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.
Family Sunset at the Zoo this Friday. Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Sanford, Florida.
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.
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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.
ICON Park offers a special gift for Grads
Now through June 30, 2023
ICON Park Orlando
Class of 2023! To celebrate ICON Park is offering grads a FREE ride on The Wheel with a paid guest. Regular admission is $24.99 per person.
Memorial Day Weekend at Fish Camp
Fish Camp, Lake Eustis
Enjoy great food, music, and lake views at this restaurant on the water. Rob Nichols is performing Saturday, 1pm – 5pm, and Chasing Alice on Sunday, 1pm-4pm.
Memorial Day Weekend at Sunset Promenade
Sunset Walk in Kissimmee, FL
FREE admission and parking. Enjoy a long weekend of remembrance and relax with live music featuring Rock n’ Roll, classic rock hits, and acoustic jams.
Orlando Carnival
May 26 – 30
Celebrate Carnival with events all weekend long in downtown Orlando. Tickets for each event start at $30 per person.
Family Sunset at the Zoo
Friday, May 26, 5pm – 8pm
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, Sanford
As the sun sets, visit the zoo for after-hours fun! Family Sunset at the Zoo happens on the fourth Friday of every month. Tickets are $6 in advance, $8 at the door, or you can purchase a $40 family 4-pack deal that includes four tickets, hot dogs, and fountain drinks.
Orlando Critical Mass to the Milky Way
Friday, May 26 at 6:30pm
Lake Highland Park
Ride your way to the Milky Way (the Milk District) during this bike, bars, and bites crawl. Bring your own bike! Tickets are $10 in advance online.
The Taylor Party: Taylor Swift Night – Eras Version at HOB Orlando
Friday, May 26 at 8pm
House of Blues Orlando
If you didn’t snag tickets to T Swift, this is your next best option. Dance the night away at this 18+ show. Tickets start at $18 per person.
16th Annual Hurricane Party Music Festival
Saturday, May 27 at 12pm
West End Trading Company, Sanford
Outdoor music festival with five stages, 30+ bands, art, vendors, and food trucks. Tickets start at $40 for general admission.
Rock N’ Blues Concert & Car Show
Saturday, May 27, 4pm – 9pm
Lake Concord Park, Casselberry
FREE outdoor event at the park with a car show, live music, food trucks, and more.
Saturday Yoga in the Garden
Saturday, May 27, 9am – 10am
Mead Botanical Garden, Winter Park
Namaste this Memorial Day with a yoga session in the gardens. $10 and bring your own mat.
Orlando City Soccer vs. Atlanta United
Saturday, May 27 at 7pm
Exploria Stadium, Downtown Orlando
Calling all soccer fans! Cheer on the Orlando City Lions vs. Atlanta United. Tickets start at $18.
Orlando Predators vs. West Texas Warbirds
Saturday, May 27 at 7pm
Amway Center, Downtown Orlando
The Orlando Predators take on the West Texas Warbirds.
Peanut Butter Matinee
Sunday, May 28
Enzian Theater, Maitland
FREE movie for kids under 12 years of age. This month’s feature film is “Parent Trap.” Tickets are $11.
Summer Reading Program with OCLS
Orange County Library System
FREE for kids to sign up for the Summer Reading Program. FREE events and giveaways all summer long.
Summer Art Camp at the Orlando Museum of Art
Orlando Museum of Art
Summer Camps are starting and we have one for you! Check out the Summer Art Camp at the Orlando Museum of Art with students from grades 1-12. Become immersed in Art making experiences.
Blueberry U-Pick
Friday – Sunday
Amber Brooke Farms, Eustis
Visit the farm to pick your own fresh blueberries.
Blueberry picking is back in season! Find out where you can pick your own fresh blueberries in Orlando.
Dinosaur Invasion
Now through July 9
Harry P. Leu Gardens
Go on a quest to discover 20 life-size prehistoric creatures in the 50-acre garden. Included in admission.
EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
Now through July 5
EPCOT
Discover the beauty of the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival and see what’s budding this Spring. Plus, sip and savor as you stroll.
Baby Goat Yoga
Wednesday, Friday & Saturday
Wildflower Farm, Orlando
Meet baby goats, pigs, and more while enjoying an outdoor yoga session. Register online for a class for $23.50.
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.
Sounds of Wekiva
Friday & Saturday at 7pm
FREE live music at Wekiva Island in Longwood.
Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
Lake Apopka: 2850 Lust Road entrance
Ring in the New Year surrounded by nature. 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.
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.
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 RDV Ice Den
RDV Ice Den, Maitland
Admission for weekday afternoon sessions is just $14, which includes your skate rental and tax. Pricing is the same for children and adults. Admission on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday is $17. Check the schedule for times.
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.
Rent your own Swan Boat at Lake Eola in downtown Orlando.
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 classes are available at Alaska Farms. Image courtesy of Alaska Farms.
Goat Yoga at Alaska Farms
Classes on Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday
Alaska Farms and Co., Orlando
Transform stress into happiness with goat yoga. Mini goats love interacting with people, and you will love it, too! Tickets are $30.
MORE ORLANDO EVENTS & THINGS TO DO
Yoga at Mennello Museum of Art on Sunday.
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.
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:
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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!