We are heading to the fair for Frugal Date Friday! Now, when you think fair you probably don’t think Frugal.

We live in the Capital city where there is a huge fair once a year. If you didn’t plan ahead, it would not be a frugal day. With a little planning you can have a blast without spending a ton.

Now, tips for saving are going to vary from location to location. These are some general tips that should be helpful anywhere though.

How To Keep It Frugal:

1.) Check for discount days:
The fair in Columbia, SC has $1 on the first day and even offered free admission if you wore pink for Breast Cancer Awareness one day.

2.) Buy tickets ahead of time:
Many stores or the fair website will offer discount tickets if you buy them by a certain date.  This year Walgreens is offering discounts to our state fair!

3.) Research parking ahead of time:
The fair ground may offer free parking. If this isn’t available, you can do a lap to see how much nearby parking lots are charging. As a general rule, the further away you park, the less it will be.

4.) Do everything that is free:
Exhibits, shows, and even some concerts are free with admission. The more free stuff you do, the more you get for your money.

5.) Skip the rides: For (2) of us to ride the Farris Wheel, it would have been $10. Y’all that’s crazy. There is plenty to do without the rides.

6.) If you can’t skip the rides:
If your kids aren’t cool with skipping rides, buy tickets in bundles. If you really want to go all out, look for unlimited ride passes ahead of time. It’s still pricey, but a lot cheaper per ticket.

7.) Share food:
Want to try different things? Share it with your family or husband. You can pick one or two things and each eat half. You get to try more things while spending less.

See more frugal date ideas.