Yes, we’re still in a recession. Yes, many people are still searching for jobs. Yes, this can make enjoying the weekend difficult because we’re all pinching pennies. But it’s not impossible. You just need a few reminders on how to have fun without spending money. No one likes sitting at home on the weekends complaining about how they can’t afford to go out. You just need to think outside of the box a little and plan ahead. Here are some suggestions on how to enjoy your weekend on a budget. It’s time to be fun and frugal!

Picnics – everyone likes a good picnic, but when was the last time you actually went on one? You can spend little to no money on this. Get creative and pack a lunch using only the food you have around your house. Grab a blanket, a frisbee, and head over to your favorite park. Simple, yet enjoyable.

Concerts in the Park – many communities offer free concerts or movies at their local parks. This is usually another picnic opportunity. Maybe it’s not the latest blockbuster movie, but it’s free entertainment under the stars. Not too shabby.

Get Creative with Movie Nights – host a movie marathon or dinner and a movie night. Think potluck style. Have friends bring over a favorite dish while movies play all day in the comfort of your own living room. You can pick a theme for the movie marathon (all Brad Pitt all the time!) or just choose movies at random. The dinner and a movie theme is fun because guests can bring dishes that go along with the movie you’re watching. Chocolate chip cookies to go with Chocolat. Hot dogs and popcorn for Field of Dreams. You can also make up your own drinking game (ie whenever Sally and Harry argue, take one shot).

Serious Movie Sunday – continuing with the movie theme here. Watch a movie you’ve been putting off. You know those movies that you hear about and say, “I’ve always wanted to see that,” but seem too serious for a light-hearted movie potluck night? Now is a great time to cross those movies off your list. Reserve Saturday or Sunday for those heavy movies you haven’t tackled yet.

Yard Sailing – make a list of yard sales you want to check out and map it out. Get up early, drink some coffee and make a day of it. Budget out a few bucks to spend on a treat for yourself or just bring a friend and poke fun at the junk your neighbors are selling. I once bought a beautiful ring for 50 cents at an estate sale. You never know what treasures you might find.

Visit a Used Bookstore – similar to yard sailing. There are so many treasures to be found at used bookstores. Bring a few dollars and tell yourself that’s all you’ll spend, then pick out the most interesting book you can find.

Check out a Comedy Show – local comedy shows are often really cheap or free because comedians want the seats filled. Visit your local comedy clubs and see what shows are going on. Maybe you’ll catch a free show for the next big comedy star.

Here are some more ways to get info on great free and inexpensive weekend activities:

Local Blogs – search for local blogs to get the latest info on events around town. These bloggers often have events listed that aren’t in the major newspapers. I’ve discovered plenty of discounts or free events from subscribing to local blogs. They have the best insider tips, too.

Craigslist – look on Craigslist for free or inexpensive events or classes. Many classes (yoga, art, dance, etc) offer free intro classes to give you a taste of the class without any obligation to sign up.

Goldstar.com – sign up for updates from websites like Goldstar Events. You put in your city and the types of events you like, and Goldstar will send you weekly notices of fun activities in your area. The best part is all the tickets are discounted! Movies, plays, art shows, sporting events, concerts, comedy shows—so much to choose from.

These are a few ideas to get you started. Once you start checking out free events, you’ll find yourself stumbling upon more and more of them. Then it becomes a game. How can I have fun this weekend for free? Pretty soon it will become a way of life—even after the cash flow starts coming in again. Here’s to being fun and frugal!