Free & cheap things to do in Orlando this weekend

Temperatures are heating up in Orlando, and so are the exciting events, festivals, and happenings around Central Florida.

Here’s a look at some of the fun free & cheap things to do in Orlando this weekend.

Share your events with us: add to our calendar of events.

You might also be interested in:

Free & cheap things to do in Orlando this weekend

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.

Here are some entertaining free and cheap activities to check out this weekend.

Pack the Plane
Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Pack the Plane is a family-friendly food drive and aviation event benefitting Second Harvest Food Bank. Head to Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) for exciting aircraft displays, live demos, food trucks, games, giveaways, MCO Paw Pilots therapy dogs, and a visit from Sparky, the Fire Dog! While admission to the event is FREE, it’s requested that guests bring non-perishable food donations to help uplift local families in need.

Longwood Luau
Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Looking for island vibes this weekend? The Longwood Luau is a FREE event that features live Hawaiian music, hula dancers, fire knife performers, and more. Enjoy tropical drinks and traditional Hawaiian foods, and even show off your limbo skills.

Pirates & Princess Extravaganza
Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Whether you’re a swashbuckling pirate or a fairytale princess, this event is where you’re meant to be! Enjoy a FREE day of adventure and fantasy at the Oviedo mall, filled with interactive games and activities, photo ops and meet-and greets, and a themed marketplace with pirate and princess-inspired treasures.

Star Wars Day at Boxi Park
Sunday, May 4, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Looking for the perfect place to celebrate Star Wars Day? Boxi Park is throwing an epic party featuring SWITCH Back to the 80s, Nerd Ranger, and special guest Garth Vader. There will be live music all afternoon and Star Wars-themed fun for all ages. Costumes are encouraged, and don’t forget to stick around for an exciting Star Wars twist. Admission is FREE with food and beverages available for purchase.

Photo: Leu Gardens

Movie Night at Leu Gardens: Twister
Friday, May 2, 2025 at 8:30 p.m.

Looking for a way to kick off your weekend? Grab your chairs and your picnic and head to Leu Gardens for their monthly movie night under the stars. This month, catch the 1996 classic film Twister. Be sure to buy your tickets in advance. Adult tickets are $8 and child tickets (for kids ages 4 – 17) are $6, plus online fees.

Romantic things to do Orlando: rent swan boats at Lake Eola in downtown Orlando

Rent your own Swan Boat at Lake Eola in downtown Orlando.

Rent a Swan Boat
Lake Eola
10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday

The Central Florida weather is crisp and beautiful at last. Grab a blanket and your favorite person (or people!) and rent a swan boat to experience Lake Eola in an entirely new way. Better yet, purchase your tickets via Groupon here to save even more on this Orlando rite of passage. Get a 30 minute swan boat rental for only $9 through Groupon.

Lake Mary Farmers’ Market.

Central Florida Farmers Markets
Various Dates and Times

Now is a great time to check out one of Central Florida’s fabulous farmers markets. Support local businesses and vendors, enjoy the beautiful fresh air, and pick up some healthy treats to start your new year on the right foot (or splurge on something indulgent to set the tone for a luxurious 2025!)

Looking for more free and cheap things to do in and around Orlando this weekend?

Check out our list of the Best free and cheap things to do in Orlando and Central Florida for ongoing events and ideas of budget-friendly ways to pass the time.