Orlando on the Cheap

Deals, discounts and free and cheap things to do in and around Orlando

Free & cheap things to do in Orlando, Sept. 16 – 19

POSTED BY
Adelyn Rivera
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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.

Central Florida Zoo discounts: image of zoo keepers hold a snake

Sunset at the Zoo this Thursday at Central Florida Zoo in Sanford.

To keep up with 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.

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You might also be interested in:

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. 

Sunset at the Zoo
Thursday, September 16, 5pm-7:30pm
Central Florida Zoo, Sanford
Tickets $5 in advance and $7 at the gate. 21+ evening stroll around the zoo. 

TPD Thursday Night Market
Thursday, September 16, 6pm-10pm
Thornton Park District, Orlando
FREE admission. Local vendors, music, and more. 

Orlando Pumpkin Patches: image of family picking pumpkins at Santa's Farm in Eustis, FL

Photo courtesy of Santa’s Farm

Fall is looking great around Central Florida, whether you’re looking for something spooky or totally kid-friendly! Check out our HUGE list of pumpkin patches & mazes in Orlando and free & cheap Halloween events.

Oviedo Brewing Night Market
Friday, September 17, 5pm-10pm
Oviedo Brewing Co.
Produce vendors, food, craft beer and more. 

Find more markets around Orlando.

Movie Night in the Park: Raya and The Last Dragon
Friday, September 17, 8pm-10pm
The Oviedo Amphitheatre, Center Lake Park, Oviedo
FREE family-friendly movie under the stars. 

Check out more outdoor movies in Orlando.

Yoga Under the Stars & More
Friday, September 17 at 7:30pm
Orlando Brewing
Admission $12 includes a 16oz brew.

Sanford Food Truck Fiesta 
Saturday, September 18, 5pm-9pm
Historic Downtown Sanford 
FREE event with 20+ food trucks, crafts, entertainment and more. 

15th Annual Oktoberfest
Saturday, October 18
Orlando Brewing
FREE admission. Celebrate October with games, live music, German food and more.

Date Night in the Plaza
Saturday, September 18, 8pm-10pm
Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte Springs 
FREE admission. Come out with friends or a significant other and enjoy live jazz music, food trucks, interactive games and more. 

Discover more ideas for inexpensive date nights in Orlando. 

Sips & Salsa Festival 
Saturday, September 18, 2pm-10pm
Clermont Waterfront Park
FREE event.

Orlando MiniFest 
Sunday, September 19 at 4:45pm
Orlando Brewing, downtown Orlando
Tickets $20 for an evening of music, art and community. 

Frontyard Festival Presents:
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Sunday, September 19 at 7pm
Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando 
Tickets $5 for a movie under the stars. 

Things to do this weekend in Orlando: image of a sunflower field at Southern Hill Farms in Clermont. The local farm is offering u-pick sunflowers and strawberry picking this weekend.

Southern Hill Farms in Clermont. Image: @southernhillfarms

Sunflowers will begin to bloom this fall. We have your guide to the best sunflower fields in Central Florida. 

Things to do Orlando: image of chef cooking a dish at Jaleo during Orlando Magical Dining

Orlando Magical Dining runs through October 3, 2021. Jaleo by José Andrés. Image © Rey Lopez/Jaleo

Orlando Magical Dining
Now through October 17
You can experience some of the hottest restaurants in town without putting a big dent in your wallet. Each participating venue offers a three-course, prix-fixe dinner menu for $37 per person.

Things to do in Orlando - image of yoga class at Mennello Museum

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 with Full Circle Yoga. Bring your own mat and water. Your ticket also includes a complimentary pass to enjoy the museum.

You might also want to check out free museum days in Orlando. 

 

MORE ORLANDO EVENTS & THINGS TO DO

Sunset Live!
Fridays, 6pm – 10pm
Sunset Walk, Kissimmee
FREE live music.

Weekend at the Winery 
Saturday & Sunday
Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards, Clermont 
FREE admission. Enjoy food, live entertainment and wine tastings. 

Baby Goat Yoga
Classes available Friday – Sunday
Wildflower Farm, Orlando
$22 per person. 

Sanford Ghost Tours
Friday & Saturdays at 7pm
Tickets start at $20. Go on a daring ghostly tour of historic downtown Sanford.

Winter Park Farmers’ Market
Saturdays from 8am to 1pm
Central Park, Winter Park

Yoga in the Garden
Saturdays at 9am
Mead Botanical Garden, Winter Park 
$10 admission. Proceeds benefit the gardens.

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 
$13 includes skate rental. 

You might also be interested in where to go ice skating near Orlando. 

Namaste for a Beer
Sundays, 10:30am-11:30am
Deviant Wolfe Brewing, Sanford
Tickets $15 includes a Deviant Wolfe beer.

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 DJ Scotty B and local live bands. 

Dr. Phillips Center Frontyard Festival
Dr. Phillips Center in downtown Orlando
Check out the list of free & cheap events happening during this six-month long outdoor festival featuring live entertainment, films and unique experiences.

You might also want to check out: deals for things to do in Orlando from Groupon.

Lake Eola Famers Market 
Sundays, 10am-3pm
Lake Eola Park, Orlando 
FREE admission. Stroll through the park and shop a variety of vendors. 

Classic Car Show
Saturdays at 4pm
Old Town, Kissimmee
FREE to check out a variety of classic cars. Cars 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.

Orlando cheap things to do: image of woman painting at Abstract Orlando

Image courtesy: Abstract Orlando & Groupon

ORLANDO DEALS & DISCOUNTS

Here are some Groupon deals to check out this week in Orlando:

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. The hour-long tour is $14 for adults.
  • Lake Eola features a playground, art sculptures and swan boats ($15 for a 30-minute ride).
  • Harry P. Leu Gardens is 50-acre botanical oasis boasting a rose garden, butterfly garden and a vegetable garden. $10 for adults, $5 for kids age 4-17, free for kids age 3 years and younger.
  • 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.

Where to walk Orlando: image of a couple walking on a shaded trail

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.

Image of Frozen ride at Epcot

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

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    • 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

      Reply

  4. 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.

    Reply

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