Things to do for Free in Orlando

Old Town Kissimmee

Live bands give free concerts on the Main Stage at Old Town every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night.
Then there is the biggest vintage car parade in the US every Saturday Night – check out the Saturday Night Cruise when cars from 1974 and earlier, parade down the brick streets of Old Town. The Friday Night Cruise welcomes custom and special interest vehicles in addition to 1975-1987 cars and trucks. Thursday is Bike Night, when bikers head to Old Town with their Hogs and Choppers around 6 p.m. Many special events like The Cornhole Shootout Competition, Latin Sundays and VETTE FEST IV are held throughout the year (www.myoldtownusa.com)

Orlando Brewing

In addition to free tours, Florida’s only certified organic brewery, Orlando Brewing offers free live entertainment on most Friday and Saturday evenings. Local bands take the stage starting at 9pm. Check the calendar for upcoming performances. (www.orlandobrewing.com)

Mt. Dora Art Stroll

On select dates during the year, the Mt. Dora Center for the Arts sponsors the popular Art Stroll. Enjoy a Friday night full of art, sidewalk music and hors d’oeuvres while strolling through downtown Mt. Dora to several walk-able venues that showcase regional art. Check the activities schedule for upcoming dates (www.mountdoracenterforthearts.org)

Lakeridge Winery

Located on a 127 acre estate in Clermont, Florida, the Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards attracts more than 100,000 people annually, enjoying its tasting room, festivals and gift shop. The winery sponsors an annual Winter Music Series and Summer Music Series with free admission. Check website for dates and times of these and other events (www.lakeridgewinery.com)

Downtown Concert Series

On select dates throughout the year, WMMO sponsors free concerts featuring popular acts in downtown Orlando. Check the website for upcoming free events (www.wmmo.com)

Celebration Town Center

Town Center, in the heart of Celebration, Florida, features many seasonal events with free concerts and entertainment. Watching fireworks on the 4th of July, celebrating Oktoberfest or catching “snow” during the holidays are just a few of the family friendly planned events at the town center.

Popcorn Flicks in the Park

The City of Winter Park and the Enzian Theater have team up to present ‘Popcorn Flicks’ in the park. A series of classic films begin at sunset on the second Thursday of each month at Central Park on Park Avenue in Winter Park. Bring a blanket, picnic basket, family and friends to these FREE movies.
Directions:
Take I-4 to Fairbanks Avenue (Exit 45), go east to Park Avenue, then north on Park Avenue. Central Park will be on your left. Parking is available in various municipal lots.

Disney’s Boardwalk Resort

Free nightly entertainment includes jugglers, comedians and live music.  Time your visit to coincide with the 9pm Illuminations fireworks extravaganza at nearby Epcot

Morse Museum of American Art – Winter Park

The Morse museum houses an important collection of American art pottery and representative collections of nineteenth and twentieth century American paintings and decorative art.  However, it is more popularly know for it’s Tiffany collection – Louis Tiffany that is.  Said to be the most comprehensive in the world, the collection includes leaded glass windows, blown glass, lamps, pottery, paintings, jewellery and enamel work.

The 1932 Tiffany Chapel is absolutely impressive and the experience is stunning.

Being from Yorkshire in the UK (renown for being thrifty!) we visited during the winter on a Friday evening.  November through April, the Museum provides free admission every Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with live music from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on select Friday nights, including every Friday evening throughout the holidays: November 29 through December 27. The schedule also includes occasional art demonstrations and family tours.  That said normal Adult admission is only $5, Seniors $4, Students $1 and children under 12 get free admission.

If you happen to be in town on the first Thursday of December, don’t miss the Morse Museum holiday season launch in Winter Park when it lights up Tiffany windows in Central Park and presents the Bach Festival Choir, Youth Choir, and Brass Ensemble in concert. 

The last thing I’d mention is that the Museum’s galleries are kept at 68 degrees.  This will seem cool after the Floridian climate so you may want to bring a cardigan or light jacket.

Go to http://www.morsemuseum.org for more information.