On a budget? You don’t have to spend a bundle to have fun. Here are seven free or low-cost things to do on the Space Coast this weekend.
Due to potential changes and cancellations, we encourage you to check with presenting organizations about the status of their events.
1. Merritt Island Pioneer Day
The annual Merritt Island Pioneer Day Festival includes living history demonstrations and educational exhibits. The 2025 event will be on Saturday, Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at both the Sams House/Pine Island Conservation Area and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Visit mipioneerday.com.
The event celebrating the early settlers of Merritt Island will be on Saturday, Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is actually two events in one, since activities take place both at Sams House/Pine Island Conservation Area and at nearby St. Luke’s Episcopal Church at 6195 and 5555 N. Tropical Trail. Family-friendly activities include Florida living history demonstrations, a pioneer “parade,” educational exhibits, speakers, live music, crafts fair and farmer’s market vendors, guided trail hikes, house tours, children’s crafts and games, a petting farm, food trucks and kettle corn. Admission is free. A $5 donation is suggested for parking. Free shuttle buses ferry attendees between the two sites, which are a mile apart. Visit mipioneerday.com.
2. First Friday in EGAD
First Fridays in the Eau Gallie Arts District (EGAD) are a monthly celebration of art, culture and community. Held on the first Friday of every month starting at 5:30 p.m., this event features gallery openings, live music, street vendors and food from local restaurants and bars. Visitors can stroll through the charming historic district, meet local artists, and discover one-of-a-kind works. Visit egadlife.com.
3. Mopar swap meet in Melbourne
The Mopars of Brevard Super Swap Meet XXIV is Friday February 7th and Saturday February 8th at the Wickham Park Equestrian Center in Melbourne. There will be a parking lot full of classic cars, hot rods and parts. Friday 8 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. swap meet only, Saturday swap meet and car show. Leo Underwood shows off his late father’s 1949 Chrysler New Yorker Highlander convertible. contact info at 321-806-9227
The Mopars of Brevard Super Swap Meet XXIV takes place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 7 and 8, at the Wickham Park Equestrian Center, 2600 Washingtonia Dr, Melbourne. There will be a parking lot full of classic cars, hot rods and parts. Friday will be the swap meet only, Saturday will include the swap meet and car show. Admission is free. Call 321-806-9227 or visit moparsofbrevard.com.
4. Art reception in Cocoa Beach
The Studios of Cocoa Beach, 165 Minutemen Causeway, hosts a reception for “Transformation,” artworks by Kole Trent, on Friday, Feb. 7 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. In addition to his paintings and art products, Trent’s murals can be found throughout Brevard in various locations, including businesses, residences, airports, and public buildings. The exhibition will run through March 2. Admission is free. Call 321-613-3480 or visit studiosofcocoabeach.org.
5. ChoZen Artisan Market in Sebastian
ChoZen Eco-Retreat and Sanctuary, 11115 Roseland Road, Sebastian, hosts the ChoZen Artisan Market every second Sunday from October to May from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This monthly event celebrates the interconnectedness of nature, food, and community. Enjoy unique local vendors, sustainable products, artisan goods, fresh, locally sourced foods, and experience a variety of modalities from wellness practitioners + live music. Admission is free. Visit chozenretreat.com.
6. Ranger-led tour of Turkey Creek Sanctuary
Turkey Creek Sanctuary, 1518 Port Malabar Blvd NE, Palm Bay, offers free ranger-led tours on the first and third Sundays of each month, excluding holidays, from 10 to 11 a.m. Participants should meet at the sanctuary Nature Center and bring sturdy tennis shoes or boots, sunscreen, insect repellent, water, snacks, binoculars and a hat. Tours will take place on the boardwalk and various trails. Each tour will be led by a park ranger and will focus on common plants and animals found in the sanctuary. Total distance for tours is approximately 1 to 1.5 miles and should take about 1 hour to 1 1/4 hours to complete. Admission is free. To sign up, call the Nature Center at 321-676-6690.
7. Free boat trip to Samsons Island
Samsons Island Nature Park, in Satellite Beach, is accessible only by boat. The island includes trails, bird watching, camping areas, wildlife, and some picnic tables.
Samsons Island is a 52-acre passive nature island in the Banana River, accessible only by water, with docks on the south, east and north sides of the island for public use. The city of Satellite Beach provides free eco tours with boat transportation to the island on the first and third Sunday of each month, departing at 9 a.m. from the Satellite Beach Fire Department, 1390 S. Patrick Drive. Guests will return back to the dock by noon. Reservations are required due to limited availability. Call 321-428-2546 x603 or visit satellitebeach.gov.
Do you have a community event? Email [email protected] at least three weeks in advance for consideration for the Things to Do roundup.
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Christina LaFortune is the Entertainment and TGIF Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/christinalafortune or send her an email at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Free things to do! Here are seven free or low-cost events in Brevard
