Sometimes the hardest part of a night out is deciding what to do. There is usually plenty on, but no single obvious choice. If you are stuck, these questions will help you narrow it down quickly.

What kind of evening do you want?

Start with the mood rather than the event type.

  • Energy and noise. Concerts and big sports games are loud, crowded and full of atmosphere. Choose one when you want to be swept up in a crowd.
  • Laughs. Comedy is easy company. It is a great choice for a first date, a work outing or a group with different tastes.
  • A story. Theater is ideal when you would like to be absorbed in something and talk about it afterwards.
  • Something relaxed. Smaller music venues and intimate shows are better for a quieter evening.

Who are you going with?

The right event depends heavily on your company.

  1. A partner or date. Comedy and theater make conversation easy before and after. A small concert is also a good option.
  2. Friends. Sports and concerts work well for larger groups, and they make for great shared memories.
  3. Family. Check age guidance, start times and the length of the event. Daytime events are often easier with younger children.
  4. Colleagues or clients. Choose something with a natural break, so people can chat.

How much do you want to spend?

Prices vary a lot between and within event types, and the price shown on the event page is often a range. As a rough guide, smaller venues tend to cost less than large arenas, and seats further from the action cost less than the best views. Set your budget first, then look at what fits.

How much time do you have?

Check the length as well as the start time. Some games and theater shows run for several hours. A stand-up show or a club gig might be a better fit on a weeknight when you need to be up early.

Try something new

If you always see the same kind of event, try something different once in a while. Search with a keyword you would not normally choose, such as jazz, opera or hockey, and see what is on. A new experience is often the one you talk about for months.

Let the search do the work

The quickest way to decide is to see what is actually on. On Events Near Me, enter your city, add a keyword such as comedy or basketball, and adjust the radius. Compare a few options on the map and list, then open the ones that interest you for dates, venues and ticket links.

Before you buy, read our ticket buying tips. If you are not sure how to search, our guide on finding live events near you walks through it step by step.