Though famous for its theme parks, Orlando offers many ways to experience its vibrant culture without spending a dime. From strolling through art museums to cheering on sports games, sampling ethnic food or improv comedy, there are ample opportunities for free entertainment across this diverse city.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Tour Downtown’s Public Art | Explore over 65 murals and sculptures in downtown Orlando. |
| Open Mic Comedy Night at Lil Indies | Enjoy comedy performances every Wednesday night. |
| Watch a Film at Enzian Theater | Nonprofit theater offering diverse film screenings. |
| Tour Wings of the City | Discover ten large butterfly sculptures throughout downtown. |
| Explore Albin Polasek Museum | Visit a lakeside museum and sculpture garden. |
| Ride the ICON Orlando Ferris Wheel | Enjoy panoramic views from a 400-feet tall Ferris wheel. |
| Watch Orlando City Soccer at Exploria Stadium | Observe team practices and pre-game festivities. |
| Tour Lake Eola Park | Scenic park with a lake, perfect for leisure activities. |
| Experience Culture at Leu Gardens | Explore 50 acres of diverse gardens and attend special events. |
| Attend Free Days at Orlando Museum of Art | Access American and African art collections on select days. |
| Experience Disney Springs | Enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment at Walt Disney World Resort. |
| Practice Yoga at Lake Eola Park | Join free yoga classes in a picturesque setting. |
Here are the top 12 free things to do in Orlando for budget-conscious visitors.
Tour Downtown’s Public Art
Name and Location: Downtown Orlando Public Art Tour, throughout downtown Orlando
History and Significance: Downtown Orlando features over 80 pieces of public art, from murals and sculptures to interactive installations. The art reflects the city’s diverse culture and vibrant energy.
What to Expect: A self-guided walking tour allows you to explore Orlando’s eclectic collection of public art at your own pace. Look for colorful murals, abstract sculptures, kinetic art, and more.
Visitor Information: Free self-guided tours can be done anytime. Pick up a downtown walking map at the Orange County Regional History Center.
Over 65 murals and sculptures decorate Orlando’s bustling downtown core. Grab a public art guide available at the visitors center and take to the streets to spot standout works. Look for the expansive mural scapes adorning office buildings, colorful painted utility boxes, and thought-provoking sculptures.
Some interactive pieces include a giant stainless-steel photo frame at Lake Eola Park and a talking sculpture bench. Students provide impromptu art lessons on the weekends. Discover Orlando’s creative spirit through this outdoor gallery.
Open Mic Comedy Night at Lil Indies
Name and Location: Lil Indies, 1036 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
History and Significance: Lil Indies is a quirky dive bar that has been hosting open mic comedy nights every Tuesday for over 10 years. It’s a popular spot for local comedians to test new material.
What to Expect: Tuesday open mic night starts at 10pm and features a mix of amateur and seasoned comedians doing 5-10 minute sets. The intimate venue makes for a fun night.
Visitor Information: Free to attend. Comedy nights are for ages 18+. Arrive early to get a seat. Two drink minimum.
Known for launching the careers of Daniel Tosh and Wayne Brady, Orlando’s comedy scene offers plenty of laughs. Every Wednesday night, Lil Indies music pub hosts an open mic comedy night for up-and-coming local talent. The low-key event starts around 10 pm after live music sets.
Aspiring comics test out short sets as patrons enjoy local brews. A few featured performers headline later in the evening. With no cover charge, it’s an affordable night out for some amusing entertainment.
Watch a Film at Enzian Theater
Name and Location: Enzian Theater, 1300 South Orlando Avenue, Maitland, FL 32751
History and Significance: Open since 1992, Enzian is Central Florida’s only full-time, not-for-profit cinema for first-run independent and international film. It’s known for its unique programming.
What to Expect: Enzian shows indie films, documentaries, foreign flicks, and more. Enjoy food and cocktails in the theater or outside on the terrace.
Visitor Information: Movie tickets $8-12. Make reservations online. The theater is located 15 minutes from downtown Orlando.
For an artistic cinematic experience, check out screenings at Enzian Theater in Maitland. This nonprofit theater shows first-run, independent and international films in its intimate theater. Enjoy gourmet popcorn and craft cocktails from the full-service bar and restaurant during the movie.
Enzian also hosts outdoor screenings on its lawn in nice weather. Membership rates are available, but individual movie tickets are an affordable $8-12. With diverse programming, Enzian provides an alternative to mainstream multiplexes.
Tour Wings of the City
Name and Location: Wings of the City, St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 230 Woodlawn Blvd, Orlando, FL 32801
History and Significance: This outdoor sculpture exhibit features vibrantly painted wings placed throughout downtown. It celebrates diversity and promotes peace.
What to Expect: Ten pairs of large, colorful wings are located around downtown. Visitors can interact and take photos with the wings. Use the provided map to find all the wings.
Visitor Information: Free exhibit open daily. Pick up a map at the Orlando Visitor Center. The wings will be on display until March 2024.
Scattered across downtown Orlando, ten colorful butterfly sculpture installations make up the public art collection called Wings of the City. Each giant butterfly features unique artwork by a different Latin American artist, creating visually striking wingspans up to 28 feet wide.
Use the online map to locate each butterfly and admire the transformative art transforming everyday spaces. Spot butterflies perched on building rooftops, painted on alley walls, or hovering above parking lots. Wings of the City adds free beauty across the urban landscape.
Explore the Grounds at the Albin Polasek Museum
Name and Location: Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens, 633 Osceola Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
History and Significance: This lakeside museum displays sculptures by Czech artist Albin Polasek on beautiful botanical grounds. Founded in 1961, it offers a peaceful art experience.
What to Expect: Stroll the sculpture gardens and tour the historic home to see Polasek’s figurative bronze and marble sculptures. The grounds also feature lovely gardens, fountains, and lake views.
Visitor Information: Admission is $5, free on Sundays. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday 1-4pm. The museum is 10 minutes from downtown Orlando.
Nestled on the shore of Lake Osceola, the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens provides a scenic oasis. Tour the historic home which showcases works of Czech sculptor Albin Polasek, who founded the museum.
Over 50 pieces stand scattered throughout the lush lakeside gardens, from classical figures to spiritual themes. Visit on Sundays for free community yoga classes on the lawn. Relax under the heritage oaks and palms, enjoying art in nature. Admission to the museum, gardens and programs is always complimentary.
Ride the ICON Orlando Ferris Wheel
Name and Location: The Wheel at ICON Park Orlando, 8375 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
History and Significance: Opening in 2015, the 400-foot observation wheel provides panoramic views of Orlando. It’s central to the dining and entertainment complex ICON Park.
What to Expect: The giant ferris wheel features air-conditioned capsules that seat up to 15 riders. The slow rotation offers unique views of Orlando’s skyline and theme parks.
Visitor Information: Tickets start at $29.95 for adults. Purchase tickets on-site or online in advance.
Reaching heights of 400 feet, the ICON Orlando Observation Wheel located at ICON Park offers panoramic views from air-conditioned carts. The giant Ferris wheel allows riders to take in the whole cityscape and surrounding landscape from above.
On clear days, you can see all the way to Cape Canaveral on the east coast. General admission tickets to the ICON Orlando Ferris Wheel are free for Florida residents. Non-residents can find discounted coupons online to experience this sky-high perspective.
Watch Orlando City Soccer at Exploria Stadium
Name and Location: Exploria Stadium, 655 West Church Street, Orlando, FL 32805
History and Significance: This downtown stadium has been home to the Orlando City Lions since 2017. Orlando City plays in the top MLS league.
What to Expect: Catch exciting professional soccer matches in Orlando’s premier outdoor stadium. Enjoy a lively gameday atmosphere with dedicated fans.
Visitor Information: Ticket prices vary by game. Purchase tickets on the Orlando City website. Exploria Stadium is downtown near Camping World Stadium.
Catch free Major League Soccer action with home team Orlando City SC at the downtown Exploria Stadium. Guests can watch players practice drills during weekday open training sessions. On game days, arrive early to see pre-game festivities like players warming up on the pitch and cheer squads rallying fans.
While match tickets aren’t free, watching from the surrounding bars and restaurants on Church Street lets you enjoy the energetic atmosphere. With devoted local fans, Orlando City games promise an exciting event.
Tour Lake Eola Park
Name and Location: Lake Eola Park, 512 E Washington St, Orlando, FL 32801
History and Significance: Lake Eola Park is a beautiful downtown park centered around the iconic Lake Eola fountain. The park was established in 1883.
What to Expect: Stroll or jog the 0.9 mile loop around the lake. Rent a swan-shaped paddleboat. Relax by the fountain and enjoy free live music on Sundays.
Visitor Information: The park is open daily 6am to midnight. Swan boat rentals are $15 per half hour. Free 2-hour parking around the lake.
Right in downtown, Lake Eola Park offers a scenic backdrop for walking, picnics, and relaxation. Stroll around the lake on the brick-lined promenade to admire views of swan boats, waterfront condos, and Orlando’s skyline. Stop to see displays in the historic amphitheater.
Kids will love chasing ducks, playing on playgrounds, and getting sprayed in the interactive fountain. Fitness enthusiasts utilize the exercise equipment scattered around the park. With lush gardens and fountains, Lake Eola Park is an urban oasis.
Experience Culture at Leu Gardens
Name and Location: Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
History and Significance: This 50-acre oasis is a tranquil city escape. As one of Florida’s most beautiful gardens, it features diverse botanical collections.
What to Expect: Wander through the butterfly garden, rose garden, tropical stream, and scenic trails. Don’t miss the giant bamboo collection.
Visitor Information: Admission is $12 for adults. Open 9am-5pm daily. Located north of downtown Orlando.
Transport to another world at Leu Gardens, a 50-acre oasis near downtown. Wander through diverse gardens like the roses, herb, and camellia sections in full bloom. Walk the brick paths overhanging the large oak forest, then relax by the reflection pond.
The historic Leu House Museum provides guided tours on the weekends. Monthly events include free admission days, outdoor movies, and live music on the lawn. Leu Gardens’ beauty cultivates pure serenity, free-of-charge.
Attend Free Days at the Orlando Museum of Art
Name and Location: Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
History and Significance: Founded in 1924, OMA houses an impressive collection of American art and African items. It hosts dynamic visiting exhibits.
What to Expect: Tour the galleries showcasing paintings, sculpture, and installations. Free days allow access to special exhibits.
Visitor Information: Free admission on Thursdays from 4-9pm and second Sundays. Located by Loch Haven Park.
With a collection spanning American and African art, the Orlando Museum of Art located by Lake Ivanhoe offers free general admission on four days per year. During free periods, guests can explore five floors filled with contemporary mixed media works, Andy Warhol pop prints, and traditional African woodcarvings.
The museum also hosts Music at the Museum concert series with free outdoor shows. Check the museum’s event calendar online for the latest free and discount ticket days and times.
Experience Disney Springs
Name and Location: Disney Springs, 1500 E Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
History and Significance: This retail, dining and entertainment district opened in 1975. It underwent a major reimagining and expansion in 2016.
What to Expect: Explore themed areas with diverse shops, restaurants, entertainment and nightlife. Catch a movie, go bowling, take a boat ride or enjoy live music.
Visitor Information: Free to visit and open daily from 10am-12am. Disney Springs is about 20 minutes from downtown Orlando.
Located at the Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Springs offers world-class shopping, dining and entertainment free of any theme park admission charge. Peruse stores featuring designer apparel, toys, art, and Disney souvenirs. Dine at celebrity chef restaurants showcasing cuisines from around the globe.
Catch aerial acrobatics and dance shows. Nightly live music and lakeside views enhance Disney Springs’ lively ambience. Free parking makes it easy to visit Disney magic without ticket prices.
Practice Yoga at Lake Eola Park
Name and Location: Lake Eola Park, 512 E Washington St, Orlando, FL 32801
History and Significance: Free weekly yoga classes have been held at Lake Eola Park since 2004, led by YogaU instructor Leslie Glickman.
What to Expect: Classes take place on Sunday mornings at 10am next to the Walt Disney Amphitheater. All levels are welcome to join these free outdoor yoga sessions.
Visitor Information: Yoga classes are free to attend. Bring your own mat, water and towel. Parking is available around the lake.
Refresh body and mind at the free yoga classes offered weekly at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando. Classes take place on the lawn overlooking the scenic lakefront, suitable for all skill levels.
IYengar Yoga Center instructors lead one-hour vinyasa flow sessions on Saturday mornings, while Yogaville hosts meditation and yoga on Sunday mornings. Equipment is not provided, so come prepared with your own yoga mat and props. Take advantage of this opportunity for healthy wellness amidst nature.
Conclusion
Beyond the big theme parks, Orlando captivates with numerous free activities from improv comedy to yoga in the park, museum entry days to soccer matches. Public art and gardens sprinkle beauty across neighborhoods. Lakeside strolls, open mic nights, and cultural events invite community camaraderie.
Sampling local flavor, admiring creativity, and experiencing natural escapes can all be enjoyed wallet-friendly in Orlando. With its wide spectrum of attractions, Orlando offers plenty of fun without admission fees.