Spring Break on a Budget
Spring Break is just around the corner. For the financially privileged, that means the sandy beaches of Cabo, the windy streets of San Francisco, or any myriad of really cool, but expensive out of town vacations. For those of us on a budget, Spring Break usually means a lot of sitting around and a weekend of bad house parties. Have no fear. This day-to-day spring break guide will ensure seven blissful days in an inebriated haze without breaking the bank.
Sunday: They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Those people wake up too early. Why not have brunch at Memphis Cafe in Costa Mesa, where their special includes $4 Bloody Marys and $11 Bottomless Mimosas with the purchase of an entrée. Chill out for the afternoon. It’s Sunday, after all. After a day of lounging, head over to Detroit Bar in Costa Mesa for their Sunday Karaoke Night with Bobby Vegas. This 21+ event has no cover charge and starts at 9pm.
Monday: Taco Mesa in Costa Mesa hosts $2 Margarita Mondays all day. Got work all day? Stop by Detroit Bar in Costa Mesa for some great live music courtesy of the April resident artist, Let Em Riot!
Tuesday: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Lab in Costa Mesa hosts an open mic night in the courtyard. The Irvine Improv hosts a Comedy Juice College Night every Tuesday, and on April 3 comedian KT Tatara will be performing alongside funnymen Darren Carter, Skylar Stone, Byron Bowers, and Benji Aflalo.
Wednesday: Fountain Bowl in Fountain Valley has a Hump Day Special that only costs $1.99 per game. The OC Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa holds a Food Truck Fare every Wednesday evening, 5:30pm – 9pm. Beachfront 301 in Newport Beach has $3 bacon burgers all day and $2 Bud draft beers. End your evening at La Cave in Costa Mesa, where they play live local bands, no cover.
Thursday: If you missed the Food Truck Fare last night, you can stop by the OC Fairgrounds for lunch. Parking is free, and the trucks will be there 11am-2pm. Looking to class things up? Start your evening early at the OC Wine Mart and Tasting Bar in Irvine. Yelp has a deal going on: $15 for a $20 wine tasting card.
Friday: Feeling up to an intense workout? Come experience Irvine Bootcamp on the 6th hosted by Total Training by Tammy. For only $10 a class you can tone, strengthen, and increase your cardio fitness levels. The class is from 5:30-6:30 p.m., leaving you just enough time to go home and get ready for the evening. Then, you can head out to the Inna USA Tour stop at Vanguard University in Anaheim and dance the night away!
Saturday: This is it! Celebrate the last night of Spring Break with a bang. DJ Skeet Skeet and DWNTWN will be playing at Yost Theater in Santa Ana, this Saturday on the 31st. Rony’s Photo Booth will be there to take pictures of your night, in case you don’t end up remembering most of it. Best of all? RSVP for free entry before 10:30pm! Otherwise, it’s $10 presale and $15 after 10:30pm. If you're thinking about next Saturday the 7th, The Observatory and Constellation Room in Santa Ana are having two live shows that night featuring Milo Greene ($10) and Wolfgang Gartner($25). Come out to the renovated venue, formerly known as The Galaxy, for some great drinks and great music!
Now that I’ve given you the tools for a budget-friendly Spring Break, please remember to drink responsibly and hydrate as often as possible. Take it easy on Sunday, and spend the day nursing your hangover and putting together the pieces of your fragmented week.
If you're looking to get out of town, here are a few close to OC options
