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

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.

8th Annual Crooked Can Celtic Festival.

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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. 

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Sanford.

Spring Break Zoo Hours
March 11 – 19
Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Sanford
The Zoo will be open from 9am to 6pm so you can stay and play for an extra two hours all week long. Save $2 on your tickets when you buy in advance online. Ride the FREE trolley from the SunRail Sanford station, Monday – Friday. Plus, show your SunRail ticket to receive 20% off admission to the Zoo.

The Wheel at ICON Park in Orlando, Florida.

The Wheel Deal at ICON Park Orlando
Now through March 31
ICON Park is offering The Wheel Deal – tickets to the attraction are just $20.23, a 45% savings. There’s also a bar crawl on St Patrick’s Day. Get a FREE ride on the wheel if you participate in the St. Patty’s destinations of the crawl.

Easter Bunny Photos at the Florida Mall
Now through April 8
The Florida Mall
Hoppy Easter! It’s that time of year again to book your photos with the Easter Bunny at the Florida Mall in Center Court. 

Shen Yun 2023
March 16 – 19
Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts, Orlando
Experience the vibrant colors and music of classic Chinese culture on stage. Tickets start at $80. 

Glee Night at House of Blues Orlando
Thursday, March 16 at 8pm
House of Blues Orlando
Check out the popular Glee Night at Disney Springs. For ages 18+. Tickets start at $17.

Moe. at Plaza! Live
Thursday, March 16 at 8pm
The Plaza! Live, Orlando
A live show by moe. All ages. Tickets start at $26.50. Doors open at 7pm.

Totally 80s Pop Culture Trivia Happy Hour
Friday, March 16, 6pm – 8pm
Orange County Regional History Center
Check out a FUN trivia night with Totally 80s Pop Culture Trivia. $15 per person.

Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival
March 17 – 19
Central Lake Park along Park Avenue, Winter Park
FREE entry to the 64th Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival featuring art, music, entertainment, food vendors, and more!

St. Patrick’s Day Festival in Oviedo
March 17 & 18, 5pm – 10pm
Central Lake Park, Oviedo
FREE outdoor festival for all ages. The community of Oviedo is celebrating with a two-day event filled with Irish entertainment, fun activities, food trucks, and beer options.

8th Annual Crooked Can Celtic Festival
March 17 – 19
Crooked Can at Plant Street Market, Winter Garden
FREE outdoor festival for all ages. Three days of Celtic music, dancing, live entertainment, local vendors, delicious eats, cold local brews, and green beer. Check out more event details here.

Mount Dora Spring Festival
March 18 & 19
Downtown Mount Dora
Head over to Mount Dora for the town’s annual Spring Festival happening this weekend with tons of art and 250+ craft vendors.

5th Annual St Paddy’s Day Truck Pull & Street Festival
Saturday, March 18, 4pm – 9pm
Celery City Craft & West End Trading Co., Sanford
FREE event with live music on multiple stages, food trucks, and craft vendors. Watch as teams attempt to pull trucks for a good cause!

Superhero Weekend at Orlando Science Center
March 18 & 19
Orlando Science Center
Grab your cape to meet other Superheroes in KidsTown. Included with admission. $21 for adults; $15 for children ages 3-11. 

Spring Pops: Apopka
Saturday, March 18 at 5pm
Apopka Amphitheater
FREE event in Apopka by the Orlando Philharmonic. Bring a blanket and pack a picnic for this family-fun musical event. 

Orlando City vs. Charlotte FC
Saturday, March 18 at 7:30pm
Exploria Stadium
Cheer on the Orlando City Soccer team as they go up against Charlotte FC. Tickets start at $17.

Cranes Roost Sunset Cinema: Jungle Cruise
Saturday, March 18 at 8pm
Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte Springs 
FREE outdoor movie featuring Jungle Cruise. Food and drinks for purchase.

Southern Fried Sunday 17 Anniversary Show
Sunday, March 19 at 8pm
Will’s Pub on Mills
Celebrate the 17th Anniversary Show of Southern Fried Sunday at Will’s Pub. Tickets are $12.

The SpongeBob Musical
Now showing through April 30
Orlando Repertory Theatre
Are ya ready kids?! See Spongebob and all his fun friends like Patrick, Plankton, and Sandy on the stage for an undersea adventure. Tickets start at $15.

FunHundred at Mead Gardens
Now through April 30, 8am – dusk
Mead Gardens, Winter Park
FREE admission. Celebrate 100 years of economic progress in Winter Park at Mead Gardens with signs from local establishments and immersive art displays.

Baby & Me at Orlando Repertory
Now through April 19
Orlando Repertory Theater
Enjoy story time and sensory play with your baby at the Orlando Repertory Theater. Each class features a new theme with music and movement. Tickets are $10 for babies 0-24 months.

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.

Sounds of Wekiva
Friday & Saturday at 7pm
FREE live music at Wekiva Island in Longwood.

Universal Studios Mardi Gras
Now through April 16
Universal Studios Orlando 
Celebrate Mardi Gras at Universal Studios! Included with your admission to the parks. Check out discounted tickets. Check out 3 Doors Down playing live this Saturday, February 25.

Orlando Museum of Art: TwentySomethings
Now through May 7
Orlando Museum of Art 
This show features the private collection of Fabio Sandoval, a twenty-five-year-old local collector who has been collecting for the past six years. Sandoval’s approach to collecting is unique because, despite his young age, he already has sophisticated taste and a sharp eye for discovering emerging artists. Included in admission. 

Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
Lake Apopka: 2850 Lust Road entrance
Ring in the New Year surrounded by nature. 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.

Strawberry picking at Southern Hill Farms in Clermont. Image: @southernhillfarms

Strawberry U-Pick at Southern Hill Farms
Check the farm’s Facebook page for more details.
Southern Hill Farms, Clermont
Strawberry season is here and U-Pick is open and ready at Southern Hill Farms! FREE to enter the farm and then purchase what you pick.

Check out more places to pick your own strawberries near Orlando.

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. 

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.

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!

• Free virtual rides at Walt Disney World Resort
• Free virtual rides at Universal Orlando Resort

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: 

• Discount tickets to Orlando theme parks & attractions
• Orlando hotel deals 

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