List: Memorial Day Weekend in LA

Looking for something to do this long holiday weekend in LA?
The real question is how are you going to fit this all in? Click on each link for event details.

Memorial Day And The Soldiers Out to War
Originally uploaded by pappajohn1969

Friday, May 28th:

• 9. Happy Hour Tapas in Hermosa Beach
• 80. Free Live Jazz Concerts at LACMA
• 97. 100¢ Cocktail Night at The Edison
• 127. Grunion Run - Unique idea, must do at least once
• 140. Last Friday on Main Street, Santa Monica - Monthly event to sip, shop & stroll with music
• 143. The London Happy Hour - Five After Five
• 154. XIV Happy Hour by Michael Mina
• 179. Summer Live Music at Malibu Wines - kick off event, perfect for picnic
• Click HERE for more things to do on Fridays

Saturday, May 29th:

• 32. FREE at The Getty Center - Enjoy the sunset & Leonardo da Vinci plus free parking after 5 PM.
• 104. Shoot Arrows like Cupid for FREE - Beginner archery lesson
• 154. XIV Happy Hour by Michael Mina
• 179. Summer Live Music at Malibu Wines - perfect for picnic
• 180. Fiesta Hermosa - Twice per year festival with live music, arts & crafts & beer/wine garden
• 182. Cinespia Cemetery Screenings - watch North by North with picnic & BYOB
• Click HERE for more things to do on Saturdays

Sunday, May 30th:

• 38. Find Peace at Lake Shrine - Free hidden gem near Malibu
• 50. Farmer's Market in Santa Monica - Every Sunday
• 112. FREE Cooking Classes - at a Williams-Sonoma near you
• 114. Cheap (& FREE) Laughs at UCB Theatre
• 122. Kayak though Naples Canals
• 179. Summer Live Music at Malibu Wines - day time only, perfect for picnic
• 180. Fiesta Hermosa
• 182. Cinespia Cemetery Screenings - watch Purple Rain with picnic & BYOB
• Click HERE for more things to do on Sundays

Monday, May 31st:

• 9. Happy Hour Tapas in Hermosa Beach
• 80. Free Holiday Mondays at LACMA - music & entertainment, family-friendly
• 122. Kayak though Naples Canals
• 143. The London Happy Hour - Five After Five
• 154. XIV Happy Hour by Michael Mina
• 172. Free Bowling at Lucky Strike
• 180. Fiesta Hermosa
• Click HERE for more things to do on Mondays

For another resource at your fingertips, check out my Google Calendar. Whatever you do, have fun and be safe!

185. Free Malibu Beach Safari

Let's go on a Malibu Beach Safari!!
Going to the beach is a not a "special" date idea, especially when one lives by the beach. On the other hand, going on a "Malibu Beach Safari"... now that kicks it up a notch! On Sunday, May 23rd, the LA Urban Rangers will help you discover secret but public beach spots along the 20-mile coastline of Malibu. For FREE, learn how to find, park, walk, picnic and sunbathe legally and safely. The 1.5-hour tours are scheduled for 9 AM, 11:30 AM and 2 PM, but the first one of the day is the best to easily find free street parking. Reservations are not required, but it is first come, first serve and the tours start on time. Click HERE for safari details and directions.

Kenya Safari and beach holiday
Originally uploaded by 1denela

Ever since I learned about this activity last year through @unhipLA (click for blog post & Yelp review), I've been waiting for it start up again this summer. To my dismay (because I am already booked), this Sunday's safaris will be the last ones closing the 3-year project. Nevertheless, I am blogging about it now because it sounds like an awesome cheap (actually, it's free) date idea that YOU can go on and then kiss & tell me about it later (Read: please use comment box below). Then you can come back again as a group date and take your friends to areas other than the overcrowded Zuma and Surfrider.

As with all outdoorsy activities, bring sunblock, bottled water, comfortable clothes, snacks, a beach towel and a camera (optional for kiss and tell). If you miss out on Sunday like I will, click HERE for a free downloadable map to go on your own safari another time.

Disclaimer: The photo used here does not represent Malibu, but it just looked cool for my blog post.

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

176. OC Beer Fest

Unlimited beer of 98 varieties in 3 hours for only $20?!
Like I said on Cheap Date Idea #170, the festival season is upon us. Next up: @DrinkEatPlay is hosting the Orange County Beer Festival on this Saturday, May 15th, 1-4 PM. The OC Beer Fest is not usually a cheap date ($40 regularly), but discount tickets are available online today only at a mere $20! Considering how much you'd spend on drinks within a 3-hour span at a typical bar in LA or OC, this qualifies for a cheap date! Drink unlimited 4-oz pours of 98+ different beers while rocking out to a live 80's band under the sun. Food is optional but available at an additional cost (bbq and various food trucks).

BR2D2...beertooD2
Originally uploaded
by Lockwasher

With mostly sunny and a high of 74°F expected, invite your friends and make it an outdoorsy group date! Parking is only $5, but carpooling is always a good idea, especially since the event location is at Irvine Lake (not the city of Irvine, but rather in Silverado). If you don't have a DD, sober up by enjoying the lakeside by fishing (no license is required) or boating or sunbathing, or check out Irvine Lake website for more ideas. For fun under the sun, don't forget the essentials: sunblock, hat, sun glasses, water and a camera (the last one is optional, but makes it more fun).

Hurry and get your discounted tickets online today via LivingSocial.com. Otherwise, regular tickets are $40 til 5/14 and then it jumps to $60 at the door. For more information, refer to the event website, Yelp review and venue website.

Disclaimer: The photo here is intended for fun only and is not affiliated with the event. Sorry, there will be no special appearance by R2D2's cousin from The Netherlands.

UPDATE 05/13/10: The deal is over now. Wow, 533 passes were purchased. General admission is still available for purchase online until midnight tomorrow (5/14 11:59 PM) and then the price jumps to $60 at the door on the day of the event 5/15.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $20 Per Person + $5 Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $85 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @drinkeattravel

173. Free Wine Tasting, Venice

WTF, did you say FREE wine tasting in Venice Beach?

In general, a wine tasting is a classy date idea, while FREE wine tasting is a classy and cheap date idea! Next Tuesday, May 18th, WTFLA is hosting a complimentary wine tasting on the rooftop of Hotel Erwin in Venice. Enjoy tasting of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Santa Maria wineries (Byron and Cambria). No reservations are required, but due to limited space, it's first come, first serve at 7-9 PM (AKA early birds get the wine). With the sun expected to set by 7:45 PM that day, what can be better than sipping on free wine on a hotel's rooftop lounge with a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean at sunset? I think this cheap date idea has kicked it up a notch to romantic cheap date idea!

DSC04639
Originally uploaded by huliana90212

At first glance, I assume that WTF was an acronym for cursing, but in fact the these letters stand for Wine Tasting for Los Angeles. Now that's a brilliant and unforgettable name for an organization! The tasting is just the beginning of summer, so stay tuned for future events on the WTFLA website. As for parking, the hotel offers valet but the parking lots and street parking will be more cost effective (click HERE for map). Enjoy!

UPDATE 05/19/10: Street parking is free in Venice after 6 PM at most spots, so double check the signs. The event was interesting, but the venue was not the best set up for mixing and mingling at the High Rooftop Bar. Make sure to arrive early to WTFLA events so that you don't have to wait in line when it gets to capacity. You get (4) 1-ounce pours, but only one fill at a time so it's best to get back in line for another while enjoying the first one.

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

172. Free Bowling at Lucky Strike

Free bowling is a great group date idea!
Lucky Strike at L.A. Live is offering a free game with free shoes on Wednesday, May 12th. All you have to do is show up and say the magic words, "Bangerang Bowling", in honor of the movie, Hook. The alley will be open at 11:30 AM til 1 AM (must be 21+ after 7 PM). Depending on when you go, games are about $6-7 and shoe rental is $5. If Wednesday doesn't work for you, pay for bowling on Monday 5/10 and get a free entree. If free bowling wasn't enticing enough, maybe free food will?

Originally uploaded by arnthora

If those days don't work for you, pick any day during the week! Their Lunch & Bowl special sounds like a pretty good deal too: Pay $7.95 for lunch and get a free game and shoes between 11:30 AM - 4 PM on Mon-Fri. If you prefer drink specials, then Lucky Hour is 4-7 PM daily (yes, including weekends!): $5 well drinks, $3 draft beer, $4 shots, $5 house wine by the glass and various food specials. Check out the website for other specials on Sundays and Tuesdays for 1/2 price bowling. As for parking, L.A. Live parking lot charges $5 for the first 2 hours.

If downtown LA is too far for you, check out these other bowling date ideas:

• Cheap Date Idea #61: Sunday brunch and bowling plus $2 mimosas!
• Cheap Date Idea #70: 2 Buck bowling, beer & more!
• Cheap Date Idea #72: Free bowling on your birthday and more!

UPDATE 05/26/10: The next FREE bowling day at Lucky Strike will be June 14th. To get a free game and shoes, the secret code is "The Dude sent me".


Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $22 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @LuckyStrikeLA and @Andres_ocon

167. Grunion Party, Venice - 4/30

You have to do this at least once!
This is like Cheap Date Idea #127, so I'll keep this short and sweet! The Venice Oceanarium is hosting a Grunion Party TONIGHT, April 30th, at 11 PM, in Venice. It is late, but that's when the silvery fish come out to lay their eggs on our beaches. For details and directions, click HERE. You can do this on your own, but this is a fun group activity, especially for families.

Grunion Run
Originally uploaded by Jessierocks

The grunion are expected to be spawning 10:55 PM - 12:55 AM tonight. You can try catching them but have to throw them back in since it's closed season right now (see schedule online). To best watch and document the work of nature, bring a flash light and a camera. Make sure to bundle up but prepared to roll up your pants and wear flip flops.

Since the Grunion Party doesn't start until 11 PM, go "next door" to Santa Monica for their monthly event, Last Fridays on Main Street (see Cheap Date Idea #140). If you miss this party or Venice is too far, check out Cheap Date Idea #127 for other organized grunion runs in San Pedro.

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

165. Star Trek Movie in Park - 5/15

FREE movie in the park = Cheap yet romantic date idea!
If you missed it last year or are simply a Trekkie fan, come watch the movie, Star Trek (2009), on the lawn at the Orange County Great Park (OCGP) on Saturday, May 15th, at 8 PM. Admission AND Parking are free. Parking is plentiful and easy here in this part of Irvine. For more info, directions and to watch the trailer online, click HERE. Sure, you can buy or rent the DVD and watch it in the comfort of your own home, but it's cool to watch a movie on a big screen outdoors once in awhile. While you're at it, invite your friends and family too!

Star Trek (2009) Movie Poster
Originally uploaded by wongjp

Sunset on 5/15 will be at 7:45 PM, which is great timing for the 8 PM show time. Arrive early to claim your spot on the grass and bring a picnic for dinner or just bring popcorn and soda. The average temperature in mid-May is low 40's, so blankets are highly recommended. What a good excuse to cuddle, right? If sitting on the grass for 2 hours sounds too long (actually the run time is 127 minutes to be exact), lawn chairs are ok here.

While you're down at the OC Great Park, enjoy a FREE helium balloon ride too! Registration starts at 6 PM for 7-10 PM rides, but you'll want to be back on earth for the 8 PM movie. See Cheap Date Idea #11 for details. As the date nears, I'll keep you posted if the event gets rained out (or check HERE for weather updates).

UPDATE 05/27/10: If you missed Star Trek, the next free movie in the park is scheduled for Saturday, May 29th. Click HERE for details. Thanks to @kimpanzii for kissing & telling about this one!

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

163. Baskin-Robbins 31-Cent Scoop Night - 4/28

Attention: Sweet tooths (or teeth?) & sweethearts!
Baskin-Robbins is hosting their annual 31-Cent Scoop Night on this Wednesday, April 28th, 5-10 PM. Click HERE to find a BR location near you. You can even sign up for a free reminder via email and/or text message on their website too. This is cool tool if you missed out on the 25-cent BOGO deal at Dairy Queen last week or the free ice cream day last month with Ben & Jerry's (see Cheap Date Idea #135).

Ice Cream Kiss
Originally uploaded
by neverbeengroovy

If you don't scream for ice cream, then support the good cause in honoring America's firefighters. Yes, Baskin-Robbins is donating $100K to National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, but you get the sweet end of the deal- an almost free scoop of ice cream. This might not be a first date idea, but it's nice for a group date or a family-friendly date idea. Enjoy!

UPDATE 04/27/10: Limit is 3 scoops per person, so that's still less than $1. Now that's what I call a sweet cheap date!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = 31-93 Cents per person.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.

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

152. Cherry Blossom Festival - 4/10-11

Sumo wrestling, kimono fashion show, sake tastings and more!
If you can't enjoy the sakura (cherry blossom in English) in Japan like we did (see our photo below), then come on down to Little Tokyo of Downtown LA this weekend. The 2nd Annual Cherry Blossom Festival starts at 10:30 AM on both days and ends by 6:30 PM on Saturday 4/10 and 5 PM on Sunday 4/11. The better day to go is Saturday (expected to be cloudy) since Sunday has a 30% of chance for a few showers, but it is a rain or shine event.

Cherry Blossoms in Japan
Originally uploaded by 365 Cheap Dates

The weekend is jam packed with activities, including sumo wrestling matches, kimono fashion show (Saturday only) and sake tastings. A detailed event program with a minute-by-minute schedule and map is available online. For directions and parking info, click HERE. There are several parking lots in the area, but I don't recall the cost. Next time, I'd take the Metro, which conveniently stops into Little Tokyo.

While you're down there, check out the Japanese Village Plaza (free to browse), The Geffen Contemporary Museum at MOCA (click HERE for 2-for-1 admission coupon) and the Japanese-American National Museum. If you haven't explored Little Tokyo yet, this weekend will be a good time to go. Click HERE for a recommended walking tour with directions and a map.

UPDATE 04/16/10: If you missed the festival last weekend, there is another one in Monterey Park this weekend, April 17-18th. Click HERE for more info.

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

151. Wine Trivia & Gourmet Pizza Night - 4/8

Attention, wine lovers looking for a classy yet unique date idea!
Many of us have been wine tasting, but have you been to Wine Trivia and Gourmet Pizza Night? Tomorrow night will be the first one of it's kind in Orange County. This competition will be held at The Wine Artist in Lake Forest at 6-8:30 PM on Thursday, April 8th. This is ideal for wine connoisseurs or for those who simply want to meet other oenophiles.

wine tasting
Originally uploaded by smcgee

Teams may be in sets of 2-4 people. Feel free to bring a date and friends or come single to get paired up.The official game time is 6:45 PM so arrive earlier to wine and dine. A bottle of wine will be rewarded to each member in 1st Place, while the 2nd and 3rd Place Teams will receive one bottle each to share with their own team. You can enjoy all of this for $25 pp. Due to limited space, RSVP by phone or email is required to partake in the competition. Click HERE for more info.

BlindWine.com also offers other local wine events in OC, LA or anywhere across the US. If you enjoy this date idea, check out your local Bristol Farms for $23 pp (Cheap Date Idea #16) and Larchmont Grill in LA for $25 pp (Cheap Date Idea #149). Cheers!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $25 per person.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @letshare

150. FREE Toyota Grand Prix - 4/16

What?! FREE tickets to the race!!
For Friday 4/16, you can sign up online for a FREE ticket voucher to the 36th Annual Long Beach Toyota Grand Prix. Regularly the value of a 1-day general admission is $25 per person! The race goes all weekend, April 16-18th. Make sure to bring the printed voucher to exchange it for a ticket on Friday. The ticket booths open at 7 AM, while activities run 7:15 AM - 7:00 PM.

2009 Toyota Grand Prix
Originally uploaded
by Michael Zampelli

Needless to say, parking will be a bear, especially with all the street closures for the race, so taking the bus or train would be smart (click HERE for more info). There is a limit of 1 ticket voucher per person (or email address), so feel free to forward to your friends and make it a group date!

UPDATE 04/15/10: Take the local Metro Passport (red bus) in Long Beach, click HERE for the schedule and map.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free Admission.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $50 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @SoCalCoupons and @ScreaminOC

147. Cooking Class + Dinner + Wine = $35

This is a recipe for fun!
Within 2.5 hours, you and your partner will make a 5-6 course meal and wash it down with wine. Normally these cooking classes with a full dinner and wine go for $70 per person, but thanks to SwoopOff, it's only $35 pp! This is an awesome deal to learn from the culinary expert, Amanda Cushman (author of Simple Real Food). As demonstrated in my fave chick flick, "Hitch", cooking classes make for a great first date or even a group date! Hurry and get your vouchers online at SwoopOff.com before it's sold out.

Cooking class
Originally uploaded by Roving I

The cooking classes are available at 3 different locations between Venice and Culver City. According to Yelp reviewers, these cooking classes got rated perfectly at 5 out of 5 stars. For more info, check out www.amandacooks.com.

For more fun in the kitchen, check out the FREE Technique Classes at your local Williams & Sonoma (see Cheap Date Idea #112), but you don't get a full meal and wine here. Tip: Before the end of class, secure your next date to show off your newfound culinary skills in your own kitchen!

UPDATE 04/26/10: The deal was so popular that it's back on! Click HERE to get your voucher at SwoopOff.com now!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $35 per person.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $140 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @SwoopOff

144. Free South Park Screenings - 4/3

Watch South Park on a big screen for FREE with friends!
If you've got a crazy sense of humor or simply enjoy "free" things to do, then don't miss the FREE screenings of the South Park (yes, the cartoon) at the Going Green Film Festival on Saturday night 4/3. The festival runs all Easter weekend, April 2-4, at WGA Theatre in Beverly Hills in case you want buy tickets online to partake in the rest of the activities. For the free screenings of South Park, click HERE to reserve your tickets online.

eric cartman-south park
Originally uploaded by
gabriel_michael

By the way, this is a great idea for a group date, so get free tickets for your friends too. This is absolutely free, no processing fee. Laugh together while watching back-to-back episodes of South Park on a 33-inch x 16'inch full-size screen with 540 other folks. Sure you can be a couch potato and watch this at home, but then it wouldn't be a cheap date idea, would it?

The show time is 8:45-10 PM but get there early since it's first come, first serve on the seats. Make sure to carpool, not only to be environmentally friendly, but also to save money on parking: $3-5 at the parking garages. Some street parking is available around Writers Guild Theatre.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free + $3-5 Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @TheLAScene

141. Free Wine Tasting in Malibu - 3/27

A wine tasting + live music = cheap yet classy date!
Malibu Family Wines is hosting a release party at Saddle Rock tomorrow, Saturday, March 27th 3-6 PM. Enjoy complimentary wine tasting of the newly released wine as well as live music. This event is completely free, but reservations are required. Click HERE for more info.

DSC_0374
Originally uploaded by MalibuFamilyWines

When you are done tasting, double the fun and head to Malibu Creek for a FREE sunset concert (see Cheap Date Idea #134). Bring a picnic or pick up take out on the way there. Or click HERE for other cheap date ideas in the Malibu area. Malibu is just a nice quick and easy getaway spot in LA without the cost of a plane ticket. Have a great weekend whatever you do!

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

139. FREE Movie Screening: Date Night - 3/26

Watching movies is a typical date night idea, but it's a good one when FREE.

Now here's a cheap date night idea: Watch the upcoming new movie, Date Night, for FREE! As of this moment, the show time on Saturday night is already sold out, but there is still some availability on Friday night at 6:30 PM at The Landmark in West LA. Click HERE to get your 2 free passes before it's gone. Otherwise, mark your calendar for the release date of April 9th.

User registration is required to get the free movie passes - it's quick and easy, I promise. In order for me to get this out to my fellow cheap dates (you!), I'm keeping this short and sweet. Now I just need to find myself a "cheap date", since my man won't be back in time. That's too bad because he loves Steve Carell from The Office.


UPDATE 03/24/10: As of this moment, this event is now sold out. Parking is free but click HERE for directions and more info about The Landmark.


UPDATE 03/26/10: A few more free passes have been released for tonight's showing, get yours now by clicking HERE.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE.

Actual value of the cheap date idea = $22 Total.

Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @LAscreenings

136. FREE Movie: Hot Tub Time Machine

Free movies = great group date idea!
Get your 2 free tickets for the advance movie screening of Hot Tub Time Machine. Based on reviews, this comedy is worth watching for free.

Hot Tub Time Machine
Movie Poster
Originally uploaded
by mutineermagazine

As of this moment, tickets are still available for various locations across the US, including:

• Tues 3/23 in San Diego
• Wed 3/24 in San Diego and Burbank
• Thurs 3/25 in Orange

Click HERE to register and print your 2 tickets. A special request can be made for groups of 10, so make it a group movie date night! New advance screenings always become available across the US, so check the website for one near you. Hurry and get your free tickets now!

UPDATE 03/23/10: The 3/25 showing in Orange is sold out BUT tickets are still available for TOMORROW in Burbank.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $21 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @FreeIsMyLife

135. Ben & Jerry's FREE Ice Cream Cone Day - 3/23

I scream, you scream, we all scream for FREE ice cream!
Tomorrow is Tuesday, March 23rd, which means Free Ice Cream Cone Day at Ben & Jerry's. Click HERE to find a B&J ice cream shop near you (this is not limited to LA or OC). No coupon is required. Just walk in anytime between Noon-8 PM for a tasty treat. Every year, Ben and Jerry celebrate their birthday on 3/23, so mark your calendar for next year. Or simply become a FaceBook Fan to get a future automatic reminder/invitation.

Ice Cream Kiss
Originally uploaded by neverbeengroovy

I don't know if 3/23 is freebie day, but you can also grab a free pastry with a paid drink (coffee or tea) at Starbucks before 10:30 AM or while supplies last. Click HERE to download and print the coupon.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $6.

134. FREE Acoustic Concert, Malibu Creek - 3/27

Free concert with sunset and starlight = Romantic cheap date!

On Saturday, March 27th, 5:30-8:30 PM, enjoy free acoustic performances by several artists, including Natalie Nicole Gilbert, at Malibu Creek State Park. The outdoor stage will be opened up to the crowd where you are invited to bring an instrument and share a song. To hear music samples, RSVP, and get more info, check out the Facebook event page. Reservations are not required but appreciated. Feel free to invite friends and make it a group date!

nnggrove
Originally uploaded
by Natalie Nicole Gilbert

Malibu Creek State Park is located in the Santa Monica Mountains. The address for the park's main gate is 1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, CA 91302. Parking next to the site is $12, or find free parking on Mulholland Drive if you don't mind a 3/4 mile walk.

This spot is great for a day date too! We actually have been here before because I recognized the M*A*S*H site. Yup, this is the film set for the old TV show series, MASH. We plan on going again for more hiking and outdoor rock climbing before the concert. Next time I also want to check out the rest of the park, including Century Lake. For hiking trail maps, camping and other info, click HERE.

Wooden benches surround the outdoor stage and a bonfire will be lit. For your comfort, picnic blankets and lanterns or flashlights would be nice. Based on a 10-day forecast, sunshine is expected with a high of 75, but after sunset at 7:11 PM, the temperature will drop to a low of 47, so bundle up. There will be a break if you want to mix and mingle or break out a picnic for dinner. No alcohol is permitted, but coffee, hot cocoa and tea will be provided. The concert will rap up by 8:30 PM, so that leaves time to continue the fun!

UPDATE 03/24/10: Click HERE for Google Map for easy directions. Thanks, @remywriter!

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

133. FREE Wine Tasting Tweetup

You are cordially invited to the Napa Valley Vintners Tweetup Tasting in Los Angeles on this Sunday, March 21, 2010, 6:30 - 8:30 PM, at BottleRock in Culver City. This event is completely free but advance online reservations are required requested (click HERE). Not only will wine tastings be provided for free, but also appetizers, so arriving early, or at least on time, is probably a good idea. Although this is a networking event per se, why not bring a date (optional) and enjoy it together!

6 years of Merlot
Originally uploaded by .craig

I personally have not attended one of their events, but their first event was in Napa last Friday, 3/12. According to their Facebook page, Napa Valley Meetup was founded on 01.01.10. After doing a quick search on Twitter, there is some chatter about the event, so people do attend and tweet about it. I actually heard about this through a tweet yesterday, but can't call recall who tweeted it. I tried searching the tweet, to no avail. Feel free to retweet this and share this cheap date idea!

UPDATE 03/19/10: I received an email update about the event: Reservations are requested, meaning that you can show up at the door and sign in (or save time by registering now online to print out your ticket). They request that everyone use #TasteNapa when tweeting about the event. Not sure if I am going to make it yet, but I am sure it will be fun. This may not be the most romantic date, but heck it's free wine AND apps!
Event: Napa Valley Vintners TweetUp Tasting - Los Angeles
Date: Sunday, March 21, 2010 from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM (PT)
Location: BottleRock 3847 Main Street Culver City, CA 90232-2619


UPDATE 09/13/10: Napa Vinters is back! Come join for a free TweetUp Tasting next Tuesdays on Sept 21st at 6-8 pm at Bottle Rock in Downtown LA. Online RSVP is highly encourage and super easy (click HERE).

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