Free Things to Do in Orlando | Events, Nightlife & Attractions (2024)

Between acclaimed galleries and museums, compelling live performances, and nationally recognized cultural events, Orlando has a galaxy of memorable experiences for art aficionados. What’s more, you’ll discover numerous opportunities to enjoy our arts, culture and history for free.

Discover:

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

Located in Winter Park,The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Arthosts the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, including lamps, glasswork, pottery, jewelry and more — they even have a Morse-designed chapel. The museum is open to the public at no charge on select dates.

Discover:

CITYARTS

CityArts is home to several separate and unique art galleries. Housed in the historic Rogers Kiene building in downtown Orlando, the venue showcases local and regional artists.

CITY UNSEEN & Snap! Orlando

Available in the downtown area, CITY unseen is an augmented-reality (AR) public art project from Snap! Orlando. By blending the work of internationally renowned artists with cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) technology, CITY Unseen creates “[AR]t” experiences that include a 360-degree visit to an artist’s studio, murals that come to life, projection-mapping, and more. You can experience it via a free mobile app for Apple and Android devices. Also free is Snap! Orlando’s gallery space, which hosts rotating exhibits of local artistry.

Hannibal Square Heritage Center

At the Hannibal Square Heritage Center in Winter Park, discover photography, artwork and oral histories that reveal the surrounding Hannibal Square district’s origins as one of Florida’s original African American communities.

Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center of Florida

Located in Maitland, just north of Winter Park, thepresents a historical overview of the Holocaust and serves as a memorial to the victims. The display consists of 12 sections, each focusing on a major theme from the Holocaust with photographs, text, artifacts, art, short films and local survivor testimonies.

Lake Nona Sculpture Garden

New to Orlando’s Lake Nona community, the Lake Nona Sculpture Garden is a 50,000-square-foot outdoor space where you can explore a distinguished selection of sculptures from one of the world’s largest private art collections, The Lewis Collection. Standouts include pieces by acclaimed artists such as Fernando Botero, Philip Jackson, Henry Moore, and Enzo Plazzotta. If you want to make sure you have time to explore it all, consider booking a stay at the adjacent Lake Nona Wave Hotel.

Pulse Interim Memorial

Part of downtown Orlando’s SoDo District, the Pulse Interim Memorial honors the 49 lives lost on June 12, 2016, while serving as a beacon of hope for a future where every human being can live their truth in an understanding world full of unity, acceptance and love. It’s open from 7:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily, with extended hours during Pulse Remembrance Week and select holidays.

Discover: LGBTQ+ Travel Guide

Rollins Museum of Art

Located on the campus of Rollins College in Winter Park, theRollins Museum of Art features one of the oldest and most distinguished collections in Florida, with more than 5,600 artistic objects ranging from the ancient to modern periods. You can see more of its collection in public spaces atThe Alfond Inn, which is also operated by Rollins.

Wells’Built Museum of African American History and Culture

Part of downtown Orlando’s Parramore District, the Wells’Built Museum of African American History and Culture was originally built in 1921 as accommodations for African American travelers who were barred from Florida’s then-segregated hotels — including legends such as Count Basie, Ray Charles, Duke Ellington and others. Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, the venue now offers programming dedicated to Orlando’s African American community, as well as exhibits about the Civil Rights movement, African art and artifacts, and other items of interest.

Discover:

Winter Park History Museum

Located in the city’s historic Farmers’ Market building, this venue houses a photo timeline of Winter Park’s history, as well as a revolving lineup of themed exhibits. A walking tour of the city that showcases 20 sites is also available, including a free audio-tour CD, a CD player and a map that can be checked out for the day.

Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts

This museum is in the community of Eatonville — the oldest incorporated African American municipality in the U.S.and the hometown of its titular historic author. It provides a place where the public can view the works of artists from African descent while celebrating the life and works of the famous novelist. It also sponsors the annual ZORA!® Festival Season. Eatonville is approximately 25 minutes north of downtown Orlando.

Discover: Orlando History