Florida on the Cheap

Free & cheap things to do in Orlando this weekend

Teresa — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 16:05:00 +0000

Looking for fun things to do in Orlando this weekend without draining your wallet? We’ve got you covered! From free markets and family-friendly activities to budget-friendly music, Central Florida is full of affordable adventures. Our roundup highlights the best free and cheap events happening...

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Things to do this week in Orlando (including free events)

Teresa — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:40:00 +0000

Central Florida offers many free and cheap things to do, for children and adults, plus events that are worth a splurge. If you’re looking for a way to entertain yourself, your family and your friends, here are some of the best things to do in Orlando and Central Florida this week. The calendar...

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Free live music at Winter Garden’s Fridays on the Plaza

Teresa — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 14:10:26 +0000

Welcome to Winter Garden. Image: @officaldowntownwintergarden

The City of Winter Garden provides free music every Friday night year-round in downtown’s Centennial Plaza Gazebo.

Fridays on the Plaza is from 7 to 9 p.m., and it’s free to hang out and listen.

Welcome to Winter Garden. Image: @officaldowntownwintergarden

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Welcome to Winter Garden. Image: @officaldowntownwintergarden

Here is the schedule for...

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Guide to Orlando’s Recurring Pop-Up Markets

Elaine Retty — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Picture it: it’s a bright Central Florida day, and you are strolling among some beautifully appointed booths of the many Central Florida artisans, creatives, and vendors. You find some amazing gifts for friends, and even a fun gift for yourself. The best part? You didn’t spend a lot and...

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Sounds of Wekiva: Weekly Live Music at Wekiva Island

Elaine Retty — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 21:46:00 +0000

Sounds of Wekiva brings live music to the riverfront every Friday and Saturday night. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing date night or a way to celebrate the weekend with local music, this free-spirited event is a Central Florida gem.

The Tooting Otter, Courtesy of Wekiva Island

What to...

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First Friday Events Around Orlando

Elaine Retty — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 15:08:00 +0000

The beginning of a new month is a perfect reason to party, and there are many options around Orlando to do just that. On the first Friday of the month you can join a street party for fun activities, food, local artisans, vendors, and more to celebrate another month well lived in beautiful Central...

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Free entry to Central Florida museums first weekend of each month

Laura — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Mennello Museum of American Art.

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During the first weekend of the month, Bank of America and Merrill Lynch customers are granted free entry to Orlando museums with a bank card through the Museums On Us promotion. Four destinations in Orlando participate in the popular program.

To keep up with the latest news on deals, discounts, and...

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Meet manatees at Blue Spring State Park

Laura — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 11:40:00 +0000

Manatees at Blue Springs State Park.

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During cold snaps, manatees migrate to huddle up in the warmer waters of Central Florida Springs. That’s why the winter season in Orlando is the perfect time to catch a glimpse of Florida manatees at Blue Spring State Park.

Florida manatees retreat to the designated refuge each year because of...

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Free events at the Orlando library branches

Elaine Retty — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 14:00:00 +0000

The Orange County Library’s calendar is always packed with FREE events. The library really is a cool place to be!

The library branches have free classes for all ages, free story times for children, free concerts, free readings by authors and much, much more.

The Orange County Library. Photo courtesy of Amanda Murphy.

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The Orange County Library. Photo...

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Things to Do in January in Central Florida

Elaine Retty — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000

The new year is the perfect time to explore all the free and budget-friendly activities Central Florida and Orlando have to offer. Whether you’re a local or visiting on vacation, here’s a list of top picks of things to do in January divided by category.

Is there a free or cheap event we should...

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