Austin is filled with plenty to do and sexy people with whom to do them, but since Austin is one of the most expensive cities in the U.S., taking people on dates to overpriced cocktail bars and extravagant steakhouses can be hard on your pockets. Here are seven things to do for a date in Austin that are free or cheap:
Explore Black history with a museum tour (Free)
Check out the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center where you can view exhibits and galleries of cultural and historical significance to the Black community. Show your romantic interest that you’re deeper than the “turnup.” The museum is located at 1165 Angelina Street and is open 6 days a week.
Major Key Alert: Research the current exhibit ahead of time, and be your date’s tour guide.
Appreciate art on a Thursday (Free)
Visit the Blanton Museum of Art on a Thursday when admission is free. Discover their special exhibits and permanent collection of almost 18,000 prints, paintings, and drawings. The museum is located at 200 East Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
Major Key Alert: The museum closes at 5 p.m. Take your date on the third Thursday of the month, when the Blanton remains open until 9 p.m.
Set the mood with smooth jazz (Free)
The Continental Club has a quaint upstairs lounge, The Gallery, where rotating regulars play some amazing jazz sets. The ambiance is intimate, sultry and perfect for a date. Check The Continental Club calendar for showtimes.
Major key Alert: The lounge is on South Congress. Park a little distance so you can take a nice, evening stroll before catching a show.
See a sexy view with rooftop bars (Cover-free)
Nothing is more romantic than a gorgeous view. Take your date to some of Austin’s hottest rooftop bars. Most of the bars don’t charge a cover.
Major Key Alert: Ask your date about their favorite drink. Buy it. Time your visit to watch the sunset, so that once it goes down, it’s a natural time to leave and you don’t empty your wallet at the bar.
Feed your souls with spoken word ($5)
Go to hear some incredible poets, singers, and performers hop on an open mic. With dark lighting, a live DJ, and great food served from the venue, Mr. Catfish & More, the vibe is just what you need for a date. The event is every Thursday at 8 p.m. at 1144 Airport Boulevard.
Major Key Alert: If you have any performance skills, put your name on the list to perform and “wow” them with your talent.
Spice it up with salsa dancing ($10)
Take your date for a fun night of dancing at Gloria’s Latin Cuisine restaurant. The live band kicks off at 11 p.m. every Saturday, and admission is $10.
Major Key alert: Get a jump-start by taking a dance lesson and show your date you can move.
Be daring at the nude beach ($15)
Now, don’t suggest this for the first date, but if you’ve already seen each other’s birthday suits, try Hippie Hollow, a clothing-optional, nudist park located right off of Lake Travis at 7000 Comanche Trail. Strip down and go skinny-dipping in the lake. It’s a great way to show your adventurous side.
Major Key Alert: Pack small sandwiches and snacks and have a picnic next to the water.
I’ve been trying to find out what type of salsa they have at Gloria’s. On 1/2 , Cuban? Also, do they still do the lessons beforehand?