List: FREE Summer Date Ideas

I was putting together a list of FREE things to do this summer in Orange County and Los Angeles for myself since my future in-laws are coming to visit. I figured that I'd share this with y'all too! This list includes previous date ideas (numbered) plus some new ideas (un-numbered). I did throw in a few items that are $10 or less (AKA cheap). Click on each for more info.

Huntington Beach Pier
Originally uploaded by 365 Cheap Dates

• 14. FREE Helium Balloon Rides - Thursdays - Sundays at Orange County Great Park.
• 50. Farmer's Market in Santa Monica - Every Sunday 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM.
• 80. Free at LACMA - Free live jazz concerts on Fridays and latin music on Saturdays.
• 91. LA Friday Night Skate - Every Friday night in Hollywood or Santa Monica and then lessons on the first Sunday of every month.
• 104. Shoot Arrows like Cupid - Free archerly lesson every Saturday morning in Pasadena.
• 122. Kayak though Naples Canals - Anytime for only $8 per person.
• 131. Saturday Nights at The Getty - Free outdoor concerts at the Getty Museum on Saturdays through August.
• 140. Last Friday on Main Street, Santa Monica - monthly.
• 146. First Fridays on Abbot Kinney - monthly.
• 179. Summer Live Music at Malibu Wines at Saturdays and Sundays 1-3 PM or Fridays and Saturdays 7-9 PM.
• 181. Greek Fests 2010 - Usually free and once per month at various locations through summer.
• 182. Cinespia Cemetery Screenings - Watch movies under the stars and picnic w/ BYOB & DJ on Saturdays only (not FREE, but only $10 pp).
• 183. Devil's Night Drive-In - Watch movies in a drive-in like good ol' times on Saturdays (not FREE, but only $10 pp).
• 191. Free Bands in the Sand - Free sunset concert at Newport Beach every Saturday through Summer.
• FREE Orange County Great Park Celebration, which includes an aerial show, laser light show, live music and more on Saturday, July 10th 3-9:30 PM). Make sure to combine it with the free helium balloon ride (see #14 above).
• FREE Shakespeare by the Sea outdoor play and picnic on weekends at various locations throughout the summer, dog-friendly too!
• FREE Summer Concert Series in Dana Point, Huntington Beach and throughout Orange County on Sundays and other days (via @JustSpottedOC).
• FREE Laguna Beach Festival of the Arts 7/5-8/31 (click HERE for more info).
• FREE OC Fair 7/16-8/15.
• FREE Movies in the Park at The Grove every Thursday through August.
• FREE Twilight Dance Series every Thursday through September at Santa Monica Pier.
• FREE Dance Downtown at the LA Music Center Plaza on various dates through September.
• FREE Grand Performances at the Cal Plaza every weekend through August.
• FREE Long Beach Sea Festival - Movies at the beach Tuesdays through Thursdays at various locations.
• FREE Jazz Concerts at Hollywood and Highland every Tuesday through summer with an optional $10 wine tasting with apps.
• FREE Pasadena Film Festival every weekend in July.
• FREE Summer and Music Events every weekend through August in Long Beach.
• FREE Concerts in the Park at Manhattan Beach Polliwog Park every Sunday through September, picnic & BYOB.
• FREE Outdoor Cinema Food Fest on almost every Saturday in July and August at Exposition Park plus a few special days at Grand Hope Park and La Cienega Park, showing FREE movies but no picnic required here because food trucks galore show up every time.

Since I am not posting regularly at the moment, this "master list" will be a living document to which I'll add. Feel free to kiss and tell me when you find something free and cheap to do too! Use the comment section below, or submit the Contact Me Form (see at the top menu bar of my blog), or send me a tweet @365CheapDates. Have fun whatever you do!

193. AVP Beach Volleyball Tourney

Do you need a reason to hit the beach?
As much as I love living by the beach, I'm not a volleyball fan. With that said, I do make a point to partake in the annual AVP Tour. Why? It's the beach scene that makes it a great day date idea, especially for a group date. Game tickets are not free, but walking around the vendor booths is! Some cool freebies include tote bags, frisbees, drinks, snacks and more. Afterward, hit the beach and/or local bars (do it early before everything gets packed).

AVP Hermosa Beach
Originally uploaded by 365 Cheap Dates

For those who do enjoy professional volleyball tournament games, general admission is $20. For the upcoming game in Huntington Beach, buy tickets online now: (a) save 50% for Friday, June 4th, with a discount code AVPBOGO, so it'd be $10 each -OR- (b) save $5 for the rest of the weekend, $15 pp. More discounts may pop up closer to the other tour dates. By the way, sometimes you can watch the warm-up games for free (just look and ask).

The games bounce across the US beaches during summer, but here's the AVP tournament schedule for Southern California:

• June 3-6 Huntington Beach
• July 16-18 Hermosa Beach
• July 24-25 Malibu
• August 19-22 Manhattan Beach
• September 17-19 Hermosa Beach (finals)

However, if you don't like crowds, then you may want to avoid this event. Parking will not be easy, so carpool and come early. In my opinion, the AVP is worth checking out at least once this summer. As always, don't forget your sunblock, towel, hat, sunglasses, camera and whatever you need for fun in the sun. Click HERE for other free and cheap things to do this weekend, June 3-6th.

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

List: Weekend Things to Do 6/3-6

Here are some free and cheap activities in LA and OC for this upcoming weekend, June 3rd - 6th.

Nature's Evening Show
Originally uploaded by Yobs

Thursday, June 3rd:

• 16. Champagne, Sparklers & Bubbles, Oh My! - BOGO 1¢ Wine tasting with light meal
• 95. FREE Monthly Laguna Beach Art Walk - Free wine at various art galleries.
• 188. Summer Sunset Cruise - Free appetizers.
• 189. Home Beer Brewing Class - Only $5 to learn something new.

Friday, June 4th:

• 80. Free at LACMA - Free live jazz concerts 6-8 PM.
• 146. First Fridays on Abbot Kinney - Sip, shop & stroll w/ DJ or live music, complimentary drinks at various shops.
• 179. Summer Live Music at Malibu Wines - at 7-9 PM and come earlier for picnic before sunset.
• 186. First Fridays Concerts - Awarded LA's Best Museum Party Night, last one of the season.
• 193. AVP Beach Volleyball Tournament - Huntington Beach this weekend.

Saturday, June 5th:

• 32. FREE at The Getty Center - Enjoy Leonardo da Vinci at sunset w/ free parking after 5 PM.
• 44. Tide Pools at Crystal Cove - Free tour at 10 AM or go on your own before hitting #191.
• 80. Free at LACMA - Free live Latin music 5-7 PM in Hancock Park.
• 98. FREE Hawaii - Enjoy Oahu & Big Island at The Grove.
• 179. Summer Live Music at Malibu Wines at 1-3 PM or 7-9 PM, so hit #32 in between.
• 182. Cinespia Cemetery Screenings - Watch Casablanca under the stars and picnic w/ BYOB &DJ.
• 191. Free Bands in the Sand - Free sunset concert at Newport Beach.
• 193. AVP Beach Volleyball Tourney

Sunday, June 6th:

• 38. Find Peace at Lake Shrine - Near Malibu, so combine it with #96 and #179.
• 44. Tide Pools at Crystal Cove - Free wildflower hike at 9 AM.
• 50. Farmer's Market in Santa Monica - Stop by here in AM on the way to Malibu.
• 96. The Getty Villa in Malibu - Free online reservations required.
• 98. FREE Hawaii - Enjoy Oahu & Big Island at The Americana at Brand in Pasadena.
• 114. Cheap (& FREE) Laughs at UCB Theatre - See Jeff Garlin for $1 or other shows for FREE.
• 179. Summer Live Music at Malibu Wines - at 1-3 PM.
• 193. AVP Beach Volleyball Tourney

List: Date Ideas for May

For easy reference, here's an outline of the free AND cheap things to do that I posted last month in May. Or feel free to check out my online calendar of dating ideas for any day of the year!

may_calendar
Originally uploaded by brandonplumplums

• 168. Tsunami Teppanyaki Dinner
• 169. FREE Tuesday Night Cafe
• 170. Santa Monica Festival
• 171. Rock Climbing Rockreation
• 172. Free Bowling at Lucky Strike
• 173. Free Wine Tasting, Venice
• 174. Free Dinner with Dave
• 175. Haagen-Dazs Scoop Day
• 176. OC Beer Fest
• 177. Crepes de Paris
• 178. 18th Annual Seal Day
• 179. Summer Live Music at Malibu Wines
• 180. Fiesta Hermosa
• 181. Greek Fests 2010
• 182. Cinespia Cemetery Screenings
• 183. Devil's Night Drive-In
• 184. $6 Angels Tickets
• List: Weekend Cheap Date Ideas
• 185. Free Malibu Beach Safari
• List: Top Romantic Cheap Date Ideas
• HOW TO: Add 365CheapDates.com to Your iPhone
• List: Memorial Day Weekend in LA
• 186. First Fridays Concerts - 6/4
• 187. The London Happy Hour
• 188. Summer Sunset Cruise $13
• 189. Home Beer Brewing Class
• 190. Free Jazz Concerts
• 191. Free Bands in the Sand

190. Free Jazz Concerts

Listening to jazz and wine tasting = Classy & romantic!
Hollywood & Highland is offering their 7th Annual Wine, Jazz & Moonlight Series. On every Tuesday evening this summer (June 9th - August 31st), the band starts playing at 7 PM. While the musical entertainment is free to the public, the wine tasting is optional. By the way, 100% of the proceeds do benefit a good cause. The $10 donation in Hollywood seems quite reasonable for 2 glasses and an assortment of gourmet cheeses, crackers and fruit. Overall, this is a classy (yet cheap) date idea, especially for jazz music lovers. These free jazz concerts can work as a group date, first date, family-friendly date, whatever you want it to be.

Miles Davis
Originally uploaded by mwgrinnell

As with all free events, I'd arrive earlier to find parking and claim a spot in the Central Courtyard on the 2nd Level. Until the weather gets warmer, bundle up to enjoy this outdoor event for a minimum of 2 hours (7-9 PM). Bring a picnic and have dinner during the concert or eat at courtyard there (there's a crepe restaurant if my memory serves me right). Parking at H&H Center is only $2 for 4 hours with validation. Click HERE for the weekly concert schedule and more info.

If you can get into Hollywood in the afternoon, double the fun by stopping by Madame Tussauds, which is walking distance away (see Cheap Date Idea #54).

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $10 pp + $2 Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $22 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @_LosAngeles

189. Home Beer Brewing Class

How many people can say that they've brewed their own beer?
Well, now you can!! For 3 hours of fun, the cost is a mere $5! If you decide to continue the fun at home (hint hint: secure a second date with your brewing partner), this may be applied toward the purchase of a starter's kit. After brewing your own, one may discover a newfound appreciation for beer. Heck, make it a group date and then host a party with a friendly competition for the best home made brew. Just a thought for a DIY date idea and perhaps a new shared hobby. Learning something new can be a bonding experience.

Baby bottle of beer
Originally uploaded
by 365 Cheap Dates

Home Brewing Supply Company offers a Beginner's Home Brewing Class bi-weekly on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays (next one is June 3rd). Classes run 6:30-9:30 PM, so make sure to eat beforehand. Let's just say that you will be tasting more than $5 worth of their already made brews. Pretzels and nuts are a good pairing with beer, no? Just another idea. To reserve a seat, call in advance. Click HERE for class details and directions.

This is a personal recommendation by @LightsSoundLA (click HERE to read his blog post). Plus several Yelpers gave CCHBS a whopping 5-stars! Click HERE to read Yelp reviews. For another learning experience, check out the FREE cooking technique classes (see Cheap Date Idea #112). Cheers!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $5 Per Person.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @LightsSoundsLA

188. Summer Sunset Cruise

Setting sail at sunset sounds soooooo romantic!
This might get my vote for top romantic yet cheap date idea! At 50% off (like a BOGO deal), you have 2 cruise options in Newport Beach: either free appetizers OR an unlimited drink package. For my fellow cheap dates in LA, there is a cruise in Marina del Rey too. Seriously, we are so lucky to live by the water because this date idea won't work everywhere.

Spirit of Tasmania I
Originally uploaded by WilliamBullimore

Option A: 90-Min Cruise with Unlimited Drink Option
WHEN: 5:30 PM Fiesta Cruise or 7:30 PM Sunset Cruise.
WHERE: Newport Beach.
HOW: Buy your voucher now (deal expires 5/31) online via SwoopOff.com and use anytime until 12/30/10, reservation required via CruiseNewportBeach.com.
COST: Only $13 Flat ($26 Regularly).
BONUS: Enjoy all-you-can-drink for a mere $15pp more! Decide later and pay on board. Let me put it this way: How much do you spend on drinks within 90 minutes anywhere else in LA & OC?

Option B: 2-Hour Cruise with Complimentary Appetizers
WHEN: Thursdays 6:30 - 8:30 PM (June - September).
Where: Newport Beach.
HOW: Buy tickets online with 50% discount code EMA42 via Hornblower.com.
COST: $14pp + tax = $16.58pp total ($28pp Regularly).

Option C: Same cruise as Option B but in Marina del Rey.
WHEN: Wednesdays 6:30-8:30 PM.
WHERE: Marina del Rey.
HOW: Buy tickets at least 24 hour in advance on Goldstar.com.
COST: $18pp + $4 fee = $22 total ($28 Regularly).

The SwoopOff deal sounds like the best because you can buy it now and use it later. That's 7 months to plan your romantic yet cheap date! More importantly, it will be a fixed total cost on the beverages, which can easily add up elsewhere and end up not being a cheap date.  Just make sure to buy your $13 voucher on SwoopOff before the deal ends (or worse- sells out)! By the way, these vouchers make for a great gift for a birthday or anniversary too. However, if you prefer free food (apps) over drinks, check out Hornblower but I'm not sure when the 50% discount code will expire. For either cruise, boarding begins 30 minutes, so make sure to arrive early or the boat will leave you! For a free cruise in Long Beach Harbor (no free apps or all-you-can-drink option), check out Cheap Date Idea #145. Have fun!

UPDATE 06/19/10: Bad news: Option-A is no longer available. Good news: Here's a good deal for another sunset cruise BUT better because it's offered on weekends, Thursdays-Sundays.

OPTION D: 90-Min Cruise with Unlimited Drink Option
WHEN: 7:00 - 8:30 PM Thursdays - Sundays with advance reservation by phone or web
WHERE: Newport Beach
HOW: Buy your voucher now online via @DealPerkOC and use later until Sept 30th (that's over 3 months to plan your cheap date).
COST: $12.50 pp (Regularly $25) + $8 Parking (Click HERE to buy voucher now)
BONUS: This deal includes complimentary chips and salsa. Enjoy all-you-can-drink for a mere $15 pp more! Decide later and pay on board.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $13-19 pp.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $52-61 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @swoopoff & @newportbeach

187. The London Happy Hour

Be fabulous at a classy happy hour at The London!
The London Hotel offers two full hours of happiness on weekdays (5-7 PM) from now until the end of June. Not only is this a classy spot for a happy hour, but Gordon Ramsay is famous for his fine dining. It's not normally a cheap date, but the "London After Five" special makes it affordable with $5 specials starting at 5 PM. Plus to celebrate the sequel's release, the happy hour theme is in honor of the Sex and The City 2.

@foodphotos Martini Collage
Originally uploaded by 365 Cheap Dates

The "London After Five" specials are:

• $5 Specialty cocktails with 5 choices inspired by the 5 characters of Sex and the City
• $5 Sake or Champagne
• $5 Tasty appetizers, including a mini lobster burger, kebabs & more
• $5 Valet parking with validation ($10 regularly; street parking is possible but not likely due to limited space)

If you are in that part of LA (WeHo), you must stop by here, especially if you're going to watch SATC2. Why you may ask? Because you deserve 2 hours of happiness. That is at least happiness on any weekday at The London from now til the end of June. I'm sure tomorrow will be crazy with it being Friday and the start of a long holiday weekend. For more happy hour date ideas, click HERE. Be a fun cheap date and be safe!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $15 minimum.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @TheLondonWeho

186. First Fridays Concerts - 6/4

The adults come out to play at LA's Best Museum Party Night!
Last year, the Natural History Museum of LA won a Best of LA Award for their Museum Party Night. On First Fridays for the first half of the year (Jan-June), NHMLA offers a sophisticated event for adults to enjoy culture and music. The fun begins with DJs and a free guided museum tour at 5:30 PM and the party continues until 10:30 PM. For the line up at the next (and sadly last) FF on June 4th, click HERE.

FIN WHALE!!
Originally uploaded by First Fridays @ NHM

The FF tickets are $15 pp, which not only gets you into the concert hall but also the museum. Regular museum admission is $9, so that's a mere $6 more for a night of fun. As for parking, the lot across the way is $10 unless you get lucky with street parking. Purchasing tickets in advance online is highly recommended because the event usually sells out early. Note: June 4th is the last FF event of the year. I'm so sad that I'll be out of town, but other fun events are brewing at NHMLA.

Lines start forming at 7:30 PM with the doors of the performance hall opening up at 8:30 PM for the opening act and then the headliner goes on at 9:45 PM. The hall capacity is 500 but you can also watch the performance on projected screens throughout the Grand Foyer. To capture the fun, 3D photos are taken by NHMLA and posted on their Flickr (see example on right here). Bring your own camera and smiles! If you can come earlier and beat traffic to Downtown LA, bring a picnic too and enjoy the sunset with dinner in the middle of Exposition Park, which is right next door to NHMLA.

If you miss this event, mark you calendar for monthly FREE Museum Day at NHMLA on the first Tuesday of the month (next one is June 1st). While you're in the area, get free admission to the sister museum too, La Brea Tar Pits on Cheap Date Idea #89. Now that's called back-to-back FREE date ideas!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $15 pp.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $40 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @CourtneyLTucker

List: Top Romantic Cheap Date Ideas

Finding cheap date ideas is not so hard, but finding romantic cheap date ideas is not so easy. To make your dating life easier, I've tagged the date ideas here by various categories, such as romantic (see at the bottom of each post or click HERE to view all romantic ideas).

Originally uploaded by Kevin H.

If I had to rank my favorite romantic things to do in Los Angeles & Orange County, here's my list in chronological order (click on each link for details):

• 4. Star Gazing at Griffith Observatory
• 44. Tide Pools at Crystal Cove
• 131. Saturday Nights at The Getty
• 148. Benihana Dinner for Two = $37
• 183. Devil's Night Drive-In Theatre

Mind you that these are "anytime" ideas (good to do throughout the year). Stay tuned for more Top Lists, especially during special weekends or seasons (or click HERE to view all of my past lists). If you have your own favorites, please do kiss & tell in the comment section below.

List: Weekend Cheap Date Ideas

There are so many free and cheap things to do this weekend in Los Angeles and Orange County that I wanted to make a special list for y'all! Click on each link for the details.

Joe's Dollar
Originally uploaded by Thomas Hawk

Saturday, May 22nd:

• 4. Star Gazing at Griffith Observatory - Free monthly party
• 32. FREE at The Getty Center - Enjoy the sunset and Leonardo da Vinci plus free parking after 5 PM.
• 44. Tide Pools at Crystal Cove - Hiking 9 AM & free tide pool walk 11 AM
• 57. Tide Pools at Abalone Cove - Free tour at Palos Verdes
• 104. Shoot Arrows like Cupid for FREE - Beginner archery lesson
• 122. Kayak though Naples Canals
• 181. OC Greek Fest - FREE coupon admission
• 182. Cinespia Cemetery Screenings - The Thing
• 183. Devil's Night Drive-In - Pretty in Pink
• 154. XIV Happy Hour by Michael Mina
• Click HERE for more things to do on Saturdays

Sunday, May 23rd:

• 14. FREE Helium Balloon Rides
• 38. Find Peace at Lake Shrine - Free hidden gem near Malibu
• 44. Tide Pools at Crystal Cove - Nature photography walk 9 AM
• 50. Farmer's Market in Santa Monica
• 92. Meatballs of Comedy Show, CityWalk
• 112. FREE Cooking Classes - at a Williams-Sonoma near you
• 114. Cheap (& FREE) Laughs at UCB Theatre
• 115. Wine & Dine for Only $10-20 - Filet mignon or halibut for only $10!
• 122. Kayak though Naples Canals
• 181. OC Greek Fest - Free coupon admission
• 185. Free Malibu Beach Safari - 5/23 - Final tours!
• Click HERE for more things to do on Sundays

No matter what you do, just be a fun cheap date!

184. $6 Angels Tickets

Take me out to ball game for only 6 bucks?!
If you are fan of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (long name, I know) or simply like cheap yet fun things to do, get 1/2 off tickets when they play the Toronto Blue Jays early next week, May 24-26th. The Monday and Tuesday games start at 7 PM, so it's doable for a weeknight date. Invite friends and family to make it a group date or family-friendly activity. The weather should be good for an outdoor game, but bundle up since the temperature will drop to 66F on that night.

Angels are #1!
Originally uploaded by sfam

Regular tickets range $12-33, so with a 50% discount, your date can be as cheap as $6 per person! Click HERE to buy your tickets now. Select the game day and enter the promo code TRAVEL. As of this moment, the cheapest tickets that I could find were $6 for "Upper View" and $14-16.50 for "Best Available". As with all online tickets, there is a convenience charge of $2-3.25. Stadium parking is $8. Buy your discounted tickets online now!

If you are a fan of the Dodgers, sorry you missed out on Cheap Date Idea #162.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $8+ Total pp + $8 Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $32+ Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @TravelZooLA

183. Devil's Night Drive-In

Date night at a drive-in sounds more fun & romantic, no?
Did you know that a patent was issued for the first drive-in theatre exactly 33 years ago from this month? The first one opened in June 1933! At that time, it was 25¢ per car and 25¢ per person ($1 total maximum). Sounds like a cheap date, right? Well, the admission at Devil's Night Drive-in (formerly known as Angel City, ironically enough) is at least comparable to a regular movie theater ticket at $10 pp. Despite the price, many Yelpers have raved about this being a great date night idea (4.5 stars).

Drive-in-Theater - 1933
Originally uploaded by Origins of Business

For a guaranteed parking spot in front of the screen, pre-sale tickets are available online 1.5 weeks prior and until 2 PM on the day of the show. Due to limited capacity (60+ cars), come early to find this place on top of a 2-story parking structure in Downtown LA and settle in with a FM-transmitter. With a DJ to entertain, gates open 1.5 hours before show time, usually at 8 or 9 PM. No car is required though as walk-ins and bike-ins are welcome to sit and watch from a designated astroturf area. If you do, feel free to bring lawn chairs, blankets and bundle up. Like in the good ol' days (before my time), car hops on rollerskates go around to the cars offering popcorn, candy, hot dogs, soda, coffee and tea, all at non-theater prices. Here's the best part of Devil's Night: you can bring your own food and drinks (Read: BYOB).

On the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month, get ready to watch some oldies but goodies on a 24'x18' projector screen (see website for tickets and updates):

• 5/22 Pretty in Pink
• 6/12 Labyrinth
• 6/26 Showgirls
• 7/10 Easy Rider
• 7/24 Pulp Fiction
• 8/14 People's Choice (vote online)
• 8/28 Rushmore
• 9/11 Indiana Jones

For another unique date night, you have to experience Cinespia screenings at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery (see Cheap Date Idea #182), which is also BYOB! If these spots are too much of a trek, check out OC Great Park, such as Cheap Date Idea #165. Or if you like the typical theater, go on Cheap Date Idea #132 for only $3. Drive-ins are rare nowadays, so if you know of another one in LA or OC, let me know.

UPDATE 05/22/10: Per the recommendation by the owner at @DevilsNight, after the movie, continue your date night at the local fave dive bar. Leave your car there (no extra parking fee) and walk over to @Bar107 with no cover, a dance floor and a 4-star rating on Yelp.com.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $10 pp.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $20 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @LAsnark & @estarLA

182. Cinespia Cemetery Screenings

Watching movies at the cemetery with wine & beer?!?!
I've watched movies in the park, but have yet to do it at a cemetery! Sounds creepy yet fun at the same time. The Cinespia at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery has a whopping 4.5 stars rating by 200+ Yelpers. From what I gather, part of the appeal that sets it apart from a movie theatre is that you can bring a picnic and drinks (yes, alcohol IS permitted) PLUS a DJ spins records before and after the screening. The $10 cash donation (for grounds keeping) is comparable to the price of a theater ticket nowadays, however the whole experience pales in comparison. This is a great idea for a group date, maybe even for a first date.

Tell 'em Large Marge sent ya!
Originally uploaded by daft or dangerous

Cinespia Cemetery Screenings is on it's 10th season of summer series (May - October). Screenings are usually on Saturday nights with bonus nights on holiday weekends on occasion. Here's the schedule for the first month:

• 5/15 - The Wizard of Oz
• 5/22 - The Thing
• 5/29 - North by North
• 5/30 - Purple Rain
• Check the calendar for monthly updates.

The cemetery gates open at 7 PM, so come early to park (free street parking or $5 on the cemetery grounds, best before 6 PM I heard) and claim your spot on the grass (bring blankets, short lawn chairs and pillows). This is first come, first serve (AKA no advance reservations required or tickets available). Show time is not until 8:30 PM, so eat, drink & be merry while the sun sets and the DJ spins music. Afterward, let the traffic die down by hanging out with more tunes by the DJ. If the Hollywood Cemetery is too much of a trek, the OC Great Park in Irvine offers free movies in the park throughout the year, such as Cheap Date Idea #165.

UPDATE 05/26/10: The screening schedule for June is posted! Click HERE for the calendar updates. Enjoy watching a movie under the stars on cemetery grounds - spooky yet romantic, right?

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $10 pp + $5 Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $25 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @callmemochelle

181. Greek Fests 2010

Opa!! It's time to eat and dance with the Greeks!
The Greek Festivals are coming!! I love watching the live music, Greek dancing & lessons (see my picture below), arts & crafts and (the best part in my opinion) Greek food & desserts (baklava, yum!). In general, these events run all weekend, Friday to Sunday, starting at 5 PM on Fridays and noon on Saturdays and Sundays, while closing up at 10 or 11 PM every night. Click on the links below for details and directions about each one. Admission ranges from FREE to $5 while kids under 12 are free at most festivals. Parking is free at all these locations and some provide free shuttles too.

Greek Fest
Originally uploaded by 365 Cheap Dates

Wow, there's practically one every month through summer. I've updated my Google Calendar, so click HERE if you would like to add these event(s) to yours too:

• May 21-23: OC Greek Fest in Anaheim, $3 at the door (or FREE with this coupon).
• June 25-27: Irvine Greek Fest, $3 except free on Saturday Noon-5 PM or print their Facebook coupon for free admission.
• July 9-11: South Bay Greek Festival in Redondo Beach, $2 but a coupon for free admission will be coming soon.
• Labor Day Weekend (to be confirmed): Long Beach Greek Fest, $3 but a coupon for free admission may be available later on the website.
• Sept 10-12: LA Greek Fest, $3 (day) or $5 (evening) but sometimes it's free on Fridays and watch out for a coupon in the future.
• For a complete list of Greek Festivals between LA and OC, check out GoLosAngeles.com.

I usually get a big group of friends to go (i.e. group date!) and have been to both the LA and South Bay Greek Fests. I may have to check out the others on the list now, but the SB one has been rated the highest on Yelp. According to the UrbanDictionary.com, opa is a word that Greek people use for no apparent reason at all and is used to describe a jubilant emotion of/during celebration. Opa, opa , opa!!!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free - $5 Admission + Food & Drink.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by my Greek Goddess, @CPAsally

180. Fiesta Hermosa 5/29-31

Arts & crafts, live music, beer garden by the beach.
Fiesta Hermosa is back again! Actually it happens twice per year on the weekends of Memorial Day and Labor Day. So mark your calendar for Sat 5/29 - Mon 5/31, 3 days of fun under the sun (10 AM - 6 PM). I usually go once or twice per year since this is in my old stomping ground, Hermosa Beach. The arts and crafts are always interesting to see. As for the food booths, the freshly roasted corn is my personal fave. If you have kids, the carnival rides (not free) look like fun too.

Fiesta Hermosa
Originally uploaded by 365 Cheap Dates

In my opinion, the best part of the festival is the live music at the 2 stages: Main Stage at Pier Plaza & Strand (family-friendly) and Beer Garden Stage at 11th Street & Beach Drive (21+ up). Click HERE to see the full lineup. Some tables and seating are available, otherwise be prepared to mix and mingle through the crowds. A small open area is available for rocking out in front of the stage in the beer garden (good spot for people watching). Drink tickets are usually $5, good for either beer (5 microbrews on tap) or red and white wines. Admission is free to either stage, but the line at the beer garden can get a bit long at times either due to ID check or overcapacity. In that case, the line does move, so check out the rest of the festival and go back when the line dies down.

Admission to all of this is free, but the food and drink can add up. As usual by the beach, parking is limited here. Knowing that, the City of Hermosa Beach offers complimentary off-site parking AND shuttle buses between 7:30 AM - 7:30 PM. For the environmentally-friendly, FREE valet bike parking is being offered 10 AM - 6:30 PM at 11th Street and The Strand. Click HERE for directions and more festival info. If you miss it this time, Fiesta Hermosa will be back in September.

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