Happy Friday! We made it. I’m back with my budget date night ideas today because helloooo, it’s Friday date night! I’m going to be honest with y’all. I love fall as much as the next girl does. But I’m always really hesitant to get excited about it because I never want summer to end. Ever. I’m one of the unfortunate souls that is always cold. Even in the summer, I wear a lot of jeans and long sleeves, and always have a blanket over me.
I debated even writing this post today because, let’s be honest. It’s August. Not only that, it’s the MIDDLE of August. But you know what I keep seeing everywhere?
You know what’s even worse about not being prepared for fall? Being a blogger and not being prepared for fall. Because everyone is starting to get excited about fall here in blogland and I’m over here trying to convince myself I don’t need fall yet. And then I saw a some dark red lipstick today and decided… I think I’m ready!
Fall is my favorite season, second to summer. Fall has the best fashion of all the seasons. I used to get teased in high school about how I wore sweaters all the time. So fall and I get along pretty well in that regard. Secondly, I can get away with wearing all the dark makeup I want and no one questions the state of my soul like they did in 2006. Third, my husband and I got married in the fall, so I have a special place for the season change in my heart. And lastly, fall has the best date nights. Even those who are clinging to summer can agree to that. So check out my favorite fall date night ideas for any budget! Let me know which ones are your faves and what ideas you’d add to the list!
(Related reading: 12 Creative Date Night Ideas for Any Budget)
Creative Fall Date Night Ideas for Any Budget
1. Binge watch your favorite fall shows
We are only about two months away from the second season of Stranger Things people! Go out and buy some Eggo waffles and curl up under the Christmas lights for a fall date night catching up on your favorite fall series. Other great series to binge include: The Walking Dead (Guys, I know that the show was pretty lackluster a few seasons ago, but season 7 breathed new life into the show. It’s worth catching up on), and Riverdale, which is the most underrated binge-watchable shows I’m aware of right now. Check it out!
2. Make your Own Fair Food
One of mine and David’s favorite date nights in consists of making lots of snacks for dinner. If you’ve got fall fever like me, you may be aching for an elephant ear (my fave!) Find your favorite fair recipes and have a carnival night in. Start early and make all the best carnival cuisine: corn dogs, funnel cakes, fried pickles, and wine slushies, and elephant ears top the list. Don’t forget homemade cotton candy for dessert!
3. Sign up for The Great Pumpkin Run Together
If you’re feeling a little regret from all that fair food, check out the Great Pumpkin Run! (NOT an affiliate link! I just love the race!) This 5k tours farms and orchards around the US. Run straight into fall together as you jog through pumpkin patches, apple trees, and corn mazes. If that doesn’t sound fall-y enough for you, you can run the Tough Pumpkin race instead, where you carry a pumpkin during the course of the race. An extra special prize is in store for you if you cross the finish line with your pumpkin in tact! Can’t afford the race? That’s okay. Sign up as a volunteer and you get your race registration and swag fo’ free!
4. Check Out your Local Oktoberfest
If you’re a craft beer couple like we are, don’t miss your local Oktoberfest. Even if you aren’t a beer person, Oktoberfest is a fun event that launches each September. Oktoberfest is about as fall-focused as it gets. The whole purpose of Oktoberfest is to ring in the fall, so grab your lederhosen and learn how to dance the polka. Or just go and enjoy watching everyone else in their traditional German garb.
5. Get your Boo On at the Zoo
Lots of zoos have a Boo at the Zoo event with all your favorite fall festivities included. Dress up and go see the animals together while enjoying a donut and hot cider. Take a haunted hayride past the exhibits and prepared to be spooked by fun Halloween decorations all through the park.
6. Go on a PSL Scavenger Hunt
Okay, I love a good PSL as much as the next basic girl out there, but the whole pumpkin spice trend has gotten out of control. My husband informed me today that they have Pumpkin Spice KitKat Bars now. I’m not sure how I feel about that one. Hit the mall together and see how much pumpkin spice merch you can find. But before you go, make sure you get an original PSL from Starbucks to set the mood.
7. Make your Fall Favorites over the Fire
Fall nights provide the perfect weather for bonfires. Cuddle up together under the stars and make some of your favorite fall foods over the fire. Make caramel corn over the fire or some campfire apple pies with apples you picked yourselves. If you’re feeling extra PSL-y this year, make some delicious pumpkin spice s’mores.
8. Plan out your Couples Costumes
If you’re a kid at heart like me, you’ve probably been thinking about your Halloween costume for a while. But David and I have never done a couples costume before! Grab your favorite fall treats and take to Pinterest to inspire your duds. Then hit the stores and start crafting! It’s never too early to start working on your masterpieces. Check thrift stores for some great finds, or make your costumes yourselves. Go all the way by hosting a killer Halloween party together.
What are your favorite creative date ideas? What’s your favorite way to ring in the fall season? Let me know in the comments! Happy date night!
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