Orlando Unplugged: September 2026 News & Updates

There is no shortage of change happening across Orlando and Central Florida, and September brings a fresh look at the people, places, and projects shaping the region. This month’s local updates range from new entertainment and dining destinations to major development proposals, retail expansions, arts and cultural milestones, and projects that could influence Orlando for years to come. From the return of Halloween Horror Nights and a new season for the Orlando Magic to plans for an expanded Dr. Phillips Center, a proposed MLB stadium, new businesses, and ongoing changes across downtown, these stories offer a closer look at how Central Florida continues to grow, evolve, and create new experiences for the people who live, work, and visit here.

Orlando Is Taking a New Approach to Building a Film Industry

Orlando once had ambitions of becoming “Hollywood East,” but nearly four decades later, Central Florida is taking a more measured approach to growing its film and television industry. Orange County’s new $25 million, five-year film incentive program is designed to attract productions while creating more consistent opportunities for the region’s existing creative workforce. The Orlando metro already has an estimated 8,500 jobs across film-related fields such as production, editing, animation, camera operations and sound, although many of those workers also support industries beyond traditional film. The bigger goal is to turn that talent pool into a sustainable production economy through local spending, employment, tourism and repeat productions that encourage creative companies to establish roots in Central Florida.

Halloween Horror Nights Brings 35 Years of Frights to Universal Orlando

Halloween Horror Nights officially returned to Universal Orlando in August for its 35th anniversary, bringing another season of haunted houses, scare zones and horror-inspired entertainment to Central Florida. This year’s 10 haunted houses include new experiences based on Sinners, Hellraiser, Evil Dead Burn and Stranger Things 5, along with an Ozzy Osbourne tribute and the return of fan-favorite characters including H.R. Bloodengutz. Guests can also encounter Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow in Jack & Oddfellow: Chaos & Control, while new scare zones such as Fortnitemares and Downtown Clowntown add even more chaos throughout the event. With Halloween Horror Nights running on select nights through November 1st, the annual Universal Orlando event remains one of the biggest seasonal attractions on the Central Florida entertainment calendar.

Orlando’s Historic Preservation Rules Are Facing a State Challenge

Orlando’s temporary changes to the way historic properties in downtown are reviewed are now drawing scrutiny from Florida preservation officials. In an August 21st letter, the state gave the city 180 days to address concerns surrounding a three-year process that shifts certain projects in the Downtown Historic District away from the Historic Preservation Board and to the Appearance Review Board. The state warned that the change could put Orlando’s Certified Local Government status at risk, a designation the city has held since 1989 and that provides access to preservation resources, technical assistance and certain grants. City officials say they are reviewing the state’s concerns, leaving the next several months important for determining how Orlando balances redevelopment flexibility with the preservation of its historic downtown properties.

A Year Later, the Pulse Rainbow Crosswalk Is Still a Symbol of Resistance

A year after the state removed the rainbow crosswalk outside Pulse overnight, the colors have continued to return as Orlando community members repeatedly restore them with sidewalk chalk. Local activist James Houchins has been among the most consistent participants, returning to the Orange Avenue site throughout the past year even after being arrested in November during a chalking protest. In April, prosecutors announced that charges would not be filed against Houchins and others arrested in connection with the protests, citing a lack of evidence of property damage and First Amendment concerns. As the former Pulse nightclub site moves toward a permanent memorial honoring the 49 people killed there in 2016, the ongoing rainbow crosswalk gatherings have remained a visible reminder of remembrance, community and the determination to keep the memorial site from being forgotten.

Wayfair Is Bringing a Major New Store to Altamonte Springs

Wayfair is taking its online home-shopping experience into the real world with plans to open an 85,000-square-foot store at Marketplace at Altamonte in 2028. The Altamonte Springs location will become the retailer’s 10th physical store in the U.S., giving Central Florida shoppers the opportunity to browse curated furniture and home products in person, work with on-site design experts and take select items home the same day. The store is part of a larger revitalization of Marketplace at Altamonte and reflects Wayfair’s growing push to combine its massive online catalog with brick-and-mortar shopping experiences. For the Orlando area, the arrival adds another major retail destination just north of the city and brings a nationally recognized home furnishings brand to the region.

A New Late-Night Dining Scene Is Emerging After Los Tres Golpes

The unexpected August closure of Los Tres Golpes near Downtown Orlando quickly turned into the beginning of something new, with two separate late-night concepts emerging from the former partnership. Ramón Tavarez has reopened the restaurant’s former location on North Magnolia Avenue as El Colmadón, serving Thursday through Sunday into the late evening, while chef Stanley Salazar and former partner Chulin ForMayor are preparing to launch El Bloque, a new late-night concept featuring food, hookah and entertainment. The split appears to have been mutual, with the former partners publicly supporting one another’s next ventures, although they have not shared the specific reasons behind the restaurant’s sudden closure. With El Colmadón already operating and El Bloque preparing for its debut, Orlando’s late-night food scene is gaining two new names where there was recently one.

Orlando’s Canopy Project Under I-4 Is Finally Moving Toward Construction

After years of planning, Orlando’s Canopy project beneath Interstate 4 is getting closer to becoming a reality. The approximately 10-acre downtown project will transform underutilized space between Church Street and Washington Street into a mix of public areas, parking and rideshare infrastructure, with plans also calling for an e-bike and e-scooter hub, public restrooms, offices and a dedicated event space. About 35% of the site is expected to be public space, while 45% will accommodate parking and 20% will serve rideshare needs. Orlando City Council approved key agreements with the Florida Department of Transportation in August, with $3.75 million in FDOT funding joining $30 million in Downtown Community Redevelopment Area funding. Construction is expected to begin within 60 days, putting the long-promised downtown gathering space on track for completion in 2027.

Dr. Phillips Center Has Big Plans for Downtown Orlando’s Next Chapter

The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is looking beyond its current campus with an ambitious expansion plan that could significantly reshape Orlando’s downtown arts and entertainment district. The long-term vision includes three new theaters, expanded backstage and education facilities, additional parking, new event and dining spaces, and a transformed Frontyard and Seneff Arts Plaza anchored by a 4,000-person outdoor amphitheater. While the outdoor portion is not part of the center’s current public funding request, leaders say support for the other phases could help unlock private donations for the project. With the arts center already welcoming more than 6 million guests since opening in 2014, the proposed expansion could add another major destination for performances, community events and visitors in the heart of Downtown Orlando.

A New Sapphic-Centered Lounge Is Coming to Orlando’s Parramore

A new nightlife and dining destination is preparing to open across from Inter&Co Stadium, giving Orlando’s sapphic community a dedicated space designed with its needs in mind. Sapphire Lounge, created by She-Nanigans Promotions founders Mel Vitale and Jay Ruiz, is taking over the former Stonewall Bar and Heatwave location at 741 W. Church Street and is scheduled to open September 4th. The lounge and restaurant will feature a Mexican-inspired menu, late-night hours, entertainment and a strong focus on creating a welcoming and secure environment, while remaining open to everyone. With its location near Orlando City’s stadium and its roots in the local LGBTQ+ events community, Sapphire Lounge is aiming to become a new fixture in Orlando’s nightlife scene.

The Orlando Magic’s New Season Is Already Taking Shape

The Orlando Magic have officially unveiled their 2026-27 regular-season schedule, setting the stage for another season of NBA basketball at Kia Center. Orlando opens at home October 21st against the Atlanta Hawks, with the schedule also bringing nationally televised matchups against teams including the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat and New York Knicks. The Magic will play 18 home games on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays, giving Central Florida fans plenty of opportunities to catch a game throughout the season, while the team will also compete in the Emirates NBA Cup beginning in October. Training camp is scheduled to begin September 29th, making the start of another Magic season one of the major events on Orlando’s fall sports calendar.

H Mart Orlando Just Doubled Down on Its Food Hall

H Mart expanded it's dining experience inside its massive West Colonial Drive supermarket, opening the second phase of its Orlando food hall in August with six new Asian dining concepts. The expanded space adds Japanese curry from Curry 88, maki rolls and noodles from Mari Mari, traditional Korean hotteok, Korean fried chicken from bb.q Chicken, Korean street food from Dduk Dabang and Korean-style mala dishes from SORIMMARA. The additions effectively double the food hall’s dining options, building on the popularity of the H Mart location that opened in Orlando last year. With groceries, restaurants and cultural experiences all under one roof, the expanded food hall adds another destination for Asian cuisine to Orlando’s growing West Colonial Drive corridor.

Orlando Museum of Art Names Its 2026 People’s Choice Winner

The Orlando Museum of Art has announced Ema Ri as the winner of the 2026 Florida Prize in Contemporary Art People’s Choice Award, recognizing the artist’s floral paintings exploring transformation, vulnerability and the passage of time. Ri, a second-generation Cuban American and queer artist, works across painting, drawing, sculpture, video and installation, with their work examining relationships and the natural world. The $5,000 award was determined by votes from visitors throughout the summer, highlighting the public’s connection with Ri’s work among this year’s group of leading contemporary artists from across Florida. The annual Florida Prize exhibition continues to give Orlando a prominent role in showcasing the state’s evolving contemporary art scene.

A Piece of Orlando History Is Back on the Market in Delaney Park

A century-old home in Orlando’s Delaney Park neighborhood is offering buyers a chance to own a piece of the city’s medical history. Built in 1922 for Dr. John McEwan, a prominent early Orlando physician who helped establish the Orange County Medical Society, the 4,910-square-foot home sits near locations connected to some of the city’s earliest hospitals and medical practices. Today, the historic property combines original character with modern upgrades, featuring seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a handcrafted three-story staircase, antique brass details, a wood-burning fireplace, resort-style pool and private guesthouse. Originally listed for $2.71 million earlier this year, the home returned to the market in August at a reduced price of $2.59 million, putting one of Orlando’s historic residential properties back in the spotlight.

Orlando’s MLB Stadium Pitch Comes With a $2 Billion Vision

The Orlando Dreamers have unveiled new renderings for a proposed Major League Baseball stadium along the city’s International Drive tourism corridor, offering a closer look at what the massive project could eventually bring to Central Florida. Designed by Populous, the concept features a roughly 45,000-seat domed ballpark surrounded by hotels, restaurants, retail, offices and event space on a 35.5-acre site near State Road 528 and Aquatica. The group is seeking $975 million in Orange County Tourist Development Tax funding toward a project estimated at approximately $2 billion, although Orlando has not been awarded an MLB franchise. The proposal is part of the region’s ongoing effort to position Central Florida as a potential destination for a future Major League Baseball expansion or relocation.

Primark Adds Another Orlando Store at Vineland Premium Outlets

Primark has expanded its presence in Central Florida with the opening of its second Orlando location at Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets. The 19,000-square-foot store opened August 20th, giving local shoppers another option for the international retailer’s affordable fashion, Disney and Marvel collections, family apparel and Orlando Magic merchandise. The new store marks Primark’s fourth Florida location and brings its U.S. footprint to 45 stores across 14 states. Following the strong response to its first Orlando store at The Florida Mall, the company’s expansion adds another major retail option to the popular International Drive and Lake Buena Vista area, further strengthening Orlando’s reputation as a destination for both residents and visitors seeking value-oriented shopping.

Volusia County Moves Toward a Permanent Ban on Large Data Centers

Volusia County leaders are moving ahead with plans for a permanent ban on large-scale data centers in unincorporated areas, following months of discussion about the potential impact of these energy-intensive facilities on water, electricity and surrounding communities. The proposed restrictions would apply to data centers with peak electrical loads of at least 50 megawatts, with county staff citing concerns about water consumption, utility demand, noise and the region’s vulnerability to sinkholes. The move comes as communities across Florida debate how to manage the rapid growth of data centers tied to cloud computing and artificial intelligence. The proposed Volusia County ordinance still must go through planning review and public hearings, while cities within the county would retain their own authority over data center development.