There’s so much to do in the City Beautiful — and plenty of ways to experience it without breaking the bank.
If you’re going out, it’s wise to phone first. Events are subject to change at any time. Some events listed require you to make a reservation or purchase tickets in advance.
We’d love your input if you have anything to add to this list. Here are our top picks for free and cheap things to do in Orlando.
To keep up with the latest news on deals, discounts, and free events in Central Florida, sign up for the Orlando on the Cheap newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Share your events with us: add to our calendar of events.
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FREE & CHEAP THINGS TO DO IN ORLANDO
Note: Sometimes, things change after we post an event. It’s always a good idea to check directly with venues and event organizers to confirm before you go.
Florida Film Festival 2024
Through April 21
The Florida Film Festival takes place at a variety of locations throughout Central Florida and features the best in current independent films and international cinema. Tickets are $13 (some are free).
Friday Film Series at Morse Museum
April 19 & 26
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
FREE screening in the museum on select Fridays. This Friday features Exhibition on Screen – Mary Cassatt Painting the Modern Woman. Refreshments are provided but bring your own lunch.
Orlando Pride vs San Diego Wave
Friday, April 19 at 8pm
Inter&Co Stadium
Cheer on the Orlando Pride as they go up against the San Diego Wave. Single tickets start at $17.
Tickets to the Moon: The Electric Light Orchestra Tribute
Friday, April 19 at 7:30pm
The Ritz Theater at Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center
Get transported to the golden age of rock and roll during this live performance. Tickets start at $29.
Amy Sedaris at Plaza Live
Friday, April 19 at 8pm
The Plaza Live!
Check out the comedian, Amy Sedaris, at the newly renovated venue. Tickets start at $49.50.
Ron White at Hard Rock Orlando
Friday, April 19
Hard Rock Orlando
Ron White is headed to Orlando for two performances at the Hard Rock Orlando. Tickets start at $55.
Blueberry Festival
April 20 & 21
Valentine Park, Orange City
Celebrate the season with sweet treats, live entertainment, family fun, and tons of activities. $7 per person (cash only).
19th Annual Earth Day at Lake Eola
Saturday, April 20, 10am – 6pm
Lake Eola Park, Orlando
FREE outdoor festival.
Party for the Planet!
Saturday, April 20, 9am – 3pm
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
The Zoo is throwing a Party for the Planet this Earth Day! Enjoy interactive activities, crafts, and games that represent a love for the planet, including the chance to build a ‘Toad Abode’ for some helpful local wildlife at your own house. Activities included in Zoo admission.
Saturday Sounds
Saturday, April 20, 5pm – 7pm
Apopka Amphitheater
FREE family-friendly outdoor concert with Life on Mars.
Jazz and Flavor Festival
Saturday, April 20, 5pm – 10pm
Gateway District, Orlando
FREE jazz & arts festival with four local performers and various arts and crafts vendors.
Benson Boone: Fireworks and Rollerblades World Tour
Saturday, April 20 at 7pm
House of Blues Orlando
Tickets starting at $35.
16th Annual Winter Park Paint Out
April 21 – 27
Albin Polasek Museum, Winter Park
FREE admission to the gardens and gallery all week long. Experience 24 plein air artists painting at the museum and throughout Winter Park.
Maitland’s Earth Market
Sunday, April 21, 9am – 1pm
Independence Lane, Maitland
FREE to celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day at Maitland’s Farmers’ Market. Shop tons of local vendors and enjoy live music.
Orlando Seven Seas Food Festival
Now through May 19
SeaWorld Orlando
Check out the Annual Seven Seas Food Festival where you can try different 200+ foods and concoctions from all over the world.
Glass in Flight
Now through May 5
Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando
Stroll through a beautiful glass sculpture exhibit through the gardens. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for kids.
Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
Float through the canals and lush landscape of Winter Park’s waterways on a tranquil Scenic Boat Tour. The hour-long tour is $20 for adults.
Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
Lake Apopka: 2850 Lust Road entrance
Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is an 11-mile drive with a chance to view native animals in their natural habitat including 174 bird species. It’s FREE and you can enjoy this tour inside your car in the AC with their audio tour online.
Fridays on the Plaza
Fridays, 7pm-9pm
Centennial Plaza Gazebo, Downtown Winter Garden
FREE evening of live music on the plaza.
FREE Friday Nights at the Morse
Fridays, 4pm – 8pm
Charles Hosmer Morse Museum, Winter Park
The world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany is housed right here in Winter Park, Florida — and you can experience it for FREE. FREE admission every Friday night through April.
Weekends at the Winery
Saturday and Sundays, 12pm – 4pm
Lakeridge Winery, Clermont
FREE. Head to Central Florida winery’s huge vineyard green each weekend for delicious food, live entertainment, complimentary wine tastings/tours, and Lakeridge wines by the glass at the outdoor bar.
Apopka Saturday Sounds
Select Saturdays, 5pm – 7pm
Apopka Amphitheater
FREE live concerts featuring various acts.
Check out free museum days in Orlando.
Orlando Wetlands Park
Friday – Sunday, 9am – 3pm
Orlando Wetlands in Christmas, FL
FREE guided tram tours are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Check out FREE museum days in Orlando.
MORE ORLANDO EVENTS & THINGS TO DO
Lake Mary Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9am – 1pm
Central Park, Lake Mary
FREE to stroll through and shop a variety of vendors selling fresh produce, plants, honey, and locally made goods.
Winter Park Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8am-1pm
Central Park, Winter Park
FREE to stroll through the many vendors selling produce, honey, fresh seafood, plants, homemade goods, caterpillars, and more!
Orlando Farmers Market
Sundays, 10am-3pm
Lake Eola, downtown Orlando
FREE to stroll through the park and shop a variety of vendors.
Check out FREE entry days at Leu Gardens.
Movie Mondays at A La Cart Orlando
Mondays, 7pm – 9pm
A La Cart, Orlando
Every Monday evening enjoy a FREE movie at A La Cart Orlando while enjoying food for purchase from local favorite food trucks. It’s a win-win!
Sanford’s Marketplace at Magnolia
Saturdays, 10am – 3pm
150 East 1st Street, Sanford
FREE to walk around and explore home decor, arts and crafts, produce, baked goods, and more.
Yoga in the Garden
Saturdays at 9am
Mead Botanical Gardens, Winter Park
Namaste for a yoga session in the gardens. Tickets are $10.
Lamps and Lighting—Tiffany and His Contemporaries
Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
Experience the new installation of Lamps and Lighting—Tiffany and His Contemporaries that showcase Tiffany’s most beautiful lamps. $6 for adults and FREE for children younger than 12.
Wekiva Island
Wekiva Island, Longwood
Beat the heat and have fun in this beautiful weather while paddleboarding, canoeing, renting a cabana, and more! Enjoy local drinks and some yummy food from the Tooting Otter. $5 per person entry fee.
Local Wanderer presented by OCLS
Orange County Library Systems
The Local Wanderer program at Orange County Library system is a culture pass program that grants library cardholders FREE admission (tickets are limited and you must register in advance online) to a variety of arts and cultural venues including the Orlando Museum of Art, Orange County Regional History Center, and Central Florida Zoo. You will need to present your library card number at registration.
Weekends at the Winery
Saturday and Sundays, 12pm – 4pm
Lakeridge Winery, Clermont
FREE. Head to Central Florida winery’s huge vineyard green each weekend for delicious food, live entertainment, complimentary wine tastings/tours, and Lakeridge wines by the glass at the outdoor bar.
Sounds of Wekiva
Friday & Saturday, 7pm – 11pm
Wekiva Island, Longwood
FREE live music at the Tooting Otter Bar.
Maitland Farmers’ Market
Sundays, 9:30am – 1:30pm
Independence Lane, Maitland
FREE to enter Maitland Farmers’ Market to shop a variety of vendors and fresh vegetables.
Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
Lake Apopka: 2850 Lust Road entrance
Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is an 11-mile drive with a chance to view native animals in their natural habitat including 174 bird species. It’s FREE and you can enjoy this tour inside your car in the AC with their audio tour online.
You might also be interested in discounted tickets to:
- SeaWorld Orlando
- Universal Orlando Resort
- Kennedy Space Center
- Gatorland
- Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
Ice Skating at Orlando Ice Den
Orlando Ice Den, Maitland
Admission for weekday afternoon sessions is $17, which includes your skate rental and tax. Pricing is the same for children and adults. Admission on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday is $20.
Check out where to go ice skating near Orlando.
Downtown Orlando Farmers Market
Sundays, 10am – 3pm
Lake Eola Park, downtown Orlando
FREE entry to shop and hang out with the locals.
Lake Lotus Park
Altamonte Springs
FREE to check out this hidden gem with 150 acres of preserved woods and wetlands. It’s open on the weekends with a 1-mile raised boardwalk, play areas, nature walks, a fishing pier, an education center, and a beautiful “window” on the lake.
Swan Boats at Lake Eola Park
Lake Eola, downtown Orlando
Rent pedal-powered swan boats on the historic and iconic Lake Eola. $15 for 30 minutes on the water.
Semoran Skateway
Every Saturday and Sunday Matinee Skate, 1 pm – 4 pm
Semoran Skateway on 436
Groove in your skates around the rink! They also have a separate smaller rink for beginners. Arcade games and a small cafe to refresh yourself with Gatorade, coffee, water — or an iced pop for only 25 cents! Admission is $8, which includes skate rental.
Goat Yoga at Alaska Farms
Alaska Farms and Co., Orlando
Transform stress into happiness with goat yoga. Mini goats love interacting with people, and you will love it, too!
Baby Goat Yoga
Wildflower Farm, Orlando
Meet baby goats, pigs, and more while enjoying an outdoor yoga session.
MORE ORLANDO EVENTS & THINGS TO DO
Yoga in the Sculpture Garden
Sundays at 11:30am
Mennello Museum of American Art
$10 for a lakeside yoga flow class. Bring your own mat and water. Your ticket also includes a complimentary pass to enjoy the museum.
Saturday Yoga in the Garden
Saturdays, 9am-10am
Mead Botanical Gardens, Winter Park
Take part in the opportunity to truly connect with yourself and nature at the beautiful Mead Botanical Gardens here in Orlando. Don’t forget your water and yoga mat. Tickets are just $10.
Sunday Yoga at Alestone Brewing
Sundays at 10am
Alestone Brewing Co., Longwood
Enjoy a Sunday morning yoga session at the brewery. $15 per person includes one cold brew at the end.
Winter Garden Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8am – 1pm
Downtown Winter Garden
FREE to stroll through Winter Garden and shop locally sourced produce.
First Friday Park Parties
First Friday of every month, 6pm – 9pm
Downtown Lake Mary, Central Park at City Hall
FREE outdoor party in the park with entertainment, food trucks, and more.
Eustis 1st Friday
First Friday of every month, 6pm – 9pm
Downtown Eustis
FREE outdoor event with live music, craft vendors, a Sockhop in Pocket Park, and food trucks.
Apopka Farmers Market Thursday
Every Thursday, 5:30pm – 8pm
Kit Land Park, Apopka
FREE entry to shop from local vendors. Fresh vegetables, fruits, honey, spices, and more!
Orlando Farmers’ Market
Sundays, 10am – 3pm
Lake Eola Park
Check out more farmers’ markets in Central Florida.
Movie Mondays at A La Cart
Monday Nights, 7pm or sunset (whichever comes first)
A La Cart Orlando
FREE outdoor movie every Monday evening while enjoying food for purchase from the local food trucks. Sign up for A La Cart’s email list to find out which movies are playing each week.
Find more free & cheap outdoor movies around Orlando.
Downtown Sanford Historical Tour
This exciting historical walking tour guides you through some architectural styles dating back to 1883 while providing their incredibly rich history. Plus, the resident guide will provide you with fascinating stories about the city’s history. This is a 90-minute tour that starts at 10:30 am. Tickets are $20.
Lake Nona Farmers Market
Saturdays, 11am – 3pm
Lake Nona Town Center
FREE. Bring the whole family to shop fresh produce, local vendors, and have some all-around family fun!
Check out more farmers’ markets around Central Florida.
Sanford Ghost Tours
Ghost tours, stories, and haunted buildings in the downtown area of Sanford. Tours last 1 hour and 30 minutes and cost $20. Children (3 yrs and younger) FREE.
Winter Park Farmers’ Market
Saturdays from 8am to 1pm
Central Park, Winter Park
Fridays on the Plaza
Fridays, 7pm-9pm
Centennial Plaza Gazebo, Downtown Winter Garden
FREE evening of live music on the plaza.
Show Car Saturdays
Every Saturday at 4pm
Promenade at Sunset Walk, Kissimmee
FREE to check out classic and modern automobiles while enjoying the music of local live bands.
Lake Eola Famers Market
Sundays, 10am-3pm
Lake Eola Park, Orlando
FREE admission. Stroll through the park and shop at a variety of vendors.
Classic Car Show
Saturdays at 4pm
Old Town, Kissimmee
FREE to check out a variety of classic cars. Cars are limited and spaced out for safety.
Winter Park Farmers’ Market
Saturdays from 8am to 1pm
Central Park, Winter Park
You might also want to check out more farmers’ markets in Central Florida.
Maitland Farmers’ Market
Sundays from 8:30am to 1:30pm
701 Lake Lily Drive
MORE FREE & CHEAP THINGS TO DO IN ORLANDO
- Mead Gardens is a FREE 47-acre park with an amphitheater, butterfly garden, boardwalk, and bike trail.
- Winter Park Boat Tour: float through the canals and lush landscape of Winter Park’s waterways on a tranquil Scenic Boat Tour.
- Lake Eola features a playground, art sculptures, and swan boats.
- Harry P. Leu Gardens is a 50-acre botanical oasis boasting a rose garden, butterfly garden, and vegetable garden.
- Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is an 11-mile drive with a chance to view native animals in their natural habitat including 174 bird species. The drive is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Take a relaxing stroll.
There is nothing cheaper or more relaxing than a scenic walk. We have plenty of nice paths to stroll at local parks, county trails, and picturesque gardens. Most of the walking paths near Orlando are completely free unless otherwise noted.
Ride your favorite rollercoasters (from your couch).
Pretend you are in the middle of all the theme park excitement!
MORE FREE & CHEAP THINGS TO DO IN ORLANDO
- Cheap things to do with kids in Orlando
- Orlando attractions under $30
- Where to go ice skating in Orlando
- Best free and cheap outdoor adventures in Orlando
- Drive-In movie theaters near Orlando
For more Orlando discounts:
Stay connected with Orlando on the Cheap (for FREE)!
List your events & business with us (for FREE)!
Loretta Gatson says
Wrong week. We will be there August 25th -August 31, 2019.
Laura says
Hi Loretta! We create a list of free and cheap things to do for every weekend in Orlando. It is posted every Wednesday. We hope you check back for the events happening during your visit. – Laura
Angel says
Thank you for publishing this for us! Really appreciate it!!
Deborah L Trahan says
Great info…. thanks so much for sharing!!!
Laura says
We are so happy to hear that! You are very welcome!
Nick M. says
Absolute best website for events and activities in the Orlando area. I get the email and check the website every Thursday to help plan my weekend. Thanks for all the excellent info.
Laura says
We love this. Thank you so much, Nick, for being a loyal reader!
mrbigb says
just found your newsletter on the internet
always looking to get out of the house on weeekends
thanks for all the information i definetly found somewhere to go this weekend. loking foward to other weekends from your newsletter
Laura says
I’m so happy you found us. Thanks for following along!
pickthevoucher says
I just discovered your newsletter on the internet, and I’m always seeking for new ways to spend my weekends.
Thanks for all of the information; I’ve definitely discovered a place to visit this weekend. I’m looking forward to reading about previous weekends in your newsletter.
pickthecoupon says
The greatest website in the Orlando area for events and activities. Every Thursday, I receive an email and visit the website to help me plan my weekend. Thank you for all of the useful information.
Laura says
Thank you for being a loyal reader. I’m so happy to hear this.
Keep living on the cheap!