Welcome to August in Orlando, and as the sun sizzles, there is a great choice of indoors events and things to do throughout the month that won't break the bank!
Free & Cheap Things To Do in Orlando August 2024
Summer is here and as we welcome August, the days are hot, the nights are often just as hot, and you're probably wondering if there are any fun things to do as the temperatures continue to rise, and the anser is yes! August offers a sizzling hot lineup of free events and cheap things to do, including tmany indoor events in blissfull A/C.
We list our events as ongoing events that take place on multiple days throughout the month, and individual events which are listed weekly, Monday - Sunday..
Before attending events, please contact the event organizer to confirm that the event is taking place as changes, and cancellations can occur.
Want your Orlando events listed here?
Learn more about advertising with us and submit your Orlando events here.
Ongoing Events
August 16 - September 30
Celebrating its 19th season, Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining returns from Aug. 16 through Sept. 30 with a record 150 restaurants, including 25 new restaurants and nine recognized by the MICHELIN Guide. Restaurants will offer three-course prix-fixe menus for either $40 or $60, continuing the tiered menu system introduced in 2023 throughout the six-week run.
Now - September 2
Imagine hundreds of state-of-the-art drones “dancing” across the sky, choreographed to a soaring musical score of iconic Disney music and memorable dialogue from beloved Disney movies. See Disney stories come to life in Disney Dreams That Soar—a free one-of-a-kind, nearly 10-minute drone show at Disney Springs that’s so exhilarating, you might feel as if you’re flying too!
Now - August 25
Enter the world of the fairies as you explore the gateways to each of the different fairies throughout Leu Gardens. You’ll find twenty doors that lead to the homes of our garden fairies, each with whimsical and unique design made especially for each fairies’ personality. Enjoy the make believe world of each fairy as you search for their own special door. Included with general admission.
Now - August 17
Westgate Resorts and Venardos Circus, offering a one-of-a-kind, limited-run summertime circus spectacular directly outside the gates of Westgate Town Center, Westgate Vacation Villas and Westgate Towers Resorts located off Highway 192 in Kissimmee, Florida.
Now - August 11
Calling all food lovers! Flavors of Florida is returning to Disney Springs with a menu that will make your taste buds dance with delight. From July 1 through Aug. 11, 2024, you will have the opportunity to taste some of our must-try items at over 40 flavor-filled locations across Disney Springs. You’ll be able to take part in a summer menu filled with citrus vibes, like the Orange Slushie from Amorette’s Patisserie, or the Key Lime Pie Marshmallows from Wondermade. Let’s not forget the mouthwatering Pork Belly Burnt End Tacos from City Works Eatery & Pour House.
August 2 - 11
With the new school year just around the corner, many families will be looking for fun ways to finish the summer and create some last-minute memories. One event local families won’t want to miss is the Back 2 School Bash hosted by WonderWorks Orlando. This exciting celebration will be held August 2-11, 2024, at the upside-down house on International Drive. During this event, Florida residents can snag a special admission rate of only $22, plus tax, per person. End your summer on a high note and have some discounted fun!
Every Friday
Every Friday night, Art After Dark takes over Lake Nona Town Center from 6 pm. Enjoy a stroll as you explore hand crafted artisan products, and tasty cuisine. Be sure to grab a glass a wine, stay a while and enjoy the art displayed on the art installation, The Beacon.
Every Friday
TPD Night Market is a weekly Friday night market featuring 20 plus vendors at 431 E Central Blvd, Thornton Park, Orlando.
Every Friday
Come enjoy live music every Friday night on the Plaza, at Downtown Winter Garden, Centennial Plaza Gazebo.
Every Friday
Join the heart pounding excitement of high-performance engines and true horse power for our Muscle Car Show every Friday night at Old Town in Kissimmee. The Friday Muscle Car Show begins at 3 pm featuring show-quality muscle and factory-performance cars from 1964 and newer and classics from 1985 and older. Cars cruise at 8:30 pm.
Every Friday
Enjoy nonstop live piano music every Friday night at The Wharf at Sunset Walk with late-night food and drink menu.
Every Saturday
Dance, play and be entertained at engaging shows for kids of all ages at the Disney Springs Kids Club, taking place every Saturday. Free Entertainment and Free Parking.
Every Saturday
Join Old Town in Kissimmee every Saturday and take a trip down memory lane. The Old Town Classic Car Show has been a local tradition for over 30 years, it is one of the premier weekly car shows in Central Florida. The Saturday Classic Car Show begins at 1:00pm and welcomes show-quality 1985 and older hot rods, street rods, and antiques. Cars will cruise at 8:30pm. The event is free for participants and free for the public to attend.
Every Saturday
Live on the Lawn is your Saturday oasis to relax and recharge while listening to live music and playing lawn games with family and friends. Join Lake Nona from 11 am – 3 pm every Saturday!
Every Saturday
The Promenade at Sunset Walk is home to Show Car Saturday Nights. All makes and models are welcome and displayed along Margaritaville Boulevard. Car enthusiasts will enjoy the music of DJ Scotty B while admiring an amazing collection of classic to modern automobiles, with live bands performing on the Promenade Plaza Stage nightly.
Every Sunday
Enjoy Family Fun Day every Sunday at Boxi Park, with face painters, balloon artists entertainers, and live music. Fun for the whole family! 1 pm - 9 pm.
August 1 – 4, 2024
August 2
Our family-friendly monthly street parties host a wide variety of food, vendors and live music! We look forward to seeing everyone in Historic Downtown Eustis each First Friday!
August 2
Unforgettable nights of shopping and dining with music in the beautiful Baldwin Park. With over 40 small business vendors offering a wide range of products, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
August 2
A Clermont First Friday tradition! Join your family and friends downtown and choose dinner, snacks, sweets and more from a variety of food trucks. Sip and stroll downtown while checking out event vendors and shopping at local retail stores and boutiques.
August 3 - 4
During the first full weekend of every month, Bank of America and Merrill Bank offer cardholders free general admission on both Saturday and Sunday to more than 225 cultural institutions in dozens of cities across the US. .
Valid cardholders can access free admission to the following museums:
Orlando Science Center: 407-514-2000, 777 E. Princeton St. Orlando, FL 32803
History Center: 407-836-8500, 65 E. Central Blvd. Orlando, FL 32801
Polasek Museum & Garden: 407-647-6294, 633 Osceola Ave. Winter Park, FL 32789
Orlando Museum of Art: 407-896-4231, 2416 North Mills Ave. Orlando, FL 32803
Mennello Museum of Art: 407-246-4278, 900 E. Princeton St. Orlando, FL 32803
Museum of Arts & Sciences: 386-255-0285, 352 S. Nova Rd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Florida Aquarium: 813-273-4000, 701 Channelside Dr. Tampa, FL 33602
August 3
CALLING ALL STUDENTS AND FAMILIES!!! Join OCSO on Saturday, August 3, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at our headquarters (2500 W. Colonial Drive) for a Back to School Bash! We will give out FREE backpacks and school supplies to prepare you for the new year. We'll also have games, prizes, music and our always-popular Mobile Video Game Theater to keep you entertained. You won't want to miss it!
August 3
This event at LIV Realty located at 10783 Narcoossee Road in Lake Nona, Orlando. will provide free haircuts, backpacks and school supplies for students. There will also be a number of food vendors and refreshments, along with face painting, a live DJ and more.
August 3
Grab your friends and family and join your local Florida Blue Centers on Saturday, August 3 from 10am to 1pm for school supply and backpack giveaways*, interactive activities for all ages, live music, and more! Plus, enjoy healthy refreshments as you kick off the start of the upcoming school year and learn about local community organizations in the area. Everyone is welcome! You do not need to be a Florida Blue member to participate and there is no cost to attend. This is an event you won’t want to miss!
Clermont (Lake County)
638 E. Hwy. 50, Clermont, FL 34711, Phone: (352) 242-6800
Winter Park (Orange County)
434 Orlando Ave., Winter Park, FL 32789, Phone: (321) 441-2020
Winter Haven (Polk County)
1380 6th St. NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881, Phone: (863) 291-0140
August 3
Get the supplies you need to head back to school while enjoying a fun end-of-summer event! Hosted by the City of Winter Garden, the Back to School Bash is a free family-friendly event for Winter Garden families. The fun, end-of-summer event includes a FREE backpack & school supplies giveaway, free food, an interactive DJ, a foam party, water activities, relay races, community vendors, and more!
August 3
Prince of Peace/Príncipe de Paz will again host its annual Back-to-School event that serves over 800 people from our community. At 1515 S. Semoran Blvd., Orlando we will provide FREE backpacks with school supplies for elementary, middle, and high school students. There will also be FREE physical exams, eye exams, health tests, immunizations, and more.
August 3
Parents, we have you covered on the backpacks! We will be giving away backpacks, school supplies and a chance to win a $25 gift card or a $50 gift card!! 100 backpacks will be given out! First 10 boys will receive a free haircut! Yes a free haircut!! We are also collecting backpacks, pencils, crayons, notebooks, and other school materials!! Come join us for a day of fun while giving back to the community!! Snacks will be provided
August 3
Celebrate our 3rd anniversary with a community event that promotes health, wellness, and back-to-school readiness. Family Fit Fun Day is packed with activities for everyone, including: Fitness Challenges, Wellness Workshops, Games and Activities, Healthy Snacks, and Back-to-School Donations
Bring your family, friends, and neighbors for a day of fun, fitness, and giving back to the community that has given us so much. Let's make this celebration memorable and impactful together!
August 3
Enjoy our interactive Kids Zone and receive free food, haircuts, a professional school photo, backpack, and school health screenings.
Let’s conquer the back-to-school season together! Attendees have the opportunity to enjoy our interactive Kids Zone and receive free food, haircuts, school physicals and “Back to School” themed photos. Dress your student for success for a photo taken by one of our professional photographers.
Curry Ford Campus9307 Curry Ford RoadOrlando, FL 32825
Michigan Street Campus 2740 East Michigan StreetOrlando, FL 32806
Red Bug Lake Campus 2641 Red Bug Lake Rd.Casselberry, FL 32707
August 3
Join us for Back to School Bash where we’ll have food, bounce houses, backpacks and school supplies, SCPS resources, and more!* Best of all, it’s completely FREE! Register for free today.
WINTER PARK 1485 Grand Rd, Winter Park - SANFORD 650 E Airport Blvd, Sanford
August 3
Come join us for a fun-filled day at Colonial High School Jennings Kite Stadium (Football Field) as we kick off the new school year in style on Sat. Aug. 3 from 12 pm - 3 pm.
The Outpouring Orlando will be hosting the 4th Annual Back to School Festival! A day of fun in the park that includes a bounce houses, DJ Intel, Video game trucks, food trucks, Kona Ice, games, soft play area for toddlers, arts & crafts, face painting, firefighter station, Backpack giveaway at1 pm; and SOOO MUCH MORE!
August 3
Join us for a fun-filled day as we gear up for the new school year! CIV and UCN are hosting a Back to School event with activities, games, and prizes. Don’t miss out on the chance to connect with friends, make new ones, and get excited for the upcoming school year.
Highlights of the event include: School Supplies-Limited Quantities, Food and Drinks, Gospel Music and Entertainment, and Prayer Booth.
August 3
It’s that time of year again, as kids and parents get ready for the new school year. At Visit Central Florida Welcome Center we’re getting in on the fun with a great community back-to-school event. Open to local residents and visitors, we’ll be giving away backpacks, school supplies, and the chance to have your picture drawn by a caricature artist!
Free Backpacks, for the first 500 students (child must be present to receive the backpack).
August 3
Join Men’s Closet for our 4th Annual Men’s Closet “Back 2 School Backpack Giveaway" on Sunday, August 4th from 11am - 2 pm. We'll be giving away free backpacks, school supplies, and personal hygiene items, plus free hair braiding and haircuts for kids and teens. This event will feature family-friendly activities such as face painting, balloon animals, free food, and a video gaming truck.
August 4
The Longwood Police Department will be hosting its 5th Annual Back to School event for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year for Longwood and Seminole County Residents. Pick up entry tickets at Longwood Police Department Monday-Friday 10am-4pm. ID required.
August 5 - 11, 2024
August 9 - 10
Get Ready for the Ultimate Back to School Bash! Are you ready to kick off the new school year in the most exciting way possible? Join us for our Back to School Bash, a fun-filled event that will make going back to school a celebration to remember.
August 9
Join the fun every 2nd Friday evening of the month on Towne Square in Downtown Leesburg for an unforgettable experience. Enjoy Live Music: Enjoy performances from talented local artists, and an Evening Market: Explore unique goods from local vendors and merchants, plus Delicious Eats: Savor the flavors of Leesburg with a variety of food and drink options.
August 9
The City of Casselberry hosts its monthly food truck event on the second Friday of every month at Lake Concord Park with live music, product vendors and about eight food trucks. There also is art displays and a play area for children.
August 10 - 11
The Central Florida Home Expo which takes place at the Orange County Convention Center features exhibitors with fabulous ideas for consumers. At this show you’ll find the latest in products and services for home improvement. Visitors meet with professionals to make your next remodeling, renovation, landscaping, patio or decorating project a big success.
August 10
The Back to School Expo is an exclusive opportunity for parents, teachers and others to connect face-to-face with education, health and family focused organizations and companies. It's also Florida's tax-free school shopping weekend. Get your family school-ready with great savings!
Prizes, Discounts and Giveaways!!
August 11
Join us every 2nd SUNDAY from 1-6pm for our monthly Sanford Food Truck Fiesta! The largest food truck event in the Orlando area! Bringing you over 30 of the best food trucks and tents Central Florida has to offer PLUS dozens of local artisan vendors for your shopping pleasure.
Enjoy craft beer and cocktails from the bars, and live music plus we feature outdoor patios and plenty of outside tables and chairs to sit and eat! Free parking. Pet and family friendly. Positive vibes.
August 12 - 18, 2024
August 15
The Orlando Museum of Art is thrilled to introduce "Access for All at OMA," an all-new program offering FREE admission to the museum!
August 17 - 18
The Florida Kids and Family Expo is a 2-day expo for kids and families in Central Florida. In fact, it's the largest kids and family expo in the country and you're invited to attend. Join us August 17-18, 2024 at the Orange County Convention Center for a full day (or two) of family fun and discovery. Come out and enjoy over 200 exhibitors, 10+ fun zones, four performance stages with live entertainment, Touch a Truck, animal interactions, character meet and greets and so much more! Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Get your tickets today and bring joy to your kids and family at the epic expo.
August 17
Open to youth ages 6-14 years old. The Splash & Dash will be on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 5:00 PM at the Lake Nona Adventure Park. The Splash & Dash race will begin at the Aqua Park inflatable obstacle course. Participants will traverse the state-of-the-art inflatable obstacle course that features over 1000 feet of challenging and exciting obstacles! Once they exit the inflatable course, participants will head out for their run.
August 18
The new Lake Nona Sprint Triathlon is a thrilling point-to-point race, starting at the scenic Lake Nona Adventure Park, where the action begins with a refreshing swim in the pristine lake water. The bike route will take participants through the heart of Lake Nona, offering breathtaking views and a blend of urban and natural scenery, as they descend on their next transition area at Boxi Park. The atmosphere at Boxi Park will be electric, with friends, family, and fans eagerly awaiting the athletes' arrival. Here, participants transition from biking to the final challenge the 5K run.
Post-race festivities at Boxi Park include free beer for all participants and access to the Park's food containers. The entertainment lineup ensures a festive atmosphere, with music, games, and activities for all ages, making it a perfect day out for families and friends!
August 18
Join Avalon Park for Food Truck Night! There will be 20 food truck options to choose from and entertainment from 5 - 8 pm.
August 18
Meet and greet local authors at Orlando Public Library's Local Authors Festival. Authors from a variety of genres will share their experiences and books. Each author will have books available for purchase and signing.
August 18
Sensory Sundays at Crayola Experience are offered on select dates throughout the year. The attraction will open early at 9:00am. These special mornings are designed for kids and families who would like to experience the attraction adapted just for sensory needs.
August 19 - 25, 2024
August 23 - 25
The Marine Industry Association of Central Florida (MIACF) presents the Orlando Boat Show for a three-day event August 23-25, 2024 at the Orange County Convention Center, North Hall B. The highly anticipated show features 20 of Central Florida's top boat dealers representing more than 80 manufacturers with approximately 400 boats on display. The Orlando Boat Show features a wide variety of boats including bowriders, center consoles, deck boats, flats boats, freshwater fishing boats, jet boats, pontoons, and surf boats to fit any lifestyle and budget.
August 24
Join Boxi Park for a day full of good vibes from some amazing reggae DJs and bands! DJ C-Lioness and DJ RED will be spinning the beats and keeping the fun vibes going all day. The Caribbean Crew, Empress Uneek, and Jah Movement will be hitting the stage for the first time this year! Local fan favorite Ravon Steely Rhoden will be performing with his full band for the first time at Boxi Park! Shamanic Rootz will be returning with their unforgettable energy! And headlining will be the one and only Jahfé.
August 26 - 31, 2024
August 31
Central Florida Face-Off is a one-day celebration of all things gaming. This event is a daring experiment in combining the communities of fighting games and trading card games, showing off the power of competition to bring people together. Whether you are an avid competitor in fighting games, a cunning strategist in card games, or simply looking to experience the action and amenities as a spectator, Central Florida Face-Off is an event you can't miss at Avanti Palms Resort and Conference Center.
August 31
Orlando City Soccer Club takes on Nashville SC at Inter&Co Stadium in downtown Orlando.
Join us as we honor those who have and continue to put their lives on the line to protect our country. We will dedicate this entire night to highlighting, celebrating, and thanking our local veterans and active-duty military for all that they do.
For the latest entertainment news and things to do in Orlando, and throughout Central Florida, follow Gotta Go Orlando on X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Never miss any Orlando news! Sign up for the Gotta Go Orlando Newsletter.
Got a story to tell? Contact us here. To advertise with us, click here, and to list your upcoming event with us, submit it here.
Comments