May is an exciting month in Orlando with tons of cheap and free things to do! The month of May includes Cinco de Mayo, Kentucky Derby Day, Mother's Day, Thanksgiving Day Weekend, and more.
Free & Cheap Things To Do in Orlando May 2024
Welcome to May in Orlando! The weather is heating up, and there is a ton free and cheap events and things to do.
Whatever events you plan to attend, have an awesome time, and remember to check back often as we add a ton more Orlando events to this list throughout the month.
Before attending events, please contact the event organizer to confirm that the event is taking place as changes, and cancellations can occur.
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May 1 – 5, 2024
Neon Club
May 3
For more than 35 years, the city of Orlando has hosted Neon Club. Orlando Ballet is proud to continue the tradition! Participants and their families, friends, and/or caregivers are welcome to join us each month for an evening of dancing, socializing, food, and fun.
First Friday in Eustis
May 3
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!
First Fridays at Baldwin Park
May 3
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.
First Friday Food Trucks in Clermont
May 3
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.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Episode IX
May 3
Family Movie Night at Leu Gardens returns on Friday, May 3, 2024, with the classic 2019 movie, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Episode IX.
Art Adventures: Happy Birthday OMA!
May 3
Join Orlando Museum Of Art for a birthday pARTy! Come celebrate the museum’s 100th birthday by creating party hats and airdry clay cupcakes! Venture into the galleries and say happy birthday to the museum we all love and adore.
Bank of America's Museums on Us Weekend
May 4 - 5
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. Click here for details.
Orlando Kite Festival
May 4
Welcome to the inaugural Orlando Kite Festival! Join us for a FREE day of fun under the sun with colorful kites filling the sky. Bring your family and friends for a fantastic experience watching kites of all shapes and sizes soar high.
Longwood Luau in Reiter Park
May 4
Join us for a FREE Hawaiian-themed party featuring delectable food, live entertainment, and tropical vibes! Live Hawaiian music, hula dancers, fire knife performers, lei making station and much more fun!!
Hamlin Hoedown
May 4
Kick up your boots at the Hamlin Hoedown! Mosey on over for a FREE family-friendly event filled with delightful pony rides, a charming barnyard petting zoo, and the toe-tapping tunes of DJ Renee. Engage in heartwarming crafts, lively games, and good ol' fashioned farm fun. Don your western best and join the hoedown hullabaloo!
Kentucky Derby Day at Boxi Park
May 4
Come celebrate the Greatest Two Minutes in sports at Boxi Park in Lake Nona with an all-day party featuring live music, Derby-inspired food and beverage specials, and more! We’ll be showing the race on the big screen with sound. $5 Cover after 5 pm.
Kentucky Derby Watch Party at The Hampton Social
May 4
Join The Hampton Social at Pointe Orlando for a day of the Kentucky Derby and enjoy $10 Rosé Mint Juleps and a live viewing of the race!
May the 4th – Star Wars Celebration
May 4
Celebrate May the 4th, Star Wars Day with Orange County Library System at the Melrose Center with activities, movie screenings and a photo op with our newest team member, R2-KN3!
Registration required for select events. For more details, click here.
May the 4th Be With You featuring SWITCH
May 4
Join the Galactic Celebration: May the 4th Be With You at Boxi Park in Lake Nona featuring a Star Wars themed performance by SWITCH!
Star Wars Night, Orlando City vs FC Cincinnati
May 4
May the Fourth be with you! Orlando City prepares for battle against the cold side, FC Cincinnati, as they attempt to take over Inter&Co Stadium. Come prepared for night one of our City and Pride Star Wars weekend, complete with costumed characters, themed merchandise and more!
May the Fourth Be With You Sip & Stroll
May 4
Come out to The APGD May the 4th for Star Wars Day! We’ll have a Sip and Stroll from 2 to 5 pm and then a free outdoor showing of Return of the Jedi at sunset (around 8:15) in Alley No. 3, courtesy of Redlight Redlight! Tickets for Sip and Stroll.
Hannibal Square Heritage Center Folk & Urban Art Festival
May 4
The Folk & Urban Art Festival celebrates Central Florida's richly diverse culture through live musical entertainment and the artwork of select folk and urban artisans. Activities include The Hannibal's Trek: Let's Go Trekking through Shady Park for kids, storytelling, K2 Mobile Unit, Black History Trivia and more. Admission is free. Located in Shady Park across from Hannibal Square Heritage Center.
Cinco De Mayor Street Party and Celebration,
May 5
Join the Promenade at Sunset Walk’s 4th annual Cinco De Mayor Street Party and Celebration, and enjoy a nonstop live music celebration with Rhythm Me Up and The Rundown live on 2 performance stages, including The Rundown’s tribute to Maná, Latin America’s No. 1 selling rock band.
Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Rocco's Tacos Orlando
May 5
Rocco's Tacos and Tequila Bar is bringing the ultimate Cinco de Mayo celebration to Sand Lake Road, by throwing a Block Party.
Baldwin Park Cinco de Mayo
May 5
Get ready to fiesta like there's no mañana! Join us in Baldwin Park for an epic Cinco de Mayo celebration featuring mouth-watering Mexican food refreshing drinks from Colibri, local vendors, and family-friendly activities. Groove to the beats of live music and a DJ! It's time to taco 'bout a party!
Star Wars Night, Orlando Pride vs Racing Louisville
May 5
It’s the revenge of the fifth, our fearless Orlando Pride prepare for battle as the Empire of Racing Louisville attempts to infiltrate INTER&Co Stadium. Come prepared for our final night of our City & Pride Star Wars weekend, complete with costumed characters, themed merchandise and more!
May 6 - 12, 2024
NASA's Boeing Starliner Crewed Flight Test (CFT) Launch
May 6
You don't want to miss this exciting milestone launch for NASA's Commercial Crew Program! The Crew Flight Test will send two astronauts to the International Space Station aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft for the very first time. Get the details at Kennedy Space Center.
Mess Fest
May 11
Learn about colorful chemistry, flashy physics, and splat-tacular science through activities, demonstrations, and live shows. If you’re not making a mess, you’re not doing it right! And hey, when we say messy, we MEAN messy, so be sure to dress for the mess! This event is included with general admission to Orlando Science Center.
Orlando Pride vs. Bay FC: Pups of Pride
May 11
Orlando Pride of the National Women's Soccer League take on Bay FC at Inter&Co Stadium.
Love puppies and the Pride? You won't want to miss out on our third annual Pups of Pride Night! Once again, fans can bring their furry friends along with them to watch the best women's soccer players in the world! It will be a night filled with puppies, a pup centric Fanzone, games, and so much more! Come have a ball with us and don't miss out on the paw-ty!
Mother's Day at Island H20 Water Park
May 11 - 12
Celebrate Mother’s Day at Island H2O Water Park! On May 11 and 12, Moms can treat themselves to a signature “Momosa” at Tag Shack, embark on a scavenger hunt adventure to win a prize, enjoy the relaxation of Private Domain, and enjoy a day of making unforgettable memories with their family at Island H2O Water Park’s Mother’s Day Celebration! This special event is included in admission and is only available on May 11 - 12! Bring your mom and have some fun celebrating her
Mother's Day Paint and Sip at Ivanhoe Village
May 11
We're celebrating all Moms with our special event paint and sip workshop. Includes every thing you need to create a one-of-a-kind work of art, sweet snacks, non-alcoholic refreshments and groovy tunes. Get details here.
Mother's Day Mommy and Me Yoga in the Garden
May 11
Enjoy a special yoga class in the midst of beautiful Mead Botanical Garden to help celebrate mom's with their kids! $20 per family. (Mom + children). Bring a yoga mat and water.
Mother's Day at Boxi Park
May 12
Celebrate Mom with fun for the whole family at Boxi Park in Lake. Nona.
Leu Gardens Celebrates Moms!
May 12
Enjoy this special day with your mom in the beautiful 50-acre gardens. Explore the amazing art of Alex Heveri’s Glass in Flight 2, an outdoor exhibit of larger-than-life flying insects and birds. Each piece captures the essence of flight. The exhibit weaves together the beauty of art with the science of nature. Stroll the winding pathways and discover all the various gardens including the amazing butterfly garden and you can join in the fun with our butterfly hunt! Moms receive free admission on this very special day.
Mother's Day In The Garden
May 12
Why stop at a flower bouquet when you can give Mom an entire garden? Bok Tower Gardens is offering free admission to all mothers in celebration of Mother’s Day. Families are encouraged to give the living bouquet of landscape gardens created by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. to the special mothers in their lives.
Central Florida Zoo
May 12
Take Mom to the Zoo on Mother's Day! Mothers and Grandmothers will get in FREE with the purchase of one single-day admission to Central Florida Zoo.
Free Admission for Caregivers at Orange County Regional History Center
May 12
Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate all the important women or caregivers in our life. It might be your mom, your grandma or anyone who has played an important role. On Mother’s Day, the History Center offers free admission to any caregiver accompanied by their loved one (of any age)!
Moms Get in Free at Brevard Zoo
May 12
Moms are treated to free admission to the Zoo on Mother’s Day at Brevard Zoo! Parents must be accompanied by a paying child of any age. Tickets can be purchased online or in person.
May 13 - 19, 2024
Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival
May 14 - 27
Since 1992, Orlando Fringe has provided a space and opportunity for artists to emerge and showcase their talents and craft. The Orlando Fringe produces The Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, the longest-running Fringe in the United States, which strives to be unjuried, uncensored, accessible for artists and audiences alike, with 100% of ticket sales given back to the artists.
Orlando City SC vs. Inter Miami CF
May 15
Orlando City Soccer Club takes on Inter Miami CF at Inter&Co Stadium in downtown Orlando. Get your tickets now!
Access for All at OMA
May 16
Access for All at OMA is a monthly free day dedicated to the community. On the third Thursday of each month, we'll extend our hours from 10 AM to 8 PM, offering free admission to all visitors. Each event will feature live performances, educational experiences, and more!
Asian Cultural Festival
May 18
AAHC is excited to roll out the Asian Cultural Festival for this coming on Saturday, May 18, 2024 and AAHC will partner with the City of Ocoee at Lakeshore Center (indoor) and the Lakefront Park (outdoor) for the in person festival.
Community Day at the Central Florida Railroad Museum
May 18
Discover new trips, sights and places to visit at our Community Day. Area attractions, gardens, museums and more fill our meeting room with enough ideas to last a year!
Gatorpalooza Fun Fest
May 18 - 19
Y’all come join us as Gatorland kicks off their 75th Anniversary celebrations with Gatorpalooza! We are so excited to host the Fifth Annual Gatorpalooza festival again, and this year we’re inviting the public to join in the Diamond Jubilee Celebration with all the fun and games of the Gatorpalooza Weekend, May 18-19, 2024
Run Nona 5K & Nemours Kids’ Run
May 18
Lake Nona's signature race transforms into a family fun festival right in Lake Nona Town Center. Once the sun goes down join us at the Beacon for a one-of-a-kind party like you’ve never seen before! Grab your family, friends, and neighbors and meet us at Lake Nona Town Center, for a fantastic evening of festivities! Get details now.
Buddha's Birthday Celebration
May 19
Come to Guang Ming Temple, the largest Buddhist Temple in Central Florida to experience a traditional celebration with beautiful pageantry, a Vegetarian Food & Arts Festival including a Butterfly Meet and Greet, and a program of unique performances. Get details here.
Maitland Stage Band Spring Concert
May 19
Under the direction of trumpeter Rick Ingoglia, the Maitland Stage Band returns to the Venue on the Lake for a Sunday afternoon concert
May 20 - 26, 2024
Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival
May 14 - 27
Since 1992, Orlando Fringe has provided a space and opportunity for artists to emerge and showcase their talents and craft. The Orlando Fringe produces The Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, the longest-running Fringe in the United States, which strives to be unjuried, uncensored, accessible for artists and audiences alike, with 100% of ticket sales given back to the artists.
Orlando Gay Chorus: The Gay Agenda Revealed
May 22
Join us for an uplifting musical experience as the Orlando Gay Chorus presents its spring concert, aptly titled “The Gay Agenda: REVEALED.” Through song, we express our shared humanity, transcending labels and preconceptions.
Orlando Pride vs. Portland Thorns
May 24
Orlando Pride of the National Women's Soccer League take on the Portland Thorns at Inter&Co Stadium. Get your tickets now!
Sunset at the Zoo: Celebrating Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage
May 24
Join us at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens for our first Sunset event of 2024, as we celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander culture and heritage!
Collect-A-Con Orlando
May 25 - 26
The Nation's Largest Trading Card, Anime and Pop Culture Convention. Featuring Ying Yang Twins (Get Low, Salt Shaker, Say I Yi Yi, Wait "The Whisper Song") live mid-day concert Saturday afternoon on the main stage. Get details here.
Orlando City SC vs. Columbus Crew
May 25
Orlando City Soccer Club takes on Columbus Crew at Inter&Co Stadium in downtown Orlando. Get your tickets now!
Orlando Carnival Downtown: Jouvert
May 25
Jouvert - A traditional pre-dawn street party celebrated in many Caribbean countries and communities around the world. In this vibrant and colorful event, participants throw paint, powder and water on each other, and dance to the rhythmic beats of calypso, soca, and steelpan music. It's a time of unity, community bonding, and cultural pride. Get details for this event at Tinkers Field.
Soca Anthropology: Back in Time Lime
May 25
Orlando Carnival Downtown “Back in Time Lime” is a Caribbean multicultural celebration that showcases the diversity of the Caribbean American community while taking visitors back to its origins. Enjoy an action-packed evening outdoors with authentic Caribbean performances including steelpan, African drums, Tassa drums, junk-a-noo parade, fire breathing, stick fighting, cultural Calypso music and dances along with Spoken Word/Poetry. Guests will experience authentic Caribbean food including roti, doubles, jerk, conch salads, and so much more at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts - Seneff Arts Plaza.
Reggae Fest Orlando Memorial Day Weekend at The Vanguard
May 25
Reggae Fest is not only a dance party experience; it's a vibe! 21+ Live at The Vanguard.
Milk Mart 8th Birthday Bash
May 26
Yeehaw y'all, time to party; we turn 8 this year! Break out the juice boxes and join us on May 26th for Milk Mart's 8th Anniversary Birthday Bash! Another year of incredible markets in the bag; we've got some really exciting stuff in store, and we're excited to celebrate with all of you before we hibernate for the summer.
Orlando Predators vs. Nashville Kats
May 26
Welcome to the exciting world of Orlando Predators Arena Football at Kia Center! Get your tickets now!
Orlando Carnival Downtown Parade & Festival
May 26
Orlando Carnival Downtown starts with a parade in the streets of Downtown Orlando and ends at the festival village at Tinker Field Historic Plaza where some of the most renowned international Caribbean artists will perform. The Mas Band parade will showcase artistically designed and handmade costumes.
May 27 - 31, 2024
Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival
May 14 - 27
Since 1992, Orlando Fringe has provided a space and opportunity for artists to emerge and showcase their talents and craft. The Orlando Fringe produces The Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, the longest-running Fringe in the United States, which strives to be unjuried, uncensored, accessible for artists and audiences alike, with 100% of ticket sales given back to the artists.
Matilda Jr.
May 28
Rebellion is nigh in Matilda Jr., a gleefully witty ode to the the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination! This story of a girl who dreams of a better life and the children she inspires will have audiences rooting for the "revolting children" who are out to teach the grown-ups a lesson. See the show at Alexis and Jim Pugh Theater.
Goth Prom
May 31
The Abbey is thrilled to transform its hallowed halls into a haven for all things dark and delightful for an unforgettable Goth Prom Night! Dust off your fishnets and black lace, dig out your eyeliner and ripped jeans – this is your chance to unleash your inner goth and relive the glory of the 80s alternative scene.
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Ongoing Regular Events
Glass in Flight 2 at Leu Gardens
February 3 – May 5
Experience an amazing outdoor sculpture exhibit of larger-than-life flying insects hand-crafted into 28 works of art with Dalle de Verre glass and steel. Created by national known sculptor, Alex Heveri, each piece captures the essence of flight. Glass in Flight 2 takes place at Orlando's Leu Gardens and is included with general admission.
Live at The Lawn – ICON Park
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Live at The Lawn is the perfect way for locals and visitors alike to spend time outside and discover new local artists playing a variety of genres. Relax on The Lawn beneath the Orlando Eye and enjoy a drink while taking in the live performances or listen to the DJ entertainment while enjoying a meal at one of ICON Park’s signature restaurants with outdoor seating.
Art After Dark at Lake Nona
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.
TPD Night Market
Every Friday
TPD Night Market is a weekly Friday night market featuring 20 plus vendors at 431 E Central Blvd, Thornton Park, Orlando.
Winter Garden Friday on the Plaza
Every Friday
Come enjoy live music every Friday night on the Plaza, at Downtown Winter Garden, Centennial Plaza Gazebo.
Friday Muscle Car Show & Cruise
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.
Dockside Dueling Pianos
Every Friday
Enjoy nonstop live piano music every Friday night at The Wharf at Sunset Walk with late-night food and drink menu.
Disney Springs Kids Club
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.
Saturday Nite Classic Car Show & Cruise
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.
Live Music on the Lawn in Lake Nona
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!
Show Car Saturday Nights at Promenade at Sunset Walk
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.
Winter Garden Farmers Market
Every Saturday
The Winter Garden Farmers Market is your hometown market open every Saturday from 8 am - 1 pm in beautiful Historic Winter Garden.
Winter Park Farmers Market
Every Saturday
The Winter Park Farmers’ Market is one of the best produce and plant markets in Central Florida which takes place every Saturday morning from 8 am - 1 pm in Central Park.
Lake Mary Farmers Market
Every Saturday
The Lake Mary Farmers Market features local vendors of produce, plants, baked goods, and arts and crafts. The market is open every Saturday, from 9 am - 1:30 pm at Lake Mary City Hall.
City of Longwood Farmer's Market
Every Saturday
Visit every Saturday at the City of Longwood Farmers Market at Reiter Park from 9 am - 2 pm, with locally sourced seafood and produce to handmade crafts and more.
Lake Nona Farmers Market
Every Saturday
Join in every Saturday morning in Lake Nona, the Lake Nona Farmers Market takes place in the beautiful Town Center from 11 am - 3 pm, shop local with the freshest produce and more.
Family Fun Day at Boxi Park
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.
Orlando Farmers Market at Lake Eola Park
Every Sunday
One of the most popular farmers markets in Central Florida, Orlando Farmer’s Market is located in the heart of Orlando at Lake Eola park, and takes place Sundays 10 am - 4 pm.
Celebration Farmers Market
Every Sunday
Every week at Celebration Farmers Market there are multiple vendors selling everything from fresh food and produce, to local crafted jewelry, and much more, with a beautiful backdrop of Lakeside Park, this is a must go to farmers market on Sundays, 9 am - 2 pm
East Orlando Farmer's Market
Every Sunday
The popular East Orlando Farmers Market offers hand selected produce, creative local small business owners, along with botanical varieties to chose from. Every Sunday 11 am - 4 pm.
Clermont Farmer's Market
Every Sunday
Clermont Farmer's Market features over 60 vendors selling seafood, organic produce, and other household items, this popular market is the place to go on Sundays 9 am - 2 pm.
Downtown Mount Dora Village Market
Every Sunday
Mount Dora’s open-air Mount Dora Village Market in Sunset Park is open Sundays from 0 am - 2 pm offering fresh products from over 50 market vendors.
Yoga in the Sculpture Garden
Every Sunday
Hosted by the Mennello Museum of American Art with classes led by certified Full Circle Yoga, Winter Park. Start your Sunday mornings out blissfully with a relaxing lakeside flow. Join us in the shade of the trees for a practice that is suitable for all levels! Don’t forget to bring a mat, towel, and water to have a great practice.
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