Going out to bars and nightclubs can be expensive, especially if it’s something you do nearly every weekend.
But it does not have to be that way. Here are 5 tips for budget-friendly night out idea that will save you money while also maintaining your fun and entertaining lifestyle. By following these tips, you will have more money in the bank while still being able to go out on the town on a regular basis.
1.) Go To Happy Hours
The best way to save money on bars and nightlife is to go to Happy Hours. There, you can get drinks as much as half off the regular price, plus discounted food, as well. Plus, it’s a great way to get to know local staff and bartenders, which can really be helpful later when the place is busy.
If you are visiting or new to an area, then Happy Hours can serve as a great way to get to know the local nightlife scene because it’s easier to talk with people than when it’s crowded.
Many bars and restaurants are now also offering late-night Happy Hours, which can go from 10 p.m.-Midnight. Take advantage of these places and their food & drink specials.
2.) Pre Party At Home Before You Go To The Bars
This is a time-honored tradition. You meet at someone’s house or apartment (or maybe friends come your place) to pre party. You play music, you dance, you laugh and you have a few beers or cocktails because drinking at home is a lot cheaper than drinking at a bar.
By meeting out as a group at someone’s place, you can get the party started in a budget-friendly manner.
3.) Check Out Free Local Festivals
Many cities and towns have free festivals on weekends. Check to see what is going on in your area because festivals can sometimes be more fun than going to a bar and, if you do them right, can be a real budget saving move, too.
4.) Go To A Pub Before You Go To A Dance Club
Pubs, or basic bars in the USA, generally have way cheaper drinks than dance clubs. So load up on your drinks at these places so you won’t be buying as many higher-priced drinks at the nightclubs. These are great places to warm up for the night, to get a little liquid courage in you and to put you in the mood for a big evening ahead at the clubs.
Or, you may wind up having such a good time there that you don’t even want to go to a club, and that’s another budget-friendly move.
5.) Avoid High-Priced, High-End Bars & Clubs (Go To A Dive Bar)
You can spend a lot of money going to high-end bars & clubs (some charge $12-15 just for a beer plus there are hefty cover charges) so avoid those places. Stick to the no-cover casual bars. The best ones are bars that are cheap but lively, which is why dive bars have become so popular with young pubclubbers.
Karaoke bars are also a fun budget-friendly way to spend an evening. Girls love singing karaoke and these places – often in no-cover bars with moderately-priced drinks – are super entertaining places to go out at night on a budget.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Order A Bunch Of Shots Or Fancy Drinks & Especially Bottle Service
Shots and fancy drinks will pile onto your bar tab in a big way. Save those for special occasions. Shots are expensive, especially since you’ll likely be buying several for the people in your group or people you just met and like.
The fancy drinks can be outstanding – some bars have their own “speciality” drinks – but don’t overdo it on these because they often cost 25% or more than a regular cocktail.
And you should avoid the expensive bottle service, which can be $200-1,000 a bottle.