Orlando's Best Deals

Looking for something to do this weekend? How about staying in your own backyard and trying something from our list of free and cheap activities!  These things are sure to please, and won’t break the bank. Let us know what you did, and how they were!

Friday Nights at the Morse

In addition to complimentary admission to the galleries every Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Morse Museum features a schedule of live music, art demonstrations, and special tours on selected evenings. The Museum invites the public to take advantage of these free opportunities to see permanent exhibitions as well as gallery updates.

Choreographed Fountain Show

• Friday, January 25
• 7 pm – 9 pm
• Cranes Roost Plaza

Lights, sound, water, action! Come to Cranes Roost Park to see the beautifully choreographed fountain program with classical and current tunes for your enjoyment. The free program runs nightly except when events are held in the Plaza.

Retro Game Night

• Friday, January 25
• 7 pm – midnight
• Orange County Regional History Center
• 65 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, FL, 32801
• Members free, non-members $5 cash at door
• More Info: 407-836-7010

Play games including Battleship, Candy Land, Chinese Checkers, Clue, Mystery Date, Scrabble, Twister, video games, and many more at Retro Game Night. Enjoy tunes from 105.9 Sunny FM, $1-$2 pizza, free nostalgic treats, and the cash bar. Retro attire encouraged. Call for more information.

Gorilla Theater

• Thursdays and Fridays
• 9:30 p.m.
• SAK Comedy Lab
• CityArts Factory
• 29 S. Orange Ave, Orlando, FL, 32801
• More Info: 407-648-0001

Just when you thought it was safe to go to the Comedy Lab, things are about to get hairy! Four improv directors battle it out on the SAK stage for the highly coveted Gorilla trophy. The stakes are high and there’s no monkeying around as each director competes to have his/her vision reign supreme in a series of spontaneous scenes, songs and games. This is no-holds-barred improv at its finest!! Will you, our audience and judge go “bananas” for the successful scene, or demand a “forfeit” for our slips? Our fate is in your hands, as only one director can claim the gorilla as his/her own at the end of the night.

Sanford Art Walk

• Friday, January 25th
• 6 pm – 9 pm
• Downtown Sanford
• First Street, Sanford, FL, 32771
• More Info: 407-302-2586

Discover the most diverse Art Walk in Cental Florida. Sanford Art Walk is dedicated to promoting the arts and culture of Sanford and invites you to visit all galleries within walking distance who participate in the event. Take a stroll in downtown historic Sanford and discover all that Sanford has to offer including retail shops, restaurants, pubs, and bars.

Cardboard Art Fest

• Friday, January 25
• 6 pm – midnight
• $5 admission (pay at the door only, cash only)
• Say It Loud Studios
• 1121 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, FL, 32801
• More Info: 407-898-7299

Seven artists have filled a large modern warehouse space with cardboard art hanging from the ceiling, stuck to the walls and free-standing on the ground. Opening reception with music and dancing with DJ Nigel and tons of cardboard sculptures filling up the space created by Evan Miga, Jessica Earley, Brendan O’Connor, Christie Miga, Adriaan Mol, Doug Rhodehamel, Nathan Selikoff. Wine and beer by donation.

Cops n’ Cars for Kids

• Saturday, January 26
• 10 am-4 pm
• The Oviedo Mall
• 1700 Oviedo Marketplace Blvd Oviedo, FL 32765
• More Info: 407 977-2400

Join the Oviedo-Winter Springs Optimist Club, the Oviedo Police Department, and the Winter Springs police Department for a full day of family fun! Car show with over 250 cars, kids activities, demonstrations, raffles, games, and so much more!

Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts and Humanities

• Daily (January 26th through February 3rd)
• Downtown Eatonville
• Kennedy Blvd., Eatonville, FL, 32751
• More Info: 407-647-3307

ZORA! Festival 2013 will mark the conclusion of a two-year celebration of Historic Eatonville’s 125th anniversary as our nation’s oldest incorporated African American municipality. Focusing on concepts of “culture,” “community,” and “heritage.” The Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community will present a broad-ranging program, including as key components the visual arts, oral history, traditional crafts, dance, film, and, of course literature.

Blue Spring Manatee Festival

• Saturday, January 26th 10 am – 5 pm
• Sunday, January 27th 10 am – 5 pm
• Valentine Park
• 1511 W. French Ave., Orange City, FL, 32763
• $8 adults, $2 (ages 4 – 10)
• More Info: 386-775-9224

Head out to the Manatee Festival for continuous entertainment for the whole family! There will be an arts and crafts show with over 100 booths, kids games and face painting, music, dancing, and animal presenters! Click here for a free child’s admission coupon with every paying adult.

Cardboard Art Fest

• Sunday, January 27
• 10am-11:30am for kids 7 and under
• 12pm-1:00pm for kids 8 and above
• 7:30pm – 12am adults
• Say It Loud Studios
• 1121 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, FL, 32801
• More Info: 407-898-7299

Kids Matinee Sponsored and hosted by Kids Fringe and Mennello Museum of American Art $1 admission. Kids only! Attendees will get to (1) use cardboard to build and decorate their very own mask, hat, or wings, (2) meet the famed Dog Powered Robot and (3) get a chance to tour the entire exhibit with cardboard sculptures made by master artists.
7:30pm – 12am
Dog Powered Robot + Andy Matchett & the Minks, $5 admission (pay at the door, cash only), wine and beer by donation. Dog Powered Robot is a fantastic group of cardboard robots defending the world against evil via a robot powered by a pomeranian. Andy Matchett & the Minks is a very popular and fun musical group.

Are you all finished with your shopping, wrapping and decorating? Good for you! You deserve to go out this weekend and have a good time while the rest of us keep plugging along.  Go out and enjoy one of these easy on the budget activities!

 

Friday Night Live

• Friday, December 21
• 7 pm – 9 pm
• Eddie Rose Amphitheater
• Uptown Altamonte

Head out to Cranes Roost Park and enjoy great live entertainment in a beautiful outdoor setting. Friday Night Live is a free concert series, open to the public, which showcases top local artists who perform Jazz, Pop, Big Band and Contemporary music on a weekly basis. Don’t miss Cornucopia’s Holiday Show!

 

The Nativity Story

• Saturday, December 22nd
• 11 am and 12:30 pm
• Pinocchio’s Marionette Theater
• 451 E. Altamonte Drive, Altamonte Springs, FL, 32701
• $10 adults, $8 ages 11 and younger
• More Info: 407-834-8757

Pinocchio’s is proud and honored to once again be able to present to Central Florida audiences this extraordinary story of the First Christmas as conceived and produced by Jane Henson and her daughter Heather Henson. Based on the Biblically-inspired medieval Mystery Plays of England and Europe, “The Nativity Story” features live Renaissance music from The Olde Noyse Players and puppets from the Jim Henson Workshop in New York as well as local artist David Jordan of IBEX Puppetry.

 

Food Truck Fiesta

• Saturday, December 22
• 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Fleet Peeple Park
• 2000 South Lakemont Ave, Winter Park
• More Info: 407-296-5882

Come out to the Food Truck Fiesta for live music and great food. This is a fun, pet-friendly, family event that occurs every 4th Saturday of the month.

 

Light Up UCF

• Daily (ends January 6th)
• UCF Arena
• Building 50 N. Gemini Blvd., Orlando, FL, 32826
• Free entry, skating and ride prices vary
• More Info: 407-823-6006

Pretend that you’re in Rockerfeller Center with Light up UCF and enjoy the only outdoor skating rink in Orlando, holiday movies, music and a world-class holiday light show.

Pricier Weekend Activities:

 

Dickens By Candlelight: A Christmas Carol

• Dec. 20 – 21, 7:30 pm
• Dec. 22, 4 pm, 7:30 pm
• Dec. 23, 4 pm
• Tickets $35, Group rates available
• Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center at Lake Ivanhoe
• (where the Orlando Ballet is in residence)
• 1111 North Orange Avenue Orlando, Florida 32804
• Phone: 407-222-7669

DICKENS BY CANDLELIGHT, having been performed since 1997 at locations such as the Dr. Phillips Victorian Mansion, the Whispering Heaven Tea Room, or even in private homes is finding its home in the hauntingly cavernous Dr. Phillips Center on Lake Ivanhoe again this year. This production has become a holiday tradition in Central Florida as a three-person, interactive show providing theater-goers with a delightfully unique opportunity to experience A Christmas Carol the way it was intended to be told: as a Ghost Story.

 

Orlando Science Center: Handbell Ensembles

• Saturday, Dec 22 – Sunday, Dec. 23
• 2:00 pm
• 777 E. Princeton Street Orlando, Florida 32803
• $27 for adults and $20 for youth (ages 3-11) includes full day admission to Science Center
• More Info: 407.514.2000

Performing your favorite holiday hits are the Magic of Bronze and the Epiphany Bell Ringers. These handbell ensembles are sure to get folks in a jolly mood.

 

Ice! at Gaylord Palms featuring DreamWorks’ Merry Madagascar

• Daily (ends January 1st)
• Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center
• 6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee, FL, 34746
• More Info: 407-586-2000
• $13.99-$27.99

Holiday ice sculpture and snow village showcase with ice slides and themed tributes to DreamWorks’ Animation TV classic “Merry Madagascar.”

The weekend is almost here….can you feel it? If you are still looking for something to do, how about trying out one of these local events? They are all either free or low cost, and I’m sure one of them will be just what you’re looking for!

 

Friday Nights at the Morse

• Friday, December 7
• 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Free Event
• The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
• 445 N. Park Ave., Winter Park, FL 32789

In addition to complimentary admission to the galleries every Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Museum features a schedule of live music, art demonstrations, and special tours on selected evenings. The Museum invites the public to take advantage of these free opportunities to see permanent exhibitions as well as gallery updates. Live music is scheduled from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

 

Friday Night Live

• Friday, December 7
• 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
• Eddie Rose Ampitheater
• Uptown Altamonte, Altamonte Springs, Fl
• Free Event

Come out to Cranes Roost Park and enjoy great live entertainment in a beautiful outdoor setting. Friday Night Live is a free concert series, open to the public, which showcases top local artists who perform Jazz, Pop, Big Band and Contemporary music on a weekly basis. This week’s featured artist is The Fam Band playing holiday standards.

 

9th annual Winter Park Boat Parade & Festival of Lights

Join in for the annual Winter Park Boat Parade & Festival of Lights! This fun, community-wide water parade will feature holiday-themed and lighted boats gliding along the shorelines of lakes Virginia and Osceola. The Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens will host pre-parade activities including a water ski show at Rollins College at 3:30 p.m. The museum also hosts the official judging station for the Parade and will have music, food, wine and parking beginning at 4 p.m.

 

Oviedo/Winter Springs Annual Holiday Parade

• Saturay, December 8
• 4:00 pm
• Oviedo Mall

Enjoy the beautiful sounds of the Metropolitan Area Youth Symphony starting at 3:15, and a real snow mountain after the parade! Participants will enjoy sled rides down the mountain, carnival games, bounce houses, pictures with Santa, and much more. Event goes until 9 pm.

 

Localcopia

• Saturday, December 8
• 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
• The Acre
• 4421 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, FL, 32804

Localcopia 2012 is going to be an amazing market of crafts, artists, goods and services by our community. Save the date to create a unique holiday shopping experience while enjoying the best in local food, local tunes, and local brews!

 

Movie Night on the Lawn

• Saturday, December 8
• 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
• Orangewood Presbyterian Church
• 1300 W. Maitland Blvd, Maitland, FL, 32751
• Free Event

Kids of all ages will enjoy a family-friendly night out as Orangewood Church and School in Maitland presents a free screening of Polar Express at 7pm with pre-show entertainment starting at 6:30pm. Everyone is invited to bring chairs and blankets to enjoy an outdoor evening at the movies! Admission, popcorn and parking are FREE. Concessions will be available for purchase.

 

Parade of Lights

• Saturday, December 8
• 6:00 pm
• Downtown Sanford
• First Street, Sanford, FL, 32771
• Free Event

Celebrate the holiday season as illuminated floats light up the night during Sanford’s annual illuminated Christmas parade.

Family Day At Mennello Museum of American Art

• Sunday, December 9
• Noon – 4:30
• Mennello Museum of American Art
• 900 E. Princeton St, Orlando, FL, 32803
• Free Event

Enjoy the day at the museum with free admission, family arts activities, workshops and tours.

Chanukah in the Park

• Sunday, December 9
• 5:00 pm
• Central Park
• Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL, 32789
• Free Event

Experience Chanukah in the Park in Central Park. The holiday event will include live music and activities.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…or it will, after this weekend! Many towns chose this weekend for their holiday celebrations and tree lighting ceremonies. The best part? It’s a free event that usually involves live music and other kinds of entertainment for the whole family.  Check out what is going on in your area.

Friday Night Live

• Friday, November 30
• 7 pm – 9 pm
• Eddie Rose Amphitheater
• Cranes Roost Park, Uptown Altamonte

Come out to Cranes Roost Park and enjoy great live entertainment in a beautiful outdoor setting. Friday Night Live is a free concert series, open to the public, which showcases top local artists who perform Jazz, Pop, Big Band and Contemporary music on a weekly basis. This week’s featured artist is Napoleon Complex.

Popcorn Flicks in Central Park

• Friday, November 30
• 7 pm – 9 pm
• Central Park, Winter Park
• More Info: 407-629-0054

The movie ELF will be presented by the City of Winter Park and Enzian Theater to coincide with the annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Stroll. Bring your blanket or chair to enjoy this free movie under the stars in Central Park. Free popcorn for everyone. Rain date will be December 3.

 

60th Annual Winter Park Christmas Parade

• Saturday, December 1
• 9 am
• Park Ave, Downtown Winter Park

The 60th Annual Winter Park “Ye Olde Hometown” Christmas Parade is Central Florida’s longest running Christmas Parade. Join us to continue the tradition of marching down historic Park Avenue spreading holiday cheer in downtown Winter Park. More than 100 bands, dance troupes, floats, local dignitaries and, of course, Santa Claus, will delight the young and young-at-heart.

Light Up the Holidays

• Saturday, December 1
• 5 pm – 9 pm
• Eddie Rose Amphitheater
• Cranes Roost Park, Uptown Altamonte

Join in the fun as the City of Altamonte Springs and Progress Energy celebrate the yearly tradition of the lighting of Cranes Roost Park. There will be music, entertainment, fireworks, and of course Santa and Mrs. Claus. The regions largest Christmas tree will be on display as well as the Holiday Fountain show. Food and drink will be available for purchase throughout the venue. Don’t miss this fun, free evening of entertainment in the park. Please no pets in the park during events with road closure; per city ordinance.

35th Annual Cracker Christmas Celebration

• Saturday, Dec. 1 – Sunday Dec. 2
• 10 am – 4 pm Daily
• Fort Christmas Historical Park
• 1300 Fort Christmas Road, Christmas, FL, 32709
• More Info: 407-254-9312

The 35th annual Cracker Christmas Celebration will feature Florida Cracker/pioneer re-enactors demonstrating their ways of life, including techniques for spinning, weaving, quilting, lace making, wood carving, blacksmithing, broom making, hide tanning, soap making and more. Santa will visit from 1-3 p.m. each day. There will also be 150 crafters with handmade items as well as community booths and clubs.

Christmas in the Square

• Friday, Nov. 30
• 6 pm
• Magnolia Square
• 200 S. Magnolia Ave. , Sanford , FL , 32771
• More Info: 407-688-5120

The City of Sanford’s celebration will include live entertainment, a visit with Santa, tree lighting ceremony, face painting and balloon artists.

Holiday Tree Lighting

• Saturday, Dec. 1
• 5:30 pm – 8 pm
• Lawton House
• 200 W. Broadway St. , Oviedo , FL , 32765
• More Info: 407-971-5612

Experience the Holiday Tree Lighting at the Lawton House in Oviedo. There will be free refreshments, local music performers, and a visit from Santa. Sponsored by the Oviedo Historical Society.

Holidays at the Waterhouse

• Fridays : noon – 4 p.m. (ends January 11th)
• Saturdays : noon – 4 p.m. (ends January 12th)
• Sundays : noon – 4 p.m. (ends January 13th)
• Thursdays : noon – 4 p.m. (November 29th through January 10th)
• Historic Waterhouse Residence and Carpentry Shop Museum
• 820 Lake Lily Drive, Maitland, FL, 32751
• More Info: 407-539-2181
• $3 for adults, $2 for seniors age 55 or older and children ages 4-18, free for A & H members and children 3 or younger

The Art & History Museums annual exhibit transforms the Waterhouse Residence Museum, an 1884 home located in the center of Lake Lily, with Victorian Christmas trees, decorations and traditions. Each room features Victorian-era holiday decorations and interesting historical facts about the yuletide.

“The Gift” Christmas Festival and Musical Celebration

• Friday, Nov. 30
• 4 pm
• Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola
• 101 N. Rosalind Ave, Orlando, FL , 32801
• More Info: 407-488-1919

“The Gift” is a musical stage production featuring massed choirs performing familiar Christmas music arranged by Derric Johnson, Conductor Emeritus of the Disney Candlelight Procession, who will conduct the music on stage. Colorful lights will surround Lake Eola, converting the park into a magical holiday scene. Presented by Trinity Downtown and Holiday Lights Orlando.

 

Light Up UCF

• Daily (ends January 6th)
• UCF Arena
• Building 50 N. Gemini Blvd., Orlando, FL, 32826
• More Info:407-823-6006

Pretend that you’re in Rockerfeller Center with Light up UCF and enjoy the only outdoor skating rink in Orlando, holiday movies, music and a world-class holiday light show.

Holiday Lights Orlando

• Friday, November 30
• 4 pm – 10 pm
• Lake Eola Amphitheater
• 101 N. Rosalind Ave. , Orlando , FL , 32801
• More Info: 407-246-2121

The highlight of Holiday Lights Orlando will be the traditional lighting of the City of Orlando’s Christmas tree, at 6:15 p.m. Festivities will also include the lighting of a menorah, a sampling of holiday treats and an outdoor viewing of ELF, starring Will Ferrell. Admission to Holiday Lights Orlando is free.

Holiday in the Park

• Sunday, Dec. 2
• 2 pm – 7:30 pm
• Lake Eola Amphitheater
• 101 N. Rosalind Ave. Orlando, FL, 32801
• More info: 407-898-3130

Head down to Lake Eola for the annual Holiday in the Park celebration, complete with music, dance, food trucks and pet costume contest! Don’t forget about the Christmas parade featuring none other than Santa himself.

 

Orlando Bank United Christmas Parade

• Sunday, Dec. 2
• 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
• Lake Eola Park
• Robinson Street and Eola Drive, Orlando, FL, 32801

Find a map of parade route here.

 

Festivals of Speed

• Sunday, Dec 2
• 10 am – 4 pm
• $10 (VIP $100)
• Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
• 4012 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando, FL, 32837
• More Info: 305-814-2367

Now in its eighth year, The Festivals of Speed has expanded to produce a series of successful luxury lifestyle weekends featuring the world’s finest vintage and contemporary automobiles, motorcycles, watercraft, and aircraft placed for display at exclusive venues. In addition to the motor sports aspect, Festivals of Speed also showcases the world’s finest luxury lifestyle products including, jewelry, fine art, exquisite dining experiences, select wine and spirits, fashion, premier real estate, and more from the newest and most luxurious lifestyle products and services.

 

Light Up Winter Garden

• Friday, Nov. 30
• 6 pm – 9 pm
• Downtown Winter Garden
• Plant Street, Winter Garden, FL, 34787

Welcome the season with this free winter festival with street lighting, live entertainment, vendors, shopping and chilren’s activities. Street lighting ceremony will be held at 6:30pm.

Can you believe next week is Thanksgiving? You know what that means! It’s that time of year when we fill our bellies and empty our wallets! If you are looking for something to do this weekend that will help stretch your dollars through the holiday season, take a look at our list of free and cheap activities!

Light Up UCF

Pretend that you’re in Rockerfeller Center with Light up UCF and enjoy the only outdoor skating rink in Orlando, holiday movies, music and a world-class holiday light show.

 

DeLand Fall Festival of the Arts

• November 17th : 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• November 18th : 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Downtown DeLand
• Woodland Blvd., DeLand, FL, 32724
• More Info 386-738-5705

Woodland Boulevard blossoms into an artist’s garden of color every November, as DeLand, Florida hosts the Annual DeLand Fall Festival of the Arts. Over 180 National Artists will display and sell their art work in the historic downtown shopping district, just in time for holiday gift-giving.
Juried fine art show with live entertainment and events.

 

Winter Park Harvest Festival

• November 17th
• 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Central Park
• Park Avenue Winter Park, FL, 32789

The Harvest Festival is a day long event focused on connecting the Grass-Roots with the Deep-Roots of our local food shed by celebrating our Farmers, Gardeners, Chefs, and Non-profits. Come enjoy a producer only Farmers market, DIY workshops and cooking demonstrations, mobile community garden, and kids activities all to some foot stomping tunes!

 

Brouhaha Film & Video Showcase

• November 17th : 11 a.m.
• November 17th : 1:15 p.m.
• November 18th : 11 a.m.
• November 18th : 1:15 p.m.
• Enzian Theater
• 1300 S. Orlando Ave. Maitland, FL, 32751
• $5 per shorts program/ $10 showcase pass

Brouhaha has quietly grown to become one of the premier outlets for locally produced films and videos, the best work from film schools statewide, and a fun-filled gathering for lovers of independent film.

Art, Craft & Wine Festival

• November 17th : 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• November 18th : 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Cranes Roost Park
• 275 Cranes Roost Blvd, Altamonte Springs, FL, 32701
• More Info: 407-781-9972
• free ($15 advance, $20 at the gate for wine stroll)

This Art, Craft & Wine festival features 100 talented artists and crafters offering original and unique items. Setting this event apart from other art and craft shows is the special Wine Stroll taking place both days.As you stroll through the Festival you will find tents throughout offering many different wines to taste. Each tent features unique wines giving you the opportunity to sample a wide variety. When you find your favorite wine, you will be able to purchase the bottle!

 

Longwood Arts & Crafts Festival

• November 17th : 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• November 18th : 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Longwood Historic District
• Church and Warren avenues , Longwood , FL ,
• More Info: 407-331-7354

Head to historic downtown Longwood for the Arts and Crafts Festival. Visit the many crafters and vendors and enjoy the live entertainment.

 

 

Family Days at the Museum

• November 17th
• 1 p.m.
• Historic Waterhouse Residence and Carpentry Shop Museum
• 820 Lake Lily Drive, Maitland, FL, 32751
• More Info: 407-644-2451

Spend quality family time together at the Art and History Museum! Each month we feature a unique opportunity to learn about art and history in an entertaining way that families are sure to enjoy. Activities are held in a new location each month to provide a diverse educational experience. Activities are designed to run about 45 minutes in length and families are encouraged to stay as long as they would like and enjoy the A&H museums. Learn about this month’s activity here.

 

Movies on The Lawn

• November 17th
• 7:00 p.m. (pre-show entertainment at 6:30 pm)
• Orangewood Church
• 1300 W. Maitland Blvd. Maitland, FL 32751

Kids of all ages will enjoy a family-friendly night out as Orangewood Church and School in Maitland presents a free “Movies and Popcorn on the Lawn” event at 7pm with pre-show entertainment starting at 6:30pm. We will be watching Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted. Everyone is invited to bring chairs and blankets to enjoy an outdoor evening at the movies! Admission, popcorn and parking are FREE. Concessions will be available for purchase. (Alcoholic beverages not permitted. In the event of inclement weather, movie will be cancelled.)

Looking for something to do this weekend? You don’t have to spend a lot to have fun in this town! Check out our list of free and cheap things to do in the Orlando area!

Friday

Movie in the Park

• November 2
• 7 pm
• Lake Concord Park
• 95 Triplet Lake Drive , Casselberry , FL , 32707
• More Info:407-262-7700

Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy an outdoor screening of “The Lorax”.

 

Friday Night Live Unplugged

• Friday, November 2
• 7 pm – 9 pm
• Eddie Rose Amphitheater

Come out to Cranes Roost Park and enjoy great live entertainment in a beautiful outdoor setting. Friday Night Live is a free concert series, open to the public, which showcases top local artists who perform Jazz, Pop, Big Band and Contemporary music on a weekly basis. Tonight’s featured artist is Da Boys.

 

Ocoee Founders Day Festival

• November 2nd – 6 pm – 10 pm
• November 3rd – 9 am – 10 pm
• Bill Breeze Park
• 125 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee, FL
• Free Event

The City of Ocoee welcomes you to our 19th Annual Founders’ Day Festival. Whether you’re young or young at heart, a history buff, a music lover, or like to browse through a maze of arts and crafts vendors, there is something for everyone planned for this year’s Ocoee Founders’ Day Festival.

 

35th Annual Orlando Greek Fest

• November 2 – 4 pm – 11 pm
• November 3 – 11 am – 11 pm
• November 4 – 11 am – 6 pm
• Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
• 1217 Trinity Woods Lane
• Maitland, FL 32751
• Tickets $3

Experience a taste of Greece through authentic, handmade food delicacies.Complimenting the food is the culture of Greece. Patrons can experience the meaning of “Opa” by learning traditional Greek folk dances that they will see performed by costumed children and adults from the community’s dance troupe. The festival also features an iconographer who will be conducting demonstrations and presenting lectures on the ancient Christian art of Icon writing.

 

 

Orlando Puppet Festival

• November 2nd
• November 3rd
• November 4th
• Price:$6 single shows, $10 three-day pass
• Pinocchio’s Marionette Theater
• 451 E. Altamonte Drive , Altamonte Springs , FL , 32701
• More Info: 407-834-8757

Various local puppeteers will be represented at this unique weekend event including Meet the Artists, Free Panel Discussion with Pinocchio’s founder David Eaton and Taylor Anderson, the voice of “Beauty!” Get showtimes here. 

Saturday & Sunday

 

Orlando Pet Expo

• November 3
• 10 am – 6 pm
• Central Florida Fairgrounds
• 4603 W. Colonial Drive , Orlando , FL , 32803
• Free Event

Orlando Pet Expo will have dozens of rescue groups and a mega-adoption event, discounted vaccinations, microchipping and heartworm and flea preventatives, free nail trims, agility demonstrations, live entertainment, and obedience demonstrations.

E.L.L.A. Music Festival

• November 3
• 2 pm – 12 am
• H20 Church
• 100 W. Livingston St. , Orlando , FL , 32801
• $15 advance, $20 at the gate
• More Info: 888-673-6793

E.L.L.A. Music Fest is a musical collaboration of Florida female artists. The goal of e.l.l.a. is to bring an audience into an environment that celebrates the new and the old – all coming together within the inspiration and camaraderie that can only be found in a space that celebrates the local grass roots music scene that e.l.l.a. so enthusiastically fights for.

 

DeLand Original Music Festival

• November 3
• 1 pm – 1 am
• Downtown DeLand
• Indiana Avenue , DeLand, FL, 32724
• More Info: 386-308-2694
• $10 advance, $15 at the gate, free ages 12 and younger

Original Music Festival with over 170 bands on 27 stages.

Mount Dora Plant & Garden Fair

• November 3 – 9 am – 5 pm
• November 4 – 9 am – 4 pm
• Simpson Cove
• 311 Tremain St. , Mount Dora , FL , 32757
• More Info: 352-729-2170
• Free Event

Central Florida’s top growers bring more than 12,000 plants. The event features orchid growers and includes native plants, butterfly-attracting perennials, herbs, roses, cameliias, and begonias with a complete selection of rare and unusual tropical plants. Garden antiques, festive flags, and unusual containers are also a focus.

 

Winter Garden Wine & Craft Beer Festival

• November 3
• 3 pm – 7 pm
• Regency Wine & Liquor, 16100 Marsh Road, Winter Garden
• $25 advance, $35 at the gate or $50 advance, $65 at the gate for VIP admission
• More info: 407-654-0360

Attendees can enjoy unlimited samples of more than 100 wines and 30 international beers and light bites from eateries like Avalon Diner and Mimi’s Cafe. Those with a more ambitious liver and/or pocketbook can step up to the VIP experience, which comes with a premium spread of wines rated 90 points or higher, plus an assortment of single malt scotches and small batch whiskeys.

 

Fall Fiesta in the Park

• November 3rd 10 am – 5 pm
• November 4th 12 pm – 5 pm
• Lake Eola Park
• 101 N. Rosalind Ave. , Orlando , FL , 32801
• Free Event

Large outdoor festival with arts, crafts and live entertainment.

 

Tribute to the Latin Heritage

• November 4
• 12 pm – 6 pm
• Eddie Rose Amphitheater

The 4th Annual Latin Festival featuring authentic cuisine, arts and crafts, dancers and musical groups, bounce houses, face painters and many other activities. This free family friendly event is brought to you by Reach. The event helps to raise awareness and funds to support outreach to the poor and needy of Central Florida and across the nation.

The weekend isn’t over yet, so get out there and enjoy one of these free and cheap activities in this beautiful Florida Fall weather!

Winter Springs Festival of the Arts

• October 20th : 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• October 21st : 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Winter Springs Town Center
• 1160 E. State Road 434 , Winter Springs , FL , 32708

Join us for this signature weekend event and celebrate fine art, wine and jazz. Fine art presentations include sculpture and clay, drawing, graphics, pastels, crafts, jewelry, mixed media, painting, photography, digital media, and performing arts. Designed for the entire family to enjoy, a variety of food and beverages will be available for purchase plus live entertainment and a kids activity area.

 

Community festival

• October 20th : noon – 11 p.m.
• October 21st : 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church
• 861 Maitland Ave. , Altamonte Springs , FL , 32701

CommunityFest 2012 includes live entertainment, rides and games, an international food court, arts and crafts, bingo, auction and children’s activities. Free parking at the festival and free Park-N-Ride service from the CenturyLink building in Altamonte Springs will be available. Proceeds from the event benefit more than 180 ministries at St. Mary Magdalen Parish, including the St. Mary Magdalen School, Habitat for Humanity and numerous other worthy causes.

 

A Petrified Forest

• Fridays and Saturdays
• 7:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.
• $15 for haunted path and $7 laser tag; packages are available
• A Petrified Forest
• 1360 E. Altamonte Drive , Altamonte Springs , FL , 32701
• 407-468-6600

Experience A Petrified Forest in Altamonte Springs. The haunted scare-trail features live actors.

 

Star-Spangled Birthday Concert

• October 20th : 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
• Orlando Loch Haven Park
• Mills Avenue at Princeton Street , Orlando , FL , 32803

It’s the Orlando Repertory Theatre (The REP)’s 10th Birthday, and the Orlando Philharmonic’s 20th! Come celebrate with a FREE outdoor family concert in Loch Haven Park, Saturday, October 20 from 5-9 p.m.
5 pm: Enjoy food trucks and an “instrument petting zoo” for kids and adults
6 pm: Pre-concert entertainment by Mr. Richard and the Pound Hounds
7 pm: Concert by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, featuring The REP Power Chords.

 

Zoo Boo Bash

• October 21st : 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• October 27th : 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• October 28th : 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• $12.95 for adults, $8.95 for children ages 3-12, seniors age 60 and over are $10.95 and free for children 3 and under
• Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens
• 3755 N.W. U.S. Highway 17-92 , Sanford , FL , 32771

Experience the Zoo Boo Bash at the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Sanford. The Halloween event will include trick-or-treating, costume contests, face painting, glitter tattoos, a haunted hayride, painting pumpkins and other spooky activities. Pumpkins will be available to purchase. The costume contest will begin at 1 p.m. Costume contest categories include animal- and nonanimal-themed costumes for age 2 and under and ages 3-12 and group costumes for all ages. Wearing a costume is encouraged.

Break out the pumpkins and the hay bales, Fall is officially here! You may not be able to tell by the weather, but this list of Fall Festivals might do the trick! See what other free and cheap events are going on this weekend!

 

Fall Festival

• October 13th : 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Presbyterian Church of the Lakes
• 4700 Lincoln Ave. Orlando, FL 32819
• 407-291-2886

There will be kids’ train rides, archery, hayrides, bounce house, games, dunk tank, crafts and jewelry, homemade preserves, baked goods, produce market, silent auction, live musical entertainment and food.

Funny Bunnies of Humflumm Farm

• Sundays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays (ends October 14th)
• 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and 12:30, 2:45 and 5 p.m.
• Price:$6
• Pinocchio’s Marionette Theater
• 451 E. Altamonte Drive, Altamonte Springs,FL 32701
• 407-834-8757

A rat and his adopted rabbit sister meet a hungry Cajun ‘gator in this original hand puppet musical.

Movie In the Park

• October 13th
• 7:30 p.m.
• Quinn Strong Park
• 347 S. Maitland Ave. , Maitland , FL , 32751
• 407-539-6268

Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy an outdoor screening of “The Lorax”.

 

A Petrified Forest

• Fridays and Saturdays
• 7:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.
• $15 for haunted path and $7 laser tag; packages are available
• A Petrified Forest
• 1360 E. Altamonte Drive , Altamonte Springs , FL , 32701
• 407-468-6600

Experience A Petrified Forest in Altamonte Springs. The haunted scare-trail features live actors.

Old Town Halloween

• Fridays and Saturdays (October 12th through October 27th)
• 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
• October 31st 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
• free
• Old Town
• 5770 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway , Kissimmee , FL , 34746
• 407-396-4888

Experience the Old Town Halloween in Kissimmee. The spooky event will include haunt zones, live entertainment and costume contests.

Wings & Waves Air Show

• October 13th : 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• October 14th : 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort
• 100 N. Atlantic Ave. Daytona Beach, FL
• 386-256-0451

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is proud to announce the return of its spectacular Wings and Waves Air Show over the Atlantic Ocean in beautiful Daytona Beach, Florida with performances by the USAF Thunderbirds, GEICO Skytypers and others. This is a free event.

Oktoberfest

• October 12th : 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
• October 13th : 2 p.m. – 10 p.m.
• Avalon Park
• 13001 Founder’s Square Drive , Orlando , FL , 32828
• 407-658-6565

Celebrate Oktoberfest in Avalon Park. The free German festival will include live music by Europa, Alpine dancing by Schuhplattler Gruppe Alpenrose, performances by Magic Curtain Productions, German food, a chili cook-off, beer and root beer gardens, games and contests.

Winter Park Autumn Art Festival

• October 13th : 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• October 14th : 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Central Park
• Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
• 407-644-8281

The Winter Park Autumn Art festival showcases 150 Florida artists in 8 categories and features an array of activities for children, live entertainment and more.

 

Sanford Bikefest

• October 12th : 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• October 13th : 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• October 14th : 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Fort Mellon Park
• East First Street, Sanford, FL 32771
• 407-322-2212

Enjoy the outdoors at the Sanford Bikefestwith live music, bikes and air shows.

Casselberry Founders Day Festival 

• October 12th : 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
• Lake Concord Park
• 95 Triplet Lake Drive, Casselberry, FL 32707
• 407-262-7700

The Founder’s Day celebration, commemorating the history of the Casselberry community, will be an exciting evening at Lake Concord Park including free art & music in the park and a Food Truck Bazaar event.

Nativity Catholic Church Fall Fest 2012

• October 12th : 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
• October 13th : noon – 10 p.m.
• October 14th : noon – 6 p.m.
• Nativity Catholic Church
• 3255 N. Ronald Reagan Blvd., Longwood , FL , 32746
• 407-322-3961

There will be a petting zoo and train ride (noon-4 p.m. Oct. 13-14), games, inflatable rides, a tea room, silent auction, book nook, bake sale, artisan’s boutique, $5,000 grand prize raffle, turkey dinner (6 p.m. Oct. 12), bingo and a variety of international festival foods. Don’t miss the live entertainment taking place all weekend under the big tent. This family-friendly event has free admission and plenty of parking. More Information.

Southern Women’s Show

• October 11th : 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• October 12th : 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• October 13th : 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• October 14th : 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• $10 adults, $5 children (addition $5 for Royal Dresses of Diana exhibit)
• Orange County Convention Center
• 9800 International Drive , Orlando , FL , 32819
• 800-849-0248

The Southern Women’s Show is a fall consumer show with fashion, health and cooking exhibits, including Royal Dresses of Diana, the People’s Princess Exhibit.

Annunciation Community Fall Festival

• October 12th : 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.
• October 13th : 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.
• October 14th : 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• Annunciation Catholic Church
• 1020 Montgomery Road, Altamonte Springs, FL, 32714
• 407-869-9472

Community Fall Festival will have live entertainment, rides, games, festival food favorites, crafts, bingo, live and silent auctions, cash raffle – 1st prize $10,000. Free Park-and-Ride (look for the signs). All proceeds benefit local charities in Seminole and Orange counties.

Fossil Fair

• October 13th : 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• October 14th : 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• $4 for adults, $1for children
• Central Florida Fairgrounds
• 4603 W. Colonial Drive , Orlando , FL , 32803
• 407-699-9274

If you are a fossil enthusiast, you will want to head to the Fossil Fair. There will be fossils, rocks, minerals, artifacts, books, supplies, children’s dig pit, silent auctions and educational exhibits.