Spectator hobbies are passive style hobbies that you can enjoy simply by watching.
This list of spectator hobbies take little skill, previous knowledge or commitment but are still tons of fun!
Attend Live Concerts
Whether it’s a local singer-songwriter show or your favorite rock band playing an arena, going to live music is a great spectator hobby.
Concerts are a great way to get out of the house, feel a powerful sense of community and enjoy a creative experience as a passive observer.
Attending live concerts has the power to inspire us, create lasting memories and is a great way to spend an evening.
Head over to StubHub.com for great deals on tickets and find out who is playing in your area soon.
Community / High School Theatre
Another excellent spectator hobby is to attend a high school or community theatre show!
Check the local theatres in your area to see what shows are coming up and support the actors putting on their production.
Supporting community theatre is a great spectator hobby and a great way to break up your evening routine with something different and fun while supporting budding and aspiring performers.
Open Mic Nights
Attending open mic nights in your area is an awesome way to support, discover and enjoy the creative people that surround you and live in your community.
Check out local coffee shops in your area to see when the next open mic night is to hear live poetry, acoustic guitar players and more!
Check out openmikes.org to find an open mic in your area.
Trade Shows / Conferences
Trade shows are a great way to bring together members of a particular industry, interest group or hobby to discuss and share the latest products, resources, services and ideas about their particular areas of expertise.
Trade shows are a great way to learn more about your hobby (or occupation) and are easy enough to simply walk around and absorb knowledge.
Trade shows typically allow you the freedom to be as passive or active as you would like while exploring the latest in your niche.
Sports
Attending a live sport event is the perfect spectator hobby and is great for feeling a sense of community, enjoying some friendly competition and spending time with loved ones.
Shake up your routine by going to watch your cities favorite sport team.
On a budget? Go to local high school or college games and root for your home team!
Local Competitions / Races
Go cheer on at a marathon race in your city, go to a local chess tournament or debate club meeting.
Be creative and check what is happening in your local area. There are plenty local competitions and races going on for you to spectate and cheer for!
Dog Shows
Who doesn’t love dogs!
Another great spectator hobby is attending dog shows, but be aware the competition can get fierce.
Go cheer on your favorite pup as they compete in agility trials, field trails and hunting tests.
Stand-Up Comedy
Most major cities and towns have stand-up comedy clubs that offer talented comedians most every weekend of the year, and more niche / open mic style shows during the week!
Be careful sitting in the front row though, you might get roasted!
Monster Truck Shows
Monster Truck Shows, Demolition Derbies and Figure 8 races are an exciting spectator hobby for people who enjoy destruction.
Often hosted at outdoor festivals, fairs or in large stadiums, these shows are exciting for the whole family and a great way to spend the evening.
Check out the Monster Jam schedule or see if there is an event at your summer fair!
Birdwatching
Birdwatching is a wonderful low-cost hobby for people of all ages!
With little need for gear or expertise, Birdwatching or “birding” is a hobby that you can start today in your own backyard!
Check out our full post on birdwatching here for beginner resources, tips and gear recommendations.
Go to the Movies
One classic spectator hobby of course is going to the movie theatre.
Check out the latest blockbuster films and enjoy the moving going experience like we used to before the pandemic!
Movies are back in production and most movie theatres are gearing back up so grab a bucket of popcorn, sit back and enjoy the cinema again!
Watch Youtube / Twitch Live Streamers
Not quite ready for the movie going experience?
Sit back at home and enjoy your favorite live streamers on youtube, twitch or tiktok.
Whether you enjoy live trading card unboxing, video game play or musical performances, whatever your interests may be, there is sure to be a live streamer out there for you!
Whale Watching
Whale Watching is a peaceful spectator hobby for folks lucky enough to live near the ocean.
Find a cozy spot and watch for the whales in the distance. According to whalewatching.com the best seasons to whale watch…
California (January – May)
Pacific Northwest (May-September)
Newfoundland & Labrador (May – September)
Hawaii (December – May)
We recommend picking up a decent pair of binoculars to enhance the experience. We recommend these Vortex Optics Crossfire HD Binoculars available from Amazon here…
