Has staying home watching television become your idea of great entertainment? Make a New Year's resolution to get off the couch. Here are some tips on finding out about free and low-cost events and saving money when you go out.
By HELEN HUNTLEY
Published December 14, 2003
1. Get on the mailing list. Government agencies, museums, libraries, colleges and performing arts venues send e-mails and newsletters to promote upcoming events, ticket discounts and giveaways.
2. Join the club. Many museums and attractions offer an annual membership with unlimited admission and gift shop discounts. Join a different one each year. Special events and seasonal changes can keep the experience fresh.
3. Go back to school. Colleges and universities offer lots of free and low-cost concerts, lectures and athletic events. Check the college Web site for news.
4. Volunteer. Performing arts venues and festivals often use volunteers to usher, take tickets and perform other duties. One of the perks is seeing the show for free.
5. Develop an eye for art. Art shows, gallery exhibits and art walks are usually free and sometimes offer opportunities to chat with artists and learn about their work. Sign up for gallery mailing lists and get yourself invited to exhibit openings.
6. Get back to nature. Tourists spend thousands of dollars to come to Florida and see the sunshine, but we can enjoy it for free. Go to the beach in the early morning or late afternoon when it is less crowded. Get a list of area parks and visit one each week, taking along a picnic lunch. Drive over the Sunshine Skyway on a beautiful day. Work your way through a U-pick vegetable or strawberry field. Go fishing.
7. Buy tickets at the last minute. This won't work for the Super Bowl, but for other events, you may be able to find tickets for less than face value outside the gate just before show time.
8. Let your neighbors entertain you. The weekend and neighborhood sections of local newspapers are great places to find out about free and low-cost events sponsored by schools, civic clubs, churches and neighborhood groups. These can be lots of fun even if the talent isn't on a professional level, and you just might be pleasantly surprised. Whatever you spend typically goes to a good cause.
9. Be willing to walk. Event parking can be expensive, but free parking is usually available if you are willing to walk several blocks. Wear comfortable shoes.
10. Eat at home. Avoid expensive concessions by eating a meal before you go out. Take your own snacks if the venue allows it, or pack a cooler for your car and then snack on your way home.
- Some sources of information on Tampa Bay area events:
