Central Florida offers many free and cheap things to do, for children and adults, plus events that are worth a splurge. If you’re looking for a way to entertain yourself, your family and your friends, here are some of the best things to do in Orlando and Central Florida this week. The calendar includes events within a 50-mile radius of Orlando, plus a few other events worth a longer drive.

Some events and deals may require prior registration, so plan early. It’s also wise to check with organizers or on Facebook, Instagram and websites to make sure scheduled events are still going on. Bad weather can results in changes of plans and cancellations.

We add new information every day and you can always find a complete list on our Calendar of Events page. We also have a Central Florida Music Calendar, Central Florida Theater Calendar, Orlando Fitness Events Calendar and and an Orlando Art Exhibits and Openings Calendar. 

Photo: ICON Park

You can also add your organization’s events to our calendars. Go to this page and click on the green button on the right that says “Add Event.”

Here’s our list of the top free events, discounts and deals this week in and around Orlando.

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Rent your own Swan Boat at Lake Eola in downtown Orlando.

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.

You might also be interested in discounted tickets to:

• SeaWorld Orlando
• Universal Orlando Resort
• Kennedy Space Center
• Gatorland
• Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

More Things To Do This Week In Orlando

Here is a calendar of events of all prices this week in and around Orlando. These events are provided by event organizers and others. You can add your own events to this calendar, too.

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Looking for fun things to do in Orlando this weekend without draining your wallet? We’ve got you covered! From free markets and family-friendly activities to budget-friendly music, Central Florida is full of affordable adventures. Our roundup highlights the best free and cheap events happening this weekend so you can spend more time making memories and less time worrying about your budget.

Here are a few free and cheap things to do in Orlando this weekend.

Share your events with us: add to our calendar of events.

You might also be interested in:

• Cheap things to do with kids in Orlando
• Romantic dates under $30 in Orlando
• Where to go ice skating near Orlando
• 10 outdoor date nights under $20
• Top 10 dog-friendly spots in Orlando
• Best free and cheap outdoor adventures in Orlando

Free & cheap things to do in Orlando this weekend

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.

Rent your own Swan Boat at Lake Eola in downtown Orlando.

Rent a Swan Boat
Lake Eola 
10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday

The Central Florida weather is crisp and beautiful at last. Grab a blanket and your favorite person (or people!) and rent a swan boat to experience Lake Eola in an entirely new way. Better yet, purchase your tickets via Groupon here to save even more on this Orlando rite of passage. Get a 30 minute swan boat rental for only $9 through Groupon. 

Lake Mary Farmers’ Market.

Central Florida Farmers Markets
Various Dates and Times

Now is a great time to check out one of Central Florida’s fabulous farmers markets. Support local businesses and vendors, enjoy the beautiful fresh air, and pick up some healthy treats to start your new year on the right foot (or splurge on something indulgent to set the tone for a luxurious 2025!)

Looking for more free and cheap things to do in and around Orlando this weekend?

Check out our list of the Best free and cheap things to do in Orlando and Central Florida for ongoing events and ideas of budget-friendly ways to pass the time.

More Things To Do in Orlando This Weekend

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Picture it: it’s a bright Central Florida day, and you are strolling among some beautifully appointed booths of the many Central Florida artisans, creatives, and vendors. You find some amazing gifts for friends, and even a fun gift for yourself. The best part? You didn’t spend a lot and you supported local small businesses with your money. That sounds like a great day to us. 

If you are a fan of weekly farmers markets, we think you will love these recurring pop-up markets around Orlando. 

Remember, each of these markets is organized independently, so check their sites for updated details and closures. 

Orlando Outdoor Market

Every Saturday and Sunday

7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Central Florida Fairgrounds

• Over 300 vendor locations from across the community. Going on for over 20 years. 
• Free admission and free parking for customers.

Market on Fifth

Every Friday

6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

5th Street near Propagate Social House

• Farmers market and street party rolled into one great event. 
• See more on their Facebook page. 

407 Flea Market

Every third Saturday

4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Thornton Park Circle near Lake Eola

• A night market specializing in vintage clothing, decor, collectables, records, toys, and more. 

TPD Market

Every Thursday and Friday

6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Thornton Park Circle near Lake Eola

• Curated makers, artists, and vendors of all kinds gather twice a week right downtown. 
• See more on their site. 

Adjectives Pop-Up Saturday

First Saturday of each month

10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Adjectives Market (Colonial Plaza, 2536 E. Colonial Dr.)

• A monthly indoor market right inside Adjectives in downtown Orlando. 
• See local artisans, pickers, thrifters, and more for an eclectic mix of shopping. 
• See more on their event pages.

Collective Corner at the Acre

First Sunday of each month

11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Acre

• Explore a beautiful collection of handmade and curated goods, including vintage clothing. Bring the whole family, pets included, for a day of fun and shopping small.
• See more at their site. 

Art After Dark

Every Friday and Saturday evening 

6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Lake Nona Town Center

•  A vibrant market makers and vendors with each event independently curated so you always have new shops to explore.
• Enjoy the art displayed on the six-story art installation called The Beacon.
• See more at their site. 

Moon Mercado

Around every new and full moon (check their Instagram for specific dates)

Typically 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. but times may vary based on date

Full Moons at The Veranda Thornton Park

New Moons at Kaya Orlando

• Gather under the moon for drum circles, food vendors, a night market, and community.
• Beginner and family-friendly yoga flows are $15 per person (bring your own mat; registration is appreciated). 
• See more on their Instagram. 

Milk Mart

Held Quarterly

Typically 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (varies based on event)

The Nook 

• Local art and food festival hosted at the Robinson and Bumby intersection of The Milk District, spanning The Nook, Etoile Boutique, Sportstown, Sideward Brewing, Milkhouse, Whiskey Lou’s, and Otto’s High Dive. The event features over 250 local artists, makers, businesses, pop-ups, and food trucks; a true showcase of Central Florida’s prospering creative scene.
• Every mart has a unique theme, like the Holiday Market in December and the Spooky Soiree in October. 
• See more on their site.

Pop-Up Artisan Shop

Every 2nd Sunday

3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Pinesmoke Bee Co.

• Each month, visit with a new local artisan in the cool and calm of this downtown mead lounge.
• See more on their site.

More entertainment

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The beginning of a new month is a perfect reason to party, and there are many options around Orlando to do just that. On the first Friday of the month you can join a street party for fun activities, food, local artisans, vendors, and more to celebrate another month well lived in beautiful Central Florida.

Clermont

First Friday Food Trucks 

5:30 to 9:00 p.m.

8th Street (between Minneola & Montrose) and Montrose Street (from Lake to West)

Free

• A huge street party with over 30 food trucks and 40 local vendors for a night full of eats, music, and community fun.
• Leashed pets welcome.
• No event in July and December

Eustis

First Friday Street Party

6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Downtown Eustis on N. Eustis Street and E. Magnolia Avenue.

Free

• A family-friendly monthly street party with a wide variety of food, vendors, and live music.

Baldwin Park

First Friday Themed Street Party

5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

4982 New Broad Street, Orlando

Free

• A monthly street party in Baldwin Park with a new theme every month. 
• Upcoming themes include Jazz Night in August, Silent Headphone Party in September, and Jingle Jam in December. 

Cape Canaveral

Friday Fest

6:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Taylor and Poinsetta Avenues in Cape Canaveral

Free

• A bit of a drive from Orlando, but if you find yourself by the coast, check out the retail and craft vendors, food trucks, beer + wine sales, and live entertainment at this monthly event. 
• No event in January and July

More Entertainment

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During the first weekend of the month, Bank of America and Merrill Lynch customers are granted free entry to Orlando museums with a bank card through the Museums On Us promotion. Four destinations in Orlando participate in the popular program.

To keep up with the latest news on deals, discounts, and free events in Central Florida, sign up for the Orlando on the Cheap newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook.

More free & cheap things to do in Orlando:
Free museum days in Orlando
Romantic dates under $30 in Orlando
Top 10 free things to do in Orlando

DinoDigs at the Orlando Science Center. Image courtesy: Visit Orlando.

FREE ENTRY TO ORLANDO MUSEUMS WITH BANK CARD

Show your Bank of America or Merrill Lynch credit or debit card on Saturday or Sunday and you’ll get free admission to more than 150 museums and attractions in cities across the United States.

Free admission is granted to the cardholder only.

Bank of America’s Family Banking allows parents to give children their own debit cards at no cost while maintaining parental oversight. That allows kids to use Museums on Us without buying separate tickets. To sign up for the SafeBalance for Family Banking card, click here.  

Visit the Orlando Museum of Art for free this weekend with your Bank of America card. Image: Orlando Museum of Art.

In Orlando, you can enjoy free admission to these museums:

• Orlando Museum of Art
• Mennello Museum of American Art
• Orange County Regional History Center
• Orlando Science Center

Museums near Orlando in the program:

• Museum of Arts and Sciences, Daytona Beach 
• The Museum of Art, Deland

Free entry to Orlando Science Center the first weekend of every month with BOA card. Image: Orlando Science Center

If you’re traveling, you can also get free entry to other Florida museums in Jacksonville, Tampa, St. Petersburg, West, Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami.

These are the Museums on Us dates for 2026:

• January 3-4
• February 7-8
• March 7-8
• April 4-5
• May 2-3
• June 6-7
• July 4-5
• August 1-2
• September 5-6
• October 3-4
• November 7-8
• December 5-6

MORE FREE & CHEAP THINGS TO DO IN ORLANDO
More free museum days in Orlando
Free kids’ activities in Orlando

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Sounds of Wekiva brings live music to the riverfront every Friday and Saturday night. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing date night or a way to celebrate the weekend with local music, this free-spirited event is a Central Florida gem. 

The Tooting Otter, Courtesy of Wekiva Island

What to Expect

At Sounds of Wekiva, a rotating lineup of local Orlando musicians take the stage to fill the island with great acoustics, warm vibes, and good company. Expect a mix of genres, everything from acoustic favorites to blues, folk, and original songs.

The full bar will be open with beer, wine, and cocktails for purchase. Take a walk along the river to soak up the ambiance. 

See Wekiva Island’s whole events calendar here. 

Event Details

Where:

The Tooting Otter at Wekiva Island

1014 Miami Springs Dr,
Longwood, FL

When: 

Friday and Saturday nights, 7:00 to 11:00 p.m.

Cost: 

Entry to Wekiva Island is usually free and only $5 during peak hours and bigger events.

More music

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Meet in downtown Orlando for a cosmopolitan evening of art, food entertainment and shopping at the 3rd Thursday Orlando celebration of art, culture, food and more.

The event includes art exhibitions, live entertainment, history exhibitions and discounts at downtown restaurants and bars.

CityArts Orlando rotates exhibitions monthly and offers a happy hour from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., with free drink tickets for the first 30 visitors. You can buy a wristband there for $10 that unlocks food and drink specials downtown. Otherwise, admission is free.

Photo: Deposit Photos

Magnolia Avenue is closed for art exhibitions during the event, with live music or other entertainment on the outdoor stage.

Exhibition to the Orange County Regional History Center is free on the third Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. Heritage Square, in front of the museum, will feature a vendor market and live music. You can find the details of the museum’s upcoming presentations here.

When: 3^rd Thursdays from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: E. Washington Street, N. Summerlin Avenue and Central Blvd.
Cost: Free

Keep up with free and cheap things to do in and around Orlando:

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More free and cheap things to do in Orlando

• Free museum days in Orlando
• Cheap things to do with kids in Orlando
• Free & cheap things to do this weekend in Orlando
• Romantic Orlando Dates under $30
• Best free and cheap outdoor adventures in Orlando
• Drive-In movie theaters near Orlando

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The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is home to more than 300 animals, representing over 100 species. It’s a wild destination just a short drive from downtown Orlando in Sanford, Florida.

There are always affordable ways to experience the zoo, too! We’ve rounded up our favorite Central Florida Zoo discounts.

To keep up with the 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 or Instagram.

You might also be interested in:

• Cheap things to do with kids in Orlando
• Cool off at Central Florida springs
• Best free and cheap outdoor adventures in Orlando

CENTRAL FLORIDA ZOO DISCOUNTS

This zoo near Orlando is the leader in conservation, providing experiences that excite and inspire children as well as adults to learn and act on behalf of wildlife.

Save up to $5 on Central Florida Zoo tickets
You can save $5 per ticket when you purchase in advance and online. Use their Quick Scan entrance when you arrive. 

Photo: Central Florida Zoo Sunset at the Zoo

Sunset at the Zoo
Every fourth Friday from May to September:

• The Zoo reopens at 5 p.m. and comes alive with all sorts of fun until the sun goes down. Family Sunset features music at the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground, inflatable games, and of course, some of your favorite animals along the shaded boardwalks.
• Tickets are $6 per person when purchased online and $8 per person when purchased on-site.
• You can also bundle and save with the Family 4-Pack for $46, which includes four tickets, four hot dogs, and four regular fountain drinks to fuel the whole family for fun. This pack is available only online.
• The event is separate from daytime admission and is not included for Annual Passholders.
• Sunset at the Zoo 2026 features information about different cultures. 

Here is the schedule for Sunset at the Zoo in 2026:

• May 22: Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage.
• June 26: LGBT!+ Pride.
• July 24: Black and African American heritage.
• August 28: Native American and Alaska native heritage
• September 25: Hispanic heritage.

MORE ABOUT THE CENTRAL FLORIDA ZOO

The Central Florida Zoo in Sanford features North American river otters, giraffes, greater one-horned Indian rhinoceros, Florida black bears, cougar, and Amur leopard. Although the animals are the main event, there’s plenty to do at the Zoo.

• Splash ground: included with your admission. Kids can cool off in a tropical splash zone while you relax in the shade. There’s a nice playground in the middle of the Zoo too.
• Seminole Ariel Adventures: challenge yourself to a variety of obstacles through the trees and zip lines.

Central Florida Zoo admission (non-peak/peak season in 2026)

These are the prices at the gate. If you buy your tickets online, you can save up to $5 per ticket.

• Adults: $26.95/$28.95
• Children (3-12): $18.95/$19.95
• Seniors (55 and older): $22.95/$24.95
• Children under the age of 3 are FREE.
• Parking is FREE.

Zoo Annual Passes
The Zoo offers a variety of annual pass options that include unlimited Zoo admission for a year with the exception of select blackout dates. A pass is always a good idea if you plan to visit a few times a year.

Annual Pass Benefits

• Discounts for select education programs and camps, birthday parties, and purchases at the Zoofari Outpost Gift Shop.
• Bring guests along for a special admission price of $10 on weekdays and $13 on weekends.
• Discounted admission to over 150 institutions that participate in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Reciprocal Program.

Central Florida Zoo hours

• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day).
• The Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground is open daily, weather permitting.

You might also be interested in discounted tickets to:

• SeaWorld Orlando
• Universal Orlando Resort
• Kennedy Space Center
• Gatorland
• Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

MORE FREE & CHEAP THINGS TO DO IN ORLANDO
Cheap things for kids to do in Orlando
Top 10 free things to do in Orlando
Free & cheap things to do this weekend in Orlando
Best free & cheap things to do in Orlando

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Military families can get free entry to many Orlando area museums during the summer, thanks to Blue Star Museums, a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families and the Department of Defense.

The program offers FREE admission to more than 2,000 museums across America for the nation’s service members, including National Guard and Reserve, and their families.

Photo: Harry P. Leu Gardens. Image courtesy: @leugardens

The 2026 Blue Star Museums program begins on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 16, and ends on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7. 

Participating museums in the Central Florida area

Daytona Beach

• Museum of Arts & Sciences

Lake Wales

• Lake Wales History Museum

Maitland

• Art & History Museums – Maitland

Orlando

• Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando
• Mennello Museum of American Art
• Orange County Regional History Center

Winter Park

• Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens
• Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
• Rollins Museum of Art, Winter Park

Who is eligible?

The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. This includes reservists, National Guard members (regardless of status), U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and up to five family members.

Orange County History Center

Do I need to show an ID card?

Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card for entrance into a participating Blue Star Museum.

Does the active-duty member need to be present?

 The military ID holder can be either the active-duty service member or other dependent family member with the appropriate ID card;  the active-duty member does not have to be present for family members to use the program. Just bring your DD Form 1173 ID Card, or DD Form 1173-1 ID Card.

What about retirees and veterans?

If you are a retiree or veteran, ask the museum you plan to visit if they offer reduced or special rates for military members who aren’t currently serving.

Which museums participate?

Typically, more than 2,000 museums across America participate in Blue Star Museums each summer. And “museums” aren’t just about fine art, history or science. The list includes children’s museums, zoos and nature centers. Note: The list may change from year to year.

If you’re vacationing, run a quick search before creating an itinerary. To search for participating museums, click here.

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• Cool and natural Florida Springs near Orlando
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• Best free & cheap outdoor adventures in Orlando
• Florida Resident discounts at Walt Disney World Resort
• Outdoor movies in Orlando

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• Calendar of Events
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Great news for Central Florida residents and visitors alike who have SNAP: the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is now part of Museums for All, a nationwide program that makes cultural and educational experiences more accessible for families receiving SNAP benefits.

Thanks to this initiative, guests who show a valid SNAP EBT card can enjoy daytime general admission for only $4 per person. That’s a huge savings and an easy, affordable way to explore the Zoo’s beautiful gardens, animal habitats, and hands-on educational exhibits.

Photo courtesy of the Central Florida Zoo

A More Accessible Zoo Experience

Richard E. Glover, Jr., CEO of the Central Florida Zoo, shared that the partnership aligns perfectly with the Zoo’s mission:

“We believe everyone should be able to explore the natural world, connect with wildlife and create lifelong memories here at the Zoo. This program helps us ensure that cost is not a significant barrier.”

The Museums for All program launched nationally in 2014/2015 and has welcomed more than 13 million visitors from low-income families. Its goal is simple: make museums and cultural spaces part of everyone’s life—regardless of financial circumstances.

What to Expect at the Central Florida Zoo

Located in Sanford, the Central Florida Zoo is home to more than 350 animals, lush botanical gardens, and unique conservation-focused exhibits. As an AZA-accredited zoo, it participates in global conservation efforts, including Species Survival Plans that protect threatened and endangered animals.

With the new Museums for All pricing, families can enjoy:

• Animal encounters and keeper talks
• Shaded walking trails and gardens
• Educational exhibits perfect for curious kids and adults
• A full day of affordable outdoor fun

The $4 admission is available during the Zoo’s normal operating hours. Simply present your SNAP EBT card at the gate.

More Information

Learn more about the Zoo’s Museums for All program and what to expect during your visit at centralfloridazoo.org/museums4all.

• Things to do this week in Orlando (including free events)
• Free entry to Central Florida museums first weekend of each month
• How to save at Central Florida Zoo (including Sunset at the Zoo)
• Free museum entry for military families this summer
• Central Florida Zoo and Museums for All: Visit for Just $4 with EBT
• Free Museum Days in Orlando
• Meet manatees at Blue Spring State Park
• Things to Do in January in Central Florida
• Library offers FREE admission to arts & cultural venues
• How to DIY Your Own Central Florida Walking Tour

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