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.
Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo.
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.
You might also be interested in:
- Free and cheap holiday events around Orlando
- Free and cheap things to do this weekend in Orlando
- Where to see Christmas lights in Orlando
- Best places to meet Santa in Orlando
- Where to go ice skating near Orlando
- 10 outdoor date nights under $20
- Meet manatees at Blue Spring State Park
- Cheap things to do with kids in Orlando
- Top 10 dog-friendly spots in Orlando
- Romantic dates under $30 in Orlando
- Best free and cheap outdoor adventures in Orlando
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.
Colorful Christmas at Crayola Experience
Now through January 3
Crayola Experience Orlando
Crayola Experience at the Florida Mall is celebrating the holiday season in all the colorful ways imaginable. Get tickets ahead online for $24.99.
Venardos Circus in Winter Garden this weekend.
Venardos Circus
November 23 – December 11
16313 Independence Parkway, Winter Garden
The CIRCUS is in town! Check out the main event with tricks and human performers with classic treats like cotton candy and popcorn. Tickets are $27 for adults and $16.50 for children ages 12 and under.
Turkey Trot in Orlando
Thursday, November 24th at 7am
227 Lake Eola Drive, Orlando
Work off calories before Thanksgiving with Track Shack’s Turkey Trot 5k. Register for $43.
Dazzling Nights at Harry P. Leu Gardens.
Dazzling Nights
November 25, 2022 – January 1, 2023, 5:30pm – 9pm
Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando
Orlando’s 50-acre Harry P. Leu Gardens will transform once again into a stunning, winter wonderland featuring a million dazzling lights, shining forests, magical displays, music, and beautiful sculptures. Purchase tickets online and in advance. Adults $25, children ages 3-13 $22 (under 2 free).
Orlando Pottery Festival & Holiday Arts Market
Saturday, November 26, 9am – 5pm
5505 Hansel Avenue, Orlando
FREE event with unique handmade items for sale from 37 local artists.
Home for the Holidays
Saturday, November 26 at 3:30pm and 7:30pm
Dr. Phillips Center
Tickets are $46.54 and $10 for students or first responders/teachers.
4th Annual Sip & Shop
Saturday, November 26, 10am – 2pm
Cannon Coffee, Apopka
Support locals by shopping small with local vendors while sipping delicious Cannon brews.
Small Business Saturday in Sanford
Saturday, November 26, 10am – 6pm
Historic Downtown Sanford
Support small businesses this Saturday in Sanford for their annual shopping event! Take advantage of some great deals with local vendors. Show your receipt at a participating bar for $1 off your beverage or food.
Fusion Fest 2022
November 26 & 27
Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts
FREE two-day festival celebrating the fusion of cultures in Central Florida through live entertainment, music, dance, food, and more.
Light Up Mount Dora
Saturday, November 26, 3:30pm – 9pm
Elizabeth Evans Park, Mount Dora
FREE Light Up Mount Dora event along the waterfront of Lake Dora. Visit Santa in Sunset Park.
80s night at Boxi Park
Saturday November 26, 5pm – 11pm
Boxi Park, Lake Nona
Live 80s music with a $5 cover.
True North: A Magical New Holiday Musical
Now through December 22
Orlando Rep Theater
Check out this special new show to celebrate the holiday season. Tickets start at $15.
View this post on Instagram
Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild
November 18 – January 15, 6pm – 10pm
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, Sanford
The zoo will transform at night into an amazing illuminated world with 30 displays on a 3/4 mile path.
Tickets must be purchased online and in advance, starting at $21.99.
Christmas Nights in Lights at Dezerland Action Park.
Christmas Nights in Lights
Now through January 1
Dezerland Park, International Drive
Ring in the holiday season with an immersive light experience from your own vehicle. $45 per vehicle.
Free admission at Morse Museum on Friday nights.
Holiday Friday Nights at the Morse
Every Friday through April 2023, 4pm – 8pm
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, Winter Park
FREE entry to the museum and live music to celebrate the holiday season.
Night of a Million Lights at H20 Water Park benefitting Give Kids The World.
Night of a Million Lights
Now through January 11, 2023
H2o Water Park, Kissimmee
The Night of a Million Lights is at a new location but with the same mission —
to raise awareness and money for the Give Kids the World Village. Tickets start at $30 per adult and $15 per kid. Must be purchased in advance. Holiday and peak times are more expensive.
The Lights on Jeater Bend Drive
Opening night November 24, 2022
Jeater Bend Drive, Celebration, Florida 34747
FREE to check out the private homes on Jeater Drive decorated with elaborate lights synchronized to music.
Downtown Orlando Farmers Market
Sundays, 10am – 3pm
Lake Eola Park, downtown Orlando
FREE entry to shop and hang out with the locals.
Scott’s Maze Adventures
Saturday & Sunday
Now through December 11, 2022
Every fall, this destination dreams up a new 7-acre corn maze adventure for guests to conquer — this year the theme is pirates. The farm also has plenty of other attractions to fill your day. $10.50 general admission (plus fees) ages 4 and up.
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.
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.
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.
Ice Skating at RDV Sports Complex
RDV Sports Complex, Maitland
Cool off this summer by going ice skating! 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.
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!