Inexpensive Date Ideas in Birmingham - Birmingham on the Cheap

With gorgeous weather fast approaching, and longer days ahead of us, it’s a great time to explore inexpensive date ideas in Birmingham. From day trips to Happy Hours, picking blueberries and Spring Festivals, exploring Birmingham just became even more interesting!

A city rich with history from its industrious past to its very artistic present, Birmingham astounds tourists far and wide. If you have never gazed at the cityscape from atop Red Mountain Park, hiked the wooded Ruffner Mountain trails, walked the Autaugaville sunflower fields in July, or experienced Railroad Park, you’re missing out, my friend.

Photo: Farsai Chaikulngamdee via Unsplash

Now, it’s a great time to show your sweetie that you can think outside the box! Here’s a fun list of inexpensive date ideas we’ve come up with, broken out by category. If you know she’s not a hiker, maybe take her on a road trip. If he prefers to sweat like you, hit the dance floor for a spin.

And ladies, do me proud. By all means, have two meal ideas prepared for that dreaded question we’re often asked: “What do you have a taste for?” You can’t go wrong with steak or burgers!

TRAVELERS & ROAD TRIPPERS

Take A Day Trip – Point your car North to explore the famous Niki’s West and the historic landmark, Bethel Baptist Church. Go West to explore Birmingham’s last antebellum home, the Arlington Home & Gardens. Or head East to attend an evening of performance at the Encore Theatre & Gallery.
Explore Birmingham Walking Tours – Sight-see what Birmingham has to offer by foot when you tour top Birmingham breweries with Red Clay Tours. Explore the Civil Rights Trail and brave Ghost Walk Tours with Birmingham Historic Touring Company.
Get Lost! – Pack a lunch and car charger, and spin your favorite music for a drive around the city. Without using your GPS. You may find all points lead back to Downtown! If neither of you has a great sense of direction, stop for a treat and get directions to your next stop (make sure your personal Hot Spot is on!). You could end up at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens or the Birmingham Zoo to explore nature’s beauty.
Go Bargain Shopping – Thrive off of thrifting or perusing consignment shops? Splurge on your sweetie without breaking the bank. Many great finds occur at Birmingham’s classy boutiques. Check out d’Trespa, Second Hand Rose, and De’ja Ray, which you shouldn’t miss visiting. Visit our growing list of qualifying shops here.

Photo: D’Trespa Consignment & Vintage Boutique

ARTS & MUSIC

Painting With A Twist – Get your Picasso on with your significant other. All levels and no levels are welcome to engage in an evening of painting and drinks to unwind at Painting With A Twist. Just remember to BYOB (bring your own beverage). All painting materials are typically included.
Swing Dance Classes – Hold them close and dance the night away at a Swing Dance class! Get a great workout with the Birmingham Swing Dancers, Steel City Swing, or Fred Astaire Dance Studios. Raise your positive vibes while enjoying swing-era movement that is sure to bring you both closer together in more ways than one.
Birmingham Museums – From very little entry fees to donations only, you can visit a number of historic Birmingham attractions with your partner. Discover a world of intrigue, technology, and artistry at these amazing attractions: Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, the Birmingham Museum of Art, Vulcan Park & Museum, Negro Southern League Museum, McWane Science Center, Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Southern Museum of Flight, the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame and the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. Careful. You won’t conquer all of these well in just one day!
Catch A Movie at Sidewalk Film Center – Sure, you can do a standard movie night anytime, but there’s nothing like a movie experienced at Sidewalk. Enjoy movies every Thursday through Sunday at Sidewalk Cinema.

Photo: Fresh Air Family

RECREATIONAL ADVENTURES

Railroad Park Free Fitness Events – Love long walks or jogs? The Railroad Park Foundation hosts a number of FREE fitness programs. This is thanks to the Get Healthy on the Railroad program, sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama.
Plan A Picnic – Pack a picnic basket and head to a park within the City of Birmingham. Mix it up and drive to Hoover’s The Moss Rock Preserves. Explore and maybe park-hop to see which is your favorite!
Farmers Markets – While a few are seasonal, The Market at Pepper Place, and Alabama Farmers Market are year-round. Explore local fares, crafts, and goods while supporting the work of local talent from around the state.
Go On An Adventure with Fresh Air Family – The Fresh Air Family organization provides innovative outdoor activities including hiking, caving, and more. A great range of activities for couples who love the outdoors, or want a “play date” with their partner’s kids.

FOOD LOVERS

Food Tour with Comedienne Joy – Board Birmingham’s #1 party bus with local celebrity, Joy the Queen of Clean Comedy! The Eat Drink Ride Food Tour with Comedienne Joy leads you on sampling 4-5 small plates and adults beverages. Rave reviews follow this food bus tour, which is a recipient of Beyonce’s Bey Good Impact Fund grant.
Happy Hours – Transition your workday by meeting up at a new restaurant every day! Enjoy up to 50% off food and drinks around Birmingham. Favorites include The Nick, Queen’s Park, SoHo Social, and Mudtown Eat & Drink.
Restaurant Hop – We wanted golden arches fries with the king’s burger on Dave’s bread. This is the time to arrange a 4-course meal at four different spots. Experience more of the city’s eats and converse about it, instead of staying in a solitary location!
Food Truck Festivals – These pop up any time, as the Food Truck festival idea is fairly new. One coming up soon is the Spring Fling Family Food Truck Fest. Food trucks consistently ride the curbs around Birmingham, so a food truck hop may be in view for you! Experience a few amazing winners including Saw’s Street Kitchen, Naughty But Nice Kettle Korn, Eugene’s Hot Chicken, Heavenly Donut Co., and City Bowls.

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Photo: The Heavenly Donut Co.

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We hope this list guides you to some great dates! If you experience a great, and not-so-great date, come back and comment below. Your experience will help others in the city! Happy dating, beautiful people!