7 Free Virtual Events To Stay Entertained While You’re Stuck At Home
Millions of Americans must stay inside during the COVID-19 pandemic, changing almost every facet of their life, from social patterns to childcare availability.
While it can seem like there is nothing to do if you’re stuck inside all day, brands, celebrities, and companies have created easily accessible, free content for all to enjoy. Here are some options.
1. Take a class.
iTunes has free, downloadable classroom materials from colleges and universities across the country. You can find classes in virtually any topic, from Personal Finance to Arabic for Beginners to Introduction to Computer Science I.
Another recently trending, free online course is The Science of Well-Being. Taught by Yale professor Laurie Santos, the course guides you to “engage in a series of challenges designed to increase your own happiness and build more productive habits.”
2. Watch a Broadway or opera show.
It’s not often you’re able to skip the lines and the steep price of Broadway. BroadwayHD is offering a free seven-day trial of their online service (typically $8.99 a month), where you can watch hundreds of popular productions, like Cats, Sweeney Todd, and Peter Pan.
The Met is also offering free encore presentations through their Live in HD series of must-see operas.
3. Watch a virtual concert.
Many musicians had to cancel their tours as a result of COVID-19, and are instead offering free concerts via charity partners or their own social media. Find a great running list of shows, including Trevor Hall, Maggie Rose, and Ben Folds, here.
4. Catch your favorite celebrities on Instagram Live.
Singer Miley Cyrus is offering a “Bright Minded: Live with Miley” series with popular stars at 11:30 AM PT on weekdays. Amy Adams and Jennifer Garner encourage celebrities to read stories for children daily on their Instagram, #SaveWithStories. Other celebrities, like Jeffree Star and Chris Janson, have appeared on Instagram Live to chat with fans, so be sure to turn on post notifications for any of your favorite celebrities so you can join in real-time!
5. Watch a comedy show.
The Baltimore Improv Group is streaming free improv comedy. Performers are connecting over Zoom in order to put on the show, and the untraditional format makes the performance even more exciting. Click here to see their weekly schedule.
6. Play a game.
Video games offer an escape into an entirely different world than the one you are presently in. More so, many online games offer ways to connect virtually and chat with friends. Looking for a throwback to your middle school days? Try the latest version of Club Penguin. To try a popular game often known as a building block for beginner gamers, check out the farming and mining world of Minecraft.
7. Join a fitness class.
Popular yoga service Y7 and boxing club Rumble are both offering free Instagram Live classes. Planet Fitness is also offering approachable and easy workouts daily through Facebook Live. To find more free classes offered virtually, read our story on the 10 best virtual workouts here.
While it can be easy to feel like you are stuck in a small space with little to do, there are many uplifting ways to entertain yourself and your friends! Try using this time to improve your physical and mental well-being, whether that means testing a new video game or taking a class on happiness. With so many options to pursue, you are sure to find something you’ll like!
Simplicity Bryan is deeply entrenched in the worlds of self-help, gratitude, personal finance, and organization. She’s happiest paddleboarding with her pup and storytelling with a purpose. You can follow her here.
Image via Instagram
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