Orlando Sentinel 2025-26 Arts Season Preview: Pop, Rock Music

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Vans Warped Tour Orlando

WHAT: The traveling music event that ran from 1995 to 2019 makes a comeback, celebrating its 30th anniversary with its final stop in Orlando. Following stops in Washington, D.C., and Long Beach, California, the famed festival lands in Central Florida with rock and emo staples All Time Low, August Burns Red, Black Veil Brides, Less Than Jake, Senses Fail, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus and many more. The popular event currently has a waitlist for tickets.
WHEN: Nov. 15-16
WHERE: Camping World Stadium, 1 Citrus Bowl Place in Orlando
INFO: vanswarpedtourorlando.com

YOUR SEASON PLANNER

Schedules are subject to change, so always double-check before heading to an event.

BLUE BAMBOO CENTER FOR THE ARTS

The Blue Bamboo is at 460 E. New England Ave. in Winter Park. For its many jazz performances, see the Music: classical, opera, choral, jazz listings. More information: bluebambooartcenter.com

DIEGO “BAKUDAN” RIVERA AND ORIGEN: Sept. 5. Latin music project explores the origins and evolution of the genre, focusing on Native and African influences.

JK & THE CONTRABAND: Sept. 6. Led by guitarist John Krasula, the Contraband delivers free-flowing jams inspired by a spectrum of influences.

BRIAN SMALLEY: Sept. 13. Florida fingerpicking guitarist covers genres from folk and Americana to jazz and pop music, plus originals.

OAK HILL DRIFTERS: Sept. 19 and Nov. 22. Orlando-based band embraces American roots music, performing original songs.

MEAN MARY BAND: Oct. 25. Using a banjo, fiddle, and guitar, the Florida-based performer touches on Americana, bluegrass, blues and folk.

RICKY SYLVIA AND THE BUZZCATZ: Nov. 16. The band presents a musical journey: “Jimmy, Jim & James: The Songs Of Buffett, Croce, and Taylor.”

CAMPING WORLD STADIUM

The City of Orlando’s outdoor arena hosts occasional football games, Monster Jam, festivals and large concerts at 1 Citrus Bowl Place in Orlando. More information: campingworldstadium.com

CHRIS BROWN: Sept. 30. Singer-songwriter, dancer and actor showcases versatility in R&B, hip-hop and pop genres with special guests Jhené Aiko and Bryson Tiller.

EDC ORLANDO: Nov. 7-9. Massive electronic music festival returns for its annual event with an estimated 300,000 attendees, carnival rides, lights, fireworks and art.

VANS WARPED TOUR: Nov. 15-16. Iconic touring festival, which had a 25-year run from 1995-2019, comes back for a special 30th anniversary edition in Orlando — the last of three cities hosting this year.

CLERMONT PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

The arts center is at 3700 U.S. 27 in Clermont and also regularly presents tribute bands, classical music and comedy. More information: clermontperformingarts.com

FIESTA LATINA: Oct. 1. La Charanga San Juan performs salsa music with Puerto Rican and Cuban flair.

DR. PHILLIPS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

The Dr. Phillips Center hosts a full calendar of Broadway shows, orchestral concerts, pop acts and comedians at 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando. More information: 407-358-6603 or drphillipscenter.org

Classic Albums Live Series

This series features re-creations of seminal albums from rock, pop and country. 

LED ZEPPELIN II: Sept. 13. The musicians perform the 1969 album.

Other music

BBMAK: Sept. 24. The early 2000s British pop-rock trio, known for chart-topping songs “Still on Your Side” and “Back Here.”

MYRIAM HERNANDEZ: Sept. 25. “La Baladista de América (America’s Balladeer)” is known for her romantic ballads.

AIR SUPPLY: Oct. 11. Soft-rock duo known for “All Out of Love” and “Making Love Out of Nothing At All.”

JOSS STONE: Oct. 12. Known for her soulful sound, the singer has sold more than 15 million copies worldwide of her nine studio albums.

ANDRES CEPEDA: Oct. 29. The Colombian singer-songwriter brings his blend of Latin pop, rock and romantic ballads.

JON BATISTE PLAYS AMERICA: Oct 10. The arts center celebrates its 10th anniversary with a performance by the Grammy- and Oscar-winning singer.

AMERICA: Nov. 16. The 1970s band known for hits such as  “A Horse with No Name,” “Sister Golden Hair” and “I Need You” celebrates its 55th anniversary with The Encore Tour 2025.

FOR KING + COUNTRY: Dec. 2-3. The Christian duo, with pop, rock, R&B and hip-hop influences, presents “A Drummer Boy Christmas: The Live Experience.”

FRANKIE VALLI AND THE FOUR SEASONS: Dec. 13. The 91-year-old singer of smash hits including “Sherry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” and “Grease” is on his final tour, titled “The Last Encores.”

NATALIA LAFOURCADE: April 22, 2026. The Mexican singer, winner of 17 Latin Grammy awards and acclaimed as “a custodian of Mexico’s rich songbook,” performs on her “Cancionera” tour.

Judson’s Live

This venue at the arts center presents music in an intimate club setting with curated light bites and cocktails. See the classical/jazz music listings for other Judson’s Live concerts.

AOIFE O’DONOVAN: Sept. 4. The Grammy-winning folk and bluegrass singer performs selections from her latest album “All My Friends.”

NASHVILLE NIGHT IN ORLANDO: Sept. 12-13. The  Warren Brothers are featured in this look at country-music songwriters.

THE LUBBEN BROTHERS: Oct. 5. Triplets whose sound is steeped in vocal harmonies and the multi-instrumental flair of the American folk tradition.

UNITED GROOVE FEATURING ANGELIKA FUMERO: Oct. 7. A blend of R&B, soul, blues and reggae and funk creates an upbeat sound.

MORGAN JAMES: Nov. 5-6. On her “Soul Remains” tour, the singer weaves elements of ‘90s R&B with timeless soul music.

JAI’ EAGLE: Nov. 7. Crooner known as “The Vibe Dealer” blends Southern gospel, Motown, neo-soul and modern pop.

THE PO’ RAMBLIN’ BOYS: Nov. 29. Grammy-nominated bluegrass band.

HARD ROCK LIVE

Part of Universal CityWalk, Central Florida’s “Coliseum of Rock” is at 6050 Universal Blvd. in Orlando. More information: hardrock.com

LUIS ALFONSO: Sept. 4. Colombian artist blends modern music with classic Latin rhythms to celebrate the Regional Mexican Music subgenre.

JESSIE MURPH: Sept. 8. The 20-year-old vocalist and songwriter brings her new country hits to Florida.

DREAM THEATER: Sept. 12. American progressive metal band celebrates 40th anniversary with Parasomnia and A Change of Seasons.

STREETLIGHT MANIFESTO: Sept. 27. Ska band brings additional collective of musicians to perform as The Bandits of The Acoustic Revolution Orchestra.

AFI WITH TR/ST: Oct. 23. American rock band brings hardcore and emo music to Central Florida.

JESSE MCCARTNEY: Oct. 24. Boy band star who got his start with Dream Street showcases his catalogue of solo music.

ALY & AJ: Oct. 26. Sister duo started as Disney Channel stars and then found a career together in music.

PETER FRAMPTON: Nov. 4. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee features a mix of classic hits and newer material.

HOUSE OF BLUES

Within Disney Springs, the House of Blues presents live music with an attached restaurant at 1490 E. Buena Vista Drive in Orlando. More information: houseofblues.com

FRANZ FERDINAND: Sept. 24. Scottish indie rock band brings danceable music to Disney Springs venue.

LAKE STREET DIVE: Sept. 28. Soulful and jazzy band brings signature sounds to Orlando.

PEACH PIT: Sept. 29. Chill indie-rock band presents laid-back tunes well suited for Florida.

THE 502s: Oct. 11. Orlando-based “beach folk band” has been called “The happiest band on Earth.”

THE BAND CAMINO: Oct. 13. American band hailing from Nashville brings indie rock sounds.

SHABOOZEY: Oct. 16. Country hitmaker brings popular songs to Florida for sold-out show.

PHANTOGRAM: Oct. 19. American duo combines electronic, pop and rock influences for signature sound.

MEN I TRUST: Nov. 21-22. A Canadian indie band presents electropop music.

KIA CENTER

Downtown Orlando’s 875,000-square-foot arena hosts NBA games, professional hockey and big-name live music acts at 400 W. Church St. in Orlando. More information: 407-440-7900 or kiacenter.com

KALI UCHIS: Sept. 4. Grammy-winning Colombian-American singer-songwriter blends doo-wop, reggae, R&B and hip-hop influences.

CODY JOHNSON: Sept. 5-6. American singer/songwriter combines traditional country with a modern edge, with openers Scotty McCreery and Emily Ann Roberts on Sept. 5 and Ian Munsick and Drew Baldridge on Sept. 6.

DISNEY DESCENDANTS AND ZOMBIES: Sept. 7. The cast of the latest “Descendants” and “Zombies” movies brings hits together.

ELADIO CARRIÓN: Sept. 12. Puerto Rican-American rapper, singer and songwriter brings Latin hits.

TATE MCRAE: Sept. 13-14. Canadian singer, songwriter and dancer blends pop, alternative and R&B influences.

LAUFEY: Sept. 15. Jazzy singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist brings her vintage vocal style with special guest Suki Waterhouse.

BENSON BOONE: Sept. 16. Singer-songwriter who rose to fame on TikTok comes for sold-out show.

SLEEP TOKEN: Sept. 17. British rock band with masked performers brings imagery and artistry to Orlando.

ANUEL AA: Sept. 20. Latin artist, who has collaborated with Bad Bunny, bridges hip-hop, trap and reggaeton.

LIL WAYNE: Oct. 1. Rapper known for his distinctive voice and inventive wordplay tours with special guests Tyga, NoCap and Belly Gang Kushington.

BRANDON LAKE: Oct. 3. Christian singer-songwriter presents his unique worship music.

ANDREA BOCELLI: Oct. 9. Italian tenor singer and songwriter brings orchestral music to Kia Center with Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.

NBA YOUNGBOY: Oct. 11. American rapper who began his career in his teens hits the road for the first time.

BILLIE EILISH: Oct. 14. Chart-topping superstar brings her distinct voice and genre-blending music to Central Florida.

JONAS BROTHERS: Oct. 26. Once Disney Channel stars, the pop trio continues to tour and perform together.

ELEVATION WORSHIP & STEVEN FURTICK: Oct. 30. Pastor Steven Furtick preaches while the band plays worship anthems.

ANA GABRIEL: Nov. 6. Accomplished Latin artist performs with her “smoky alto” voice.

LAINEY WILSON: Nov. 8. Rising star blends traditional honky-tonk and modern country sound.

FLORIDA BLUE BATTLE OF THE BANDS: Nov. 21. Top high school bands from across the country perform with dance teams, drum majors, precision drumlines and big brass sections.

MORA: Dec. 4. Latin urban singer, songwriter and producer combines reggaeton, trap and electronic influences.

EL GRAN COMBO & GRUPO NICHE: Dec. 7. Formed in 1960s in Puerto Rico, the beloved salsa group brings Latin flair to Orlando.

BURNA BOY: Dec. 10. Nigerian singer-songwriter blends Afrobeats, dancehall, hip-hop, pop and reggae.

PENTATONIX: Dec. 16. A cappella group brings “Christmas in the City Tour” to Central Florida.

MANÁ: March 20. One of the most successful Latin rock bands of all time stops in Florida on tour.

THIRD DAY: March 22. Christian music group brings worship music to Orlando.

THE PLAZA LIVE

One of Orlando’s oldest theaters was a cinema and theatre space before transforming into a music venue at 425 N. Bumby Ave. in Orlando. More information: plazaliveorlando.org

BUCKETHEAD: Sept. 13. Brian Patrick Carroll, an American guitarist and songwriter, performs with a bucket on his head.

G FLIP: Sept. 20. Australian singer-songwriter brings percussion-laden performance.

BUCKCHERRY: Sept. 30. American rock band formed in the late 1990s tours in support of its 11th studio album.

MOLLY TUTTLE: Oct. 1. Singer, guitarist and banjo player honors the bluegrass tradition while blending alternative, indie, pop, folk and country.

EVERCLEAR: Oct. 7. 1990s alternative rockers continue to tour and play their hits.

BRYAN MARTIN: Oct. 10. Self-taught musician and songwriter brings his emerging country hits and his working-class background.

MATISYAHU: Oct. 29. Singer-songwriter, rapper and alternative rock musician blends genres while channeling his spirituality.

BALU BRIGADA: Nov. 7. Rising stars from New Zealand tour with their indie rock sounds.

LETTUCE: Feb. 6, 2026. Six-piece jam band blurs jazz chords with psychedelic sounds and horns.

— Listings compiled by Patrick Connolly and Matthew J. Palm 

Originally Published: August 25, 2025 at 9:30 AM EDT