The type of entertainment and venue depends on one's location in the U.S. Dinners - whether at restaurants, inns, or at home - are very popular events, as are cocktail parties and dinner-dances. Those living in or near metropolitan areas also will find that people enjoy attending theater, symphony, opera, nightclubs, comedy clubs, and a variety of sporting events. Casinos also have become popular in recent years as gambling resorts, that include restaurants and theater and nightclub acts, spread across the country.

The U.S. offers abundant opportunities for an active and interesting social life. Most larger cities have resident theater companies, orchestras, operas, museums, and numerous sporting activities. In all but the smallest communities, there are movie theaters. Typically, cinemas are located in shopping malls which have themselves evolved into social centers, especially for younger people. For families with younger children, school activities often offer opportunities for socializing, as do activities hosted by churches.

Americans are enthusiastic sports spectators and often organize get-togethers around sports events, either in a home where the event is viewed on television or at a sports arena. Sports-related parties are very popular for the Superbowl, a season-ending football game at the end of January; the Kentucky Derby the first weekend in May; and the baseball World Series, which takes place over a week or so in October.