World Frugal Fun Day is a global celebration that encourages people to have a blast without burning through their purses—and we think it’s just what you need!
Started in the U.S. and celebrated every first Saturday of October, Frugal fun day is all about finding creative and fun ways to let loose for less. It’s a reminder that laughter and good times are priceless, and you don’t have to break the bank to create meaningful memories.
The goal is simple: find creative and inexpensive ways to create lasting memories, and it mustn’t cost more than $5.
Unattainable?! We’ve got you covered.
Here are a few tasteful yet exciting ways to have fun on a budget without sacrificing style for under $5 (N8,500)!
1. Budget-Friendly Cinema Date
Movies are classic but still a hit. For as low as N5,500 – 8,000, you can get popcorn and a pet drink at a local cinema near you. You probably think, “I’ve got to fuel my car or take a ride,” which means I’d go above budget. But babe, you may find a little stroll can add an exciting twist.
The good news is cinemas are an excellent option for a cosy date with girlfriends or a solo self-care evening. So grab your friends, share a big popcorn (no one’s counting calories today), and enjoy a girl’s night out! You deserve it!
2. Beach Day with Your Girls
What’s better than a beach day with your besties? Gather your friends and head to a beach if you’re in Lagos or any local waterfront near you. With affordable entry fees of around ₦3,500 -N4,500, you still have plenty of budget left to get a drink or snack to keep it low-cost.
Spend the day taking dips in the water, having mini photoshoots with the ocean backdrop, or just lounging and chatting while enjoying the cool sea breeze. If the beach is not your scene, you could picnic in the garden with your friends. It’s low-key, affordable, and oh-so-relaxing!
Pro Tip: Bring along a Bluetooth speaker for some music or download a few beach-themed playlists in advance. Who needs a fancy DJ when you’ve got great tunes and good company?
Read Also: 9 Ways to Romanticise Your Life This Season
3. Karaoke Night at a Chill Bar
Why stay home when you can head to an outdoor bar or lounge?
If you love singing your favourite songs (even if you’re off-key!), then a karaoke night is perfect. Many bars and lounges around Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt host karaoke sessions, and the vibe is fun and without judgment.
For N8,500, you can sing, dance, and sip on a refreshing Chapman or your favourite mocktail while you and your friends take turns being pop stars for the night. It’s the perfect way to let loose, laugh, and create fun memories.
4. Take a Free Art Tour
You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy the arts. Many galleries in cities like Lagos offer free or low-cost tours of their exhibits. Check out Nike Art Gallery or Terra Kulture to see stunning works from contemporary Nigerian artists.
Even if you’re not a hardcore art fan, wandering through beautiful spaces and learning a little more about the local culture can be a surprisingly relaxing experience. It’s perfect for a cultured girls’ day out!
5. Outdoor Fitness Class: Dance, Yoga, or Aerobics!
Fitness doesn’t have to be boring, and it doesn’t have to be expensive.
Find an outdoor class near you—many fitness enthusiasts host free or low-cost dance, yoga, or aerobics sessions in gyms, local parks, or community spaces. You can spend an hour moving to the beat, laughing at missed steps, and feeling fabulous.
You’ll be surprised at how much fun (and sore muscles) you can have with just $5!
6. Nighttime Open-Air Dance Party
For a more laid-back experience, find a café or lounge hosting an open mic or unplugged live music night. These events usually have little to no entry fees, and you get to enjoy soulful music from a live band.
Whether it’s jazz, highlife, or R&B, settle in with a cold drink and take in the talent. You can also take the mic yourself if you’re feeling adventurous! It’s a calm, reflective way to spend an evening while still soaking in the good vibes. Who needs a fancy club when the vibe is this good?
7. Unwind with a Game and Gist Session
Do you want an indoor experience? We’ve got you. Sometimes, the best moments come from sitting back, sipping your favourite drink, and laughing over a board game.
So, gather your girls, get a couple of games (there are fun ones on your mobile, too), and set up a chill, relaxed game night. For extra fun, set mini-challenges like “winner picks the playlist” or “loser has to share their funniest throwback story!” Pick up some affordable snacks and drinks and enjoy a night filled with banter, stories, and pure laughter.
8. Street Food Tasting Session
This is for my adventurous girlies! Why settle for one meal when you can sample the best street food in your area?!
Grab a few friends and turn a regular evening into a street food adventure. Set a budget of ₦3000, and go on a taste-testing spree of local treats like suya, boli (roasted plantain), shawarma, roasted corn, and puff-puff. Bonus points if you document your “crawl” and rate each spot. It’s a fun (and delicious) way to explore your city’s food scene while keeping it budget-friendly.
So, this Saturday, we challenge you to defy the odds and have the most fun under $5. Because, in the end, it’s not about what you spend; it’s about who you spend it with and the memories you create together.
Share your experiences and favourite budget-friendly tips on social media with the hashtag #FrugalFunDayInStyle—let’s have fun on a budget!
Enjoy, ladies!
