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. Many venues are open fewer hours and require a reservation.
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.
Southern Hill Farms in Clermont. Image: @southernhillfarms
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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.
Orlando Fringe Festival
May 17 – May 30
14-day arts festival with theatrical performances happening at a variety of Orlando venues. $10 “button” tickets in advance. A button is required to enter each show. Cost varies for each ($6 – $15).
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!
Food Truck Thursday at Trotwood Park
Thursday, May 19, 5pm – 8pm
Trotwood Park in Winter Springs
FREE entry. Dine at a variety of food trucks with lots of food and dessert options. Bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic.
3rd Thursday Makers Market
Thursday, May 19, 6pm – 9pm
65 East Central Blvd in Downtown Orlando
FREE event. Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in Downtown Orlando and stroll the art locals and vendors. Plus you can enjoy FREE museum entry from 5pm-7pm at the Orange County Regional History Center.
Check out more free museum days in Orlando.
Taylor Swift Night at HOB
Friday, May 20 at 9pm
House of Blues Orlando
Head to House of Blues for the Taylor Swift Party for only $15. Ages 18+.
Kids Fringe of Orlando Fringe Festival
May 21 & 22 and 28 & 29, 10am – 2pm
Orlando Garden Club
FREE festival for kids and families. Enjoy live performances, workshops, and immersive activities aimed at the young and young-at-heart.
MEGACON 2022
May 19 – 20
Orlando at Orange County Convention Center
Experience one of North America’s largest Comic, Sci-Fi, Horror, Anime, and Gaming events. Single-day passes are available for $27 per person.
Monster Jam
May 21 & 22
Camping World Stadium in Orlando
Start your engines! Monster Jam is coming back to Orlando. Tickets start at $40 per person.
Bloodhound Brew Comedy Night
Saturday, May 21, 8:30pm – 10:30pm
Bloodhound Brew on Conroy Road
Comedy Night with headliner Mike Lee. $10 for bar seating or grab a table for 4 at $25 per seat.
Yoga & Mimosa at Swirlery
Saturday, May 21, 11am – 2:00pm
Swirlery Orlando
Enjoy a yoga session and a mimosa at Swirlery on East Michigan for $35.
Virtual: Beginners Chinese Calligraphy at OCLS
Saturday, May 21, 11am – 12pm
Orange County Library System
FREE. Try a beginner’s Chinese calligraphy class in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Register online.
407 Flea Market
Every third Saturday, 4pm – 10pm
Located at The TPD Circle off of Lake Eola
Orlando’s Vintage Night Market features vintage clothing, collectibles, records, decor and so much more.
Sanford Rhythm & Brews BBQ Fest
Saturday, May 21, 12pm – 10pm
Sanford Riverwalk
Sample from 20+ competition BBQ cooks in Sanford with LIVE music and craft beers. $12.50 in advance for adults and $5 for kids.
Asian Cultural Festival
Sunday, May 22, 11am – 4pm
Ocoee Lakeshore Center
FREE admission and parking.
Graham’s U Pick Farm
Graham’s U Pick Farms, Umatilla
FREE entry. Blackberry and peach picking at Graham’s U Pick Farm. Price per pound.
Check out places to pick your own blueberries in Orlando.
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.
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 at 7pm
Wekiva Island, Longwood
FREE live music.
Old Spanish Sugar Mill Grill & Griddle House at DeLeon Springs State Park. Image courtesy: Daytona Beach Area CVB
De Leon Springs State Park
This beautiful park has a recreational swimming area in natural spring water and lots of history! Make your own pancakes at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill and experience nature with bird sightseeing, kayaking, boating, fishing, and more at De Leon Springs State Park. Each vehicle is $6.
Find more natural springs near Orlando.
Spring U-Pick
Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Southern Hill Farms, Clermont
FREE admission and parking. Come out and pick delicious blueberries and have a blast on the farm. Check Southern Hill Farms Facebook account before you go to make sure the crops are still available.
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.
FREE Wawa Summer Fun Days
Every first Thursday & Friday of the month through September
Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales
Enjoy FREE admission to the beautiful gardens. Register online for your free tickets before you go. Limited to four visitors per registration.
Saturday Sounds in Apopka
Saturdays, 5pm-7pm
Apopka Amphitheater
FREE outdoor concert.
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 $20.
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.
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.
You might also want to check out free museum days in Orlando.
Brew, View & Chew
Fridays at 6pm
Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company
FREE outdoor movie.
Check out more free outdoor movies in Orlando.
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.
Public Ice Skating
RDV Ice Den, Maitland
Weekdays are $14 and weekends are $17. Includes skate rental.
Check out where to go ice skating near Orlando.
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
Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari Park
Find discounted tickets for a limited time on Groupon.
Free Family Funday
Second Sunday of each month
Mennello Museum of American Art
FREE admission all day including free tours and a fine art project.
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.
- Lukas Nursery & Butterfly Encounter is home to one of the largest native butterfly conservatories in the state of Florida.
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!