17 Things to Do on a Saturday Night When You're Feeling Social... or Not

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updated Jan 23, 2020

Young woman in jeans and red boots sits on kitchen counter, drinking a beverage — Fashion Me Now

To ensure that we all get the most out of the glorious gift that is the weekend, we compiled a comprehensive list of what to do on a Saturday night, no matter where you are or what mood you're in. In fact, we broke the list of things to do into three sections to make it even easier to plan: Things to do at night when you're feeling restless and energetic, low-key but social, and solitary and tired but still want things to do on a Saturday night. Whether you want to hibernate or hit the dance floor, scroll through to discover 17 ways to maximize the weekend.

When You're Feeling Energetic

Couple in black formalwear walks hand in hand — Cheetah Is the New Black

Pick a New Neighborhood

Even though going out with friends may seem like an obvious, repetitive Saturday night activity, it won't be if you go somewhere new or haven't been back to in some time. Consider picking a funky dive bar, live music venue, or a swanky speakeasy you've been wanting to try in a part of town you don't typically frequent.

Get Interactive

Alternatives to the bar scene might also include gallery openings (some even host events that include a live DJ and cocktails, like San Diego Museum of Art's Culture & Cocktails, or Cocktails at Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in NYC), and karaoke bars with private rooms, dance halls, roller rinks, bowling alleys, and escape rooms.

Impromptu Date Night

Whether that means logging onto a dating app to find a potential first date or going out with your long-term partner, make Saturday night a spontaneous one.

Ways to Spend a Saturday Evening graphic illustration — Michela Buttignol/MyDomaine

Go for a Night Hike

Grab your significant other, pet, or a group of friends. It's a great way to get outside in a unique setting, and an expansive view can look even more beautiful at night. Don't forget the flashlight! Outdoor experts REI and The Clymb are great resources for all-things night hike safety and optimization. If you're in a city without any hiking options, check out a scenic view from a lookout point or skyrise building.

Attend a Concert

Even if you don't know the artist, you could end up having a great time listening to live music and dancing. That goes for live shows at smaller, more intimate venues too. Your local alternative weekly (aka alt-weekly) paper likely has the scoop on upcoming musical acts and other artsy performances, from Denver's Westword to the Triad CityBeat, which covers Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point, North Carolina.

Host a Dinner Party

Choose a cookbook, like Indian-ish by Priya Krishna, and have party-goers bring a dish from the book. If that sounds too ambitious, round up some friends to help plan a bonfire or sunset potluck picnic at a park—just add snacks.

Check out your city or county's Parks & Recreation Department for a list of parks and amenities.

When You're Feeling Low-Key But Social

Two women sit facing each other at a bar, drinks in hand — Cheetah Is the New Black

Have a Cinematic Adventure

Invite someone to see a movie in theaters with you or have them come over to stream it at home. Most importantly, don't forget to order your favorite takeout and have a pint of ice cream ready to go, like Clementine's Gooey Butter Cake flavor (they ship!).

Host a Build-a-Charcuterie-Board Night

Host a wine and cheese night with your nearest and dearest. Keep things casual by arranging your completed boards around the coffee table and gather around with some floor cushions, or go all out at the dining table with a chic tablescape.

Get Contemplative

Okay, so a concert or a club sounds way too exhausting right now, but what about checking out a gallery opening or a book reading? This way you'll get out of the house without depleting all of your energy. From Magic City Books in Tulsa, the Mint Museum in Charlotte, to the cultural spoils of LA and New York, seek out a low-key activity, and you're bound to find it.

Game Night

Prepare an arsenal of hilarious card games or nostalgic board games. They'll probably prompt some great banter and keep things interesting as you get to know your opponents in unexpected ways.

Dabble in the Latest in Wellness

Invite some like-minded friends over to explore the benefits of CBD, whip up some essential oil tinctures, or brush up on tips for creating a better space from the folks at New York's trendy wellness club, The Well.

When You're Craving Solo Time

Young woman sitting with mug in hand and blue sleepmask on her forehead — Scout the City

Crack Open a Book

Sometimes all you want to do is curl up in bed and escape with a good book and a cup of tea without having to worry about going to work the next day—now's your chance!

Face Mask and Chill

Treat yourself to a self-care night in, complete with a relaxing bubble bath, a face mask, and a few (and maybe new-to-you) activities to nurture your inner world.

Try a New Recipe

Have you been too busy to make yourself a comforting home-cooked meal lately? Dedicate the evening to learn a new recipe or whip up an old favorite, and then go ahead and enjoy it in bed. Or if you're not much of a home cook but want to be, dig into the foundational stuff, like knife skills and other cooking basics like how to read a recipe or how to roast vegetables.

Prune Your Closet

Take a peek inside your closet to see what you need to get rid of—things that no longer fit or items you've only worn once and have been sitting in your wardrobe ever since. Then in the morning, donate your old clothing to organizations that accept gently worn threads, like Goodwill or Dress for Success.

Connect with Friends

When you aren't feeling up for a night out or you're feeling stuck in a rut and lonely, call or FaceTime a long-distance friend or relative. Or write them a letter!