Ooooh okay, you’re looking to go beyond the usual theme parks and beach days — I love that! Florida is full of unexpected, quirky, and unforgettable entertainment experiences that fly under the radar. Whether you’re into the weird, the wonderful, the artsy, or the totally offbeat, Florida’s got plenty of flavor for those wanting something different. 🎭🛸🌴
Here’s your guide to unique and alternative entertainment in Florida 👇
🎭 Live Shows with a Twist
🎪 Drip Art Show (Orlando)
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A paint-splattered, nightclub-style performance blending live art, dance, music, and drinks.
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It’s weird. It’s wild. It’s wonderful.
🍷 The Villages Live Entertainment Scene
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Sounds random, but this retirement-community-turned-mini-city near Ocala has free nightly live music, line dancing, and people-watching galore.
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Think: Margaritaville vibes + golf carts everywhere.
🐴 Arabian Nights Dinner Show (Ocala)
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Less touristy than Medieval Times, with a horse-heavy storytelling experience and full dinner included.
🧪 Quirky + Interactive Museums & Attractions
🔮 WonderWorks (Orlando)
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The “upside-down house” you’ve probably seen photos of.
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Part science center, part arcade, part glow-in-the-dark ropes course. Great for all ages.
👻 Ripley’s Believe It or Not (St. Augustine / Orlando / Panama City Beach)
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Weird relics, odd history, bizarre facts — Florida’s weirdness magnet.
🛸 Skunk Ape Research Headquarters (Ochopee, Everglades)
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Wanna hunt the Florida Bigfoot? Stop here, meet the legend, and maybe buy a T-shirt.
🌌 Nighttime Adventures That Are Totally Different
🌊 Bioluminescent Kayaking (Titusville / Merritt Island)
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Paddle through glowing water caused by microscopic plankton — summer months = peak glow!
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Feels like real-life magic ✨
🛥️ Floating Tiki Bar Cruise (Various Coastal Towns)
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It’s a tiki bar. On the water. With music. Yes, it’s real. Yes, you should do it.
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Try in places like Destin, Fort Lauderdale, or Tampa Bay.
🌠 Stargazing at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve
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Certified dark sky park = crazy clear constellations and Milky Way views.
🌿 Nature Meets Entertainment
🐸 Gatorland (Orlando)
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Zipline over live alligators, watch gator wrestling shows, and meet Florida’s OG swamp celebs 🐊
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It’s campy, old-school Florida fun
🛶 Glass-Bottom Kayaking at Silver Springs
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Paddle through crystal-clear water and spot fish, turtles, and even monkeys (!)
🐖 Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruise (Fort Lauderdale)
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Think kitschy comedy + cruise + dinner on a private island = a total Florida throwback.
🍸 Bars & Venues That Are Out of the Ordinary
❄️ ICEBAR Orlando
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Giant bar made of ice. Parkas provided. Fun photos. Cool drinks (literally).
🕵️♂️ Cocktail Speakeasies
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Mathers Social Gathering (Orlando) – Hidden library bar with vintage vibes
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The Roost (Sarasota) – Speak-easy style with locally made cocktails
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The Scape Goat (Miami Beach) – Cozy dive meets upscale bar energy
👟 Fun, Physical & Just Plain Different
🧗 Indoor Skydiving (iFLY – Orlando or Tampa)
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Zero-pressure flight for all ages (and zero jumping out of planes needed!)
⛳ Whimsical Mini Golf
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Lost Caverns Adventure Golf (Orlando) – With gator feeding!
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Smugglers Cove (multiple locations) – Pirate themes + live baby alligators
🚗 Drive-In Movie Theater (Ocala, Lakeland, Tampa)
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Classic Florida fun — and it feels like stepping back in time with popcorn in hand.
Universal City Walk
At the entrance to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Your adventure doesn’t have to end once the parks are closed. Even if you don’t go to the parks, Universal CityWalk is open to all. [...]
Disney Springs
Disney Springs is a vibrant, open-air destination at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. It offers a diverse mix of dining, shopping, and entertainment experiences, all set along a picturesque waterfront. 🛍️ [...]
Orlando Beer Festival
Orlando Beer Festival will primarily showcase local and regional craft beer and the local craft beer bars who bring you the best from our region and around the world. It can include complimentary food samples [...]
Blue Man Group
Experience the humour, the euphoria, and the indiscernible celebration of art, technology, and music at a Blue Man Group Show at Universal CityWalk. Lose yourself in the incredible performances, the astounding music, and the captivating [...]