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

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

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

166. Learn Improv for FREE

Learn improv for free or just laugh for cheap!
Do you enjoy cheap laughs? Come and see the improv group called Monkey Butler Comedy! You have 2 choices here: (a) Learn improv for FREE or (b) Watch for $2-5. If you want to be part of the act, this organization offers FREE workshops and classes. Yes, you heard me- you can learn how to improv on weeknights at various locations throughout Los Angeles (see schedule online). Make it a group date: learn for free at the next one on 4/29 and invite friends to watch you for $2! Or come another day to sit back and watch the pros for a mere $5. Either way it's a cheap date idea.

Thanks, monkey butler!
Originally uploaded by Eric K.

The upcoming shows are usually 8-10 PM but check online for schedule update and more info:

• Thurs 4/29 in Culver City (learn for free or watch for $2)
• Wed 5/5 in Hollywood (watch for $5)
• Fri 5/21 in Studio City (TBD)
• Mon 5/24 in Culver City (learn for free or watch for $1)

Most comedy shows are not truly cheap date ideas due to the 2-drink minimum. However, Monkey Butler Comedy is open to all ages (AKA family-friendly) since no alcohol is served. Depending on the location, light snacks and water may be available. The best bet is to grab a bite beforehand.

To be honest, I "tried' improv in high school drama class and let's just say that I appreciate the talent (it's worth the $2-5 to me). If you're brave and looking for a unique date idea, this is a winner! For more cheap (and FREE) laughs in LA & OC, click HERE for a list.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free to learn or $1-5 pp to watch.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @remywriter

158. FREE Ozomatli at Amoeba - 4/20

Come enjoy a blend of hip-hop, salsa, and funk tomorrow for free!
The free shows at the Amoeba Music Store make for a nice casual date idea, especially for music lovers. Ozomatli will be at Amoeba in Hollywood tomorrow, Tuesday, April 20th, at 6 PM. This is a celebration of their new CD, Fire Away, but you may recognize Don't Mess with the Dragon from 2007. I just realized that this band has been around for 14 years. I remember when I heard their first CD in 1998 (yikes, I'm aging myself). Anyhow, if you have not heard them, click HERE for music clips and tomorrow is a great opportunity to do so live in person for free! If not, watch live stream on Amoeba.com or check the calendar online for future free shows.

Arriving early for parking and staking out a spot would be smart. On Yelp.com, Amoeba has been compared to Costco in size, so it's easy to stay until closing time at 11 PM (every day except Sundays which is 9 PM). As for parking, street parking is possible, otherwise there is a parking garage with validation. Take this opportunity to buy a used music CD or movie DVD here with your partner, so you can secure your next date (hint hint). Have fun!

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

List: Cheap (and Free) Laughs

Comedy shows are good ice breakers and great for group dates!
Laugh for free or cheap at any of these comedy clubs in Los Angeles & Orange County:

Originally uploaded by uhoh over

• Hollywood Improv: Free-$4 via Goldstar.com or Hollywood Improv (sign up for their e-newsletters), dates vary (see Cheap Date Idea #55)
• The Comedy Store in Hollywood: Free admission anytime with Twitter coupon (see Cheap Date Idea #77)
• Jon Lovitz Comedy Club at CityWalk: Free-$10 on Sunday and Wednesday evenings (see Cheap Date Idea #92)
• UCB Theatre: Free on Sunday and Tuesday nights at 7:30 pm or $1 with Jeff Garlin on Sundays at 6 PM, plus it's BYOB! (see Cheap Date Idea #114)
• Downtown Independent Theatre: Free every other Tuesday evening, no 2-drink minimum (see Cheap Date Idea #137)

Got any recommendations for other cheap laughs? Please do kiss & tell by leaving me a comment.

143. Mad Hatter Tea Party

It's like being Alice in Wonderland at The London WeHo!

What a wonderful idea! Mad Hatter Tea Party is such a classy yet fun date idea in the Boxwood Cafe at The London Hotel in West Hollywood. Due to overwhelming popularity, this special menu will be extended through the month of April. Enjoy scrumptious desserts and tea (see photo on right by @TheLondonWeho) at 3-5 PM daily (yes, even on weekends!).

LWH Mad Hatter Tea Time
Originally uploaded by
365 Cheap Dates

On weekdays, stay for the "After Five" Happy Hour at 5-7 PM. Enjoy $5 champagne or sake, $5 bites and even $5 valet parking with validation. This is a great deal especially for a high-class hotel lounge in West Hollywood. The Mad Hatter Tea Party and the After Five Happy Hour make for good group date ideas too!

I've been to The London Hotel for a friend's birthday and a networking event, but definitely want to come back for the Mad Hatter Tea Party. I wonder if people dress up like in the movie... My fiance and I were Mad Hatter and Alice for last Halloween (see our photo), hmm...

UPDATE 03/31/10: Just found out the cost is $28 per person. Not quite cheap, but it is a unique experience. Call 310.358.7788 for reservations.

UPDATE 05/31/10: There's a new Happy Hour at The London, see Cheap Date Idea #187.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $5 Valet Parking + Food & Drink.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @TheLAScene & @TheLondonWeho

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.

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

108. Wii, Karaoke, Guitar Hero Nights, What Else?

Don't be a couch potato at home, so come out and play!

Wii Nintendo is not just for kids! Playing games with your partner can bring out the competitiveness and hopefully teamwork spirit between the two of you, especially when playing against other couples. After investing some money into the gaming system itself (AKA capital), then it's a FREE date idea after that. Invite friends over for a group date night.

Or better yet, head out to Barney's Beanery for some fun on a weeknight. There are 4 bar locations from which to choose across Los Angeles: West Hollywood (WeHo), Burbank, Santa Monica (SM) and Pasadena. These make for good late date night since the start time is usually 8, 9, or 10 PM (check their Google Calendar online for updates at each specific location). One of these weekly themed activities should tickle your fancy:

Wii Tennis: Their Own Enemies (Part Deux)
Originally uploaded by geeky artist librarian

• Bingo Night - Something easy to do on Mondays in WeHo
• Comedy Night - Laughing is always good for the soul on Mondays in Pasadena.
• Wii Sports Night - Feel like you are IN the game with their 10-foot wide big screen on Tuesdays in SM (Wii Sports game include bowling, tennis, golf, baseball and boxing)
• Karaoke Night - Perfect for serenading your partner on mostly Wednesdays everywhere, sometimes Sundays and Tuesdays
• Trivia Night - Show off your useless knowledge on Wednesdays in Burbank and Thursdays in Pasadena
• Guitar Hero Night - Make it a group date night on Thursdays in SM

If weeknights are "school nights" for you, Happy Hour either on weekdays at all locations OR Weekend Happy Hour at the original WeHo Barney's (yes, every Saturday and Sunday!) may work for you, always 4-7 PM. Keep yourself entertained with air hockey tables, pool tables, foosball tables, arcade games, shuffleboard- what else can you ask for? By the way, I've never seen an extensive menu like the one at Barney's Beanery. Seriously, there is something for everybody's palette, plus breakfast is served 24/7!

Or if you prefer to stay at home altogether, try the couple's challenge by EA Active. Click HERE for more info. Thanks to @normzrib for sharing the DIY cheap date idea.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free Admission + Food & Drinks

Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless

93. FREE Live TV Show Tapings

Smile, you're on camera!
Why watch your favorite TV show on a television screen at home when you can watch it live? Laugh in person on the Hollywood movie sets of "American Idol", "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?", or how about the all-time favorite, "Family Feud". Browse for your fave TV shows online (click HERE).

Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne....
Originally uploaded by Grandaddy Flash

Depending on the show, you can reserve tickets for specific times directly online through On Camera Audiences TV (OCATV). For some popular TV shows, it's on a first come, first serve basis. Once you submit your contact info, they will email you the voucher and hopefully you will be available. It doesn't hurt to submit your email address. Needless to say, this won't work for a surprise date or spontaneous activity.

However, it's a great idea for a group date! Actually, you might have a better chance of getting in as a large group. For groups of 10 or more on "Family Feud" or "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?", your group can earn money as a fundraiser. These shows are family-friend activity with a minimum age of 14 years. The online form is simple and easy to fill out online, and they will contact you to set up a time.

Be prepared to spend some quality time on the set though, because an "hour episode" usually takes more than an hour. This is something good to do at least once in your life. In one aspect, consider it as a perk from living in Los Angeles or Orange County. How many people can say they've watched a live taping on a Hollywood set? Not just a cheap date idea, but better yet a unique and free date idea.

UPDATE 04/21/10: Here's another online resource for tickets to local tapings of your favorite TV shows, including Price is Right, Dr. Phil, and more at HollywoodTickets.com and TVtix.com.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Idea by my fellow Tweeter in Detroit @freeismylife

92. FREE Meatballs of Comedy, CityWalk

FREE laughs, FREE admission, FREE parking.
Yup, it's all free at the Meatballs of Comedy Show at the Jon Lovitz Comedy Club. @TheMeatballs invites their Twitter friends to come down to CityWalk (next to Universal Studios Hollywood) for a night of fun this Sunday, Jan 31st, at 6 PM. Parking is even free with this coupon (print HERE), which normally costs $10 on Sundays after 5 PM. The coupon is actually good after 3 PM, so that gives you 3 hours before the show to hang out and wonder around CityWalk. I'm sure this is first-come, first-serve, so arriving early is a good idea anyway. Enjoy the sunset...

Pastafarian
Originally uploaded by this_girl_daydreams

By the way, tickets are normally $10 per person to see these Italian stand-up comedians. If you can't make it out this Sunday, check out Cheap Date Idea #68 for discounts on other nights there (Sundays and Wednesdays). The other comedy clubs in Hollywood offer free and cheap nights too (see Cheap Date Idea #77 and Cheap Date Idea #55). Comedy shows are good for a first date to break the ice, but laughing is good for the soul even for old married couples.

UPDATE 02/18/10: Get FREE admission for the comedy show this Sunday, Feb 21st, at 6 PM by mentioning the secret Tweet-word "CheapDates" at the door. Say thank you to our Fellow Tweeter, @VoiceForFreedom. AND print a free parking pass good for 3 PM on 3/21 (click HERE), thanks to @CityWalkLA! Wow, free passes AND parking- I might just do this cheap date idea too this Sunday!


UPDATE 03/28/10: Get FREE admission today, Sunday, March 28th, by mentioning the tweet by @365CheapDates (yours truly). Have fun tonight!


UPDATE 04/16/10: Get FREE admission on this Sunday, April 18th, by mentioning "CheapDate".

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free Admission + Free Parking + 2 Drinks Per Person.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $30 Total + Drinks.
Kiss & Tell Idea by @TheMeatballs

91. LA Friday Night Skate

Dust off your old roller skates and let's rock & roll!
Believe it or not, a group of 40-80 roller skaters (and don't forget the roller bladers) meet up every Friday, usually in Santa Monica and sometimes in Downtown LA and once in awhile in Hollywood. You don't have to be an expert, but prepared to boogie for 10 miles or so. For motivation, a skater will have a sound system strapped to his/her back playing 70's Disco and Funk music. Consider it a big rolling block party!

Roller Skate Disco
Originally uploaded by paulinuk99999

This isn't a new organization. It looks like FNS (Friday Night Skate) group leaders have been around since 1997 and 2000. I'm guessing this activity is a "locals" secret, but now I'm inviting you all from Los Angeles and Orange County to break out your old roller skates and have some fun! This is definitely a great group date idea!

Tomorrow on January 29th, skaters start gathering at 8:30 PM near Santa Monica Pier on the corner of Ocean and Colorado Ave, then start rolling by 9 PM (just look for other folks on wheels). If you can't make it, check online at www.FridayNightSkate.org for the schedule and more info, especially to find out when there will be a special theme. Since it's still "winter" time in LA, bundle up for a night of outdoor fun. It's BYOS (bring your own skates, or borrow your own skates). Oh, and don't forget knee pads and helmets (if you are clumsy like me).

UPDATE 01/30/10: @YoSantaMonica just informed me that FNS is starting a FREE skating practice on the First Sunday of every month at 11 AM in Venice. Don't be shy! That will give you 5 days to practice before the big night on Fridays. Good luck!

UPDATE 05/20/10: Skating will be in Hollywood tomorrow, May 21st.

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

77. Laugh for FREE at The Comedy Store

Comedy Clubs are always a casual date idea anytime!
Wow, this offer at The Comedy Store is even better than Cheap Date Idea #55 at The Improv (both freebies are located in Hollywood). The coupon is good through the end of this month (1/31), but it is first come, first serve.

Hecklers will be asked to leave
Originally uploaded by Lisa Padilla

@TheComedyStore did assure me via a tweet response that going on weekdays should be ok, but Fridays do tend sell out. You can laugh every night of the week. Most show times start anywhere between 7-9 PM, but check online for the schedule.

By the way, some people mentioned that this place is more of a mix between a bar and comedy club, which may be more appealing than it's competitor, The Improv. I've been to The Comedy Store before, but don't recall the best bet for parking on Sunset Blvd. I think metered parking is free in the evening, but I'll post an update once I've gone. Have fun!

UPDATE 03/10/10: Get FREE admission into The Comedy Store, good for anytime during the month of March. Download and print the coupon HERE. Each pass is good for 2 people and up to 3 coupons may be used per group, so this is a good group date idea too! Great date idea for St. Patrick's Day as well. @TheComedyStore just mentioned that it's $7 for a pint and shot on St. Patrick's Day!


UPDATE 04/03/10: Get FREE admission during the month of April. Click HERE to print coupon. Great idea for group dates (up to 3 couples).


UPDATE 05/07/10: Click HERE to print the coupon for the month of May.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE Admission + 2-Drink Minimum
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $10-60 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @TheLAScene

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

List: FREE Fireworks on New Years Eve

Start of the New Year 2010 with a big bang!

Annual Holiday Fireworks
Originally uploaded by 365 Cheap Dates

Here are some options in Los Angeles and Orange County (click on each for more info).
a) Downtown Long Beach's NYE Block Party (3 party areas)
b) Citywalk Hollywood next to Universal Studio
c) Downtown Disney next to Disneyland
d) Marina del Rey, 5-min display (more info @FreeFunLA)

Be safe and have fun tomorrow!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE Admission + $5-10 Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.

56. Free NYE Party at CityWalk Hollywood

Want to enjoy free entertainment AND fireworks under the stars?
Live bands are playing at CityWalk every night during the holidays. Entrance into this entertainment center outside of Universal Studios Hollywood is always free to the public.

Emily Osment
Originally uploaded by Music4mix

Typical band start times are 6 or 8 PM, but CityWalk is open on average til 9 PM this week and 11 PM next week. Check the schedule online for more info, including a list of bands. Parking is $10 after 3 PM (Tip: Get $5 parking rebate for moviegoers). By the way, Santa will be there too every night until 9 PM on Dec 23rd. Even after the holidays, CityWalk Hollywood is something casual to do year round for hanging out, eating and drinking, and watching a flick.

Here's the best part... CityWalk boasts that they offer LA's largest FREE New Year's Eve Party: 2 stages with live bands, 2 large video screens, and fireworks. This special event is 9:00 PM - 12:30 AM.

If you want to make it a full day of fun, buy a day pass and get a full year of the theme park for a mere $69 (best discount for Californians at the moment).

UPDATE 12/28/09: Oops, I meant to mention that fireworks will be going off at midnight at Citywalk Hollywood. Have fun!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE Admission + $10 Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.

55. FREE Improv Comedy Night

Laughing is good for the soul, especially when it's FREE!
Get free admission at Hollywood Improv through Goldstar.com.

Paul Reiser
Originally uploaded by Digital Kloc Photography

Do hurry since there are 5 more discounted shows for the rest of the month, only two of which are free on Tues 12/22 and Wed 12/30. Goldstar.com does charge a small fee $3-4 per ticket, but that's not bad when Regular Admission is $14. Show times are usually at 8 or 10 PM. As with all comedy clubs, there is a 2-drink minimum, which makes it a good post-dinner date idea. The later the better anyway because metered parking is free in that area after 7 PM. If you can't make it this month, sign up on Goldstar.com to get weekly notifications about new discounts at this comedy club (and other attractions around LA and OC). Have fun!

UPDATE 03/24/10: Get a FREE 4-pack of tickets and call it a double date! Tickets are free but there is a $3 ticket handling fee. You have a few choices this week, but hurry because there are only 50 packs each available. Make sure to sign up for their e-newsletter to receive these freebies directly.

• Click HERE for Thurs 3/25 at 10 PM (tomorrow), use discount code NL.
• Click HERE for Sat 3/27 at 7:30 or 9:30 PM, use discount code BLAST.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE Admission + $4 Fee + 2 Drink minimum pp + Free Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $30 Total Admission.

54. Paparazzi Day in Hollywood

Wanna go on a date with Jack Nicholson or Marilyn Monroe?
The one chance that you might have with a movie star will be at the newly opened Madame Tussauds in Hollywood. The conversations might be one-way with the wax museum figures, but it makes for great photo ops!

Jack Cracks Bia Up!
Originally uploaded by vlup2us65

Where else can you have a Kodak Moment with Madonna or Tiger Woods without paying an arm and a leg? Admission at the door is regularly $25 per person or save 10% online anytime for "Priority Access" tickets or get 1/2 off during December through Goldstar.com (only $12.50 pp + $4 processing fee!). The cheapest option for parking is only $2 for up to 4 hours with validation at The Hollywood & Highland Center (an easy 2 minute walk on the same block). For those with a sweet tooth, treat your date to a dessert crepe from the French Crepe Company on the 2nd floor at H&H.

This wax museum makes for a good "day date" anytime (click HERE for more day date ideas). It's open daily from 10 AM til 8 PM on weekdays and til 10 PM on weekends. Your date and you can pretend to be the paparazzi for the day!! Grab your cameras and be silly, why not?

UPDATE 02/08/10: New dates for cheap tickets have been added on Goldstar.com for the next two weeks, Feb 9-21 (unique cheap date idea on Valentine's Day too!).


UPDATE 04/04/10: For a spontaneous date here (AKA last minute), print a $5 off coupon HERE (good for a group date up to 3 couples, expires 12/31/10). Thank you, @dvanderberg and @RobShamTrojan!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $16.50 per person + $2 Parking + $8 Drink or snack for parking validation.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $60 Total.

36. Dr. Seuss How the Grinch Stole Xmas (11/10-12/27)

Grinch & Stocking 2007 12 28
Originally uploaded by tintinetmilou

Everyone loves Dr. Seuss, right?
Or if you need some help in getting into the holiday cheer... Or do you simply enjoy musicals and want to share it with a special someone without breaking the bank? You can get you 50% off tickets for this weekend Dec 3rd - 6th to the Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! at Goldstar.com. If you can't make it this weekend, The Pantages Theatre in Hollywood will be producing it until Dec 27th (CLICK HERE and HERE for times and more info). This is not the cheapest date idea, but it's worth seeing according to 296 members on Goldstar (Rating 4.5 stars out of 5). You can grab a bite or wander around Hollywood before or after since the performance is only 90 minutes with no intermission.

UPDATE 12/19: Only $30 per person on Goldstar.com (save $60) next week Dec 21-27.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $30-42.50 per person + $4-8 parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $170-180 total.
Click here for map