A dozen date ideas that won't break the bank
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Bike ride + ice cream = great date! Photo: Arika Herron/Axios
Everything is getting more expensive — from restaurants and groceries to energy bills.
Why it matters: A tight budget can make socializing feel more stressful than fun.
The big picture: Whether you're on a first date, looking to surprise a longtime partner with something creative or just get out with friends, here are some local date ideas that won't break the bank.
🖼️ Newfields for free
Experience all that Newfields has to offer for free on the first Thursday of every month.
- The offer includes free general admission to the Indianapolis Museum of Art and grounds, live musical performances, open studio hours and gallery conversations.
- The museum is open until 8pm Thursdays.
🌮 Beer and tacos
Cheap and delicious? You're welcome.
- Head to Turner's Bar in the Stutz for a $3 High Life and order the best $5 taco you've ever had at the window into Julieta Taco Shop next door.
- Add rice and beans for just $3 more and you've got a great meal and perfect dive bar vibes for under $15.
🍷 Wine tasting at Easley
The downtown winery offers a curated tasting experience with a self-guided flight of seven wines with crackers for just $8 each.
- Enjoy your tasting inside or outside in the wine garden.
🚲 Go for a bike ride
Bikes not needed! Rent e-bikes for just $5 or regular bikes for $2 and then 25 or 20 cents/min from one of the stations dotted all around town. Marion County residents can also sign up for an IndyRides Free pass, which gives you free unlimited 30-minute rides.
- Ride from one station and return at any other.
- A ride along the Monon Trail with a stop for ice cream at Lick sounds like a pretty great (and inexpensive) date to us!
🎨 First Fridays
There are plenty of free gallery exhibits and open studio spaces on the first Friday of every month but one of our favorites is the Harrison Center in the beautiful Old Northside neighborhood.
- There are new exhibitions in multiple galleries, plus open studio spaces and usually a food truck or two.
- Afterwards, head two blocks south and catch live jazz ($6 donation suggested) at McGowan Hall's first Friday after party.
🦌 Free admission at the Eiteljorg
The museum of American Indians and Western Art is free the first Friday of each month from 5-7pm.
🍻 Don't forget about happy hour
It's legal now! And dozens of bars and restaurants have deals.
- Some of our favorites are found at St. Elmo Steakhouse, Bocca and Social Cantina.
👀 People watch downtown
Grab a shady seat at SPARK on the Circle and watch downtown life pass you by.
- You can grab a drink from the concession stand and play free games like ping pong and chess.
- SPARK is open every day through September from 11am to dusk.
🧗 Reach new heights
It's just $20 for a day pass to North Mass Boulder and first-timers can rent their climbing shoes for free.
- With climbing routes for all skill levels and no equipment needed, it's the perfect date for experienced climbers and newbies alike.
- Afterwards, head upstairs to the Top Out Cafe and grab a beer or coffee and exercise your mind with one of their many free-to-play board games.
🏖️ Have a beach day
Morse Beach in Noblesville is open through Labor Day.
- It's just $6 per person and for an extra $3 you can bring your own cooler full of snacks (no booze, though).
- The beach is open weekends from noon-6pm.
👫 Take a stroll
Hold hands and go for a walk along one of Indy's most scenic paths.
🍿 Catch a movie
Drive-in movies are A) romantic and B) a great deal.
- Tickets at Tibbs Drive-In Theatre are just $12 each and you get to stay for two movies.
- Plus: You're welcome to bring your own food or treat your someone special to funnel fries at the concession stand.