May in Orlando means longer days, warmer nights, and a stacked calendar of events for families, theme-park fans, and date-night seekers. Whether you want messy science experiments, LEGO® builds, or a mermaid meet-and-greet, here’s your curated list of can’t-miss things to do around Orlando this May 2026.
Brick Fan Event – Orlando LEGO® Fan Experience
Dates: May 2–3, 2026
Location: Dezerland Convention Center
Fans of all ages can dive into one of Florida’s largest LEGO® fan events, with massive brick displays, hands-on building zones, STEM challenges, and appearances from LEGO® Masters-level builders. Expect contests, vendors, and plenty of photo ops, making it a perfect weekend outing for families and collectors.
Mess Fest at Orlando Science Center
Dates: May 9–10, 2026
Location: Orlando Science Center
https://www.osc.org/event/mess-fest/2026-05-09/
Orlando Science Center is bringing back the gooiest, slimiest, messiest Mother’s Day weekend ever. Kids can learn about colorful chemistry, physics, and splashy science through live shows and hands-on experiments—no need to keep things clean at home when you can make a mess here instead.
Kids Fringe
Dates: May 16–17 & 23–24, 2026 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Orlando Garden Club
https://mycentralfloridafamily.com/event/kids-fringe-at-the-orlando-garden-club/2026-05-17/
Kids Fringe offers a kid-focused version of the Orlando Fringe experience, featuring free shows, crafts, games, workshops, and immersive activities. It’s a great way to introduce little ones to the arts in a relaxed, playful environment that still feels special.
Phenomena: Illusions at Orlando Science Center
Dates: May 17 – September 7, 2026
Location: Orlando Science Center
https://www.osc.org/visit/exhibits/phenomena/
Phenomena is an immersive exhibit all about optical illusions and the way our brains interpret what we see. Guests can explore interactive installations such as a Zero Gravity Room and an Ames Room while learning the science behind mind-bending visual tricks—perfect for curious kids and adults alike.
Collect-A-Con 2026
Dates: May 23–24, 2026
Location: Orange County Convention Center
Collect-A-Con is a must-visit for trading card, anime, and pop culture fans. With hundreds of vendors, celebrity guests, live concerts, panels, and gaming, it’s the place to hunt for rare cards, comics, POP! figures, vintage toys, and more.
Mermaid Dives & Meet-and-Greets
Dates: Select dates through May 25, 2026
Location: SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium
https://www.visitsealife.com/orlando/whats-inside/events-experiences/mermaids/
SEA LIFE Orlando is hosting live mermaid dives and interactive meet-and-greets inside their 360-degree ocean tunnel. Kids can watch “real-life” mermaids swim alongside sharks, rays, and sea turtles, then snap photos and ask questions after the show.
SeaWorld® Orlando’s Seven Seas Food Festival
Ending: May 17, 2026
Location: SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld’s Seven Seas Food Festival brings more than 200 global flavors, rotating menus, and craft cocktails together in one place. Guests can graze around the park, enjoy live concerts on select dates, and catch the final weeks of this seasonal food-and-entertainment lineup.
EPCOT® International Flower & Garden Festival
Ending: June 1, 2026
Location: EPCOT
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/epcot/epcot-international-flower-and-garden-festival/
This fan-favorite EPCOT festival features elaborate Disney-themed topiaries, garden displays, outdoor kitchens, and live entertainment. It’s a perfect date-day or family stroll: grab a snack, admire the landscaping, and squeeze in one last visit before the festival wraps for the year.
Science Night Live – Adults-Only Night at the Museum
Date: May 30, 2026 – 8:00–11:30 p.m.
Location: Orlando Science Center
https://www.osc.org/visit/events/science-night-live/
Looking for a kid-free night out? Science Night Live transforms Orlando Science Center into an adults-only experience with exhibits, hands-on experiments, and special guest speakers. It’s part date night, part throwback to your inner science-obsessed kid.
How to Use This List
Here’s one way to plan your month:
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Early May: Hit the Brick Fan Event for a big family outing.
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Mid-May: Rotate between Mess Fest, Kids Fringe, and Phenomena for kid-friendly weekends.
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Late May: Spend a day at Collect-A-Con, then schedule a mermaid meet-and-greet or a festival night at EPCOT or SeaWorld.
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End of Month: Book a sitter and cap it off with Science Night Live for an adults-only evening.
If you’re thinking about putting down roots closer to Orlando’s best events and attractions, this is a great time to explore your options. I help families and buyers find homes that match their lifestyle—whether that’s being minutes from the theme parks or in a quieter neighborhood with an easy drive into the city.
Want a customized list of neighborhoods that fit your budget and wish list? Reach out and I’ll send you a tailored shortlist
