Overview
When it comes to dating, there's nothing wrong with wanting to impress. You're keen to put your best foot forward, orchestrate a perfect date and create a lasting impression, we get it. Or maybe you want to treat your partner to a night they'll treasure, we get that, too. The thing is, you don't have to splash a ton of cash to win someone's heart. Forget about booking that fancy fine diner because, in retrospect, your most memorable moments won't involve that hundred-dollar steak or that decadent dessert — they'll be about your partner. The conversation, the laughs, the first time you nervously hold hands — that's what you'll remember.
Even if your pockets are a little light, you can still treat that special someone to a night on the town. To help you out, we've pulled together the best free date ideas for wooing your beloved even if you're on a shoestring budget, while our friends at CommBank have rounded up some handy money tips for when you're dating or coupled up. Here are five free activities to check out this spring — you're welcome.
Spender? Saver? See CommBank's tips on how to understand your and your date's financial similarities and differences.
TEST YOUR SKILLS AT FREE TRIVIA
There's a special kind of intimacy that blooms from competing for ultimate trivia glory and, when it comes to crushing the competition, two brains are better than one. So, pool your knowledge and put it to the test. The Brightside in the Valley is best known as a music venue but every Thursday at 7pm it transforms into a trivia hotspot, with quizmasters firing all kinds general knowledge questions and offering prizes for first, second, third and last place. Yep, it's not only winners who are grinners. If you're keen for trivia that's centred on a specific topic, head to Shady Palms. Every Thursday from 6.30pm, the pub runs themed trivia nights for the connoisseur — think The Simpsons, Disney or even Kath & Kim (yep, get your best Trude and Prue impersonations ready). Spots fill up fast, so unlike The Brightside, you'll need to book online. Excellent prizes mean that not only are these dates free, but you could even end up making a 'profit'. And you'll have your first serious discussion about joint assets — even if it is just a lunch voucher.
DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY
For all the movers and shakers out there, Lefty's Old Time Music Hall hosts a free dance party with a funky edge. The Good Foot Funk and Soul Revue is on the last Friday of every month and features a lively mix of Motown, funk, northern soul and boogaloo tunes. Of course, there will be a few of 'those couples' with magnificently choreographed moves, but don't worry about forking out for dance lessons, absolutely no skill is required. Just find your own rhythm together, then twist and shout the night away without refrain. Remember, it's character building to endure a few dance fails while partaking in some toe-tappin', heart-thumpin', old-school fun and any date prudent enough to save the dance for you is worth spending more quality time with.
via Flickr.
HAVE A PICNIC AT BRISBANE'S HIDDEN BEACH
A romantic picnic is perfect for getting into those deep and meaningful discussions about your hopes, dreams and future. When you crave some seclusion, grab your rug and basket and head to Brisbane's hidden beach. Less than ten kilometres out of the city is the secret idyll of Colmslie Reserve which boasts a tiny riverside beach — yes, sand and all — tree-lined paths and a boardwalk that catches the cool water breezes. This expansive southside oasis is the perfect spot for a peaceful interlude and lazy day in the springtime sun. Forget paying cafe prices for lunch; treat each other to your poshest homemade sandwiches or go Iron Chef-style with a cook-off at one of the public barbecues. Whose penny-pinching cuisine will reign supreme?
CATCH FREE ART AND FILM AT GOMA
There's always something new and exciting happening at Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art. If you're both open to finding some unexpected film gems, check the free Cinematheque program. The offerings tend to be (unsurprisingly) artier than your standard cinema — usually independent, international, historic or all of the above. As part of the upcoming APT9 cinema schedule, GOMA will be showcasing innovative film from Indigenous, East Asian, Indian and Marshallese filmmakers until April 2019. After the show, rove the gallery halls. This world-class art may be free, but having someone to enjoy (or critique) it with is priceless. Play the "which one would you buy for your house?" game to see if your tastes align. If your partner opts for a mega-installation while you're thinking of picking a print from the gift shop, you'll both need to learn to compromise.
Joel Devereux.
PERUSE A CREATIVE POP-UP
Flowstate is a creative pop-up in the heart of South Bank. Be wowed by the digital installations, innovative artworks and captivating performances or join in one of the free workshops for art, crafts and wearables — it's an excellent way to get a handle on your date's outlook and personality. Are they a collaborator? Do they prefer making beautiful things or buying them? Are they excited by foraging or handmade clothing? And, most importantly, can they groove in the great outdoors to some bangin' tunes? Head to the free Friday Feels dance party from 5.30–6.30pm to find out. With different DJs every week, the beats stay as fresh as the everchanging Flowstate landscape. Come for the art and the personal insight, stay for the free feels.
Don't spend a cent on your next date with the above recommendations, or, even better, enter our comp and let us pick up the bill.
Top image: Joel Devereux.