Most of us have had to cut back on expenses lately to save money, but that doesn’t mean that we have to stop having fun!  There are cheap ways to keep yourself entertained.  If you need some ideas to spark your creativity, here are a few helpful and cheap ideas:

• Support your local musicians!  Go check out a band.  All it takes is a quick look in the paper or an online search to find the right band to suit your tastes.  Are you open to hearing new music?  Look for original bands.  Do you prefer to sing along to songs you know?  You’ll want a cover band.  You’ll find all of them at bars, clubs, and festivals, and you can dance the night away for a small cover charge or even for free!
• Speaking of venues, attend local festivals during the summer months.  You’ll find a range of possibilities, from church festivals to county and state fairs.  Admission can be cheap or even free, and you’ll get to hear those bands you found, try out new food (perhaps on a stick—chocolate-covered bacon or deep-fried Snickers, anyone?), and maybe experience a taste of other cultures.
• If movies are your thing, consider a matinee instead of an evening show.  It’s the same movie no matter what time you go, and matinees are always cheaper.
• If you’re an active person who prefers to be outdoors, then get outdoors!  Go play in the park—you’re never too old.  Round up a few friends and get a basketball, volleyball, baseball, or Frisbee game going.  You’ll get some great exercise, and you don’t even have to pay for this one.
• Find your local hiking trails or bike paths and hit the pavement.  Go for a walk or a bike ride or rollerblading.  This one is free, too (bonus if your trail has a little café or ice cream shop along the way).
• Take a class!  Go ahead and take the time to learn a new skill or talent that you’ve always thought about learning.  Take a look into your libraries, schools, and community centers.  Many short classes such as cooking, drawing, dancing, music, etc., can be relatively cheap and only last a few weeks.
• If you’re not the outdoorsy type, there are still many options if you’d just like to stay home.  Invite a few friends (or just keep it you and your significant other) and have a game night.  Play cards or board games, even videogames.  Or keep it low-key and rent a couple movies, get some popcorn, a settle in!
• Stay home and get the grill going.  Host a cookout with family and/or friends.  Have everyone bring a side dish and hang out!

This is just the start.  Get creative and be sure to search every available local source.  Some events may be listed only in certain newspapers or on certain websites, but you’ll never find them if you don’t look!  You might be surprised at the number or cheap (or free) fun activities you’ll come across when you just dig a little deeper.