118. shamROCK Block Party - 3/17

Do you like block parties and live entertainment?
Then the shamROCK 2010 will be the place to be on March 17th, Saint Patrick's Day. The block party starts early at 4 PM and run through midnight. I think it lasted longer when we went since this Irish holiday fell on a weekend. In addition to general admission for the block party, the wristband gets you into 20+ local bars and clubs at no additional cover charge. We had fun simply roaming the streets between the 3 stages filled with live music by various bands and DJs. This is not the cheapest date idea because it can add up, but it's something worth experiencing at least once.

ShamRock Block Party
Originally uploaded by 365 Cheap Dates

Advance tickets are available online for $20 per person with a $2.50 service fee or you can avoid that fee by paying cash at Irish pub/restaurant in downtown San Diego called The Field. Tickets go up to $25pp (cash only at the doors) on the day of the event. With the event falling on a Wednesday, I doubt that this event will pull a crowd of 20,000+ this time, but I'd still buy tickets in advance to avoid the lines. Bring extra cash for the beer gardens and food booths. I suggest taking the trolley into the event to avoid the hassle of parking. Bonus: They are offering the designated driver program again: FREE rides home anywhere in SD County to anyone with a ShamRock wristband. We personally got a hotel so that we both can fully enjoy the evening. For more St. Patty's Day activities in San Diego, check out SanDiego-Romantics.com.

For a weekend festivity that's more casual and local in LA, check out Cheap Date Idea #116 in Hermosa Beach on Saturday, March 13th. Have fun whatever you do!

UPDATE 03/11/10: Save $3 online with discount code ROCK or buy tickets in person for only $15 at The Field today 4-6 PM.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $20 pp + $2.50 fee pp.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $40 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @sdRomantics

116. St. Patrick's Day Parade - 3/13

What are YOU doing on Saturday, March 13th?
Every year, the city of Hermosa Beach hosts a St. Patrick's Day Parade with family-friendly festivities FREE to the public. The start time is 9 AM but the parade doesn't start til 11 AM on the corner of Pier Ave and Valley Drive. This is an easy day date idea by the beach... Just perfect for a picnic, so don't forget a beach blanket and sun block. Oh, and wear something green!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Originally uploaded by .Bradi.

Parking can be tricky due to all the street closures on Pier Ave, Valley Drive and Hermosa Ave, so make sure to arrive early. Street parking is available without permits since it's not peak season unless you are lucky to grab a meter, but that's only good for 3 hours. There is also a free parking lot behind the skate park on the south side of Pier Ave Click HERE for the event flyer.

The festivities wrap up around 2 PM. To continue the fun, check out South Bay Events website (click HERE) for a run down on local bars celebrating that day in Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach.

Actual cost of creative date idea = Free Admission.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.