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.

Sunflower and strawberry picking available at Southern Hill Farms in Clermont this weekend. Image: @southernhillfarms
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.
Share your events with us: add to our calendar of events.
You might also be interested in:
- Orlando Happy Hour Specials
- Best free and cheap outdoor adventures in Orlando
- Where to see manatees near Orlando
- Pick your own strawberries at local farms
- Universal Orlando: buy 1 day, get 3 FREE for Florida Residents
- Outdoor movies in Orlando
- Best Groupon deals for things to do 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.
Sunflowers & strawberries
Friday – Sunday
Southern Hill Farms, Clermont
Pick your own strawberries and sunflowers at this local, family farm. Check out the farm’s Facebook page for operating hours. Make sure to arrive early as this is a popular destination.
TPD Thursday Night Market
Thursday, February 25, 6pm-10pm
Thornton Park District, downtown Orlando
FREE admission with local vendors, food trucks, and more.
Wekiva Paint Out
February 21 – 27, 10am-9pm
Wekiva Island, Longwood
FREE to watch artists painting along the river. Throughout the week, you can watch the artists paint, purchase art, enjoy live music, craft beer tasting and more. Check out the schedule of events.
Water Circus: Gold Unit
February 25 – 28 at 7:30pm
Orange City, Florida
Tickets start at $25 for an amazing performance by Cirque Italia on a stage that holds 35,000 gallons of water. Parking $5.
Orlando Critical Mass
Friday, February 26, 6:30pm-8:30pm
Loch Haven Park, Orlando
FREE to cruise in a 10-mile bike ride enjoying the views of the City Beautiful.
Orlando Solar Bears vs. Jacksonville Icemen
Friday, February 26 at 7pm
Amway Center, Orlando
Tickets start at $20.
Monster Jam
Saturday, February 27
Camping World Stadium, Orlando
Tickets start at $23.
4th Annual Sanford Porchfest Music Festival
Saturday, February 27, 11am-8pm
Historic Downtown Sanford
FREE outdoor music festival at the historic residential district of Sanford. Watch performances on the porches, shop from vendors, food trucks and discover downtown merchants and restaurants.
City of Oviedo- Mardi Gras 2021
Saturday, February, 5pm-8pm
Center Lake Park Amphitheater, Oviedo
Tickets start $5 per person with special Family Circle deals available too. Mardi Gras performers, stilt walkers, live music, food trucks, cash bar and more.
Vegan Food & Wine Festival
Sunday, February 28, 11am-7pm
Apopka Amphitheater
General admission FREE. VIP tickets $25. Vegan Wine sampling, live music, yoga, demos and more.
Peanut Butter Matinee Family Film: The Dark Crystal
Sunday, February 28 at 12pm
Enzian Theater, Maitland
Adults $12, kids 12 and under FREE for this family-friendly film.
Frontyard Festival presents: Guardians of the Galaxy
Sunday, February 28 at 6pm
Dr. Phillips Center, Mainstage at Seneff Arts Plaza
Tickets $5 and $10.
Yoga in the Garden
Sunday, February 28 at 9am
The Mennello Museum of American Art, Orlando
Flow with your love through a yoga class outside. $10 per person.
You might also want to check out more outdoor movies in Orlando and drive-in movie theaters.
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.

“Down the Rabbit Hole” at Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Park. Image courtesy: Creative City Project.
Down the Rabbit Hole
Now through March 14
Mead Botanical Garden, Winter Park
Experience a magical adventure of circus arts, music and theater as you journey through the botanical gardens. Follow Alice “Down the Rabbit Hole” to encounter characters like the Mad Hatter, the Caterpillar, the Queen of Hearts and more. Tickets are $22 per person on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday and $25 per person Friday and Saturday.
You might also want to check out: deals for things to do in Orlando from Groupon.
Weekends at the Winery
Saturdays & Sundays
Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards, Clermont
FREE live music at the winery.
Saturday Sounds Concert Series
Saturdays, 5pm-7pm
Apopka Amphitheater
FREE evening of music under the stars.
Yoga in the Garden
Saturday, February 27 at 9am
Mead Botanical Garden, Winter Park
$10 per person. Bring your own mat and water.
Mardi Gras at Fun Spot
Now through April 11, 2021
Fun Spot USA, Orlando
Jazz music, French Quarter décor, Bayou Bites and more. Free entry (ticket and ride prices separate).

Dinosaur Invasion at Leu Gardens in Orlando through April 18. Image courtesy: Harry P. Leu Gardens.
Dinosaur Invasion at Leu Gardens
Now through April 18, 2021
Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando
Dinosaurs are invading Orlando! Trek through the “Jurassic Gardens” to discover 20 life-size dinosaurs. Admission included with daytime garden admission: $10 adult; $5 child (ages 4- 17 years); FREE for members and children 3 years of age and younger.

Pick your own strawberries at farms near Orlando.
Strawberry U-Pick
Check the farm’s Facebook page for operating hours.
Oak Haven Farms & Winery, Sorrento
$3.50 per pound to pick your own strawberries. Arrive early because this is a popular spot for U-pick.
Find more places to pick strawberries in Orlando.
MORE ORLANDO EVENTS & THINGS TO DO

NOW OPEN: Museum of Illusions at ICON Park Orlando. Image courtesy: ICON Park.
Museum of Illusions – NOW OPEN
ICON Park Orlando
With over 50 intriguing exhibits, Museum of Illusions offers more eye-fooling fun under one roof than any other destination in Central Florida. Buy discounted tickets through Groupon.
More Groupon deals for things to do this week:
Check out places to ice skate in Orlando.
Lake Eola Famers Market
Sundays, 10am-3pm
Lake Eola Park, Orlando
FREE admission. Stroll through the park and shop a variety of vendors.
Sunset Live!
Fridays, 6pm – 10pm
Sunset Walk, Kissimmee
FREE live music.
Drive-in Movies
Movies playing every night
West Volusia Drive-In Theater in Deltona
$20 per car. Purchase tickets in advance, online
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.
COMING SOON:
Florida Strawberry Festival
March 4 – 14, 2021
Plant City, Florida
Discount tickets are now on sale at Publix Super Market stores through March 14, 2021. Tickets can be purchased at each store’s customer service desk. Adults $8, kids $4 (5 and under are free with paid adult).
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.
- The Black Hammock Adventures is a lakeside bar and restaurant in Oviedo with amazing sunset views on Lake Jesup and airboat tours.
- 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.
- Central Florida Zoo is open with modified hours and timed online ticket to enter. Adults $19.50; children $13.75.
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
- Disney $50 per day for Florida Residents
- Cheap things to do with kids in Orlando
- Orlando attractions under $30
- Where to go ice skating in Orlando
- Free virtual rides at Walt Disney World Resort theme parks
- 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!