Free Date Night Ideas in Orlando

No longer a best-kept secret, the Orlando Farmer's Market at Lake Eola is a bustling party every Sunday from 10am – 3pm. Located at the southeast corner of Lake Eola Park, the market hosts nearly 50 vendors offering everything from gourmet cheese and kettle corn to one-of-a-kind art and handmade jewelry. Keep reading for a local's guide to the Lake Eola Farmers' Market.

And if you want even more date ideas, explore our Guide to Orlando's Farmers' Markets – covering all the best weekend farmers' markets across the Orlando area.

Updated January 2024 by Meghan Roth

Lake Eola Farmers' Market Info

  • Every Sunday from 10am – 3pm
  • Address: Lake Eola Park – corner of E. Central Blvd & N. Eola Drive, Orlando, FL
  • Free on-street Parking on Sundays
  • Paid Parking Garages on: S. Osceola Avenue and N. Eola Drive

Important note: Bring reusable bags, the booths usually offer bags, but save the locals some work while saving the planet.

By the way, if you've got kids along for the ride, check out these 7 Things Kids Love at Lake Eola Park.

20 Things to Love About the Lake Eola Farmer's Market

The Orlando Farmers' Market is a great place to pick up your provisions for the week thanks to the piles of fresh produce for sale.

But if you're just looking for a place to hang out, you'll be delighted to find a beer and wine garden, live music, and loads of delicious nosh for you to enjoy while you wander through the market or lounge under the shade of a tree.

Here are some pics of some of our favorite finds…

1. Cool drinks

Orlando is usually pretty warm any time of year. So cool off with some fresh coconut water. There are a lot of neat alcohol-free drink options at the Orlando farmer’s market. It’s a great place to grab a cool, interesting, mocktail in a pineapple or sculpted mango.

Or enjoy the weekend with tropical drinks like a mai tai or mojito.

2. Cake on a stick

Indulging your sweet tooth on the weekend? No judgment here. Keep an eye out for yummy treats like push-up pop style cakes.

There are a few coffee options throughout the market too. If you’re a fan of supporting local coffee this is definitely the spot.

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We loved these delicious nosh-and-go treats

3. Swans

Make sure to bring some change for the food dispenser so you can feed the beautiful swans. Be gentle and friendly they are protected!

Swans at Lake Eola Park Orlando
Swans at Lake Eola Park Orlando – Jodi Caballero

4. Playground and fitness

If you've got kiddos along with you take them to the playgrounds at Lake Eola Park. Or simply enjoy the wide open space the park offers. Great for a walk, jog, or some yoga.

Playground at Lake Eola Park with Lake Eola Park sign in foreground
Playground at Lake Eola Park – Jodi Caballero

5. Old World favorites like pierogis and crepes 

Grab some old-world flavors like Pierogis from the Pierogi Hut. And, The Crepe Company features a rotating array of breakfast crepes, savory crepes, and sweet, dessert crepes.

Pierogies at Lake Eola Farmers' Market
Pierogies at Lake Eola Farmers' Market – Jodi Caballero

6. Organic and local produce

While the selection of organic produce can be a little slim, overall you'll find a nice selection of fresh produce at the Lake Eola Farmers' Market. It's always a good idea to check what's in season before you go.

Fresh Produce at Orlando Farmers' Market Lake Eola
Fresh Produce at Orlando Farmers' Market Lake Eola – Jodi Caballero

7. Dogs, dogs and more dogs!

The Orlando Farmers' Market is dog friendly. Just make sure they are on a leash, well behaved, and that you pick up after them.

Don’t forget the market and Lake Eola Park are also full of people and other dogs. Remember to bring the supplies your pup needs. There are even a couple of booths that sell dog treats for that fluffy best friend!

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Dogs at Lake Eola Farmers' Market – Kristen Manieri

8. Tons of tasty grub

Come hungry! There are so many different things to eat, including a ton of international dishes. You can make your own brunch here just by picking up 2-3 local eats.

There are more snacks, treats, and meal ideas than you can imagine, from hot dogs, waffles, BBQ, vegan options, and even sushi and poke bowls. It’s a great Sunday date and the food booths are always evolving.

Coffee and Pastry at Lake Eola Farmers' Market
Coffee and Pastry at Lake Eola Farmers' Market – Jodi Caballero

9. Kettle corn

What's a farmers' market without kettle corn? Practically every farmers' market in Orlando has it! You'll smell the lovely aromas of kettle corn from nearly every inch of the market

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Kettle Corn at Lake Eola – Kristen Manieri

10. Fresh flowers

Take some of these gorgeous orchids home with you. If you're not a great plant parent, then consider picking up a plant or flowers for someone in your life who does have a green thumb.

fresh flowers
Orchids at Lake Eola – Kristen Manieri

11. Gift ideas

Whether for a birthday, a special occasion, or the holiday season you might just find a cute little gift for someone. You'll be supporting small businesses with your gift purchases too!

mini planters Local gifts at Orlando Farmers' Market
Local gifts at Orlando Farmers' Market – Jodi Caballero

12. Try New Ethnic Foods

Orlando is no stranger to ethnic foods and the Orlando Farmers' Market is no exception. This is the perfect place to try some new foods that have always been on your bucket list. Pipo's has Venezuelan Tequeños and empanadas. They offer multiple dipping sauces which are bursting with flavor and are a must when trying their food. Or how about some Ethiopian food from Yene Romay Ethiopian Kitchen?

13. Grilled corn

Available seasonally, be sure to grab some grilled corn if you spot it!

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Grilled Corn at Lake Eola – Kristen Manieri

14. Chair massages

Treat yourself or your love to a relaxing chair massage.

massages
Relax with a chair massage – Kristen Manieri

15. Artisan ice pops

You'll swoon over Peak Season Pop's flavors like Avocado Lime, Chocolate Sea Salt and Hibiscus Berry.

peak season pops
Artisan ice pops – Kristen Manieri

16. Shady places to rest

Catch some zzzzzs under the shade of a gargantuan tree located by the Eola House on the park's east side. Be sure to sit and relax for a bit.

Mai Tai Drink Near Lake Eola - Jodi Caballero
Mai Tai Drink Near Lake Eola – Jodi Caballero

17. Cool stuff to buy

Handmade pottery, birdhouses, jewelry, soaps, clothing, and dog accessories are just a few of the items to purchase every Sunday.

Local apparel at Orlando Farmers' Market - Jodi Caballero
Local apparel at Orlando Farmers' Market – Jodi Caballero

18. Sugar cane juice

Don't knock it 'til you've tried it. The sugar cane juice was a terrific treat on a hot day.

sugar cane juice
Sugar cane juice – Kristen Manieri

19. Swan boat rides

Swan Boats can be rented at the northwest corner of Lake Eola Park for $15/half hour.
Tuesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Closed on Mondays

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Swan Boats – Kristen Manieri

20. Lovely downtown views

Enjoy beautiful views of downtown Orlando throughout your visit to the Farmers' Market at Lake Eola.

Aku Aku Tiki Bar and World of Beer usually have a booth out in front of their venues. Sometimes they also have food trucks and couches/tables to hang out at. All are located at the back end of the Market.

shaded seating area at Orlando Farmers' Market at Lake Eola - Jodi Caballero
Orlando Farmers' Market at Lake Eola – Jodi Caballero

For more information, visit orlandofarmersmarket.com.