season. Creative, Hands-On Giving Canstruction Orlando on October 11 is pure Orlando spectacle. Teams stack canned and non-perishable foods into giant sculptures at Dezerland Park, then all the food goes straight to a local food bank. It is equal parts art show and community pantry — perfect for families and groups who want to volunteer or just snap over-the-top photos. Pet Lovers, This One Is for You Dog lovers, mark October 25 for the HOWL-O-WEEN Dog Walk-aThon and costume contest at Uptown Altamonte. Expect costumes ranging from adorable to hilarious, a casual walk, and booths from local trainers and pet rescues. Great chance to support animal charities while letting your pup strut their stuff. Film, Theater, and Quirky Nights Out Film buffs should pencil in the Global Peace Film Festival running mid-September across Orlando, Winter Park, and Maitland. Theater lovers get treats too, with youth plays and special speakeasy-style events in Sanford in September. For fans of the macabre or immersive scares, Happy Frights runs late September through November with a rotating roster of haunted experiences. Food, Booze, and Local Flavor Orlando Booze & Bites puts a friendly price cap on tasting menus for a day, perfect for sampling new restaurants or food trucks without breaking the bank. For market vibes and headphone parties, Baldwin Park has a silent headphone event that turns a normal market into a pop-up dance scene. Local Markets, Vintage Finds, and Family Fun Renninger’s Autumn Yard Sale and Totally Rad Vintage Fest deliver treasure-hunter energy for collectors who live for retro threads and unique finds. For family-friendly lakeside thrills, the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Show is free and made for all ages. Quick Insider Tips Buy early for galas and popular festivals to avoid sold-out disappointment. Check parking at venues like Universal or Uptown Altamonte. Rideshare can save time on event nights. Bring a small bag of non-perishables to Canstruction if you want to donate directly and skip lines. Expect crowds on weekend market days and festival nights — show up early for the best food stalls. Why Orlando? Why Now? Orlando’s calendar is more than theme parks. Autumn brings community energy: charity galas that tug the heartstrings, quirky festivals that show off local flavor, and volunteer-driven events that let visitors give back. If you’re planning a trip, add one of these events to your itinerary for a side of real Orlando life that visitors rarely see. FAQ Are these events family-friendly Many are family-friendly. Canstruction, water ski shows, markets, and the HOWL-O-WEEN walk are made for kids. Check event pages for age-specific activities or any restricted evening gala nights. How do I buy tickets Most events use online ticketing or registration. For free events, register early when required. For galas and auctions, expect main-ticket tiers and possibly VIP upgrades. Can I bring my pet Pet rules vary. Dog walk events welcome pets. Large venues and indoor galas may restrict animals. Always check the event details and bring proof of vaccinations if required. Are these events accessible Accessibility varies by venue. Many major venues offer ADA accommodations. Contact organizers or venue accessibility offices in advance for seating, parking, or mobility needs. How much should I budget Costs range widely. Some events are free, markets are pay-as-you-go, galas can be pricier. For a safe bet, budget for parking, a modest ticket fee, and food or auction purchases. Quick Event Snapshot Chart Event Date Location Type Family Friendly Canstruction Orlando October 11, 2025 Dezerland Park Orlando Community / Charity Yes Gems and Jewels Masquerade Gala October 25, 2025 Hilton Orlando / Altamonte Springs Gala / Fundraiser No, adults preferred Stars & Pars (13th Annual) October 24, 2025 Universal Orlando Resort Golf / Fundraiser Partial HOWL-O-WEEN Dog Walk-aThon October 25, 2025 Uptown Altamonte Pet Event / Charity Yes, dogs welcome Global Peace Film Festival September 16-21, 2025 Venues across Orlando Film Festival Varies by screening Happy Frights Haunting Nights Sept 26 – Nov 1, 2025 Various Halloween / Immersive Most attractions 13+ Ready to dive in Orlando style? Pack a light jacket for evenings, comfortable shoes for festival walking, and an open schedule for spontaneous local flavor. See you in the crowd. 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Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
