Want to go on a date or go out with friends, but you’re on a budget? Yeah, we feel ya.
But believe it or not, it’s not hard to find something fun to do in Pittsburgh within your college-student budget! Some of the best dates you can have are both accessible and extremely cheap. There are so many opportunities to take advantage of when planning a special night out, including places that give discounts when you show your CMU ID!
This article is a quick go-to list for when you need some ideas.
CMU Events
1. Drama School Performances
The Drama department puts on some amazing performances all year, and tickets are typically $10 (but watch out, you can’t get a student ticket for Saturday nights).
2. Art School Gallery Showings
Students from CFA or the Design program often have showcases at the Miller Gallery or the Frame where they display their work—most likely for free.
3. AB movies
Take advantage of the $1 movies every weekend in UC McConomy, hosted by AB films. Popcorn is also $1, and you can bring in extra snacks from Entropy!
4. Seasonal or Yearly Events
Events like Dancers’ Symposium, Bhangra in the Burgh, or Greek Sing can be a great place for a date because you can only catch them once or twice a year. You may also have friends performing as well!
Free with CMU student ID
5. Mt. Washington and the Inclines
Take the incline up Mt. Washington, and you get a gorgeous view of downtown Pittsburgh. There are some cute restaurants at the top, as well as a delicious frozen yogurt shop.
6. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Phipps is right at the bottom of Flagstaff hill, and can be an awesome place for a date. They have beautiful flowers and plants from around the world, and four times a year they have a brand new flower show. You definitely don’t want to miss the butterfly garden every May, where about 20-30 species of butterflies flutter around you as you look at the flowers.
7. Carnegie Museum of Natural History and the Carnegie Museum of Art
These museums are on Forbes Avenue near Craig St., and contain a full day’s worth of exhibits to look at. They change every so often, so you can always go back to check out a new showing.
8. Carnegie Science Center
This museum is in the North Shore and contains an Omnimax theater as well as scientific exhibits. You can also tour the USS Requin, a retired naval submarine, behind the museum, and check out Sportsworks next door, where you can learn about the science of sports.
9. The Andy Warhol Museum
Andy Warhol is one of the most prominent figures of Pittsburgh history, and a CMU alum! The museum contains much of his work throughout his lifetime, including his famous pop art and the world-famous silver clouds.
10. Mattress Factory
This museum contains modern, avant-garde art. It’s a must-see museum in Pittsburgh!
11. National Aviary
The Aviary on the North Side contains various species of birds you can see and learn about. In some of the rooms the birds fly around as you walk through, so make sure your date isn’t afraid of birds before planning to go!
Other Options
12. College ID sessions at Schenley Skating Rink
This date will only cost you $3 per person (or $5.50 with skate rentals). It’s a classic outdoor skating rink, and it’s within walking distance of CMU!
13. PPG Place Rink and Winter Garden
This outdoor rink in downtown Pittsburgh also costs $3 per person (or $6 with skate rental). Since it’s between the beautiful dark glass PPG buildings and surrounds a Christmas tree, this rink provides a more romantic setting than Schenley’s rink.
14. Kayak Pittsburgh
Kayak through the nearby rivers for only about $15 a person. This is a good date for a more active couple who loves the outdoors.
15. Allegheny Observatory Tours
The Allegheny Observatory in North Side offers a free short film and walking tour on some Thursday or Friday nights throughout the year. Plan to go on a clear night so you can see the stars, and make sure you have reservations first!