Orlando, September 25, 2025
Orlando is gearing up for an action-packed fall season filled with sports and entertainment. From college football games to wrestling shows, there is an event for everyone. Enjoy the local sports scene with exciting matches, family-friendly activities, and the vibrant nightlife. This guide highlights the key events happening in late September and October, ensuring that both locals and visitors can make the most of their time in Central Florida.
Orlando Sports & Events Hotlist — Late Sept to October 2025
Listen up, Orlando — the city’s fall schedule is packing punch after punch. Whether you live here or you’re planning a visit, late September and October turn Central Florida into a sports and live-entertainment playground. From college football tailgates to wrestling spectacles, here’s the lowdown on what’s happening, where to go, and how to make the most of it.
Calendar Highlights — What’s on and when
This run of events mixes college athletics, pro hockey, soccer, wrestling, rodeo, and more. Short version: there’s probably something screaming your name.
- Sept 24: UCF Knights Women’s Volleyball at The Venue at UCF — fast, loud, and family-friendly.
- Sept 26: WWE SmackDown at Kia Center — big production, late-night energy.
- Sept 27: Bethune-Cookman Wildcats Football at Larry Kelly Field in Daytona — cross-town college rivalry vibes.
- Sept 27: ProboxTV Contender Series at Events Center, Osceola Heritage Park — local fight scene action.
- Sept 30: Tampa Bay Lightning at Kia Center — NHL-grade excitement on ice.
- Oct 2: Sumter County Fair Pro Rodeo — a dust-kicking country spectacle in nearby Sumter County.
- Oct 2: UCF Knights Women’s Soccer at UCF Soccer & Track Complex — early autumn evening matches.
- Oct 2: All Elite Wrestling: Collision at Jenkins Arena — big wrestling night in Lakeland-area venue.
- Oct 4: UCF Knights Football activities in Acrisure Bounce House parking lots — tailgating culture in full force.
- Oct 4: Stetson Hatters Football at Spec Martin Municipal Stadium — a close-by college gridiron night.
- Oct 4: Boots, Bulls & Barrels at Silver Spurs Arena — rodeo + country concert energy.
- Oct 4: Orlando City SC at Inter&Co Stadium — pro soccer buzz and family chants.
- Oct 5: Orlando City B at Osceola County Stadium — development squad play; wallet-friendly tickets.
- Oct 10: Orlando Pride at Inter&Co Stadium — NWSL-level women’s soccer excitement.
- Oct 10: Micro Wrestling Federation at Wild Greg’s Saloon, Lakeland — late-night indie wrestling fun.
- Oct 11: Orlando Magic at Kia Center — preseason and regular-season hoop action.
- Oct 12: Orlando Solar Bears at Kia Center — hockey, family skates, and horn-blowing nights.
- Oct 17: WWE NXT Live at Dade City Armory — up-and-coming wrestling talent on tour.
- Oct 18: Extreme Dwarfanators Wrestling at Dirty South Saloon — an offbeat, energetic show.
- Oct 23: LSU Tigers Basketball at Addition Financial Arena — high-level college hoops exhibition.
- Oct 26: Orlando Solar Bears at Kia Center — another rink night for hockey fans.
- Oct 30: Orlando Magic at Kia Center — prime-time NBA action.
- Oct 31: Orlando Solar Bears at Kia Center — Halloween on ice — expect costume crowds.
Special Calendar Notes
During Sept 26–28 the Ryder Cup is happening far up north, so golf fans might be watching remotely, but Orlando’s live scene won’t miss a beat. Also mark your calendars for the late-year Citrus Bowl at Camping World Stadium on Dec 31 if you’re planning a holiday trip.
Smart Tips for Locals and Visitors
- Buy ahead: Big nights sell fast. Wrestling, pro soccer, and the Magic draw quick crowds. Mobile tickets are common — screenshot backups are your friend.
- Parking and traffic: Kia Center and stadium parking fills early. Plan extra time, use park-and-ride where offered, or consider rideshare for late exits.
- Tailgating culture: UCF football and college weekends mean intense tailgates. Bring cash for local vendors, and be respectful of neighborhood rules.
- Family-friendly vs late-night: Soccer, hockey, and college games are great for families. Wrestling and bar shows skew late-night and 21+ depending on venue.
- Food and drinks: Expect local craft beers and stadium staples; many venues now feature trending local restaurants and food trucks.
- Accessibility: Most major venues have ADA seating and services — check venue sites in advance for specifics.
Where to Stay and Play Nearby
Visitors: pick accommodations near the action. Downtown and International Drive areas give quick access to stadiums and nightlife. If you want quieter nights, choose neighborhoods a short drive away and enjoy peaceful mornings after late events.
Nightlife After the Game
Orlando’s late-night options range from craft cocktail bars to lively sports pubs. After big events head to nearby entertainment districts for post-game energy — live DJs, late bites, and plenty of spots to debate the night’s biggest plays.
Closing Punch
This fall stretch in Orlando is a loud, energetic mix. From the ice at Kia Center to gritty indie wrestling and home-team soccer, there’s more than enough action to plan a weekend around. Wear comfortable shoes, bring patience for parking, and get ready to cheer — or cheer loudly from the stands.
FAQ
Q: How do I find tickets for these events?
A: Most venues sell tickets through their official box offices and verified ticket platforms. For sold-out nights, check for additional releases or resale options from reputable vendors.
Q: Are events family-friendly?
A: Many events like soccer, hockey, and college sports are family-friendly. Wrestling and late-night saloon shows may be 18+ or 21+ depending on the venue — check age policies before booking.
Q: What’s the best way to avoid parking headaches?
A: Arrive early, use park-and-ride when available, or opt for rideshare. Some venues offer pre-paid parking passes which save time on event day.
Q: Can I bring food or coolers to tailgates?
A: Tailgate rules vary by venue. Many college parking areas permit tailgating with limits; professional venues usually restrict outside food and drink. Check venue rules in advance.
Q: Where can I get the most up-to-date event info?
A: Event schedules and policies can change, so check the official venue or event organizer pages before you go for the latest start times, gate policies, and safety info.
Quick Visual Chart — Event Snapshot
| Date | Event | Venue | Best For | Ticket Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sept 26 | WWE SmackDown | Kia Center | Late-night action | Buy early; floor seats sell fast |
| Sept 30 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Kia Center | Hockey fans, families | Check promos for family packs |
| Oct 2 | AEW Collision / Sumter Rodeo | Jenkins Arena / Sumter Fairgrounds | Wrestling fans / Country crowd | Pack layers for outdoor rodeo nights |
| Oct 4 | Orlando City SC / Boots, Bulls & Barrels | Inter&Co Stadium / Silver Spurs Arena | Soccer supporters / Rodeo concert-goers | Public transit or rideshare recommended |
| Oct 11–31 | Magic & Solar Bears stretch | Kia Center | Hoops & hockey lovers | Look for combo-night discounts |
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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.
