Austin dating on a dime: 3 date ideas from $10 to $50 with free music, museums and more

Ah, Austin. The city of hangover breakfast tacos, Barton Springs and a dating scene that’s hotter and trickier than a Texas summer. Just be aware, this Texas gem can be a bit pricey, so a plan for your dates and a sense of your budget can save you from any awkward bill-splitting moments. And yours truly has navigated it all. Some dates forgettable, some … less so. Through it all, I’ve learned a thing or two about crafting the perfect Austin rendezvous. Welcome to Dating on a Dime, our new monthly guide to navigating the city’s dating scene, one curated date idea at a time. Each month, we will cover three budget dates priced at $10, $25 and $50.

With May in full swing, Austin’s romantic potential is undeniable. To kick off your dating adventures, here are three date ideas that won’t break the bank: a sunset picnic at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, charcuterie and a free concert at the Long Center and a museum meandering trip paired with morning brews.

So, take it from me, a seasoned veteran of the Austin dating scene: we do things a little differently here. Let’s dive into some date ideas that would make your date swipe right.

$10: Idlewild and Blanton Museum stroll

Sometimes, the best dates are the simplest ones. Start your Tuesday with a caffeine fix at Idlewild on Lavaca. Their coffee is strong, their atmosphere is effortlessly cool, and it’s the perfect place to kick off a day of art appreciation. From there, it’s a leisurely 13 minute stroll to the Blanton Museum of Art, where admission is free from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays. Wander through the galleries, discuss your favorite pieces, and let the art spark conversation. Ten dollars covers your coffee, and the rest is up to you and your conversational prowess.

Blanton Museum: 200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. 512-471-5482. blantonmuseum.org.

Idlewild: 1400 Lavaca St. 512-370-2450. idlewildcoffee.com.

$25: Spread & Co at The Long Center’s Drop-In series

For those who prefer a side of music with their courtship, I present: The Long Center’s free Drop-In concert series kicking off on May 22 (and continuing through August 14). Start with a Spread & Co charcuterie box. Their boxes are piled high with artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and all sorts of delectable accouterments. Pair it with a coffee, tea or a drink from their grab-and-go selection (they start at a mere $2). At around $16 for the board, it leaves room for drinks and a little something extra for the tip jar. You can place your order online at spreadcocherrywood.toast.site.

Then, let the music wash over you as you and your date find a cozy spot on the lawn. The Drop-In offers a rotating lineup of Austin’s musicians, and the vibe is pure Austin magic. Just make sure to RSVP at the Long Center’s website (RSVPs open every Monday at 10 a.m.).

The Long Center for the Performing Arts: 701 W Riverside Dr. 512-474-5664. thelongcenter.org.

Spread & Co: 2406 Manor Rd Suite B. 512-814-2002. spreadcocherrywood.toast.site.

$50: Picnic and Tuesday Twilights at LBJ Wildflower Center

We’re taking a page out of the “effortless chic” playbook. Picture this: a picnic blanket spread out at the LBJ Wildflower Center as the sun dips below the horizon. The event, happening Tuesdays through May 13, allows guests to hang late (until 8 p.m.) and features live music. Entrance to Twilight Tuesdays is a ticketed regular admission price ($16 per adult, with convenience fee). You can purchase your ticket ahead at the LBJ Wildflower Center website.

Now, let’s say you’re aiming for that sweet spot of thoughtful without breaking the bank. Swing by your favorite grocery store with your remaining $18. You could snag a crusty baguette, a wedge of creamy brie or goat cheese, plus strawberries and grapes. Suddenly, you’ve got a charming spread that feels both elevated and approachable. It’s the kind of picnic that says, “I put in effort, but I’m also wonderfully down-to-earth.”

LBJ Wildflower Center: 4801 La Crosse Ave. 512-232-0100. wildflower.org.

Whole Foods: 4301 W William Cannon Dr Bldg B Ste 800. 512-358-2460. wholefoodsmarket.com

So, there you have it. Three date ideas May that are guaranteed to impress, even the most jaded of daters (ahem, me). Now, go forth and conquer. And if all else fails, there’s always Tinder. Just kidding … mostly.

This story has been updated to correct an inaccuracy.