Free and Cheap Things To Do in Orlando this Weekend, May 16 - 18, 2025
- Alastair Mac
- 26 minutes ago
- 17 min read
Your Orlando weekend plans are here, and there's a great choice of free or cheap things to do that won't break the bank!
Free & Cheap Things To Do This Weekend In Orlando!
Whether your a local or a visitor, 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.
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ONGOING FEE & CHEAP THINGS TO DO
April 12 - January 11
In honor of Orlando’s 150th anniversary, the Orange County Regional History Center offers a glimpse into some of the most fascinating and rarely seen items from the city’s history with our newest special exhibition, Orlando Collected.
January 25 - October 27
INK! is a rotating exhibition of the Contemporary American Graphics Collection featuring limited edition lithographs, etchings, etc at Orlando Museum of Art.
May 17 - September 7
DC Super Heroes: Discover Your Superpowers is an interactive, action-packed exhibit at Orlando Science Center that lets you step into the world of Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and other legendary heroes. Do you have what it takes to save the day
February 1 - September 3
Leu Gardens invite you to experience an extraordinary exhibit like no other, connecting the world of nature and art. Origami is the Japanese word for “folding paper,” making something out of nothing, taking a square piece of paper and folding it to create a beautiful object. ORIGAMI IN THE GARDEN takes the folded object and transforms it into colossal metal sculpture that evokes wonder and imagination. Over 20 pieces from the original folds to art pieces will sure to captivate all ages. Included with garden admission.
April 5 - June 22
The City of Orlando proudly presents Mary Ann Carroll: Queen of the Highway, a retrospective exhibition celebrating the art and life of Mary Ann Carroll (b. 1940-d. 2019), the only female artist in Florida's renowned Highwaymen group of artists. The Highwaymen were a group of 26 African American artists working in Florida during the mid-20th century who created and sold vibrant landscape paintings, often door-to-door, overcoming racial and economic barriers to achieve recognition.
May 8 - June 8
Jump in the car and enjoy a high-octane musical celebration along the iconic ROUTE 66! Beginning with the sounds of 1950s Chicago and traveling along the "Main Street of America" to the California coast with surf music of the 1960's, this exciting musical revue features four men singing 34 of the greatest "Rock 'n' Road" hits of the 20th century. Songs include "Dead Man's Curve," "King of the Road," " Little Old Lady from Pasadena," "Beep Beep," "Little GTO," "Fun, Fun, Fun," and many more. Get your kicks with this smash coast-to-coast hit musical!
May 13 - 26
This Theatrical Festival is the longest running fringe in the United States and provides an opportunity for artists to showcase their craft while making theatre more accessible to audiences and artists alike. It offers lots of live entertainment, unique theatre experiences, visual art displays,
kid friendly shows and activities, and free concerts!
May 3 - 24, Every Saturday & Sunday
Gather your family and come to Island H2O Water Park for Family Foam Parties every weekend in May from 12-4 pm! Dance over to the Live! Lagoon Wave Pool Stage, and enjoy a DJ spinning all your favorite family bops and join the foam party fun! The mountain of foam is a great place to play, party, and snap the perfect family photo!
FRIDAY, MAY 16 2025
May 15 - 18
This year, Thunder on Cocoa Beach offshore powerboat races will be returning for its 15th year on Florida’s Space Coast, scheduled for May 15-18, 2025. Join us for 4 days and nights of parties and lots of racing action. The Space Coast Super Boat Grand Prix is one of the most popular attractions for the whole family in Central Florida. The event, one of the largest in Central Florida, draws the top race teams in the World to compete in various classes with Class 1 reaching speeds over 175 mph.
May 16 - 19
Mark your calendars! The 2025 Citywide Garage Sales are happening on May 16–18 and November 14–16. During these dates, residents across the city can host garage sales at their properties without needing the usual permit.
May 16
Join the Orange City Fire Department & Debary Dairy Queen for Fire Rescue N’ Cones—a sweet community event for kids & families! Meet local firefighters, tour a real fire truck, plus FREE ice cream cones for the kids.
May 16
Orlando Pride of the National Women's Soccer League take on Kansas City Current at Inter&Co Stadium.
May 16
Get Ready for the Ultimate Arcade Showdown at Dave & Buster’s! Step up, aim sharp, and get ready for a high-energy arcade tournament like no other! This month, we’re bringing the heat with an epic Arena showdown! The Arena offers immersive & interactive games that will keep you on your toes. The Arena is completely revolutionary from the moment you step in! From mental games to agility tests, the Arena has ALL types of games for ALL kinds of crews!
May 16
School is almost out — let the summer fun begin! St Cloud's Homeschool Summer Kick-Off is splashing into Chris Lyle Aquatic Center on May 16. Music, food, and swimming await from 1 - 4 pm. $10 per participant.
May 16
Swifties, mark your calendars for Taylor Swift Night at Boxi Park on May 16. Join us for an enchanting night featuring Swift Tribute Band, a glitter bar and permanent jewelry charm bar!
May 16
The Art of Banky Opening Night at Lil' Indies. Free Entry.
May 16
World Music Week-Ends / World Music Series at Timucua: Jon is an alternative rock/folk/grunge singer songwriter and multi instrumentalist originally from Argentina, living in Tampa Florida for the past ten years. He has self released and produced several albums and singles, and he is currently doing a solo intimate acoustic tour in which he tells his journey through his songs. He will be promoting his upcoming single, “About Time”.
Every Friday
Food Truck Fridays is a weekly food truck gathering from Parking Lot Party. Every Friday at Ivanhoe Park Brewing,10 different food trucks will be available to kick your weekend off right.
Every Friday and Saturday
Discover Sanford’s unknown and sometimes dark history, including access to a haunted area!
This 90-minute tour led by a local guide allows you to experience historical stories of Sanford’s past residents and those still lurking around are plentiful.
Every Friday and Saturday
This is SAK’s signature improv show! Two teams of professional improvisers compete for your laughs with audience judges selected at the start of the show.
Every Friday and Saturday
In this knockdown, drag-out comedy battle, a cast of our professional performers pair up in teams of two and use audience suggestions to create scenes, songs and characters on the spot at King of the Hill!
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 in the beautiful 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
Every Friday night, Sunset Walk presents the Promenade Racing Car & Truck Show, a free event with all makes, models, and years welcome of show car quality. Enjoy live entertainment with DJ, bands, and more.
SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2025
May 15 - 18
This year, Thunder on Cocoa Beach offshore powerboat races will be returning for its 15th year on Florida’s Space Coast, scheduled for May 15-18, 2025. Join us for 4 days and nights of parties and lots of racing action. The Space Coast Super Boat Grand Prix is one of the most popular attractions for the whole family in Central Florida. The event, one of the largest in Central Florida, draws the top race teams in the World to compete in various classes with Class 1 reaching speeds over 175 mph.
May 16 - 19
Mark your calendars! The 2025 Citywide Garage Sales are happening on May 16–18 and November 14–16. During these dates, residents across the city can host garage sales at their properties without needing the usual permit.
May 17
Get ready for an epic summer kickoff! Bring the whole family and dive into a day packed with excitement—live entertainment, STEAM activities, rock climbing, mini-golf, a foam pit and up-close encounters with animals. Explore police vehicle displays, enjoy interactive games and indulge in delicious food and drinks.
May 17
Join us for Zumba-Gold in the Park, a free fitness event open to all activity levels. Enjoy a fun morning of movement with Zumba-Gold and other exciting exercise sessions at the Performing Arts Pavilion. Location: Performing Arts Pavilion, 1104 Lakeshore Blvd.
May 17
Come join us on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 5 PM to 7 PM for our free family-friendly concert series, Saturday Sounds, with NFusion! From the heart of Orlando, Nfusion is a top-ranked band with over 15 years in the music industry. Nfusion’s musicians come from all over the world which allows them to play all different genres of music from Top 40s to Latin to Jazz. Nfusion will ensure the City of Apopka will enjoy a non-stop dance party for everybody.
May 17
Members of the original Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team continue to WOW central Florida audiences, and work to pass on their water skiing skills to the next generation. The Water Ski Capital of the World celebrated the 100th Anniversary of Water Ski in 2022. Be sure to check out the Cypress Gardens Water Ski show at the newly remodeled Martin Luther King Jr Park, on Lake Silver, Winter Haven. The show is always held on the 3rd Saturday of every month with additional shows added throughout the season.
May 17
This event isn't just a bike ride! It is a journey through our community's rich history. In celebration of Florida's Emancipation Day, this ride will take you through some incredible communities and buildings that help shape Central Florida.
May 17
Get ready to kick off spring with a running start at the tenth annual Purple Pride 5K, presented by Once Upon A Coconut and supported by Orlando Health, Heineken, Pepsi, and Publix. With Inter&Co Stadium as the backdrop, runners will start the race outside of Inter&Co Stadium, running through the local community before finishing on the sideline of the field inside the stadium. Spectators will be permitted to enter the stadium to cheer on friends and family as they complete their race
May 17
Lake Nona's signature race transforms into a family friendly party right in Lake Nona Town Center. Once the sun goes down join us at the Beacon for a one-of-a-kind event! The race ends at a block party filled with delicious food and fabulous music. The Nemours Children's Kid’s run and Kid’s zone will occupy your littlest runners with activities geared specifically to engage them in a night of activity.
May 17
AAHC hosts the annual Asian Cultural Festival in May. The celebration showcases a wide variety of Asian American cultures and talent from Central Florida’s Asian American ethnic groups from China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
May 17
A day-long celebration of books! Join us for panels and talks from authors from all over the state. Registration is required to attend the keynote.
May 17
Whether you're a beginner or a pro, it's a great opportunity to enjoy music, fun, and friends! Bring your own skates and get ready for an exciting evening at Clermont Arts & Recreation Center.
May 17
Join the City of Sanford and Georgetown Steering Team for the Emancipation Day Celebration on May 17, 2025, at 1101 S Pine Ave, Sanford, FL, at Historic Hopper Academy. This event promises to be an enriching experience, allowing attendees to learn about and celebrate a pivotal moment in history
May 17
Join St Cloud for the upcoming Movie at the Lakefront on Friday, May 16, featuring "Moana 2." The movie will start promptly at dusk (when the sun sets), so be sure to bring comfortable chairs and blankets.
May 17
Join Orlando Sings for “Beacons of Light: A Journey Through Sound and Spirit,” a concert that explores the depths of human experience and the powerful connection between music and emotion.
May 17
The Solaria Singers and conductor Andrew Minear present one of the most compelling contemporary American choral works of today. Jody Talbot’s Path of Miracles is an hour-long a cappella exploration of the phenomenon of the Camino de Santiago — the ancient Catholic pilgrimage route across northern Spain to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia.
May 17
World Music Week-Ends / World Music Series at Timucua: Kyran Daniel is a virtuoso guitarist from Australia. His show at Timucua last year was sold out, and the audience loved it!Finger picking, extended techniques, and vocals. A very entertaining show that will also touch you and make you smile. A superb performer, playing in the world’s best living concert hall.
Every Friday and Saturday
Discover Sanford’s unknown and sometimes dark history, including access to a haunted area!
This 90-minute tour led by a local guide allows you to experience historical stories of Sanford’s past residents and those still lurking around are plentiful.
Every Saturday
Enjoy the haunted tales of ghostly experiences in Historic Downtown Sanford while sipping some delicious craft beer from three popular craft beer establishments. This 90-minute tasting tour starting at 8:30 pm is led by BJCP Certified Beer Judge, Gary Holmes. Learn historical stories gathered from the people who live in Sanford, while getting intimate with local brewers and Sanford craft beer.
Every Friday and Saturday
This is SAK’s signature improv show! Two teams of professional improvisers compete for your laughs with audience judges selected at the start of the show.
Every Friday and Saturday
In this knockdown, drag-out comedy battle, a cast of our professional performers pair up in teams of two and use audience suggestions to create scenes, songs and characters on the spot at King of the Hill!
Every Saturday and Sunday
Enjoy yoga in the Garden in the midst of the beautiful Mead Botanical Garden. Take part in the opportunity to truly connect with yourself and nature. Takes place every Saturday, 9 - 10 am and Sundays 4 - 5 pm. $15 (Proceeds will benefit Mead Botanical Garden) . Bring a yoga mat and water.
Every Saturday
Mead Botanical Gardens offers a unique experience to practice Tai Chi in the Garden with certified Tai Chi Health Master Trainer, Tony Garcia. Takes place every Saturday, 10:30 - 11.30 am. Please bring water.
Every Saturday
Namaste, a new you awaits. Find your perfect balance in the serene outdoor yoga classes at Lake Nona Wave Hotel. Set amidst the picturesque Sculpture Garden, experienced nstructors will guide you through a harmonious blend of strength and flexibility.
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
It's every yoga and beer lover's favorite time of the week! Come join RockPit Brewing & Distilling this Saturday morning for some rejuvenating yoga and a pint of craft beer deliciousness at the end. Don't forget to bring your yoga mat. $10 at the door or pre-purchase.
Every Saturday
Join Bicikleta Bike Shop on a Lake Monroe Loop. This 28-mile bike ride will take you on an adventure around Lake Monroe. Saturday mornings – meet up is at 7:15 am. The ride starts promptly at 7:30 am.
Every Saturday
Cowpokes and bronco busters descend upon Westgate River Ranch Resort every Saturday night at 7:30 pm for an evening of fun inside the 1,200-seat rodeo arena. The Saturday Night Rodeo features trick riding, bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing, and rodeo clown antics. After that, get your feet moving during the lively Dance Party just outside the River Ranch Saloon. Enjoy music and games from a lively DJ to end a perfect day.
Every Saturday
Join us on Saturday afternoons for docent-led museum tours that highlight works from Rollins Museum of Art's current exhibitions.
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 Saturday
The Sunset Saturday Artisan Market takes place at the Promenade at Sunset Walk every Saturday evening, featuring the best local artisan, craft, and specialty vendors from across Central Florida.
Every Saturday
The Winter Garden Farmers Market is your hometown market open every Saturday from 8 am - 1 pm in beautiful Historic Winter Garden.
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.
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.
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.
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 18, 2025
May 15 - 18
This year, Thunder on Cocoa Beach offshore powerboat races will be returning for its 15th year on Florida’s Space Coast, scheduled for May 15-18, 2025. Join us for 4 days and nights of parties and lots of racing action. The Space Coast Super Boat Grand Prix is one of the most popular attractions for the whole family in Central Florida. The event, one of the largest in Central Florida, draws the top race teams in the World to compete in various classes with Class 1 reaching speeds over 175 mph.
May 16 - 19
Mark your calendars! The 2025 Citywide Garage Sales are happening on May 16–18 and November 14–16. During these dates, residents across the city can host garage sales at their properties without needing the usual permit.
May 18
Join Avalon Park for Food Truck Night! There will be 20 food truck options to choose from and entertainment from 5-8 pm.
May 18
Springtime fun at The Great Southern Box Co! We will be popping up inside and out at this family and pet friendly courtyard! Join us for food, beverages and lots of local love on Sunday, May 18th! See you there!
May 18
Join award-winning journalist Valerie Boey Ramsey as she takes us on a journey through the rich and often overlooked history of Orlando’s AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) community.
May 18
Central Florida Folk hosts live folk music concerts at Winter Park Public Library. Get your tickets now!
Every Saturday and Sunday
Enjoy yoga in the Garden in the midst of the beautiful Mead Botanical Garden. Take part in the opportunity to truly connect with yourself and nature. Saturdays, 9 – 10 am & Sundays 4 – 5 pm. $15 (Proceeds will benefit Mead Botanical Garden) . Bring a yoga mat and water.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Every Sunday
Service Industry Professionals, this one is for you! Dave & Buster's Orlando is giving industry professionals 1/2 priced drinks and a FREE $10 Power Card every Sunday from at 9pm-close. Offer must be redeemed with a team member.
Every Sunday
Join Promenade at Sunset Walk every Sunday evenings as El Jefe Tequilas Taco Cantina, BR 77 Brazilian Steak House, and Estefan Kitchen Orlando present Sunday-Latin-Sunday. on the Promenade Plaza Stage, featuring the very best DJs from Central Florida including: DJ Gabriel, DJ J Quezt, DJ Elie, and DJ K1X spinning the best merengue, salsa, Latin pop, bachata, and more!
Every Sunday
Catch the free show with Jason Yoho and Friends every Sunday at Lil' Indies.
Every Sunday
A rooftop day party each and every Sunday at Aero. Free entry all day, 21+. Hookah, Food, and Games.
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