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.
Great Scott Farms Corn Maze in Mount Dora, Florida opens on September 30.
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.
Fall Festival at Southern Hill Farms
Now through November 12, Thursday – Sunday
Southern Hill Farms, Clermont
Enjoy fresh apple cider donuts, food trucks, craft beer, yard games, pumpkins for sale, and a 5-acre corn maze! You can also purchase a pumpkin at the patch and pick your own sunflowers and zinnias. $21.95 per person on weekdays. $24.95 per person on weekends.
Check out all the best pumpkin patches & mazes in Orlando
Death Grips at the Vanguard
Thursday, September 28 at 8pm
The Vanguard
Check out the Death Grips at the Vanguard in Downtown Orlando for $35. Ages 18+.
Laughter Yoga at the Maitland Public Library
Thursday, September 28, 7pm – 8:30pm
Maitland Public Library
Namaste for a FREE yoga session with the Maitland Public Library on Thursday.
Next to Normal at the Abbey
Friday, September 29, 8pm – 10pm
The Abbey, downtown Orlando
Check out Next to Normal in Downtown Orlando at the Abbey on Friday night starting at 8pm. Tickets are $15.
National Coffee Day
Friday, September 29
Check out all the places you can get a free brew on this deal of a day!
The Haunting of River Ranch
Opening September 29
Westgate River Ranch
Something spooky is coming to the River Ranch every Friday & Saturday. Go on a haunted hayride, brave a haunted house, and check out the family-friendly county fair. Tickets are $25 per person.
Solar Eclipse 101
Saturday, September 30 at 11am
Orlando Public Library
FREE educational event. Get prepared for the Annual Eclipse (October 14th) with Planetarium director Derek Demeter. He will teach you about the solar eclipse and tips on how to safely view it. Attendees will receive eclipse glasses. Registration required. Check out more free solar eclipse events here.
Whispering Wings Charity Walk
Saturday, September 30 at 8:30am
Lake Eola, downtown Orlando
Walk for a good cause to support families with unexpected medical costs.
Orlando City vs. Montreal
Saturday, September 30 at 7:30pm
Exploria Stadium, Orlando
Cheer on the Orlando City soccer team as they go up against Montreal this Saturday.
Orlando Farmers Market
Sunday, October 1, 10am-3pm
Lake Eola, downtown Orlando
FREE to stroll through the park and shop a variety of vendors.
Great Scott Farms Fall Festival
September 30 – November 26, Saturday & Sunday
Great Scott Farms, Mount Dora
Explore corn mazes, gem mining, a huge tunnel slide, fort playground, jumping pillow, kids’ zip line, hayrides, and food vendors. $18 per person.
Screaming Green Hauntoween at Crayola Experience Orlando
Now through October 31
Crayola Experience Orlando
It’s a screaming Green Hauntoween event at Crayola Experience Orlando starting this Saturday. Tickets $28.99. Save $3 by booking in advance online.
Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon
Select nights through September 29
Emil Buehler Planetarium, Sanford
The planetarium is hosting a month-long celebration of a beloved album, “Dark Side of the Moon.” Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for K-12 and college students with ID. Seating is first come, first served. These shows are cash only and proceeds go directly to the planetarium.
Amber Brooke Farms Fall Festival
Now through October 29
Amber Brooke Farms, Eustis
The annual Fall Festival at the farm features a pumpkin patch, crop maze, u-pick sunflowers, a petting zoo, live music, and tons of family-friendly activities. Admission is $15 online and $17 at the gate. Kids 2 and under are FREE.
Fear Ranch Scream Park
Opening September 29
Far Reach Ranch, Tavares
Travel to the farm to experience three haunted houses: Bloodline Barn, Grimoire Manor, and Chainsaw Chase.
Happy Frights and Haunting Nights at Leu Gardens
Opening September 29
Harry P. Leu Gardens
Check out the brand-new outdoor Halloween event: Happy Frights and Haunting Nights. Stroll through an exciting Halloween experience in the forests of Leu Gardens featuring immersive worlds, fun fall-inspired encounters, and a few jump scares, plus fantastic seasonal food and drinks. Gather the entire family and enter into exciting immersive worlds!
Kids get FREE admission at Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Sanford, Florida.
Now through September 30
FREE admission for kids 12 and younger through September 22 at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. The offer is available for daytime general admission tickets. One children’s ticket is available for free with the purchase of one adult ticket. The offer cannot be combined with any other deal or discount and is not applicable to group rates.
Now through October 8, Friday – Sunday
Orlando Family Stage
Blast into space for an epic interplanetary field trip with The Magic School Bus gang. Tickets start at $17 per person.
Magical Dining
Now through October 1, 2023
Savor specially priced, three-course, prix-fixe dinners at many of Orlando’s most acclaimed restaurants with Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining. Enjoy a wider range of restaurants than ever thanks to new tiered pricing set at just $40 or $60 per person plus tax and gratuity.
Brick-or-Treat at Legoland Florida
Now through October 29, select Saturday and Sunday nights
LEGOLAND Florida Resort
The theme park’s signature Halloween event is back with a brand-new fireworks show, experiences, and tons of candy too!
You might want to also check out FREE tickets for teachers at SeaWorld Orlando.
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Orlando
Now through November 4
Universal Studios Orlando
Halloween Horror Nights is back for another season of terror. It kicks off at Universal Studios Orlando this Friday night with all-new houses for Stranger Things 4, The Last of Us, Exorcist, and more! Recommended for 13+. Tickets start at $79.99 per person.
Check out FREE entry days at Leu Gardens.
MORE ORLANDO EVENTS & THINGS TO DO
The Lonely Dog Experience
One of I-Drive’s newest attractions, The Lonely Dog Immersive Experience, combines art, music, and family fun for an unforgettable experience. Adults are $29 and kids are $19. They are offering 20% off tickets in August.
Movie Mondays at A La Cart Orlando
Mondays, 7pm – 9pm
A La Cart, Orlando
Every Monday evening enjoy a FREE movie at A La Cart Orlando while enjoying food for purchase from local favorite food trucks. It’s a win-win!
Sanford’s Marketplace at Magnolia
Saturdays, 10am – 3pm
150 East 1st Street, Sanford
FREE to walk around and explore home decor, arts and crafts, produce, baked goods, and more.
Yoga in the Garden
Saturdays at 9am
Mead Botanical Gardens, Winter Park
Namaste for a yoga session in the gardens. Tickets are $10.
Lamps and Lighting—Tiffany and His Contemporaries
Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
Experience the new installation of Lamps and Lighting—Tiffany and His Contemporaries that showcase Tiffany’s most beautiful lamps. $6 for adults and FREE for children younger than 12.
Wekiva Island
Wekiva Island, Longwood
Beat the heat and have fun in this beautiful weather while paddleboarding, canoeing, renting a cabana, and more! Enjoy local drinks and some yummy food from the Tooting Otter. $5 per person entry fee.
The Unreal Garden in Lake Nona
Boxi Park Lake Nona
Stroll through a holographic dream world at the Unreal Garden in Lake Nona. Tickets are $34.99.
Check out natural springs near Orlando.
International Food & Wine Festival
Now through November 18
EPCOT
Calling all Foodies! It’s that time of year again at EPCOT for the International Food & Wine Festival. Get ready to sip and savor more than 25 different favorites from all over the world. 3-day tickets are $69.67 per day.
Local Wanderer presented by OCLS
Orange County Library Systems
The Local Wanderer program at Orange County Library system is a culture pass program that grants library cardholders FREE admission to a variety of arts and cultural venues including the Orlando Museum of Art, Orange County Regional History Center, and Central Florida Zoo. You will need to present your library card number at registration.
Showcase of Citrus
Explore the Showcase of Citrus featuring a variety of farm animals, mining for gems, and an outdoor beer/wine bar. You can also take a tour on a huge Monster Truck ($15 for kids, $20 for adults). Hayrides are offered on Saturday and Sunday.
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, 7pm – 11pm
Wekiva Island, Longwood
FREE live music at the Tooting Otter Bar.
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.
3rd Thursdays with Sanford Art & Jazz Night
Historic Downtown Sanford
FREE to attend an evening of Art and Jazz at several venues in the Historic Downtown Sanford area.
Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
Lake Apopka: 2850 Lust Road entrance
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.
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.
Sunday Yoga at Alestone Brewing
Sundays at 10am
Alestone Brewing Co., Longwood
Enjoy a Sunday morning yoga session at the brewery. $15 per person includes one cold brew at the end.
Welcome to Winter Garden. Image: @officaldowntownwintergarden
Winter Garden Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8am – 1pm
Downtown Winter Garden
FREE to stroll through Winter Garden and shop locally sourced produce.
First Friday Park Parties
First Friday of every month, 6pm – 9pm
Downtown Lake Mary, Central Park at City Hall
FREE outdoor party in the park with entertainment, food trucks, and more.
Eustis 1st Friday
First Friday of every month, 6pm – 9pm
Downtown Eustis
FREE outdoor event with live music, craft vendors, a Sockhop in Pocket Park, and food trucks.
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:
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!