Fall Entertainment Options During the Coronavirus

By Ashley Paskill on September 29, 2020

The COVID-19 virus has impacted so many things around the world, including school for university and college students. The fall semester is now underway and many students are adjusting to their new normal, whether that means on-campus with social distancing guidelines, virtual learning, or a hybrid of these. Either way, you are likely wondering about the fall events you have been planning for a while now. Like most things, these are going to look different this year due to the virus. While some events may still be happening with some changes, other things may be postponed or canceled. Luckily, there may be other options to check out.

Concerts

Unfortunately, many concerts are being postponed or canceled, especially ones that are held at indoor venues. Many artists are looking at starting their concerts back up in 2021, assuming that things are somewhat under control. If you have tickets to concerts that were supposed to happen this fall, contact the venue to see if the concerts are still going on and to find out about options for refunds or to see if your tickets will be honored for later dates.

That being said, many artists are getting creative with performance options. Some are choosing to do virtual performances using platforms such as StageIt or Facebook Live. Others have decided to do drive-in concerts where the artists perform outdoors and people can stay in or near their cars to watch the performance.

Image: Yvette de Wit via https://unsplash.com/photos/NYrVisodQ2M

Homecoming

One of the highlights of the fall semester on campuses across the country is homecoming. However, due to COVID-19, many of these festivities are going to look different this year. Many colleges have events such as special lectures and art shops that occur around homecoming. These events are going online for many. Unfortunately, many sports are either canceled for the semester or are happening in a new format, including football, so fans may not be able to physically attend a homecoming game. Check with your school for any events and football game updates so that you can plan for how you will celebrate homecoming this year.

Sports

As mentioned above, many sports, both professional and collegiate, are being canceled or changed for the fall. Some sports leagues are canceling their fall season while others are postponing or are not allowing fans into the stadium to watch. However, many professional sports that are back in season have been shown on major TV networks. Just be cautious to not have a huge gathering to watch games in order to reduce the chance that you and others come in contact with the COVID-19 virus.

Movies

Some movie theaters are in the process of reopening, but you may not feel comfortable going back, even with social distancing in place. The fall is the prime time for the latest horror movies, but there are other options that you can check out. Fortunately, there are online streaming platforms that allow you to watch the newest and most popular movies and TV shows right from the comfort of your home. There are streaming services for everything, from Disney+ for Disney fans to FandangoNow to stay up to date with the latest movies being released. There are even streaming platforms specifically for those who love horror movies (hello, Shudder), and those who love learning and documentaries may want to check out Curiosity Stream.

Image: Mollie Sivaram via https://unsplash.com/photos/yubCnXAA3H8

Fun classes

In normal times, you may have been able to go to fun classes, from yoga to cooking and beyond. However, these have not been possible out of caution due to the virus. Luckily, many of these classes have taken a virtual format. Not only does this give you the option to attend from the comfort of your home, but you are also able to attend classes that you may never have even been able to go to due to distance or time. A simple Google search or a look at local museums and libraries can help you find something that interests you.

Happy hour

For many students over the age of 21, going to bars and happy hours is a popular entertainment option. Due to COVID-19, many bars are closed or have limited capacities, making it difficult for large groups to get together. However, people are doing virtual happy hours via video conference software in order to spend face-to-face time with their friends, even at a distance. While nothing compares to seeing your friends in-person, but being able to do virtual hangouts can allow friends from across the country to tune in.

Other pastimes

Since there are still so many things that are not open or that are being canceled, you can use this time to be involved in other things you did not have the time to before. Many book clubs are going virtual, so you can pick up reading, even if you are busy reading school stuff. Also, there are many video games coming out this fall, and many people are getting into streaming video games on platforms such as Twitch. This time would also be a great time to learn other hobbies that you have always wanted to, or learn a new skill that can advance your career.

While it is disappointing that so many events are being canceled or postponed this fall, there are so many other options that you can do to help fill the void.

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