What’s the best free thing to do on a Saturday night?
Times are tough, right? Gas is running about $85 a gallon, the stock market has dipped down to 1929 levels, and nobody’s spending any money to go see “The Dark Knight” at movie theaters.
OK, they’re not that bad. But still.
Best of Big A wants to tap your collective brain power for good suggestions of Free Things to Do on a Saturday Night. This is pretty wide open.
You could climb Stone Mountain and watch the sunset, or play in the fountains at Centennial Olympic Park. (I know there’s a parking fee at Stone Mountain; we’re trying not to be too rigid on this.)
You could volunteer or read a book. If you have kids, you could blow bubbles or catch lightning bugs.
Be creative. And if someone comes up with an idea you like, give them a shout-out, or an echo, or a ditto, and that way we can figure out which ideas are the most popular.
To all the clever posters out there: We’re aware there is an activity that is free and fun. Sex. There, we said it so you don’t have to. Really, you don’t have to.
And this topic’s free giveaway prize is a new hardback copy of the best-selling novel “Brida” by Paulo Coelho. Send us a post in the first seven days. Usual rules apply.
Permalink | Comments (57) | Post your comment | Categories: Nominations
Comments
By pec
July 18, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this
Walking along the Chattahoochee in Roswell.
By 1
July 18, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this
Dancing and singing along to my favorite cover band upstairs at East Andrews. It’s one of the few places left to hear live music in Buckhead.
By 1
July 18, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
Nevermind, I didn’t see the FREE part of the nomination requirements. I don’t know of anything free in Atlanta on a Saturday (any other day of the week yes, but not on Saturday).
By s
July 18, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
concerts on the square - decatur
By MA
July 18, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
Sit at home and play board games with the kids. Fun, fun, fun!!!
By Nathan
July 18, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
Sign up for email lists. They can get annoying at times when you are not in the mood to go out, but when you are. Many places have free entry by certain times…Has come in handy many a Saturday night!
By tmoney
July 18, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
Movies in the Park provided by Vernon and Company.
By G Morgan Timmis
July 18, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
It’s not every Saturday but the 1st Saturday of the month, May thru October. The City of Roswell produces a great outdoor concert series called “Riverside Sounds”. They bring in fantastic bands which fit into a different theme each year. This year’s theme is “You Go Girls!” and is featuring fantastic female vocalists. It’s held in a beautiful park with a concession stand, plenty of parking and clean restrooms. There are usually @ 2500 people there who bring picnics, candles, etc. Lots of folks always end up dancing in front of the stage. It’s always a blast!
By Nick Bazin
July 18, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
I like to people watch at cumberland mall…then if you get hungry, goto the food court and enjoy the free toothpick samples from all the restaurants.
By It's Free??
July 18, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
Sex is free?? Woah! And all these years I thought I had to give her dinner and a movie…
But it is fun!!
By gtg298b
July 18, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
I love walking around Chastain Park. It’s great to see all of the children, golfers with last minute tee times, and nice houses.
By LizDawg
July 18, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
I sit at home and watch the replay of UGA’s blackout of Auburn and the destruction of Tebow accompanied by THE Celebration from 2007. I can’t wait to watch this team in 2008! #1 in the nation baby!
By Ashley Logsdon
July 18, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
I’d host a pearl party! dolma jewelry gives 10% of sales in pearls to the host, so you are technically EARNING money. My friends love dolma’s stuff, and it’s a company with headquarters here in Atlanta!
By Arnel
July 18, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this
A new and true exotic dance and pole dance studio just opened in downtown ATL for women only. We offera free class every Saturday at 11am. Its not at night but its free for 1st time visitors. Classes offered weekly, no sessions. No lingerie, workout attire a must. Bring heels and a yoga mat! www.bodytalkllc.com
By B-Bro
July 19, 2008 7:08 AM | Link to this
YOU CAN WATCH THE DVD’S OF THE ONLY TEAM IN COLLEGE HISTORY TO HOLD BOTH FOOTBALL & THE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS THE FLORIDA GATORS OF 2006 & IT WILL BE THE GATORS OF COURSE WHO SPOIL THE HOPES OF A RANKED JAWJA TEAM IN 08… :-(
By Jim
July 19, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
Going to a friend’s house for dinner by the river.
By Nick Bazin
July 19, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
Goto Georgia State Volleyball matches..they are free, the ladies are incredibly athletic and fun to watch!
By John
July 19, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
Take a walk along the nature trail at Sweetwater Creek State Park.
By Wilson
July 20, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
Park at the end of the runway at Peachtree-Dekalb airport with a couple of lawn chairs and watch the planes go in and out. Bonus “Am I living in a country song?” points if you bring a bottle or two of Boone’s Farm.
By Sade
July 20, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
Taking a leisurly walk with the dog is an enjoyable way to spend a Saturday evening, you never know who you will meet along the way.
By Dale
July 20, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this
Jogging at beautiful Lilburn Park because it is well lit and safe.
By Corinne
July 20, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this
walking around little 5 points and checking out some of the stores. they’re fun to just look at, even if you don’t buy anything! also, keep a look out, a bunch of bands hold free signings at criminal records.
By Laura
July 21, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this
Sitting in my sunroom with the music and the Christmas lights on, playing cards and drinking Velvet Thighs…
By jane
July 22, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
Robin Hood and the gang on BBCAmerica-two episodes in a row-and then Graham Norton- a standing date with my kid every Saturday night!
By CK
July 22, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
Shout in Midtown. The bar/club upstairs is FREE, and the DJ is great! Guaranteed good time at Shout on a Saturday night.
By JTat
July 22, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this
The best free thing to do in Atlanta…get a few friends together and clean out the fridge & freezer and cook out on a nice night. It is something the kids can enjoy as well. If everyone brings something it will become a great “COOKOUT!” Music, card or board games, etc are always a bonus to the evening!! Try it sometimes!!!!
By Glenndora
July 23, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this
Reading the Holy bible and praying is always free and rewarding.
By Pat
July 23, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
People watching at the Krispy Kreme on Ponce is a good way to wrap up a Saturday night.
By Suzie
July 23, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
Support local music! There are tons of local bars and venues that offer free music every night. Saturdays, the best place to be is Tin Roof Cantina on Briarcliff to see Brian Wiltsey play live… for free! :)
By Jennifer
July 23, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
Well, Saturday isn’t as easy as Friday since Friday has free concerts at the Marietta Square and Fernbank Nature Center’s Observation Deck are both free. However, the local nature centers free evening programs are great and the Mable House free concerts (monthly, Sat) are great, too.
By SE
July 23, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
Playing with the Playstation2 with the kids.
By Nick Bazin
July 24, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
Go out and feed some homeless dogs…good clean fun.
By Andrea
July 25, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
Saturday used to be our date night. We used to get a sitter and have dinner, then maybe a movie, maybe dancing. But we’re broke…I mean cutting back on non-necessities.
We trade off with neighbors for sleepovers, giving us a free kid-free nite. Then we grill some shrimp, lite candles, move the coffee table and turn the stereo way up.
Funny thing is, I actually enjoy the sleepover weekend just as much. We have a house full of kids, popcorn, Disney DVDs and video game marathons. Other than the mess on Sunday, they’d be an even match.
By Alexis Jenee
July 27, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
Stone Mountain Park Laser Show
By T to the D
July 27, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
I enjoy panhandling in Olympic Park.
By busta1
July 27, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this
listening to the gun shots in Vine city. Trying to id the caliber. always entertaining.
By Jay
July 28, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
Stay home and go to sleep.
By Joe
July 28, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
I like to go to Swanee town park and walk around. There’s always something going on there.
By Betty H. Emory
July 28, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
Go to one of the parks and “People Watch.” This is very intertaining and you don’t have to pay anything.
By Susan
July 28, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
Go for a leisurely walk - then get the family together for a board game or video
By Family and Friends R FREE!
July 29, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
Have some family and friends over for a BBQ, break out some jazz, some cards, some wine and beer.
FREE! Also, I love picnic’s at Piedmont Park on Sunday afternoons.
By jane
July 29, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this
John is so right! Walking along Sweetwater Creek is the best. It is beautiful, relaxing and FREE.
By Kimberly
July 30, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
the best free thing to do, is to gather together with firend(S) and grill in the yard, with drinks, good food and lots of laughter, then watch DVD’s
By Kelly
July 30, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
Bring my dog to Piedmont Bark—the dog park inside Piedmont park
By Last Word
July 30, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
Aw c’mon, riding the elevator in the Marriot Marquis is the best free ride in town!
By Tod Watkins
July 31, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this
Watching stolen cable at someone else’s house.
By twj
July 31, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
People Watching at the mall
By Tod Watkins
August 1, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this
twj - thats creepy.
By Barak
August 2, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
I like to give speeches with no substance.
By Chrissy
August 11, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
I love to take the classes at Body Talk on saturday mornings. They offer a free class to all new ladies every saturday morning at 11am. Me and my friends, have been hooked ever since that first free class. Every women in the world, should try these classes, they will change your life. Its located in The Railyard on Ralph David Abernathy Blvd.
By Michael
August 11, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
Camping in the backyard with the kids. Lighting sparklers (the new Neon ones are cool) and making smores over the campfire or eating astronaut (freeze dried) ice cream. Add catching fireflies to this in Mid-June.
By T
August 11, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
hold a forum at your home and have everyone bring an item ex food dish, drink, plastic cutlery. Me and y friends do it!!! We have so much fun it usually BATTLE OF THE SEXES!!
By Cyn
August 11, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this
I love going to Atlantic Station while the weather is nice and sitting at the green just in front of STRIP. Everyone is chatting, being nice, all southern hospitality and all.
By cheryl
August 13, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this
Concerts on the Square in Decatur- every Saturday in May and September- FREE and FUN!
By Buffy
August 15, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
I need Ideas for month of October when out-of-towners arrive. Any ideas?
By Jillian
August 20, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
I took Arnelle’s advice and decided to check out the free class at Bodytalk Atlanta. Wow! what a fun and exciting workout I received for no cost at all! Ladies, treat yourself to a fun, fitness experience at Bodytalk Atlanta, you will come back for more, (I sure plan to).
Jillian
By Chiquita
August 20, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
If you are over the age of 21, on a Saturday night, just hanging out at Underground Atlanta. They have like 5 clubs, but if you don’t get there before a certain time or refue to pay like $20 to get in, just hanging out in the middle is so much fun. Plus you can hear the music of the clubs outside, so thats always fun!!