There are many different festivals going on during the year, which makes a great opportunity for a date. So grab your significant other an go to a festival or convention. It could be just the two of you or you could put together a group date with other couples.
My favorites are the Renaissance Faires/Festivals and ComiCons. The type of festivals available will depend on your locale. In California where I grew up, there was a Renaissance Faire, Strawberry Festival, Garlic Festival, and of course the International ComiCon down in San Diego. They are quite entertaining. You probably want to go on a Saturday because it can be an all-day event. Or make a whole weekend out of it. Several of the Cons start on a Thursday night and go through the middle of Sunday.
Renaissance Faire’s are awesome
If you go to the Renaissance Faire, make it more exciting and dress up. There you can see jousting, jugglers, eat all kinds of food, watch sword fights, almost as if you lived in the Middle-Ages. It is well worth the price of admission, especially if you really like that type of festival.
Some are free, like the Strawberry festival, where you just walk around, with the option of paying money for certain food or activities. There are usually live bands playing, as well.
Comicons are a whole different story. They usually last over a few days and are full of exhibits, parades, panels, food, costumes, and contests. Oh, and don’t forget the freaks. Elaborate and crazy costumes reign at this place, some to the point of being legitimately freaky. Cosplayers come out in force and create the perfect atmosphere. Do you like Batman? Chances are he will be walking around. Spiderman? Oh yeah, plenty of those usually about. And don’t forget the Stormtroopers.
Of course, there will be movie and TV stars there as well; maybe your date happens to like one of the celebrities that will be signing autographs. Imagine the points if you take them to meet their favorite star!
What you need for this Festival or Convention date idea:
You may need to buy your tickets beforehand, but other than that you do not need much. Events like the Cons usually have special pricing for tickets that are bought ahead of time, and you will definitely want to plan ahead if you plan on going to the convention the whole time and are going to book a hotel as nearby hotels tend to sell out early. There are plenty of other conventions out there, they don’t just have to be something nerdy like the Renn Faire or a ComiCon. There are quilting conventions, reptile expos, and many more. Just do a search online and then go to a festival or convention.
My commentary on this creative date idea:
I had the opportunity to go to my first festival ever, which happened to be the Renaissance Faire in California. I had recently made a medieval costume for a short film that my brother and I made, so I decided to wear that to the festival. I was really excited. My parents drove, and my sister, my brother, his wife, and his friend all came with us.
When we arrived, the first thing I noticed is that other people were dressed up beside me. I felt proud to belong to such an elite group of costumers. I also noticed several couples holding hands, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company. Being only 15 at the time I was not really too concerned with girls yet. We walked around and looked at all the neat shops and little plays going on. There were sword fights, minstrels walking around, and people trying to act with an English accent.
My favorite was the jousting arena, which consisted of bleachers that made an oval around a dirt field, something like the beginning of the movie A Knight’s Tale, only the song “We Will Rock You” wasn’t playing. Which is a shame, really—it would’ve made it perfect.
Here in Arizona I usually try and go each year to the Renaissance Festival in my area. It is always a good time, but I haven’t taken a date there yet. Someday.
Phoenix Fan Fusion
One of my new traditions is to attend the Phoenix Comicon, which is now called Phoenix Fan Fusion, each year in the summer. I love it. I haven’t dressed up yet for that one, but will most likely do that one of these years. One of these years I should wear my awesome Lego Benny the Spaceman costume I made which would be perfect.
A good friend of mine takes his wife there every year. They get a hotel and then do a little staycation right there at the convention.
Do you have experience with this creative date idea? Let me know in the comments how it went and if your date, spouse, significant other liked it. You can buy a copy of the book 101 Creative Dates: ideas, tips, and personal experiences from the life of a hopeless romantic here or visit the shop.
Here are other creative date ideas you might like: