Frugal Night (or Day) at the Movies

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

16 Jul 2008 10:02 AM

How much does it cost to go out to the movies these days? I don't even know anymore. That is because I haven't paid full price for a night at the movies in years. Here is a round up of how you can save on a night at the movies.

Finding Free or Low Cost Theater Movies

Here are some places that offer theater movies for less or for free.

Visit your local independent theater. Often these theaters will offer a huge discount on movies that are second or third run, foreign films and art films. There are some real gems to be found here. If you don't mind being the first at the box office, you can enjoy the big theater for as little as $2 or $3. And, you can feel good knowing that you are supporting a local independent business.

Take advantage of free movies offered in the summer by movie theater chains. These are often geared for kids and families. You can find movies every week for free or for the low cost of $1 per person. Two chains that are currently offering movies this summer are Regal and AMC. You can read more about these programs by reading my earlier post: Free Summer Movies.

Communities (towns and townships) often offer free movies, either in a theater setting, outdoors with lawn seating or in a community hall. Again, you won't find the latest releases, but you can get to the movies for free and meet the people in your neighborhood. This is a perfect movie night out for families with young children, because they can often run around before the movie and even during with lawn seating, and no one will mind.

Community group discounts can often be had through your local library, church or civic organization. The group agrees on a movie and then buys tickets in bulk in order to save money. For as little as $5, you can see a first-run popular movie.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. Starting June 1st, don't miss her articles in the Baby Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

More Great Articles:

Social Hall Dinners

Saving Money on Television

Creative Camp Ideas

Three Ways for Frugal Summer Cooking

Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger