137. Holy F*ck FREE Comedy

No joke, it's 100% free to laugh here, no 2-drink minimum either.

Come enjoy 2 hours of free laughter tonight at the Downtown Independent in Downtown LA. If you miss it, Holy F*ck is there every other Tuesday at 8-10 PM. Come early and enjoy a drink beforehand (optional). Beer and wine are $4-6 each. I haven't been here yet, but it is on my list of cheap date ideas to do! But seriously, it's free! Comedy shows are also a great idea for a group date, especially when it's free.

Street parking is free and easy after 6 PM on Tuesdays. For the line up and more info, click HERE. For directions and venue info, click HERE. If you love cheap laughs, then you should also check out: Cheap Date Idea #114 at UCB Theatre or Cheap Date Idea #92 at Universal CityWalk.

UPDATE 04/05/10: Tomorrow's free comedy show is 9-11 PM on April 6th.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = 100% Free.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @LAhappenings

132. Cheap Movie Date Night = $10 Total

Wow, movies CAN be a really cheap date idea!

And I'm not talking about DVD movies either! Watching movies are not usually a cheap date idea anymore.... Except a few special secret spots offer movie tickets at ONLY $2-3 per person ($5 for 3D). Boy, I don't remember movies being this cheap even when I was a kid! So you might say, "Sure, the movie tickets might be cheap, but the food and drink add up to a pretty penny." Well, how about 10 bucks total for a Movie Date Night? Yes, only $10 for 2 movie tickets, 2 popcorns AND 2 sodas. That's one for each of you, no sharing required, even though it's more romantic that way in my opinion.

365 - 238 - in the movies
Originally uploaded by the brownhorse

Here is a list of the special secret spots for cheap movie theatres:

(1) 4 Star Cinemas in Garden Grove

• $3 every Tuesday and Thursday all day 11 AM - 9 PM
• $5 for 3D, only 2 bucks more on Tuesdays and Thursdays

-and-

(2) Regency Theatres every day at multiple locations

• $3 EVERY day ANYTIME in Huntington Beach or Ventura
• $2 before 6 PM at the Pasadena location (even on weekends, AKA matinee)
• $3 after 6 PM in Pasadena
• $10 Total for the Movie Date Night Special on Wednesday nights only after 6 PM in Pasadena or Ventura
• Click HERE to find a Regency Theatre near you

In order to be more affordable, the films typically have been out for awhile in theatre. But now you can watch The Hurt Locker, award winner of 6 Academy Awards, and don't have to wait for it on DVD. I personally recommend Sherlock Holmes and It's Complicated playing at Regency Theatres. I might have to drag my man to see Alice in Wonderland in 3D (which is still a fairly new release) for only $5 at 4 Star Cinemas. I don't think anything can beat this deal besides a free movie like Cheap Date Idea #125. Enjoy!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $3 pp or $10 Total for the Movie Date Night Special.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $16-40 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @OCDeals & @mamimaria

129. Hollywood Bowl Summer Concerts

Outdoor concert + picnic = Good combo for a classy date idea.
Even if you don't love classical music, the Hollywood Bowl is always fun to do during the summertime. The last two times I went to the Hollywood Bowl, it was for a rendition of Looney Tunes in 2006 with my now-fiance (the symphony played lived with cartoon snippets of Bugs Bunny and the singing frog, see my photo below) and Star Wars (yes, Star Wars!) in 2008 with friends (but my fiance would have loved this). I guess it's that time to go again since it's 2010. This date idea is fun to do more than once every two years though; the dates are coincidental. The Hollywood Bowl is perfect for a one-on-one romantic date as well as a fun group date idea.

Looney Tunes singing frog
Originally uploaded by 365 Cheap Dates

The Hollywood Bowl is open all year long, but the first lineup for the summer is the Playboy Jazz Festival on June 12-13th at 2 or 2:30 PM. The cheapest tickets are $20 per person with a convenience fee of $7 per person. This is not the cheapest date idea yet, but stay tuned for discounts through the venue itself and Goldstar. Supposedly tickets can be as cheap as $1, probably for bench seats last minute on weeknights. Fourth of July weekend is a good time to go too if you love fireworks. Bugs Bunny is coming back in mid-July! It's not all Beethoven and Mozart, the concerts include music from Beetles, Sting, Abba, Dave Matthew and more.

Doors open as early as 4 hours prior to the show, so pack a picnic- wine and cheese, nothing fancy unless you want to splurge. I love pouring myself a glass of bubbly when the symphony starts playing! Parking is limited at the Bowl. I've done it both ways: on-site parking and public transportation. On-site parking is ok if you get there early, so that you don't get blocked in. However, nothing beats public transportation being easier and cheaper, only $5 for a pre-paid round trip unless you carpool with a group. Check the website for pick up locations near you.

UPDATE 05/21/10: Get discounted tickets for Sunday, June 13th, via Goldstar.com: $16.25 + $6.50 = $22.75 Total per person.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $22.75 pp + $5 Transportation.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $67 Total.

115. Wine & Dine for Only $10-20

Going out for a nice dinner is not usually a cheap date but...
I was strolling through the Fashion Island Shopping Center in Newport Beach on Friday with my best friend when I discovered one of the best "cheap date" dinner date ideas! My friend just informed me that the French 75 turned into Brasserie Pascal here. If it's anything like the French 75 in Burbank, the ambiance here is classy and the food, delicious. New menu options were recently introduced at a price point ($10-20), which is quite reasonable for a French Bistro. The best part is that this special is good anytime, any day of the week, any time of the day!

Cheap Date Idea #115
Originally uploaded
by 365 Cheap Dates

Where else can you get Surf & Turf for $20 per person!! Or you can "settle" for a filet mignon (or halibut or a specialty crepe) AND an appetizer or dessert- 2-course meal for just $15! One of you can get the appetizer with your entree and the other, dessert, then split it, or go for double the dessert. Every entree comes with fixed sides. There are at least 3 choices for each course. My best friend has personally tasted the filet mignon when it was part of the $10 menu and confirms that Brasserie Pascal is a great cheap (yet classy) date spot.

I took a photo of the meal-deal ad (see right), but check out the full menu online (click HERE). Reservations are available online through either their website or on OpenTable.com. Actually, this is good deal for large birthday parties or group dates, because the bill is easier to split with set prices. The restaurant must have picked up on this because the one limitation in fine print is the $15 deal is not good for parties over 6 guests. By the way, parking at Fashion Island is free and plentiful.

Looking for something more casual than dinner? Check out their happy hour 4-7 PM on weeknights (website says 5-7 PM, but I called to confirm that it does start at 4 PM). For a mere $5, you have the choice of several champagne cocktails, some house wine as well as all well drinks. Based on Yelp reviewers, the "Pascal Patchwork" sampler tray for 2 more people is worth it at $10 per person. I'm definitely going to ask my significant other to come back here with me!

UPDATE 05/11/10: The Le Parfait Deal is back for the months of May and June. For a mere $10, enjoy 3 special meals almost any time any day except for dinner on the weekends (after 5pm on Fri-Sat and after 4pm on Sunday). I'm not talking about sandwiches either, but rather 2 sides with a main entree of grilled filet mignon, sauteed halibut or plat du jour (French for chef's daily special). I'd love to come here on a weeknight for a nice early dinner during happy hour (hint hint if my better half is reading).

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $10-20 per person + tax + tip.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by Mrs. Roberts

114. Cheap (& FREE) Laughs at UCB Theatre

Cheap date = cheap laughs and it's BYOB!

For a whole $1 (or 4 quarters), you can laugh with (or at) Jeff Garlin from Curb Your Enthusiasm (see photo on right) on Sundays at 6 PM at the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) Theatre in Hollywood Hills. Bring cash and get your tickets same day, but the shows have been known to sell out fast. Making advance reservations are highly recommended. For "Jeff Garlin's Combo Platter", you can pay online through paypal as soon as the line up is announced, usually 1-3 days in advance (Thurs-Sat).

UCB-LA | Jeff Garlin's Combo Platter | 10.18.09
Originally uploaded by liezlwashere

FREE shows are available at 7:30 PM on Sundays and Tuesdays. Unfortunately, reservations are not accepted for these free shows, so plan to get in line early (30-45 minutes is recommended). Otherwise, UCB Theatre offers at least 3 different shows every day of the week for a mere $5 or 8. As for the paid shows, improv on Wednesday nights at 9:30 PM looks hilarious where they randomly select 2 people from the crowd to publicly examine their Facebook pages. Needless to say, this particular one is not for the shy folk out there.

The doors usually open 15 minutes beforehand, but come early to get seats as this place is on a first come, first serve basis. Beer and soda are available in the lobby for $1 each. Here's the best part: It's BYOB. Yes, you heard me: NO corkage fee and NO 2-drink minimum here unlike all the comedy clubs, so this is truly a cheap date! As for parking, valet here is cheap at $5, not a bad deal for Hollywood. If you want more cheap laughs, check out Cheap Date Idea #92.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $1 on Sundays, sometimes Free, otherwise usually $5 or $8 per person + $5 Valet Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @LAhappenings

103. Ballroom Dance Lessons

Ballroom dancing can be a cheap yet classy date idea!

Even if you have 2 left feet, come join the other brave folk on Wednesdays evenings (7-11 PM) through the Santa Monica Bay Woman's Club. The $10 admission (probably cash only) includes a quick dance lesson 7-7:40 PM, so make sure to show up on time! 40 Minutes may sound quick, but you have the rest of the night to practice your new moves. No partner is required, because you'll find plenty on the dance floor. Better yet, grab your partner and learn how to Tango together! Or how about Salsa, Swing, or Cha Cha? A new dance is featured every 1-3 weeks with lessons starting from the basics and building each week. By the way, you can go on any Wednesday night, but don't miss out on the 1st anniversary party on March 3rd (check website for details).

ballroom dancing
Originally uploaded by captain byrne

Be prepared for 4 hours of fun: wear comfortable shoes, bring bottled water for yourself and your partner (light snacks are provided). $10 sounds quite reasonable for a 40-minute lesson immediately followed by 3 hours of putting it to good use. More importantly, there's plenty of room for 2 left feet here on the 3,000 square foot ballroom dance floor. With that much space, I'd assume that the air conditioning in here is sufficient. If you're already an expert, 10 bucks seems to be a pretty good deal for 4 hours of fun. As for parking, there are several parking lots in Santa Monica for a $3 flat rate after 6 PM (click HERE for parking map).

Learning some dance moves could create a spark (for new couples) or re-ignite a flame (for old couples). This could be something fun to do as a group date too! If anything, at least this active date idea gets you off the couch. Heck, ask your significant other afterward for one-on-one dance sessions (just a tip for a follow-up date). The last time I did tango lessons, all the guys were sweating bullets, making it difficult for me to hang onto my partners. Despite that one not-so-positive detail, dance lessons are a great way to meet people, if that's something you want. No matter who your partner is, think of this cheap date idea as a self-improvement project. Ballroom dancing is a skill that's handy whether you're single or married.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $10 Per Person.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.

Kiss & Tell Idea by @YoSantaMonica

101. $30 Date Night at The Grove

As we all know, dinner & movies are not really cheap dates.
Well, The Grove is making it more affordable with this special deal, $30 Date Night on weeknights (Mon-Thurs). At $30 per person, you get a 3-course meal for two, movie passes for two, and complimentary valet parking for you (which means pick up your date and carpool).

I Love Popcorn
Originally uploaded by Daveblog

Bring your appetite since a 3-course meal is from start to finish: an appetizer, a main entree, and a dessert. The menus are available online for the 7 participating restaurants, which include places such as The Cheesecake Factory and Morels French Steakhouse & Bistro.

For a current listing of the movies showing at the Pacific Theatres at The Grove, click HERE. I personally recommend...

97. 100¢ Cocktail Night at The Edison

$1 Cocktails + FREE Burlesque Show = Cheap yet classy date!
If you are going to be a "cheap date", then do it at The Edison in Downtown LA on Wed-Fri 5-7 PM. Cocktails normally cost at least 10 bucks each in LA, but during Happy Hour that's equivalent to a whopping 10 drinks at $1 each. Heck, you can afford to show off to your date by offering a free round to strangers at the bar. The best day to go is on Thursdays, so you can stick around to view the FREE burlesque show at 8:30-11:30 PM (2/4, 2/18, 3/4, etc.) or every other Thursday dance to the tunes of a DJ. The website does not quite say how long the "Centennial Celebration Cocktail Hour" lasts, but it's on the calendar through April 2010.

Night at Edison
Originally uploaded
by Scani - Salina Canizales

I normally don't blog too much about Happy Hours for cheap date ideas, but The Edison is a classy spot to take a date. When I went with my girlfriends, we were surprised by a snake charmer who came out for a free performance, but I don't know how often that happens. Needless to say, I definitely want to go back again with my man. The ambiance here is incomparable with fancy and weird lighting decor (the place is named after the guy who invited light bulbs). If you call for reservations in advance, you can grab a bite to eat there too, but be forewarned that it's not cheap here ($25 minimum per person).

This upscale lounge/restaurant (don't forget to dress to impress) is a cool place to go anytime of the year on Wednesdays-Saturdays, but it will be open for a special event on Sunday of Valentine's Day at 7 PM. On-line tickets are going for $20, which include admission that day as well as one free martini. Valet parking is always $9 unless you are lucky enough to find a street meter.

UPDATE 03/30/10: The price has jumped from 35-cents to $1, but that's still not bad for a cheap date! Thanks @dateonadime for the update!


UPDATE 05/13/10: Yay, the 100¢ cocktail happy hour and free burlesque show are on The Edison calendar through the month of July 2010.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = 100¢ Drink + Tip + $9 Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $40 Minimum.
Kiss & Tell Idea by @RecessionistaLA

95. FREE Laguna Beach Art Walk

Looking for something cultural and FREE to do in the OC?
Head over to the Laguna Beach Art Walk on the first Thursday of every month 6-9 PM. This coming Feb 4th marks the 12th Anniversary of this ongoing event. For this particular Thursday, come an hour earlier at 5 PM for a reception at the Inn at Laguna Beach (see details on website). Check online for an updated schedule, a shuttle map and a complete list of participating galleries.

Scenes from a Laguna Beach Art Gallery
Originally uploaded by khym54

If you finish up early but want to continue having fun, light up a bonfire nearby before the beach closes at 10 PM (see Cheap Date Idea #34).

Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Idea by @OCdeals

87. Pajama Night at Cafe 50's

Eat for FREE in your pajamas!
There's no need to dress up at The Cafe 50's because they will give your meal for free on the last Wednesday of every month. You do have to purchase a beverage with your meal, but it's still a great deal either way. Just something silly to do once in awhile...

come caffeina.
Originally uploaded by con Costanza

To keep things "clean", they have hired their own "pajama judge" who will inspect your pajamas upon arrival and award you with a white token for wearing the proper traditional PJ's or a blue token for a decent attempt. The white token gets you 100% free meal, while the blue is like a second place prize with only 50% discount. So leave the sexy lingerie home for another date night.

Pajama Night is officially 6-10 PM, but breakfast is served all day, otherwise lunch and dinner meals are available too (see menu online). Cafe 50's is open from 7am til midnight daily or until 1 AM on weekends. There seems to be 3 locations according to Google Maps, but these specials apply to the one on Santa Monica Blvd right off the 405 Freeway.

Sign up for their frequent dining club, so you can enjoy perks, including FREE garlic fries and milk shakes, and also FREE meals on your birthday. Why go to Denny's, when you can support your local mom & pop shop? See you on Wednesday!

UPDATE 04/27/10: The definition of pajamas has evolved over time, but it's back to tradition at Cafe 50's with 2-piece button-down long sleeves and pantlegs with matching top and bottom with a collar. You may change into your PJ's at the cafe but the discount will be 50%, so wear your PJ's proudly into the joint and get your meal for FREE (with a purchase of a drink). For the complete rules for Pajama Night, click HERE.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = 2 Drinks + Tip.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Varies.
Kiss & Tell Idea by @SoCalCoupons

68. Jon Lovitz Comedy Club Universal Citywalk

Laughing is a good ice breaker for a first date or anytime.
The Jon Lovitz Comedy Club is a place worth considering since it's nestled in Universal Citywalk, next to Universal Studios, which offers free admission to the general public. You can stroll around this entertainment area before or after the show and simply hang out.

jon lovitz
Originally uploaded by bkbrian

For the comedy show, the cheapest tickets on Goldstar.com go for $7.50 Total Per Person ($5 Admission plus $2.50 Service Fee). Regular Admission is normally $10-20 pp. Discounted show times are mostly Sundays at 6 PM in January and February. Or you can pay a little bit more at $13.50 Total PP ($10 Admission + $3.50 Service Fee)  to see Jon Lovitz himself (see photo on right) LIVE on Wednesdays at 8 PM for this month only. General Parking after 5 PM is $10 for the Sunday shows or you can get Valet Club Parking for only $3 with validation after 8 PM for the Wednesday shows.

For more info about Universal Citywalk, check out the previous Cheap Date Idea #56. If you love comedy clubs and you love FREE date ideas, check out Cheap Date Idea #55 at the Hollywood Improv. Per @StylesJ's tweet last Saturday, a comedy club is a good date idea! I believe that it serves as an ice breaker, where you both can laugh together and focus on the comedian instead of each other (if you want). By the way, Valentines falls on a Sunday this year, so this might be something casual (and not to mention affordable) to do that evening. Enjoy!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $7.50-13.50 Total PP + $3-10 Parking + 2-Drink/Food Minimum.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $26-46 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @GoldstarLA

34. Bonfire at Aliso Beach

Football
Originally uploaded by joshua_d

A cheap yet romantic date idea...
Aliso Beach Park is one of the bonfire locations that have remained open in California. This flat sandy beach in Laguna Beach is user-friendly: convenient on-site paid parking lot, restrooms, picnic tables, bonfire pits, except it's BYOFW (bring your own fire wood). Duraflame log could run you about $10 and don't forget the matches! I suggest hitting the beach in the early afternoon so you can claim a bonfire pit and set it up before sunset, but you can hang out until closing at 10 PM. Some other free things to do: bring a football, explore the tidepools, wander on the hiking trails, pack a beach blanket and a picnic basket, and don't forget the...

32. FREE at The Getty Center

Getty Center Reflection Pool
Originally uploaded by EncinoMan

Mr. Getty wanted the public to enjoy art for free, so why not? Don't worry if you don't know anything about art, because The Getty offers various tours for free, including a Collection Highlights Tour at 1:30 or 4:00 PM. I suggest going on the garden tour on a nice clear day. Being on top of a hill, the museum offers a great vantage point for a panoramic shot of Los Angeles. Admission is free and reservations are no longer required. The Getty Center is open daily until 5:30 PM except for Saturdays til 9 PM and closed on Mondays. If you have already done the tours, then the best time to go is after 5 PM on Saturdays to enjoy the sunset view from the garden (and FREE parking). Just something cultural and free to do once in awhile...

UPDATE 12/7: If you've got little ones, check out the schedule online for family friendly events.
UPDATE 01/28/10: The Getty is offering new concerts in 2010 called Saturday Nights at the Getty, but advance reservations are required (click HERE), which become available about one month before the event. The next event on March 27th will be available to the public starting February 25th.


UPDATE 05/12/10: Leonardo da Vinci is on exhibit now through June 20th. The best time to go is on Saturdays after 5 PM so that you can enjoy FREE parking as well as the awesome sunset from the Getty gardens with a panoramic view of The City of Angels.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE Admission + $15 parking (or free parking after 5 PM on Saturdays).
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Click here for map

31. Medieval Times Dinner Show

jousting
Originally uploaded by Joits

Medieval Times is something fun and different to do at least once. Where else can you go to watch knights jousting while feasting on finger-licking food? Yup, literally finger-licking as in no spoons and no forks provided. As of now until Dec 3rd on Sunday thru Thursday, the Buena Park Castle is offering a special deal of $25 per person with discount code 25EB11, which is even better than the 2-for-1 birthday deal. This may not be the cheapest date idea, but Regular Admission is $56 plus tax per person. The dinner show is 2 hours of entertainment with a 4-course meal and a non-alcoholic beverage, typically starting at 7 PM except for Sundays 3:30 and 6:00 PM. For those who cannot make it before Dec 3rd, $32 discount tickets are available on Goldstar.com. Enjoy!

UPDATE 01/01/10: More cheap tickets available on Goldstar.com for every night in January 2010.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $25 + tax per person.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $122 total.
Click here for map

18. Buona Vita is Buona Anytime

Buona Vita in Hermosa Beach
Originally uploaded by 365 Cheap Dates

Buona Vita is my personal favorite Italian restaurant in Hermosa Beach for any occasion, whether it's a first date, your 365th date night or even a group birthday dinner. This cozy restaurant is popular especially during summer time, so the atmosphere is always lively during weekdays and weekends. Since it's first come, first serve, put your name down on the wait list, if there is a wait, then take a quick stroll on The Strand walkway to admire the sunset on the beach.

The menu is quite reasonable (see online), especially after a $25 gift certificate from Restaurant.com, which you can buy online right now for ONLY $4 instead of the regular $10 each. The discount code "harvest" expires on Nov 5th (yes, tomorrow, so I posted this a half-day early), but gift certificates have NO expiration date in the state of California. The minimum food purchase is $50, so you can spend as little as $25 out of pocket. That easily covers appetizer, salad, 2 entrees, and dessert. The best part is that there is no corkage fee at Buona Vita, making it a favorite among the locals to no surprise. TIP: Trader Joes is a fantastic place for picking up a good bottle of wine for about $6-10. Another TIP: Park behind the "Skate Park" about a block away for free or try to find a spot in the neighborhood for free during off-peak season (double check the street signs). Have a buona time!

UPDATE 12/11/09: Sale on Restaurant.com, buy a $25 gift certificate for only $2! Use discount code SHARE until 12/14/09. Metered parking is free for 3 hours during the Christmas holidays in Hermosa Beach.

Approximate cost of creative date idea= $2-4 Gift certificate + $7 Bottle of wine + $25 Dinner.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $70.
Click here for map

17. More Than A Happy Hour

Half-off wine bottles!! Yes, 50% discount. That sure is something to cheers about every week on Thursdays and Sundays til midnight. It's more than a Happy "Hour" at The Whisper Restaurant and Lounge at the Grove! After enjoying your bottle, take a romantic stroll next to the nearby "dancing water feature", which is like a mini version of the Bellagio Fountains in Vegas (don't forget your camera!). If you haven't had the pleasure of going yet, The Grove is a high-end shopping center with a lot of foot traffic even during weekdays. Reviews on Yelp.com noted that The Whisper was great for drinks and appetizers, especially on the outside patio for people watching. Side note: Watch out for Hulk Hogan this Thursday, Nov 5th, because he will be at that Barnes & Noble for his book signing. Cheers!


Approximate cost of creative date idea = $20 depending on the bottle.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $40 depending on the bottle.
Click here for map

15. Shark Lagoon Friday Nights

Baby Shark Eggs
Originally uploaded by 365 Cheap Dates

Get up close and personal with the ocean's ultimate predator!! The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach is hosting a FREE Shark Lagoon Night on every Friday 6-9 PM. Not only will you see all kinds of sharks, but also TOUCH the bamboo sharks (bring your camera!). A live band performs every week, with this Friday night, Nov 6th, being jazz music. A snack and beverage bar is onsite, but I suggest going right before dinner when it opens at 6 PM or stop by after dinner. There are plenty of eateries and things to do nearby at The Pike or on Pine Street.

UPDATE 01/07/10: As of today, the calendar shows it's free EVERY Friday night through May 7th.

UPDATE 01/28/10: @AquariumPacific informed me that this event is almost every Friday. I see that the current schedule shows that the last Friday of the month in January 1/29 and February 2/26 have been replaced by "Night Dive".

UPDATE 04/27/10: If Fridays don't work for you, get 2-for-1 admission anytime thru May 19th with this BOGO coupon (print HERE). REMINDER: LAST free Shark Lagoon Night on the calendar is May 7th!


UPDATE 10/01/10: Free Shark Lagoon Night is back for the rest of 2010! It's almost every Friday, so check the online calendar. Thanks to @matthewdiluzio for the reminder! Click HERE for the schedule.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE + $7 parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $48 total ($24 per regular admission ticket!).
Click here for map

14. FREE Helium Balloon Rides

Great Park - Great Pumpkin
Originally uploaded by Kelson

Not hot air balloon, but rather helium balloon. Free every day on Thursday to Sunday, 10 AM - 3 PM and 7 - 10 PM, at Great Park in Irvine. You and up to 25 others can enjoy the beautiful landscape of Orange County at 500 feet in the air. Dress warmly or bring a blanket to cuddle. Good to call in advance about flight conditions (click here for website). Happy flying!


Approximate cost creative date idea = Free.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $148 pp for 1-hour hot air balloon rides for comparison.
Click here for map
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by Mrs. Roberts

9. Tapas Tuesdays in Hermosa Beach

Mediterraneo in Hermosa Beach offers Happy Hour with 1/2 off tapas and $3 draft beer and house wine on week days from 5-7 PM, except tapas are 1/2 off all night on "Tapas Tuesdays". Reservations are highly recommended, especially for the outdoor patio seating during happy hours, sunset and summertime, but inside seating is just as lively. The atmosphere at Mediterraneo tends to be on the classy and trendy side compared to the other restaurant bars in Hermosa Beach.

Mediterraneo
Originally uploaded by « Joseph »

This place is ideal for a first date or a birthday party or simply a friendly gathering. Most tapas range $5-7 per plate, but the full menu is available online. A parking garage is available between Coffee Bean and Starbucks on Hermosa Ave for a $1 per hour but it does get full at the end of the day during summer and weekends. If you are lucky, some street parking in the neighborhood away from the pier is free since permits are not required after 5 PM during off-peak season (Sept-May). Click here for my review about Mediterraneo on Yelp.com.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $25 depending on how much you order.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Click here for map

8. "Surf City Nights" Fair on Tuesdays

Surf City Nights
Originally uploaded by 365 Cheap Dates

Every Tuesday night 5-9 PM, downtown Huntington Beach (AKA Surf City USA) closes down Main Street for "Surf City Nights". FREE admission, live entertainment, Farmer's Market, international food booths, arts and crafts for sale, and more! As you can see by the Kodak Moment here, the little kids trying to pop large bubbles were amusing. Several restaurants will validate for parking (Tip: BJ's will validate even if you don't eat there). This is a great place for tasting different foods for only $3 each! The pupusas from El Salvador and empanadas from Argentina were yummy! Again, this is every Tuesday, but there is a special Halloween Fest on Saturday (see website for more info).

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $15.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.