Free and Cheap Events in Orlando this Weekend, August 28 - 30, 2026
- Emma Walton
- 48 minutes ago
- 17 min read
Looking for fun on a budget? Discover the free events and cheap things to do this weekend taht won't break the bank!
Free & Cheap Things To Do This Weekend In Orlando!
Orlando offers a vibrant mix of activities and fun things to do every weekend that happen to be free, or at the very least, don’t break the bank. Whether you’re a local or visiting the city, this weekend brings plenty of free and low-cost events that you can enjoy without worrying about the impact on your wallet.
From free events for the little ones, to cheap nights out for the grown ups, we've go you covered this weekend, with a great mix of movie nights, car shows, live music, and more all happening in Orlando.
Prior to attending events, please reach out to the event organizer to verify that the event is still scheduled, as changes and cancellations may happen, and we don't want you wasting your weekend plans!
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ONGOING MULTI-DAY EVENTS
July 24 - January 3
Explore the history and enduring legacy of colonialism in the Caribbean through The House That Freedoms Built, an outdoor installation by artist La Vaughn Belle on the Rollins College campus. Featuring three white, pitched-roof structures inspired by 18th-century homes built by formerly enslaved people of St. Croix, the work invites reflection on how ideas of home, belonging, and freedom are constructed. As the first in a series of installations leading to the opening of the Rollins Museum of Art’s new facility, it engages viewers in a thoughtful dialogue about identity, community, and the spaces we inhabit.
August 22 - November 13
Presented by Casselberry Arts, the annual Experience Contemporary 2026 exhibition, A Wrench in the Gears, features five Florida artists: Justin Quaid Grubb, Cynthia Mason, Noelle Mason, Hilary White, and Matthew Wicks. Their work will be on display at the Casselberry Arts Center.
August 11 - November 9
Celebrate Fall 2026 at Disney Springs where you can shop for cozy apparel, dine on seasonal treats, feast your eyes on enchanting entertainment and so much more! This year you can celebrate all the sights, flavors and fun of fall and Halloween at Disney Springs! For a limited time, get ready to harvest some unforgettable memories at Walt Disney World's dining, entertainment, and shopping destination!
May 29 - November 8
In the decades following the Second World War, artists continued developing new stylistic vocabularies, sustaining the Abstract Expressionist movement amid the rise and influence of Minimalism, Conceptualism, and Pop Art. In Color Fields and Inspirations at Orlando Museum of Art, works by acclaimed artists of the 1960s and 1970s invite an ongoing conversation that embraces intuition, experimentation, and reflection on materiality.
June 18 - November 8
Represent: Contemporary Figuration and Portraiture from the Collection presents a selection of some of the most compelling and diverse portraits among the Orlando Museum of Art collection, featuring the recent acquisition of a Kandy G Lopez textile, Hispaniola II – Mia (2024) and the gift of David LaChapelle photograph The Annunciation , Hawaii (2019).
June 30 - November 8
USA 250: 250 Years on the Road to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness is an exhibition presented across two galleries at OMA. Drawing from the Collection of the Orlando Museum of Art, it is envisioned as a road trip across the United States, trailing significant historical points of view where artists have recognized, responded to, or documented changing human experiences. The earliest painting presented hails from the late 19th-century Hudson River School and is displayed alongside works across media that extend into our contemporary era.
August 28 - November 7, Select Dates
The Ren's annual spooky season production is back for 2026, with Nosferatu: The Citadel! You'll see the full Nosferatu experience at 8 pm, and end the night in VBar beginning at 10 pm. You'll be moving from space to space in the Citadel, seeing different stories unfold. Nosferatu is an immersive experience. Vampires will be moving all around you!
March 7 - November 3
In 2026, Harry P. Leu Gardens proudly marks its 65th anniversary with a celebration titled Legacy in Bloom—a vibrant tribute to the enduring beauty, growth, and impact of this beloved public garden. Over the course of the year, visitors will experience a dynamic calendar of events, programs, exhibits, and installations that honor the Gardens’ rich past, thriving present, and bold future.
August 1 - October 4
Quilts are histories. They comfort, conform, reveal, and challenge. Histories in Thread: Honoring Heirlooms in Contemporary Quilting at the History Center brings together seven nationally and internationally recognized textile artists whose work explores creativity, culture, identity, and family history. Using fabric as both medium and storyteller, the artists demonstrate how quilting traditions can preserve the past, speak to the present, and help shape the future. The exhibition features techniques including piecing, embroidery, and origami-inspired folding techniques that create three-dimensional forms. Several works incorporate adinkra – symbols developed by the Akan people of present-day Ghana to express proverbs, values, and beliefs.
May 30 - September 7
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a patriotic projection experience at Luminary Green Park in downtown Orlando! Running nightly through Labor Day on September 7, the park’s projection show has transformed into a red, white, and blue celebration of the nation’s semiquincentennial.
June 8 - September 7
Step into a world of enchantment with Fairy Doors, a delightful exhibit featuring twenty one-of-a-kind, magical doors tucked away throughout the gardens. Each fairy door is crafted by a different fairy and invites young dreamers (and the young at heart) into a realm of secret gardens, whispering woods, and sparkling imagination. A special map will guide your journey, complete with charming tales of the fairies who created each door, adding a touch of storybook magic to your adventure. Gather your family and friends and see if you can find them all…but remember, these doors open only for fairies. Included with daytime admission, this enchanting experience promises wonder, laughter, and a sprinkle of fairy dust for visitors of all ages.
July 17 - August 30, Select Dates
The critically acclaimed original Orlando production! Book, Music, and Lyrics by Jacob Richmond & Brooke Maxwell In this hilarious and outlandish story, the lives of a Canadian chamber choir are cut short in a freak accident aboard a roller coaster. When they awake in limbo, a mechanical fortune teller invites each to tell a story to win a prize like no other — the chance to return to life. This popular musical is a funny, moving look at what makes a life well-lived!
FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026
August 27 - 30
Your Lei'd Back Luau Weekend is here, August 27–30! Start your weekend with Boxi Park Run Club on Thursday, then join the party on Friday with the Lei'd Back Luau Party, featuring hula dancers, thrilling fire knife performances, and live island music. Keep the fun going all weekend with live music and more on Saturday, then bring the family out for Family Funday on Sunday.
August 28 - 30
Join the CFCArts Symphony Orchestra in Steinmetz Hall for a classic(al) rock concert. This incredible show will feature a 350-member orchestra along with a rock band and special guests. Come rock out to everything from The Beatles and Queen, to ELO, Heart, Led Zeppelin, The Cranberries and so much more. Classic(al) Rock is a high-energy, fun-filled spectacle for your whole family and will have you singing along while experiencing the joy of live music on an epic scale. Be there to hear some of your favorite rock hits performed by one of the country's largest community orchestras in one of America’s greatest concert halls.
August 28 - 30
Central Florida Vocal Arts opens the season at Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater with Jason Robert Brown’s acclaimed contemporary song cycle, exploring the life-changing moments that define who we become. Through powerful storytelling and emotionally charged music, Songs for a New World examines hope, fear, love and the courage required to step into the unknown. Joined by the Central Florida Community Arts Orchestra, this concert event promises an extraordinary evening of live orchestral and vocal performance.
August 28 - 30
The Orlando Boat Show features Central Florida’s top boat dealers and more than 600 boats from 90 boat lines, with the popular show returning to the Orange County Convention Center’s West Concourse , August 28 - 30. From family-friendly pontoons and sport boats to fishing favorites and luxury cruisers, the show brings one of the region’s largest boating lifestyle events under one roof, complete with exclusive show pricing and incentives.
August 28
Spend the evening at Central Florida Zoo recognizing and honoring the traditions, stories, and cultures of Native American & Alaska Native communities. This meaningful after-hours Sunset at the Zoo event offers opportunities to learn, reflect, and engage while enjoying the beauty of the Zoo at dusk. There’ll be food trucks & unique dining options, cultural vendors & educational tables, hands-on activities & family experiences, storytelling & cultural highlights, animal enrichment & extra keeper chats, barnyard Buddies & Giraffe feedings, and more.
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, AUGUST 29, 2026
August 27 - 30
Your Lei'd Back Luau Weekend is here, August 27–30! Start your weekend with Boxi Park Run Club on Thursday, then join the party on Friday with the Lei'd Back Luau Party, featuring hula dancers, thrilling fire knife performances, and live island music. Keep the fun going all weekend with live music and more on Saturday, then bring the family out for Family Funday on Sunday.
August 28 - 30
Join the CFCArts Symphony Orchestra in Steinmetz Hall for a classic(al) rock concert. This incredible show will feature a 350-member orchestra along with a rock band and special guests. Come rock out to everything from The Beatles and Queen, to ELO, Heart, Led Zeppelin, The Cranberries and so much more. Classic(al) Rock is a high-energy, fun-filled spectacle for your whole family and will have you singing along while experiencing the joy of live music on an epic scale. Be there to hear some of your favorite rock hits performed by one of the country's largest community orchestras in one of America’s greatest concert halls.
August 28 - 30
Central Florida Vocal Arts opens the season at Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater with Jason Robert Brown’s acclaimed contemporary song cycle, exploring the life-changing moments that define who we become. Through powerful storytelling and emotionally charged music, Songs for a New World examines hope, fear, love and the courage required to step into the unknown. Joined by the Central Florida Community Arts Orchestra, this concert event promises an extraordinary evening of live orchestral and vocal performance.
August 28 - 30
The Orlando Boat Show features Central Florida’s top boat dealers and more than 600 boats from 90 boat lines, with the popular show returning to the Orange County Convention Center’s West Concourse , August 28 - 30. From family-friendly pontoons and sport boats to fishing favorites and luxury cruisers, the show brings one of the region’s largest boating lifestyle events under one roof, complete with exclusive show pricing and incentives.
August 29
The Oddities & Art Market is creeping into our 2nd annual show in Orlando for a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t want to miss. Step into a fully indoor, all-ages marketplace at The Central Florida Fairgrounds featuring 150+ incredible artist & vendors offering oddities, crystals & gems, handcrafted art, unique gifts, taxidermy, fossils, jewelry, and so much more from talented local artists and creators, plus, explore the mystical with psychics and tarot readers.
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
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, AUGUST 30, 2026
August 27 - 30
Your Lei'd Back Luau Weekend is here, August 27–30! Start your weekend with Boxi Park Run Club on Thursday, then join the party on Friday with the Lei'd Back Luau Party, featuring hula dancers, thrilling fire knife performances, and live island music. Keep the fun going all weekend with live music and more on Saturday, then bring the family out for Family Funday on Sunday.
August 28 - 30
Join the CFCArts Symphony Orchestra in Steinmetz Hall for a classic(al) rock concert. This incredible show will feature a 350-member orchestra along with a rock band and special guests. Come rock out to everything from The Beatles and Queen, to ELO, Heart, Led Zeppelin, The Cranberries and so much more. Classic(al) Rock is a high-energy, fun-filled spectacle for your whole family and will have you singing along while experiencing the joy of live music on an epic scale. Be there to hear some of your favorite rock hits performed by one of the country's largest community orchestras in one of America’s greatest concert halls.
August 28 - 30
Central Florida Vocal Arts opens the season at Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater with Jason Robert Brown’s acclaimed contemporary song cycle, exploring the life-changing moments that define who we become. Through powerful storytelling and emotionally charged music, Songs for a New World examines hope, fear, love and the courage required to step into the unknown. Joined by the Central Florida Community Arts Orchestra, this concert event promises an extraordinary evening of live orchestral and vocal performance.
August 28 - 30
The Orlando Boat Show features Central Florida’s top boat dealers and more than 600 boats from 90 boat lines, with the popular show returning to the Orange County Convention Center’s West Concourse , August 28 - 30. From family-friendly pontoons and sport boats to fishing favorites and luxury cruisers, the show brings one of the region’s largest boating lifestyle events under one roof, complete with exclusive show pricing and incentives.
August 30
Enjoy a docent-led tour at Orlando Museum of Art featuring the “Highlights of the Collection.” Free with paid gallery admission.
August 30
The Peanut Butter Matinee Family Film Series at The Enzian usually occurs on the fourth Sunday of the month. It is always family friendly and FREE for kids 12 & under. A special Kid’s Menu is also offered!
August 30
Orlando Local Makers invites you The Abbey to make a Sunday of it with brunch vibes, local shopping, drink specials and more! Grab your shopping bestie and your crew, and come sip, shop, and stay cool with at The Abbey.
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
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!
You've made it to the end of the list! Whatever you've decided to do in Orlando this weekend we hopw you have a great time.
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