Orlando, FL, September 5, 2025
News Summary
Join the Ultimate Tailgate community event at ICON Park this Sunday, featuring live entertainment such as marching bands and cheerleaders. The family-friendly gathering runs from 9 AM to 1 PM, with giveaways and free food for attendees. Visitors can enjoy selfie stations and take advantage of free parking options. Live television coverage will precede the event from 8 AM to 10 AM, ensuring an engaging morning for all attendees.
Orlando
What: The Ultimate Tailgate community event will be held at ICON Park on Sunday, September 7, running from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with live on-site television coverage from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. The event will take place on The Lawn at ICON Park and is presented as a family-friendly tailgate with entertainment, activities, giveaways, and complimentary food options for attendees.
Key details
- Date and time: Sunday, September 7, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM (live television coverage 8:00 AM–10:00 AM).
- Location: The Lawn at ICON Park, 8375 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819.
- Main attractions: Marching bands, cheerleaders, on-air station personalities, and the Thunder Truck.
- Visitor amenities: Selfie stations, giveaways, and free food.
- Parking: Free parking on floors 4–7 in the ICON Park Garage; premium parking available on floors 2–3; free garage parking for the event and free parking in the ICON Park Garage noted for guests. Free valet parking is available for all guests after 5:00 PM near Brother Jimmy’s BBQ.
Supporting details
The tailgate will feature live entertainment suited to a broad audience, including marching bands and cheer squads. The event schedule includes an early live broadcast presence from a local television station between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, followed by the main event on The Lawn from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Organized activities will include selfie stations for photos, promotional giveaways, and free food options for attendees during the event hours.
Parking arrangements at ICON Park are intended to support larger visitor volumes: free parking is provided on floors 4 through 7 of the parking garage, while premium spaces are located on the 2nd and 3rd floors. Attendees arriving after 5:00 PM may use free valet parking by entering near Brother Jimmy’s BBQ. The park is positioned near major routes, including Interstate 4, the Florida Turnpike, and the Beachline Expressway (SR-528), which should make access straightforward for regional visitors.
Related activities before and after the tailgate
On Thursday, September 5, ICON Park will host related dining and nightlife events. A happy hour is scheduled from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at both the Lawn Bar and the Wheelhouse Bar; these venues have ongoing happy hour specials that include $8 cocktails Monday through Wednesday and from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Thursday through Sunday. Also on September 5, a nightlife event called “Ibiza Nights” will take place at Helena Modern Riviera from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM featuring top DJs and a high-energy atmosphere.
Ongoing attractions and seasonal offerings
ICON Park offers a range of attractions year-round, including The Orlando Eye observation wheel, more than 50 shops and restaurants, and live entertainment options. Looking ahead to the holiday season, the Santa Workshop Experience will be available from November 8, 2024, through December 24, 2024. The Santa Workshop will be staged inside the Sky Lounge at The Orlando Eye and is presented as a winter-themed experience with free covered parking for guests, free carousel rides for children under 13 when a photo purchase is made, and discounts on some attractions such as The Orlando Eye.
The Santa Workshop will offer candid photo sessions with Santa using several pricing tiers, including USB package options that come with free carousel rides for qualifying children. Reservations are recommended for the Santa Experience, as the attraction is expected to sell out quickly during peak holiday dates.
How to prepare
- Arrive early to secure parking on the designated free floors or premium floors if preferred.
- Plan for family activities and bring any items needed for comfort outdoors (sunscreen, water, seating if desired).
- Make reservations for seasonal attractions like the Santa Workshop in advance to avoid sellouts.
FAQ
When and where is the Ultimate Tailgate?
The Ultimate Tailgate takes place on Sunday, September 7, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at The Lawn at ICON Park, 8375 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819.
Is there live television coverage at the event?
Yes. A local television station will run live on-site coverage from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM on the day of the event.
What entertainment and activities will be available?
Attendees can expect marching bands, cheerleaders, on-air personalities, the Thunder Truck, selfie stations, giveaways, and free food.
Where can I park and are there any parking fees?
Free parking is available on floors 4 through 7 of the ICON Park Garage during the event. Premium parking spaces are on floors 2 and 3. Free valet parking is offered for all guests after 5:00 PM near Brother Jimmy’s BBQ.
Are there other events around the same time?
Yes. On September 5, a happy hour will run from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Lawn Bar and Wheelhouse Bar with ongoing drink specials. Also on September 5, Ibiza Nights will be hosted at Helena Modern Riviera from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM with DJ sets.
What seasonal attractions will follow later in the year?
The Santa Workshop Experience will run from November 8 through December 24, 2024, inside the Sky Lounge at The Orlando Eye. It includes photo sessions, free carousel rides for children under 13 with a photo purchase, and attraction discounts. Reservations are recommended.
Event at a glance
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Date & Time | Sunday, September 7 — 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM (live coverage 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM) |
Location | The Lawn at ICON Park, 8375 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 |
Main Entertainment | Marching bands, cheerleaders, on-air personalities, Thunder Truck |
Amenities | Selfie stations, giveaways, free food |
Parking | Free floors 4–7; premium floors 2–3; free valet after 5:00 PM near Brother Jimmy’s BBQ |
Nearby events (Sept 5) | Happy hour at Lawn Bar & Wheelhouse Bar (5:00–7:00 PM); Ibiza Nights at Helena Modern Riviera (6:00–10:00 PM) |
Seasonal Highlight | Santa Workshop Experience at The Orlando Eye (Nov 8–Dec 24, 2024) — reservations recommended |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Orlando Hosts a Weekend of Events for Sports and Entertainment
Additional Resources
- Ultimate Tailgate at ICON Park
- Orlando Date Night Guide: Watch Parties
- Santa Workshop Experience at ICON Park
- Wikipedia: Orlando
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Orlando

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.