Free Access Day Heritage Day 2026 | Orlando History Center Free Admission

Free Access Day: Heritage Day at the Orange County Regional History Center | Saturday, September 19, 2026

Celebrate Central Florida’s past at no cost on Saturday, September 19, 2026, when the Orange County Regional History Center hosts Free Access Day: Heritage Day in downtown Orlando. The Smithsonian-affiliate museum, housed in the historic 1927 Orange County Courthouse at 65 E. Central Blvd., opens its doors with free admission so families, students, and history lovers can explore 14,000 years of regional heritage without a ticket.

Heritage Day builds on the History Center’s tradition of opening the museum to the community. Past Heritage Day programming has honored Orange County’s founding with family-friendly activities, and Free Access Days typically pair complimentary entry with tours, hands-on stations, and time in permanent and special exhibitions. Expect a full museum day from morning into afternoon, with activities generally available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Visitors can walk four floors of exhibits that trace Central Florida from prehistoric settlements through citrus, cattle, tourism, aviation, and the rise of the modern metro area. The historic courtroom, courthouse architecture, and rotating programs make the building itself part of the story. Free Access Days are designed for all ages: kids can take part in interactive activities, adults can join guided tours, and everyone can spend extra time with the collections of the Historical Society of Central Florida.

Plan for a downtown visit. Museum hours are typically 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Parking is available in nearby garages, including the Central Boulevard garage across from the Orlando Public Library. Because free-admission days draw larger crowds, arrive early if you want first pick of tours and hands-on activities. Check the History Center’s event page before you go for the final schedule, activity cutoff times, and any special Heritage Day programming.

Free Access Day: Heritage Day is a straightforward way to experience Orlando’s civic history in the heart of the city. Bring the family, walk Heritage Square, and spend a Saturday inside one of Central Florida’s most important historic buildings—admission free.

The celebration marks Heritage Day and the opening of the museum’s newest exhibition, By Heart and By Hand, honoring the artistry of Black craft makers in Central Florida. Visitors of all ages can explore how art, craft, and storytelling preserve heritage and connect generations through hands-on activities and family-friendly experiences.

Scheduled activities include:

• Family Friendly DJ — Music Mania hosts games, contests, and music for the whole family.
• Weaving History — Learn textile history and stories connecting quilts with the Underground Railroad while making fiber art.
• Clickity Clackity Castanets — Make a traditional Spanish percussion instrument and feel the rhythm at this craft station.
• Memory Medallion — Emboss a medallion while learning the history of folk art and the stories it tells.

The History Center is in the historic courthouse at 65 E. Central Blvd., Orlando. Museum hours on Saturday run 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Arrive early for popular craft stations, and check the History Center event listing for sponsor details and any day-of updates before you go.