Free & cheap things to do in Orlando this weekend

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.

Visit Wekiva Island in Longwood this week for $5 per person.

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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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. 

Photo: Deposit Photos

Free Brass Band concert in Oviedo

Hear the Brass Band of Central Florida perform in two free concerts this weekend as part of the St. Luke’s Concert Series in Oviedo. Performances are at 7 p.m. Friday, September 13, and 2 p.m. Saturday, September 14.

Live music, food trucks and artisan market in Casselberry

Enjoy live music by singer-songwriter Emilee Algarin during the regular second Saturday event in Casselberry. Algarin will sing in multiple languages in a concert that celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month.

Photo: Deposit Photos

Mexican Danza at Orlando Public Library

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Mexico Danza Orlando will present a program of traditional dances from the Mexican states of Jalisco, Sinaloa and Veracruz. This free program will be presented at several branches:

• 2 p.m. Sunday, September 15, at the Orlando Public Library.
• 2 p.m. Sunday, September 22, at the Alafaya branch, 12000 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando FL, 32826.

Hola @ the Park at Lake Eola Park

The annual celebration of Orlando’s Hispanic culture is noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, September 14, at Lake Eola Park. The event will include food, business, cooking demonstration, health advice, networking and more.

Photo: Deposit Photos, live oak tree Latin name Quercus virginiana with Spanish moss.

Adopt a free tree in Apopka

Orange County residents can get a free tree on Saturday, September 14, at Magnolia Park in Apopka. The event is open from 8 a.m. until noon or until all the trees are gone. Each household can adopt two trees with proof of residency. Other Adopt a Tree events are October 19 at Dr. P. Phillips Community Park in Orlando and November 9 at Barnett Park in Orlando.

Fish 4 Fun September 2024
September 7, 14, 21, 22, 7 to 11 a.m.

This free event will take place at several Orange County Parks: Blanchard on Saturday, September 7; Barnett on Saturday, September 14; Bear on Saturday, September 21 and Bithlo on Sunday, September 22. It is open to children 12 and younger, and you can register the morning of the event at the park. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m., and the fishing tournament is 8 to 10 a.m. 

Kobe Japanese Steakhouse is participating in Orlando’s Magical Dining Month.

Orlando Magical Dining Month

Though September 30, 2024.

It’s Orlando Magical Dining Month, and that means discounted meals at more than 160 fine-dining restaurants. Prix-fixe dinner are $40 or $60 per person.

Live music at Judson’s Live
Select nights
Dr. Phillips Center
Check out a live and intimate show on the cheap at Judson’s Live. Tickets vary in price by performance (starting at $15).

Photo: SeaWorld

Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld Orlando
This daytime family-friendly event is aimed at children. It is open every Saturday and Sunday (plus Labor Day) through October 10. After that, the event is open every Friday through Sunday through November 3. Included with park admission. check for SeaWorld admission deals here.

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Orlando
Friday, August 30 through November 3, select night, 6:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Universal Studios Orlando
Ready to get scared right here in Central Florida! Halloween Horror Nights starts at Universal Studios with all new houses for Insidious, Ghostbusters, A Quiet Place, and more. Recommended for 13 and older. With this Groupon deal, you can save up to 41% on single tickets for select nights.

Wekiva Island
This eco-recreation destination has an old Florida feel, a bar that serves beer and wine, riverside cabanas, and a dog-friendly policy. Wekiva Island is the perfect spot to relax on a summer day. Just make sure you arrive early—it usually fills to capacity around noon on Saturdays and Sundays. Entry fee per person is $5.

The Science of Guinness World Records
Now open at the Orlando Science Center
The newest exhibit features the most extraordinary record holders and uncovers the science behind meeting those goals.

Winter Park Scenic 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 $20 for adults.

Fridays on the Plaza
Fridays, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Centennial Plaza Gazebo, Downtown Winter Garden
FREE evening of live music on the plaza.

Free live music every Saturday & Sunday at Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards in Clermont, Florida.

Weekends at the Winery
Saturday and Sundays, Noon to 4 p.m.
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. 

Check out free museum days in Orlando.

Orlando Wetlands Park
Friday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Orlando Wetlands in Christmas, FL
FREE guided tram tours are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Check out FREE museum days in Orlando.

Lake Mary Farmers’ Market.

More Orlando events and things to do

Check out farmers’ markets in Central Florida. 

Sanford Food Truck Fiesta
Second Sunday of the month, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
FREE outdoor street party with 40 food trucks and live music.

Check out FREE entry days at Leu Gardens. 

Sanford’s Marketplace at Magnolia
Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
150 East 1st Street, Sanford 
FREE to walk around and explore home decor, arts and crafts, produce, baked goods, and more.

Photo: Morse Museum. Butterfly design lamp screen, c. 1905, from Tiffany Studios (1902–32).

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.

Library Lines Photography Exhibition
Through November 15
Orlando Public Library, downtown lobby
The photo show “Library Lines,” by Nichole Spates, showcases the Brutalist architecture of the Orlando Public Library. The photos were all taken with a smartphone. Also on exhibit are photos of Florida wildlife by Georgia Wilson.

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.

Sounds of Wekiva
Friday & Saturday, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Wekiva Island, Longwood
FREE live music at the Tooting Otter Bar. 

You might also be interested in discounted tickets to:

• SeaWorld Orlando
• Universal Orlando Resort
• Kennedy Space Center
• Gatorland
• Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
• Various attractions and play venues

Ice Skating at Orlando Ice Den
Orlando Ice Den, Maitland
Admission for weekday afternoon sessions is $17, which includes your skate rental and tax. Pricing is the same for children and adults. Admission on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday is $20.

Check out where to go ice skating near Orlando. 

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 p.m. to 4 p.m.
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
Alaska Farms and Co., Orlando
Transform stress into happiness with goat yoga. Mini goats love interacting with people, and you will love it, too! 

Baby Goat Yoga
Wildflower Farm, Orlando
Meet baby goats, pigs, and more while enjoying an outdoor yoga session. Tickets are $23.50, ages

MORE ORLANDO EVENTS & THINGS TO DO

Welcome to Winter Garden. Image: @officaldowntownwintergarden

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.

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.

Show Car Saturdays
Every Saturday at 4 p.m.
Promenade at Sunset Walk, Kissimmee
FREE to check out classic and modern automobiles while enjoying the music of local live bands. 

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

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.

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

For more Orlando discounts: 

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

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More free and cheap things to do this weekend in and around Orlando