Have you ever wrapped up a weekend and wondered where your money actually went? I mentioned in a recent post how pricey everyday life has become, and it really does feel like low-key weekends aren’t so low-cost anymore. In all honesty, I am sincerely missing the days when a matinee movie and prix fixe dinner cost less than $30!
A Weekend Reality Check
Of course, those days are few and far between. Nowadays, it takes more creativity (and staying in) to enjoy a cheap movie night. Brian and I are constantly pivoting to save where we can, from enjoying nights in to outdoor adventures. We’ve scaled back on everyday costs, trading in dining out for affordable groceries and cooking at home, as well as making the most of free resources.
It’s not easy; convenience can be a serious temptation. The reality is, though, we often pay a lot for it. There are times we think to ourselves that we’ve watched our budget carefully enough and that we can take on a little splurge. We venture out for a shared coffee and meal, and suddenly, we’re back home $50+ short! Yuck.
And these kinds of quick splurges don’t even account for the cash spent at home! Bills, travel planning, and ordinary household expenses add up quickly, with no immediate, tangible reward. Sure, these purchases cover future costs and keep us financially secure, but it can be hard to see the value in the moment.
For instance, in under a half hour after waking up, we’ve spent $1,000 on a random Saturday morning. Maybe that’s not a lot of money to some folks, but it sure is to me! And despite knowing the reality that this $1,000 purchase is split into insurance, travel, and investments, it still feels like I’m running up a tab.
When Weekends Start to Feel Like Transactions
As everyday expenses climb higher and work demands intensify, the way we spend our weekends begins to change. What used to be about time well spent slowly becomes about how money is spent. After a long, tiring week, it’s only natural to want something easy.
So, we end up outsourcing for ease: We pay for the convenience of not having to plan. We purchase entertainment through admission fees and subscriptions. And we pay for connection by meeting friends over dinner and drinks.
While it’s true that there’s nothing wrong with treating yourself or enjoying a weekend out, it’s hard to ignore how transactional everything has become. It feels as though there are fewer and fewer places where people can simply be without opening their wallets.
Third places, the community spaces where people spend time outside of work and home without the expectation of spending money, aren’t as common (or commonly used) as they once were. Without access or consistent use, weekends can easily turn into a cycle of costly consumption.
Truthfully, I’m not sure that most of us are actually interested in unnecessary spending. Maybe I’m overthinking it, but I’d like to believe that what we’re searching for is as simple as rest, comfort, and connection. Perhaps it’s as straightforward as a true sense of freedom after a long week … without any extra cost.
Weekend Fun Without the Big Spend
It’s time to rethink what “fun” actually looks like! Here are some unique, low-cost ways to enjoy your downtime without giving in to expensive convenience.
Wander Through an International Grocery Store
A serious treat for the curious cooks out there! Brian and I appreciate our international grocery runs for their diversity and affordability. Though it’s become a weekly routine, it’s not lost on me that there are still so many unique ingredients, spices, and snacks we have yet to try.
If you plan a visit during peak weekend hours, you might just stumble into an afternoon of in-store giveaways and delicious samples. Whether you’re stocking up for the week or killing some time on a low-key Saturday, you’ll discover plenty of inspiration to spice up your meals.
Pro Tip: I’d recommend roaming through your local international grocery store before shopping at your tried-and-trues, as we often find the most affordable prices here!
Visit Random Open Houses You’d Never Buy
What’s the harm in window shopping? Visiting open houses purely for fun is a totally underrated form of free entertainment. Brian and I love walking through different homes, checking out different architecture, layouts, and neighborhoods. It’s great for people-watching, too!
Once, when we were out joyriding in our early 20s, we stumbled on a new-build neighborhood of million-dollar homes in some random small town. Of course we popped into an open house! We were young, curious, and didn’t want to spend money. It remains one of my favorite memories.
You never know who you’re going to meet or what you’re going to be inspired by. And that’s why we still visit open houses to this day.
Create a Backyard or Balcony Escape
Sometimes we overlook the spaces we already have in favor of paying for ambiance elsewhere. Instead of spending money on an al fresco dining experience or a cozy patio aperitivo, consider creating your very own little outdoor retreat.
String lights, cozy blankets, homemade drinks, and a little music go a long way. It doesn’t need to be fancy to feel good!
One might argue that it costs money to transform an ordinary backyard or outdoor space, but you can find some surprisingly affordable deals if you know where to look!
Scope out your local Buy Nothing group, visit estate sales, and hit up secondhand stores.
Host a “Use What You Have” Dinner Potluck
Invite your friends or family over for a “Use What You Have” potluck instead of getting together for a pricey meal out. The challenge is simple: create a dish using ingredients you already have on hand. It removes the fuss of hosting while making the evening feel more relaxed and creative.
Food brings people together regardless of how fancy the meal is! Some dishes might be a bit questionable, of course, but what really matters is enjoying something edible enough with good company!
Plan a “Library-Sponsored” Weekend
Let’s not discount the library! From free admission to state parks to theaters, museums, and other local attractions, a library-sponsored weekend offers far more than page-turners. We’ve also discovered free classes and cultural events that have given us way more to do than expected, such as community concerts and architecture meet-ups.
And yes, the traditional staples are available, too, including excellent books, audiobooks, and movie rentals. Libraries are seriously the best.
Make a Mystery Day for Each Other
One of the easiest ways to break free from a pricey weekend routine is to add a little mystery. Take turns planning inexpensive surprise outings for each other. Mystery days feel curious and fun without the need for elaborate plans. Maybe it’s a scenic drive, a hidden hiking trail, or a random local stop you’ve never visited before.
Go to the Most Obscure Museum Nearby
Who else here has an affinity for the weird and obscure? Mix things up with a visit to a random, offbeat exhibit or museum. Small local museums focused on odd collections or forgotten industries make for pretty entertaining afternoons. They often cost very little, and honestly, the randomness is part of the charm!
Commit to a “Yes Day” for Free Things
Just say yes! For one weekend, challenge yourself to say yes to free experiences that come your way. Outdoor movies, free concerts, farmers markets, and other community events are all great ways to enjoy your city without breaking the bank.
I receive e-mails from our local Living On The Cheap chapter, which keep me updated on all kinds of free activities. Thanks to these listings, Brian and I have explored a number of community events, from outdoor concerts to charity buffets and weekend markets.
If your city isn’t featured on Living On The Cheap, I recommend checking out events through local organizations, libraries, community centers, and local social media accounts to find free and low-cost activities in your area.
Follow Handwritten Signs
Get ready for some low-stakes wandering! Instead of mapping out pricey stops around town, try following handwritten signs for easy, random fun. Yard sales, produce stands, and bake sales can lead to spontaneous experiences that feel a bit more human and intentional.
These kinds of outings remind us that life doesn’t have to be so automated and transactional. There’s joy in slowing down, taking an interest in random cardboard signs, and following curiosity.
Settle in for a Cozy Read
I’m a sucker for a good book. Honestly, some of my favorite weekends involve nowhere to be and a good book in hand. It’s one of the cheapest forms of escape or adventure available to us! No need to splurge for this one. Curl up with a new library find and let yourself unplug for a few hours.
If the library isn’t open, take a stroll to your nearest Little Free Library or revisit an old favorite you have at home. A cozy reading day costs next to nothing and still feels fulfilling.
Slow Down Your Sunday
I think many of us carry the pressure of “preparing” for the week ahead on Sunday afternoons. They become filled with last-minute errands and quick moments of consumption, as we try to squeeze every last drop out of the weekend before Monday arrives.
A slower Sunday means that we don’t treat the day like a countdown. Instead, we find ourselves enjoying a quieter morning, waking up without rushing. A slow Sunday can look like savoring coffee before the day begins, meal prepping while listening to music, or taking an afternoon nap. I personally prefer saving crowded stores and errands for another day so Sunday can feel peaceful and unhurried.
Reclaim Your Weekend
Reclaiming our weekends starts with questioning the idea that fun always needs to cost money. We might have lost the energy and creativity to drum up easy, affordable entertainment, relying instead on convenience and expensive alternatives to fill our time. And honestly, after a long week, I understand why. Convenience is easy.
But truthfully, I don’t think that most of us are looking for more things to buy. Well, at least that’s true for me, anyhow. I am tired of the weekend costing extra! I miss when fun felt simpler. A good weekend shouldn’t leave us feeling financially drained before Monday even arrives.
And so, when we slow down to appreciate a weekend with intention, we find ourselves in a much better position to enjoy life without constantly spending through it. Whether Brian and I are wandering through an open house or spending an entire Sunday reading at home, we’re finding that these low-cost weekends leave us feeling a whole lot happier and a whole lot less burnt out by Monday morning.
How about you? What’s one simple thing that makes your weekends feel well spent?
