Peeking at your bank balance the morning after a big night can feel like punishment. You squint, brace yourself — as if watching a suspense film — dreading the financial fallout a single evening might have caused.
Dinner, drinks and a night of dancing can quickly add up.
So next time you plan an evening with friends or that special person, consider one of these no-cost date nights or group activities.
1. Comedy Nights
Complementary comedy nights often showcase a roster of rising comics. You might catch a stand-up before they break into the mainstream.
Even better, established performers sometimes try out fresh jokes at smaller, free shows. I once saw prominent British comedian Imran Yusuf onstage at a complimentary evening at East London’s Comedy Cafe.
Many comedy venues host free acts on quieter nights like Sunday or Tuesday, saving headliners for the weekend. If you live in a major city, you’re far more likely to discover complimentary comedy events.
2. Club Nights
Admission to trendy clubs can be steep. But not every nightclub charges a cover fee.
Look for smaller, even offbeat, venues where you don’t have to pay to enter and can still dance until dawn.
Some places run ladies-night promotions (apologies to the guys); you could always share the savings among your group. Back in college, my friends and I hit a “ladies’ night” at an upscale club and walked away with a complimentary bottle of vodka!
Search for free club nights on TimeOut. Pick your city and filter by “free.”
3. Restaurant Soft-Openings
New eateries occasionally host preview events where you can sample dishes at no cost. They do this to gather feedback and attract future patrons.
You’ll need to stay alert if you want a free meal, and knowing someone in the trade helps. But you can also spot upcoming openings by following industry news on sites like Eater or TimeOut.
4. Free Concerts
Complimentary live music can be hit-or-miss: the sound might be rough, or you could uncover incredible new talent for your playlist.
To locate free shows, find bars around town that host live music. Most cities have numerous gig-listing sites; a quick Google search will turn them up.
There’s also this resource that lists free concerts in New York and Austin, with Chicago and Los Angeles coming soon.
5. Open Mic Evenings
Open mic nights typically feature hopefuls showcasing their skills. You might witness a future star before they hit it big.
These events crop up at the same venues that host free concerts, as well as in coffeehouses and indie bars. There are helpful resources for finding free open mic nights, such asthis crowdsourced directorycovering the U.S.
6. Arts Festivals
Many arts festivals present free outdoor theater and performance pieces sponsored by local organizations.
Take the Oregon Shakespeare Festival for instance, which puts on a range of complimentary open-air shows multiple nights a week during summer and autumn.
7. Gallery Receptions
Sticking with cultural outings, an evening browsing art can be a lovely free option. (A nice perk: some openings offer a free glass of wine or two.)
These are usually private gallery events where pieces may be for sale, so skip the scruffy jeans. Keep an eye on listings and exhibitions to discover openings locally.
8. Seasonal Events and Holidays
Communities celebrate a variety of occasions year-round, and many festivities are free to enjoy.
For instance, marvel at fireworks on Independence Day or wander festive markets at Christmas. You can also join cost-free annual events like local Mardi Gras celebrations or Pride parades.
9. Film Screenings
Going to the movies is a classic night out, but ticket prices keep rising. Here’s how to watch films for free (and legally).
Attend festivals, arts centers and university screenings where emerging filmmakers often premiere their work at no charge.
If you want something romantic, search for free outdoor cinemas such as the Skyway Outdoor Cinema in Seattle — it’s perfect for cuddling up as the air cools. There are also chances to get free passes to advance screenings.
10. Sporting Fixtures
Watching a match from your couch is fine, but nothing beats the energy of attending a live contest.
Catch local Pro-Am or minor-league games for free by checking their schedules online. For example, here’s the calendar for the San Francisco pro-am basketball teams.
You can also support local high school squads — pick a mascot or cheer for the underdog.
See Also>>How to Save Money: Our Definitive Step-by-Step Guide
Alex Martinez picked up thrifty habits from a family that valued saving, especially from a bargain-loving mother. They learned to tighten their belt during student days and have continued seeking ways to cut costs wherever possible.
