Unique Date Ideas

Dating can be expensive! We often get asked for inexpensive, yet interesting, date night ideas.We're skipping the obvious, like the Sunken Gardens, the Lied Center, and the Sheldon Art Gallery (though these are great date ideas!), and giving you some fresh ideas!

Note: Before you plan, make sure to check if there are any FREE events happening on your date night. Find current events at lincoln.org.

FREE 

Cooking Classes
Hy-Vee offers a variety of free cooking classes and food sampling events at many of their locations.

Cake Decorating Classes
Michael's offers many free arts & crafts classes, including cake decorating.

 

First Friday Artwalks

Held on the first Friday of every month at galleries and businesses in Downtown Lincoln. Stroll from gallery to gallery and enjoy free drinks and appetizers while supporting local artists. 

$

Fraternity or Sorority Food Philanthropies

Pancakes, nachos, french toast.....you can always find a Greek organization offering food in exchange for a donation to a good cause. Tickets are usually around $5 and most events are on Thursday nights.

Food Trucks
Lincoln has a vibrant food truck community that hosts many food truck meet-ups, where many vendors come together so you can sample a variety of items. Track the food trucks on the Lincoln.org website.

If You Are Over 21: Wineries

There are some great wineries around Lincoln. Most offer 5 wine samples for $1.

Deer Springs

James Arthur Vineyards

$$

The Corky Canvas

Nebraska's first "paint and wine" studio. With a glass of wine in one hand, a paintbrush in the other and the music rock'n, it's a great way to spend time with friends and paint your very own masterpiece. 

Lux Center for the Arts
This artistic haven offers a variety of "couples" art classes.

Budget-Friendly Entertainment

Though there are some great concerts coming to the Pinnacle Bank Arena, if you don't have it in your budget to attend more than 1 or 2 concerts, there are other venues in Lincoln that offer great entertainment at a lower cost.

Rococo Theatre

Duffy's Tavern

Ghosts of Lincoln Bus Tours

A unique idea for fall, hear all Lincoln's ghost stories.

Day Trips

Sometimes it's nice to get out of Lincoln. Consider these budget-friendly day trip destinations:

Nebraska City - 45 minutes

Tour the home of Arbor Day. Pick apples at Kimmel Orchard, visit the Lied Lodge, and stroll through the picturesque downtown.

Ashland -  20 minutes

Downtown Ashland is a charming place to relax. There are a variety of shops, eateries, and art galleries. For some adventure, visit the Wildlife Safari Park. Take a wild ride and spot bison, elk, cranes, prong horn antelope, and other North American natives right outside your car window.