There is so much to do in Orlando that won't break the bank, and this weekend brings an amazing choice of free and cheap events and things to do, including concerts, outdoor movie nights, community events, car shows, activities for the kids, and more!
Free And Cheap Things To Do This Weekend!
Whether your a local or a visitor to the city, Orlando offers an almost endless choice of things to do, and best of all there is tons of amazing events and things to do that are either free or cheap!
From free events for the little ones, to cheap nights out for the big kids!, we've go you covered with the best free and cheap events and things to do, including community events, car shows, concerts, farmers markets, free museum days, outdoor movie nights, festivals, and more.
Keep up with the latest news on events, and things to do in Central Florida by signing up for the Gotta Go Orlando Newsletter and follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Free & Cheap Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend
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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FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2024
LuminoCity Dino Safari Festival
May 17 - June 16
The Dino Safari Festival at The Floirda Mall will transport attendees to an era long past, offering a captivating glimpse into the ancient world of dinosaurs, mammoths, saber-toothed tigers and more. Using state-of-the-art animatronics with light art, experience these larger-than-life-size prehistoric giants come to life with jaw-dropping realism, an experience that dazzles by day and enchants by night.
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.
Parking Lot Party at Lake Eola
May 17
Lake Eola, We are Back! Friday, May 17 starting at 6:30 pm we are throwing down with an awesome line-up of food trucks and vendors for you to enjoy! Bring your friends and family, this is one party you won't want to miss!
East Meets West Night Market
May 17 - 18
Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Asia at East End Market with delicious dishes from local Asian food vendors, unique art and handcrafted goods by local makers, refreshing beer, wine, and cocktails and more.
Sanford 17th Annual Sanford Hurricane Party
May 17
Sanford’s oldest and biggest music festival, The 17th Annual Hurricane Party Music Festival returns to historic downtown Sanford on Saturday, May 18, 2024, with music fans looking forward to an exciting lineup for this years event including Authority Zero, The Slackers and The Supervillains. With multiple stages and 50+ bands throughout the venues and streets of Historic Downtown Sanford, in addition to music, expect live art, vendors and lots of food trucks.
History Bluffs
May 17
The history-themed improv comedy gameshow again goes from stream to stage. Episode 115 topic is "Tropical." Three armchair historians bring you tales from history and one is bluffing. Play along to guess who it is before the reveal. Get tickets now.
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.
Sundown Sessions at Lil Indies
Every Friday and Saturday
Sundown Sessions; a free early live-music series inside Lil Indies, giving you the chance to ease into your evening with a cocktail or mocktail, and laid back rock, pop, folk or blues music. Sundown Sessions feature a rotating roster of solo & duo local acts, plus an occasional touring act in Lil Indies.
SATURDAY, MAY 18, 2024
LuminoCity Dino Safari Festival
May 17 - June 16
The Dino Safari Festival at The Floirda Mall will transport attendees to an era long past, offering a captivating glimpse into the ancient world of dinosaurs, mammoths, saber-toothed tigers and more. Using state-of-the-art animatronics with light art, experience these larger-than-life-size prehistoric giants come to life with jaw-dropping realism, an experience that dazzles by day and enchants by night.
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.
Kids Fringe at the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival
May 18, 19, 25, 26
Join Kids Fringe each Saturday and Sunday of festival for free crafts, activities, games, and shows that are perfect for kids of all ages at Orlando Garden Club — 710 E Rollins St, Orlando.
East Meets West Night Market
May 17 - 18
Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Asia at East End Market with delicious dishes from local Asian food vendors, unique art and handcrafted goods by local makers, refreshing beer, wine, and cocktails and more
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
Family Glow Foam Party
May 18
Looking for a unique adventure to try with your family? Check out Orlando’s ONLY Glow Foam Water Park Party, family friendly edition! On May 18th, guests of all ages can dance the night away in a mountain of glow foam! But it doesn’t stop there! The whole park will be open for the event so you can enjoy your favorite Island H2O Water Park slides, lazy river, and more with low wait times!
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.
Parking Lot Party at Wally's
May 18
Parking Lot Party is back at Mills 50! Saturday May 18 starting at 6:30 pm in the parking lot of Wally's Bar & Liquors with some amazing food trucks for you to enjoy!
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!
Beer 'Merica 2024
May 18
Beer ‘Merica, brings over 100 American craft brews and innovative brands to Gaston Edwards Park in celebration of American Craft Beer Week. Enjoy an afternoon with live music, delicious local food trucks, and limitless, complimentary craft brew samplings.
Orlando Book Festival
May 18
A day-long celebration of books at Orlando Public Library! Join us for panels and talks from authors from all over the state and a keynote from New York Times bestselling author Tayari Jones, author of An American Marriage.
Battle of the Bands
May 18
Come cheer on local bands at Cranes Roost Park as they compete for a chance to perform on the Red Hot & Boom stage. The event will feature food, games, vendors and more.
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.
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.
Rollins Museum of Art Weekend Tours
Every Saturday
Join us on Saturday afternoons for docent-led museum tours that highlight works from Rollins Museum of Art's current exhibitions.
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.
SUNDAY, MAY 19, 2024
LuminoCity Dino Safari Festival
May 17 - June 16
The Dino Safari Festival at The Floirda Mall will transport attendees to an era long past, offering a captivating glimpse into the ancient world of dinosaurs, mammoths, saber-toothed tigers and more. Using state-of-the-art animatronics with light art, experience these larger-than-life-size prehistoric giants come to life with jaw-dropping realism, an experience that dazzles by day and enchants by night.
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
A Salute to Mothers Cabaret
May 19
Breakthrough Theatre Company presents a musical salute to mothers at 3 pm. Get tickets now.
Silly Geese Comedy Showcase
May 19
Come join Breakthrough Theatre Company got their monthly Silly Geese Comedy Showcase at 7.30 pm. Four stand up comics, one improv team. Get tickets now.
Central Florida Film Slam
May 19
Central Florida Film Slam is an unrated, independent film showcase and competition open to all regional filmmakers and students. Showcase your own work or come see the work of other local filmmakers on the big screen at Enzian Theater!
Bazaar Botanica: Gay Garden Market, Artisans and Drag Show
May 19
Always Pride is here a touch early! And we are merging it with our Garden Party for our GAY GARDEN PARTY! It's a celebration of our Plant Loving and our LGBTQIA+ and Allied Artisans!
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.
Forest Bathing with Julie
May 19
Time in Nature is essential to ground and embody the goodness Life has to offer. It is uplifts the mood, immune system, and relieves stress. Join Julie for bathing in Mead Botanical Gardens.
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.
Sunday-Latin-Sunday
Every Sunday
Prepare to experience the best of Latin nightlife, as Promenade at Sunset Walk, the dining, entertainment and shopping district, debuts its all-new weekend event — Sunday-Latin-Sunday.
JAYO at Lil' Indies
Every Sunday
Catch the free show with Jason Yoho and Friends every Sunday at Lil' Indies.
Lazy Sunday at Aero
Every Sunday
A rooftop day party each and every Sunday at Aero. Free entry all day, 21+. Hookah, Food, Games.
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.
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.
Sundays at The Alfond Inn
Every Sunday
Enjoy tours of select works on view at The Alfond Inn, on Sundays at 1 p.m. unless otherwise noted on their Events Page. Tours meet in the lobby of The Alfond Inn and last approximately 45 minutes.
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.
To list your events and feature your business on Gotta Go Orlando, learn more about advertising with us and submit your Orlando events here.
For the latest entertainment news and things to do in Orlando, and throughout Central Florida, join us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Never miss any Orlando news! Sign up to the Gotta Go Orlando Newsletter.
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