Orlando, FL, October 9, 2025
News Summary
ICON Park in Orlando will host two exciting food and culture events in early October, featuring Southern barbecue from Brother Jimmy’s BBQ and a Cuban-themed evening called ‘Havana Nights’ at Helena Modern Riviera. Happy hour specials will be available across the park, offering guests a chance to indulge in diverse culinary experiences and entertainment. The events promise live music, delicious food, and opportunities for guests to engage with vibrant culture. Come experience the festivities at this popular entertainment location.
Orlando — ICON Park on International Drive will host a pair of food and culture events in early October 2025 that bring Southern barbecue and Cuban-inspired dining to the same entertainment complex. The schedule includes a broad happy hour timeframe across October 8 and October 9 and a special Cuban-themed evening at a restaurant inside ICON Park.
What’s happening now
The site-wide offering includes Date and Time for Happy Hour at ICON Park:
- October 8, 2025: 11:00 AM – 11:59 PM
- October 9, 2025: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
On October 8 and 9, visitors can take advantage of scheduled happy hour times across ICON Park venues. In addition, Brother Jimmy’s BBQ at ICON Park is presenting Southern-style barbecue options as part of the park’s restaurant lineup. Helena Modern Riviera hosts “Havana Nights” on October 9, 2025, from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
Event details and highlights
Helena Modern Riviera’s “Havana Nights” is described as an immersive Cuban culture evening with live music, classic cocktails, and authentic Cuban dishes prepared by Helena chefs. The event includes opportunities to dance and enjoy a lively musical atmosphere. Timing is set for October 9, 2025, from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
Brother Jimmy’s BBQ at ICON Park is presented as a place to experience traditional Southern BBQ flavors within the ICON Park destination. The overall ICON Park experience also includes repeated attractions and amenities that complement dining, such as 20-minute rides on The Orlando Eye and access to more than 50 shops, restaurants, attractions, and live entertainment acts.
Practical information for visitors
Location: ICON Park, Orlando, FL. The complex sits minutes from I-4, Florida Turnpike, and Beachline Expressway at International Drive and Universal Boulevard, making it accessible by major roads.
Parking and access
- Free parking is available on floors 4 through 7 of the parking garage.
- Premium parking access is offered on the 2nd and 3rd floors.
- Free valet parking is available after 5 PM near Brother Jimmy’s BBQ.
Attractions and offerings
- 20-minute rides on The Orlando Eye.
- Access to over 50 shops, restaurants, attractions, and live entertainment.
- Seasonal specials and unique dishes at restaurants throughout ICON Park.
Local barbecue context and community notes
Orlando’s barbecue scene is noted for diversity, ranging from Southern soul food to inventive BBQ food trucks. Highlighted local BBQ spots include:
- Ellie Lou’s: Offers St. Louis-style ribs, chopped BBQ platters, and Southern specialties.
- Bubbalou’s: Known for smoked Texas brisket, pork, chicken, and unique Southern dishes.
- Pig Floyd’s: Combines traditional BBQ with globally-inspired flavors in Orlando’s Mills 50 district.
Restaurants and vendors in the area provide seasonal specials and unique dishes that cater to local tastes. Businesses in and around ICON Park emphasize community engagement and support through various initiatives.
Weather and visitor planning
As of October 9, 2025, clear skies with high 69F and low 39F temperatures reported. Visitors should consider the temperature range when planning outdoor activities at ICON Park, including rides and live performances.
Coverage and perspectives
Travel writer Beth Bell has been noted as active in exploring new places and sharing culinary experiences in Orlando and beyond, which aligns with ongoing interest in local dining events and themed nights such as the “Havana Nights” event at Helena Modern Riviera.
What to expect on-site
- Dining: Southern BBQ options at Brother Jimmy’s BBQ and Cuban-inspired dishes at Helena Modern Riviera during “Havana Nights”.
- Entertainment: Live music and dance opportunities at Helena Modern Riviera on October 9, plus ongoing live entertainment throughout ICON Park.
- Convenience: Multiple parking options and proximity to major highways make access straightforward for most visitors.
Planning tips
Visitors arriving on October 8 or 9 should note the listed happy hour hours and the specific timing for “Havana Nights” on October 9. Parking availability varies by floor, with free valet after 5 PM near Brother Jimmy’s BBQ and free garage parking on floors 4 through 7.
FAQ
When is Date and Time for Happy Hour at ICON Park:
October 8, 2025: 11:00 AM – 11:59 PM; October 9, 2025: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Where is the location of these events?
ICON Park, Orlando, FL.
When does Helena Modern Riviera host “Havana Nights”?
Helena Modern Riviera hosts “Havana Nights” on October 9, 2025, from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
What does “Havana Nights” feature?
Havana Nights Features: Immersive Cuban culture with live music and traditional Cuban dishes; Classic cocktails to complement the vibrant atmosphere; Authentic Cuban dishes prepared by Helena chefs; Opportunity to dance and enjoy music in a lively setting.
What parking options are available at ICON Park?
Parking Information: Free parking available on floors 4 through 7 of the parking garage; Premium parking access is offered on the 2nd and 3rd floors; Free valet parking available after 5 PM near Brother Jimmy’s BBQ.
How accessible is ICON Park by road?
Accessibility: Located minutes from I-4, Florida Turnpike, and Beachline Expressway on International Drive and Universal Boulevard.
Which local BBQ spots are highlighted?
Highlighted local BBQ spots in Orlando include: Ellie Lou’s; Bubbalou’s; Pig Floyd’s.
What is the reported weather update?
Weather Update: As of October 9, 2025, clear skies with high 69F and low 39F temperatures reported.
Quick feature chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | ICON Park, Orlando, FL |
| Date and Time for Happy Hour at ICON Park: | October 8, 2025: 11:00 AM – 11:59 PM; October 9, 2025: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
| Helena Modern Riviera event | Helena Modern Riviera hosts “Havana Nights” on October 9, 2025, from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Parking Information | Free parking floors 4-7; Premium on 2-3; Free valet after 5 PM near Brother Jimmy’s BBQ |
| Featured BBQ spots | Ellie Lou’s; Bubbalou’s; Pig Floyd’s |
| Weather Update | As of October 9, 2025, clear skies with high 69F and low 39F temperatures reported |
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Additional Resources
- Orlando Date Night Guide: Best BBQ Spots
- ICON Park: Brother Jimmy’s BBQ
- Stacker: Highest Rated Southern Restaurants in Orlando
- Eastern Progress: Sonny’s BBQ Seasonal Flavors
- USA Today: Best Barbecue in Orlando
- Wikipedia: Barbecue
- Google Search: Orlando BBQ scene
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Barbecue
- Google News: Orlando BBQ events
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.
