Free & Cheap Things To Do in Orlando this Weekend, January 2 - 4, 2026
- Alastair Mac
- Jan 1
- 16 min read
Your weekend plans are here, and the good news is that there is tons of either free or cheap things to do that won't break the bank... and we've brought them all together here!
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.
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.
Before attending events, please contact the event organizer to confirm that the event is taking place as changes, and cancellations can occur.
To list your events and feature your business on Gotta Go Orlando, learn more about advertising with us and submit your Orlando events here.
ONGOING WEEKLY EVENTS
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.
November 1 - January 11
Twinkling lights, themed trees, and timeless holiday charm — “A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition” is back at the Appleton Museum of Art, Ocala. Visitors can enjoy beautifully decorated themed trees, the ever-popular Dickens Village miniature, an extensive nutcracker collection, handmade Santas from around the world, and much more..
June 6 - January 6
Dawoud Bey’s Evergreen depicts haunting images captured at the Evergreen Plantation of Wallace, Louisiana. Installed across three video channels, the work scans the grounds of the most intact plantation complex still standing in the United States. The work captures swaths of trees and the remnants of living quarters of the historically enslaved Black people.
November 8 - January 6
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season at Orlando Science Center with a dino twist. Gaze upon Stan the T. rex and his fossil friends in a festive light show set to holiday music. Don't forget the wintery surprise at the end!
December 5 - January 6
Experience the enchantment of the holiday stroll. Spread cheer by shopping locally at the Merry Market. Embrace the magic of the season at the Eola Wonderland. Enjoy a snowy Florida wonderland at Lake Eola Park. Encounter Santa himself at the Eola House, catch a free Holiday Movie, and more. Plus, each night the Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree comes alive with synchronized light and music.
September 13 - January 4
The exhibition includes 100 watercolors by FWS members selected by a distinguished juror, award-winning watercolor artist, Matthew Bird, whose work has been featured in major art magazines.
November 28 - January 4
Celebrate the holidays in full bloom at the Gardens! Stroll through dazzling displays overflowing with life, where thousands of poinsettias and seasonal flowers create a joyful, wonder-filled scene.
November 28 - January 4
Step into the magic of the holidays at the Gardens, where sparkling lights and vibrant seasonal displays bring every evening to life. Delight in falling snow, festive music, and the warmth of sweet treats and drinks. It’s a beloved holiday tradition for the whole family to enjoy!
November 28 - January 4
Let your heart take flight this holiday season at Bok Tower Gardens, where the beauty of the season comes alive in every corner.
December 4 - January 4
This holiday season step into picture-perfect sights, sparkling lights and merry moments at the Frontyard Holiday Festival. Dr Phillips Center is turning its frontyard, Seneff Arts Plaza into an enchanting winter wonderland full of free festive fun all month long, including live entertainment, holiday movies on the big screen, visits with Santa, eats and treats, holiday crafts, nightly tree lighting ceremony and snow flurries, plus so much more!
December 5 - January 4
Downtown Winter Garden transforms into a magical Holiday Wonderland as the sights and sounds of the season complement its historic small town-charm. On select dates enjoy holiday events, live music, projection light shows, street performers, and more that add to the festive Normal Rockwell-like ambiance.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 2, 2026
January 2
Downtown Maitland is the place to be on the first Friday of each month for Live Music, Food and Drink Vendors and Kids Activities.
January 2
Every first Friday of the month from October - May, Downtown Orlando offers a free, guided tour of the Downtown Historic District. Tours feature architectural and historic information about some of downtown Orlando’s oldest and most historic buildings and start at 9:30 am at Discover Downtown - the Downtown Orlando Info Center (201 S. Orange Avenue).
January 2
Timucua Arts Foundation presents Ulysses Quartet, this talented group believes intensely in the power of music to inspire, enlighten and bring people together. The Quartet has been praised for their “textural versatility…grave beauty….the kind of chemistry many quartets long for, but rarely achieve” by The Strad.
January 2
Live at Will's Pub - 6 artists, 2 bands, and endless 808s. Celebrate your new year with non-stop high energy and a night you won’t forget! Don’t miss Orlando’s biggest Music takeover. Featuring performances by Sxlar, Dakari, Deda, No Allies, Feddi, Hufflaguff, Octavo, and MC40.
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, JANUARY 3, 2026
January 2 - 4
Florida’s Largest Home Show comes to the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa.
January 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 area museums:
Orlando Science Center: 777 E. Princeton St. Orlando, FL 32803
History Center: 65 E. Central Blvd. Orlando, FL 32801
Orlando Museum of Art: 2416 North Mills Ave. Orlando, FL 32803
Mennello Museum of Art: 900 E. Princeton St. Orlando, FL 32803
Museum of Arts & Sciences: 352 S. Nova Rd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Tampa Museum of Art: Cornelia Corbett Center, 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602
Florida Museum of Photographic Arts: 1630 E 7th Avenue Ybor., Tampa, FL 33605
Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg: 255 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
January 3 - 4
Enjoy a guided stroll through the Central Florida Zoo’s lush grounds during a Botanical Garden Tour. Led by one of the zoo's expert horticulture technicians, this one-hour walking tour is perfect for plant lovers, families, and curious minds of all ages.
January 3 - 4
Dunedin is one of the oldest towns on the west coast of Florida, just a short drive from Tampa and home to the Downtown Dunedin Art Festival. The Downtown Dunedin Art Festival runs down Main Street and showcases award-winning fine artists. Meet the artists and explore an array of mediums including sculpture, photography, glass, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, mixed media and more!
January 3 - 4
The St. Pete Beach Corey Ave Art & Craft Festival is a seasonal art & craft festival, featuring unique, handcrafted creations by talented regional artisans. Visitors can browse booths filled with one-of-a-kind treasures, meet the artists, and find special gifts. With its lively atmosphere and beautiful setting, the festival offers a memorable experience for those seeking unique, handcrafted items.
January 3
Orlando Ballet hosts Neon Club, a monthly dance event especially for individuals with special needs and their supporters. Held at Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre, these themed dance nights feature DJ G Clef, a welcoming community atmosphere, plenty of snacks and smiles. Each event draws over 275 guests, all coming together to connect and celebrate under the lights.
January 3
Drawing and sketching supplies will be available for artists of all ages to use on the first Saturday of the month this fall. Come enjoy an afternoon at the museum and become inspired by artwork in the galleries.
January 3
This docent-led tour provides opportunities for meaningful conversations with your entire family. Follow along with a docent as they take you from gallery to gallery, highlighting various works.
January 3
History Alive is hosted at the Orange County Regional History Center. Did you know that Central Florida was once considered “Hollywood East,” a hub for film and animation in the eastern United States? Disney Animation Studios and Universal Studios created movie magic right here. At this History Alive event, step into the colorful world of Florida art, imagination, and moviemaking magic as you tour the museum and enjoy themed activities.
January 3
Step behind the gates of the Maitland Art Center and into a world shaped by vision, imagination, and legacy. This one-hour guided tour takes you through the gardens and courtyards of a campus like no other—founded in the 1930s.
January 3
Connect with the resident artists and see what pieces they're currently working on! On the first Saturday of every month from 11 am - 4 pm, all of the studio srtists will open their doors and welcome you into their creative spaces.
January 3
Repticon, a recognized leader in hosting reptile and exotic animal expos throughout the United States, hosts an outstanding mixture of vendors, breeders, and educators at RP Funding Center in Lakaeland. This family-oriented, fun-filled event offers guests the opportunity to learn about animals not normally seen in local pet stores.
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, JANUARY 4, 2026
January 2 - 4
Florida’s Largest Home Show comes to the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa.
January 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 area museums:
Orlando Science Center: 777 E. Princeton St. Orlando, FL 32803
History Center: 65 E. Central Blvd. Orlando, FL 32801
Orlando Museum of Art: 2416 North Mills Ave. Orlando, FL 32803
Mennello Museum of Art: 900 E. Princeton St. Orlando, FL 32803
Museum of Arts & Sciences: 352 S. Nova Rd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Tampa Museum of Art: Cornelia Corbett Center, 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602
Florida Museum of Photographic Arts: 1630 E 7th Avenue Ybor., Tampa, FL 33605
Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg: 255 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
January 3 - 4
Enjoy a guided stroll through the Central Florida Zoo’s lush grounds during a Botanical Garden Tour. Led by one of the zoo's expert horticulture technicians, this one-hour walking tour is perfect for plant lovers, families, and curious minds of all ages.
January 3 - 4
Dunedin is one of the oldest towns on the west coast of Florida, just a short drive from Tampa and home to the Downtown Dunedin Art Festival. The Downtown Dunedin Art Festival runs down Main Street and showcases award-winning fine artists. Meet the artists and explore an array of mediums including sculpture, photography, glass, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, mixed media and more!
January 3 - 4
The St. Pete Beach Corey Ave Art & Craft Festival is a seasonal art & craft festival, featuring unique, handcrafted creations by talented regional artisans. Visitors can browse booths filled with one-of-a-kind treasures, meet the artists, and find special gifts. With its lively atmosphere and beautiful setting, the festival offers a memorable experience for those seeking unique, handcrafted items.
January 4
Self-Care Sunday at Leu Gardens with Pilates overlooking the lake. Joina Pilates mat class surrounded by the beautiful nature of Leu Gardens. You will be guided through exercises that focus on strengthening the core and developing the body uniformly, improving flexibility and balance.
January 4
Brunch + Lattes + Local Makers = the perfect Sunday morning at The Foxtail Coffee in Winter Park. A boutique style outdoor pop-up, family + pet friendly. Come sip, stroll, and shop small in the coziest weekend setting.
January 4
Enjoy a docent-led tour of the “Highlights of the Collection.” Free with paid gallery admission.
January 4
Shake off the Saturday hangover and rejuvenate yourself with Yoga at The Brewery. Join Ivanhoe Park Brewery every first Sunday of the month for Yoga taught by Emily. Cost is $15 and includes your first Ivanhoe Park Beer or Mimosa. You will receive happy hour pricing for the duration of your stay.
January 4
Kick off the new year with an electrifying afternoon of both original and classic jazz music as Origins: The Andrew Yuska Quintet, takes the stage on Sunday, January 4 at 3 pm at the Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts.
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.
About Us
Gotta Go Orlando is your local source for entertainment news, events and things to do in Central Florida. We feature the latest concerts, theater news, arts & culture, nightlife, food & drink. theme parks, attractions, festivals, events, and more.
Contact Us
Contact us here. To advertise with us, click here. To list your upcoming event, submit it here.
Keep In Touch
Sign up for our newsletter and stay in the loop with all the latest news from Central Florida, and join the local conversation on X, Facebook, and Instagram, plus, catch the latest on YouTube.
Comments