Free Entertainment

Just because you're on a budget doesn't mean you can't have a good time. There are tons of things to do for free. This page lists general resources, for more free things to do in your own city, see Freebies by State.

Free admission to Museums, Art Galleries, Science Centers, Aquariums, Planetariums, Zoos, Historical Sites, Tourist Attractions, etc.

• Many local public libraries have a culture pass program where they give away a certain number of passes that are good for free admission to museums, zoos, etc. on a monthly basis.
• Check the tourism websites of your city and state for free admissions, tours and events. Many cities have museums and zoos with free admission all the time, others may offer free admission on certain days of the year.
  
• Go to a store where they're selling art. The art could be just as breath-taking, just usually not as old or historical yet.
  
• Go to a local pet store (its like a zoo but much smaller and free)
  
• Even if a particular museum doesn't have free admission, they may still offer free access to libraries containing educational materials, pictures and videos of their art. You can try contacting a museum to see if they ever check out materials.
• Many historical landmarks have free tours and admissions and they don't all have to be owned by the state. Private organizations, such as churches and historical societies maintain visitors centers with free admission.
• Check the websites, calendars and campuses of local colleges and universities for tours, museums, art galleries, science centers, planetariums, etc.
• Be a tourist at home. Find free guided tours at GlobalGreeterNetwork.info
• See also Vacation Freebies.
  

Free Theater, Shows, Dance, Drama, Poetry, etc.

• Check the websites, calendars and campuses of local colleges, universities, high schools, churches, drama theaters, etc for free events.
• Check the websites of local government for community events such as parades, especially on days celebrating history.
  
• Often, an amateur theater company, orchestra, choir, etc. will purchase a venue to perform through sponsors or donations and offer free admission just to have an audience. Check the local paper or classified ads online for announcements.
  
• Many major cities (espeically New York, LA, and others with large populations) will have street performers that you can observe for free. (Although it may be nice to give them something since they are trying to make a living).
• Volunteer to usher at local theaters to see (most or all of) the show for free.
• Find free literary readings at the local bookstore
• Be part of a live studio audience for the filming of a TV show. TvTickets.com.
• Free ticket to Ringling Bros. Circus for Newborns, Never expires, it can be saved for when the newborn is old enough to enjoy the greatest show on Earth.
  

Live Bands, Concerts and Free Music

• Free Music & Radio Online
• Start up bands are always looking for places to get their name out whether they get paid or not. Listen to live bands at book stores, coffee shops, airports, restaurants, community events, stores that sell music and musical instruments, school campuses, etc.
  
• Check the websites, calendars and campuses of local colleges, universities, high schools, churches, drama theaters, etc for free events.
• Open mic nights at karaokee bars and coffee shops.
• Memorize the numbers of local radio stations and be ready to call in the morning when they offer free concert tickets.
• Use Google blog search to find local college radio stations and be the 1st or 2nd caller to win free tickets. These are much easier to win than regular radio giveaways.
• Hang out by the entrance to a concert. You might get lucky and pass by someone who can't use their ticket so they're giving it away. People sometimes give away tickets on Craigslist and similar sites.
  

Free Movies

• Free Movies, TV and Video Online
• Check the websites of local theaters for free summer movies, sponsored events, free previews and screenings.
• Check out DVDs from the library
• Check the calendar of your local public library for free movie showings. Some libraries have movie showings in private rooms or they sponsor a movie at a local park.
• Go to a film festival. Some shows charge for admission but other shows are free.
  
• See also Free Samples: Movies.
• Got www.Movie-View.com to become a movie screener.
• Find free movie screenings. Go to www.FilmMetro.com and CampusCircle.net
• Be on the look out for movie promoters outside your local theaters for free screenings
• Scan your newspaper daily for free movie screenings or ads asking for test screeners.
• Listen for free screening events on the radio
• Become a film critic by writing for a small paper or website. This may also give you press access.
• Get a job at a movie theater. They often give their employees free movie passes.

Free Sports Events

• Hang out outside the event. If you're lucky you'll run into someone giving away tickets they can't use. People also give away tickets on Craigslist and similar sites. See also Sports Event Freebies.
  
• Go to local parks and schools on Saturday morning to watch little league games. Go to parks, schools and bowling alleys to see adult league games for free.
• Many sports events at local middle schools, high schools, community colleges and even universities are free, depending on the sport.
  
• Some of the bigger sports equipment stores have places where you can practice batting or golf driving for free.
  

Free Video Games

• Free Video Games Online
• Play the demos at your local Target, Walmart, or other department store.
• Some local libraries have events where participants can play video games. These games are usually educational in nature or they promote personal fitness, like a dancing video game.
  

Free Books, Free Education, Free Imagination

• Long before children realize what entertainment could potentially cost, they exercise their imaginations. The same methods of entertainment that existed before movies, video games and the internet still exist now. People can entertain themselves for free by reading, writing, drawing, coloring, painting, and pretending.
• Check out books for free from the library.
• Read books at a local bookstore, they even have places for you to sit where you can read quietly and comfortably before deciding if you will buy a book.
  
• Join a local book club, get involved in book discussions.
• Check local colleges and universities for free lectures and talks
• See also Free Local Education.
  

Other Free Things to Do

• Participate in sweepstakes and contests. Try to win something.
• Go to trade shows and conferences. You may even get free stuff.
  
• Volunteer for a local charity or non-profit. There can be many benefits to this beyond the simple satisfaction of helping others. While most non-profits don't compensate volunteers monetarily, they may offer other freebies such as food or even a computer.
  

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