Cheap Thrills 2010: 50 fun things to do for $5 or less 

So, the recession isn't over yet. Times are still hard. And you're still broke. But life goes on my friends. Don't sit around and fret — go out and have a good time. And believe it or not, you can have a good time while your pockets are looking like rabbit ears. You just have to know where to look.

To that end, we've created this: our annual guide to low-cost fun. We've collected 50 items you're bound to dig -- from live music to movies, art shows and more -- that will run you $5 or less. Check out the list of 30 below (and 20 more online at Clclt.com) and get in where you fit in.

1 Recess Fest: An all-day music event held at various locations around town, Recess Fest is designed to get people supporting local businesses and local/touring musicians. One pass gets you into multiple local venues. Passes -- which cost $5 each -- are available for purchase at Pura Vida Worldly Art (1521 Central Ave., 704-335-8587). July 10. Kick-off is at noon. For more info, visit www.recessfest.blogspot.com.

2 Post All Bills exhibit: Along with selling passes to Recess Fest, Pura Vida is also hosting the cool art exhibit Post All Bills. The show celebrates the art of band posters and flyers, "bills" created for Charlotte-area shows over the last few decades. Free. 10 a.m. to closing. Pura Vida, 1521 Central Ave. 704-335-8587. www.puravidaart.com.

3 Beer and wine nights at the Common Market: Has an eye-catching bottle ever piqued your curiosity, but you've decided against buying it because you weren't sure if you'd like it? The Common Market feels your pain. The Plaza Midwood location hosts a free beer tasting starting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, and the Southend location offers beer tastings Thursdays at 6 p.m., as well as a free wine tasting Fridays at 5:30 p.m. Follow them at twitter.com/CommonMktBeer. Common Market, Plaza Midwood: 2007 Commonwealth Ave., 704-334-6209. SouthEnd: 1515 S. Tryon St., 704-332-7782. www.commonmarketisgood.com

4 Open Mic Nights at the Wine Up: Hump day draws a lot of crowds to the bar and club scene, but for those craving some culture, Wednesdays at the Wine Up could be just the thing. Come enjoy the musical stylings of fellow Charlotteans, or take a stab at performing yourself. $5. 9 p.m. Wine Up, 3306-C N. Davidson St. 704-372-2633 www.wine-up.com.

5 Drag and Drafts at The Scorpio: While some nightclubs don't have a problem charging you a tithing just to cross their threshold, Scorpio gives you a drink and a show for just $5. Come out for Wicked & Wild Divas Wednesdays or Life's a Drag Fridays and cheer on the beauties while sipping on your brew. $5. Scorpio, 2301 Freedom Drive. 704-373-9124. www.scorpios.com.

6 Charlotte Comedy Theater Stand-up Showcase: Having a hard time starting off your week on a good foot? Luckily for you, CCT has experienced stand-up comedians who are more than willing to distract you from the humdrum of your life. Free. 8 p.m. Hooligan's, 140 Brevard Court. 704-376-2238. www.courtyardhooligans.com.

7 Hang with the Nappy Roots: Alternative Southern-rap group the Nappy Roots is set to perform live at Manifest Discs on Aug. 14. The Kentucky-based quintet had the biggest-selling hip-hip album of 2002, and will be promoting their new album, The Pursuit of Nappyness. Free. 3 p.m. Manifest Discs, 6239 South Blvd. 704-552-8448. www.manifestdisc.com.

8 Monday Nite All-Stars: This popular soul/funk group rocks the stage every Monday at the Double Door Inn for what could be Charlotte's most enthusiastic and eclectic weeknight crowd. $5. Doors open at 9 p.m.; show starts at 10 p.m. Double Door Inn, 1218 Charlottetowne Ave. 704-376-1446 www.doubledoorinn.com.

9 Tango & Tea at Amelie's: Before Argentina exported the tango to Paris, there was the milonga, a style of music and dancing popular in Argentina, Uruguay, and southern Brazil. (Milonga now also refers to places where tango is danced.) The NoDa-based French bakery Amelie's celebrates this South American contribution to Parisian culture by turning into a "milonga" every Sunday from 2 p.m.-6 p.m. Free. Amelie's, 2424 N. Davidson St. 704-376-1781. www.ameliesfrenchbakery.com.

10 26th Bon Odori Festival: Hosted by the Japanese Association in Charlotte, this dance festival offers Japanese-style lunch boxes, tea ceremony, kendo demonstration, and Japanese songs and crafts. Free. July 31. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Wachovia Atrium, 301 S. Tryon St. www.geocities.jp/jaclttest/ebonodori.html.

11 Prep for Galas at Grand Central: Ballroom dancing is a skill that is seldom used, but always impressive. Why not up your "class" factor at a complimentary class? Free. July 12. 7 p.m.-8 p.m. Grand Central, 1000 Central Ave. 704-373-1699.

12 Music at the Fountain Plaza: Pop into Stonecrest Shopping Center Friday and Saturday nights and find a festive atmosphere with live music and a good crowd bumping right along. Hunker down with some friends, splurge on some drinks, and enjoy. Free. Fridays and Saturdays. 7 p.m-10 p.m. Stonecrest, 7800 Rea Road. www.shopstonecrest.com.

13 Country classics: If you just can't help yourself from wanting to "Yee-haw," Snug Harbor has the event for you. Every Tuesday, unless there's a special event, the venue is home to Country Tuesdays, where twang is the word. Free. Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St. 28205. www.snugrock.com.

14 Frazier Dog Park: If you're a dog owner and don't have a lot of space for your pet to roam, check out Frazier Dog Park. It's a fun, peaceful and safe atmosphere to let your canine run free seven days a week. Free. 7:30 a.m. until sunset. Frazier Park, 1201 W. 4th St. 704-432-4280. www.charmeck.org.

15 Shooting pool: Come to Elizabeth Billiards to play pool and hang out with friends on their newly restored patio. Although shooting pool is free, drinking (which isn't free) is encouraged to keep this fine establishment up and running. Free. 3:30 p.m.-2 a.m., every day. Elizabeth Billiards, 1400 Central Ave. 704-342-2663.

16 Rose watching: Open to the public, the McGill Rose Garden offers gardening classes and rows of picturesque flower beds for people to enjoy. Free. Tuesday-Saturday. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. McGill Rose Garden, 940 N. Davidson St. 704-333-6497. www.mcgillrosegarden.org.

17 New flicks: Instead of waiting for the weekend to go to the movies, go to any AMC theater during the week; it's only $5 -- and it's less crowded. $5. Monday-Thursday. AMC Movie Theaters. 1-888-AMC-4FUN. www.amcentertainment.com.

18 Oldies, but goodies: Slide into a comfy cinema seat and take in movies from the not-so-distant past -- like Alice in Wonderland and Clash of the Titans -- for only $2. The Movies 10, 9508 Northeast Court, Matthews. 704-847-5245. www.cinemark.com.

19 Drive-in: Looking for a reasonably priced, yet romantic, date spot? Drive over to the Belmont Drive-In Movie Theater, where for $4 you get to watch two blockbusters for the price of one. $4. Belmont Drive-In Movie, 314 McAdenville Road, Belmont. 704-825-6044. www.belmontdrivein.20megsfree.com.

20 Movies in the Park: Freedom Park's popular summertime screenings are still underway. Bring a blanket and enjoy the warm weather and your favorite flicks. July 9: The Blind Side; Aug. 13: Monsters Vs. Aliens. Free. Movies start at sunset. Freedom Park, 1900 East Blvd. 704-432-4280.

21 Alive After Five: Let loose and jam to live bands, drink Bud Light and party with friends at Alive After Five. Contrary to popular belief, this outdoor shindig is not just for the business crowd; people of all walks of life come to enjoy the upbeat vibe that the event brings to its two locations (the EpiCentre and Ballantyne Commons East). Free. 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Thursdays. Check website for dates and locations: www.aliveafterfives.com.

22 Pop Life: Travel Uptown to hear some eclectic music by some the city's best DJs and hang with some of Charlotte's coolest folks. Free. Wednesdays. 7 p.m.-2 a.m.Luna Lounge, 521 N. College St. 704-376-8303. www.lunacharlotte.com.

23 Lazy 5 Ranch: With the largest drive-through safari in the Southeast, Lazy 5 Ranch is home to more than 750 animals for you to meet and feed. You can go with the family or a bunch of friends (who happen to love animals); either way, it will be an experience to remember. $5 per person with 15 people or more. Monday-Saturday. 9 a.m.-until 1 hour before sunset; Sunday 1 p.m.-until 1 hour before sunset. Lazy 5 Ranch, 15100 Mooresville Road, Mooresville, 704-663-5100. www.lazy5ranch.com.

24 Gallery Twenty-Two: Check out art, drink booze, listen to music, and schmooze with other folks in Plaza Midwood. Free. Twenty-Two, 1500 Central Ave. 704-334-0122. www.gallerytwentytwo.com.

25 Othello: The 5th Annual Shakespeare Festival presents Othello, the tragic tale of racism, love, betrayal and jealousy. Free. Aug. 4-15. Wednesdays-Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.; Fridays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 7 and 14, 2 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 8 and 15 at 3 p.m. McGlohon Theatre, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000. www.charlotteshakespeare.com.

26 Cheap shaves and cuts: Every Tuesday Kemon Hair Academy of Beauty provides free shaves to men, and every day the stylists give women $5 bang cuts. If you trust a student cutting your hair, this is an inexpensive way to preserve your sexy. Free-$5. Kemon Hair Academy of Beauty, 209-C South Kings Drive. 704-334-5511. www.KemonAcademy.com.

27 River Jam: Rock out to music of every genre at the U.S. National Whitewater Center during its summer music series, River Jam. Sit back and listen to the bands or get wet and go rafting. $5 for parking. Admission is free. Thursday nights at 7 p.m. and Saturday nights at 5 p.m. U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway. 704-391-3900. www.usnwc.org.

28 Irish Summer Festival: Go green and get lucky at the Charlotte Irish Summer Festival, a family-friendly celebration of Irish culture. Get a taste of Ireland with local, regional and international dancers, traditional cuisine, cultural exhibits, Gaelic sports, workshops and a wealth of everything-Irish vendors. $5. Aug. 14. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Located at the corner of Third Street and Tryon Street. www.charlotteirishsummerfestival.com.

29 5th Annual Charlotte Folk Society Old-Time Jam & Ice Cream Social: This free event links multiple generations of music with an old-fashioned, laid-back atmosphere. Veteran local folk musician Bill Williams performs with his band. Free. July 11. 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Historic Rosedale Plantation, 3427 N. Tryon St. 704-563-7080. www.folksociety.org.

30 Music at Lunchbox: Lunchbox Records regularly offers free all-ages shows in a cool no-smoking/drinking atmosphere. A donation of $3-5, however, is requested at the door for gas money for the bands. Some upcoming shows include: Make Do & Mend, Hostage Calm, One Another and Oddczar (July 10 at 8 p.m.); and Gun Outfit, Divide Divide Divide and Joint Damage (July 13 at 8 p.m.). Lunchbox Records, 1419-A Central Ave. 704-331-0788. www.lunchboxrecords.com.

31 Attack of the Film: Take a cinematic step back in time at The Light Factory's Attack of the Summer Film Series -- which screens classic (and sometimes kitschy) old films. Coming next in the series -- on July 8 -- is a screening of the groundbreaking horror film Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Free. 7:30 p.m. The Light Factory, 345 N. College St. (inside Spirit Square) 704-333-9755. www.lightfactory.org.

32 Gaze at photos: While you're over at The Light Factory, take some time to peruse some of the exhibits. In case you don't know, The Light Factory is one of the nation's few museums of film and photography. Be sure to check out its latest photo show My Family, Our Stories: Photo Literacy with English as a Second Language Students, which runs through Aug. 6. Free. Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m.-6 p.m. The Light Factory, 345 N. College St. (inside Spirit Square) 704-333-9755. www.lightfactory.org.

33 Retail music: The first few entries on this list mentioned events going down at Pura Vida Worldly Art. Well, that retail shop is also a great place to hear music. Coming up next at the store -- July 13 at 8 pm. -- is the band And There Stand Empires with Damezumari; July 20 at 8 p.m. is Nutritional Peace w/ Grape Soda and Bo White Project; and Aug. 1 at 7 p.m., the shop hosts World Party, an international dance party and potluck. Free. (Donations for the artists are, of course, appreciated.) Pura Vida, 1521 Central Ave. 704-335-8587. www.puravidaart.com.

34 More film: OK film buffs, here's another opportunity to check out some great movies: the Classic International Black Cinema Series. According to its Facebook fan page, the series was designed "as a vehicle to expose the community to the vast artist value film has been throughout the years. The goal is to appeal to as diverse a population as possible and further the appreciation of Black Cinema." On July 11, feast your eyes on the vintage celluloid masterpiece Within Our Gates -- directed by the legendary Oscar Micheaux. Free. 2 p.m. Harvey B. Gantt Center, 551 S. Tryon St. 704-547-3700. www.ganttcenter.org.

35 Tour the museum: Since we're talking about the Harvey B. Gantt Center, keep mind that every second Sunday of each month, Food Lion MVP customers receive complimentary admission to The Gantt Center when they show their MVP cards at entry. So bring your card and enjoy all the great art. Free. 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Harvey B. Gantt Center, 551 S. Tryon St. 704-547-3700. www.ganttcenter.org.

36 Mic battles: Get a taste of real hip-hop every first Monday of the month at Monday Night Mic Fights. The event features performances, freestyle battles and cheap drinks. Free. 9 p.m. Jeff's Bucket Shop, 1601 Montford Drive. 704-525-0425.

37 A touch of jazz: Looking for jazz in the Queen City? Take a trip over to Forte Food Lounge (formerly the Grape) every Tuesday for the After Work Jazz Set. While you're there listening to the smooth sounds, keep your eyes peeled for food and drink specials and socialize with other jazz lovers. But seating is limited, so arrive early. Free. 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Forte (in Northlake Mall), 6801 Northlake Mall Drive. 704-509-1366. www.fortefoodlounge.com.

38 Laugh tracks: Trek on over to Concord for laughs at Comedy with a Twist Night, featuring standout standup comedy -- hosted by Burpie. $5. 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Diversity Den Café, 160 Concord Commons. 704-792-2233. www.diversityden.com.

39 Mmmm ... beer: If you're craving cheap brew (who isn't?), you've got to attend Monday Night Pint Nights at Dandelion Market. Every Monday, the Uptown spot serves up 24 different craft style beers -- such as Magners Irish Cider, Blue Point Toasted Lager, Big Boss Bad Penny and Widmer Bros. Hefeweizen among others -- for only $3. Plus there's music from a variety of tribute bands. Dandelion Market, 118 W. 5th St. 704-333-7989. www.dandelionmarketcharlotte.com.

40 Weiner Roast: Look -- it's the Third Annual Weiner Roast at Snug Harbor on July 18. With live music by The Lights Fluorescent, Deleted Scenes, The Flash Alchemy, and Human Pippi Armstrong. Lee (L.A. Tool & Die/Fat Camp) will be DJing in between bands. Free hotdogs on the back patio. Admission is $6 (OK, we cheated a little!) 5 p.m. (doors) Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St. www.snugrock.com.

41 Cult Movie Mondays: OK, we've got even more film events. This one is a favorite: Cult Movie Mondays. Sponsored by Studio650 and The Light Factory, this event -- which takes place the last Monday of each month -- showcases some of the most off the wall movies in cinema history. Oh and there's free popcorn, a trivia challenge (for cool prizes) at the end off each show and it's all hosted by drag legend Roxy C. Moorecox. Free. 8 p.m. Actor's Theatre of Charlotte, 650 E. Stonewall St. 704-342-2251. www.actorstheatrecharlotte.org.

42 Ballantyne Nightlife Crawl: On July 16, let your feet carry you through some of Ballantyne's hottest night spots at the Ballantyne Nightlife Crawl. Tickets include five locations, transportation, ice cold beer on the bus, drink specials ... and no covers. Two tickets for $10. For details and tickets, visit: www.Bandtastic.com.

43 Cheap martinis: Visit Therapy Lounge in Uptown Charlotte every Thursday to get your hands on five select signature $5 martinis. Drink, listen to music courtesy of the in-house DJ and be merry. No cover. Therapy Lounge, 401 N. Tryon St. 704-333-1353. therapycafe.net.

44 Pop in the Levine: The Levine Museum of the New South is one of Charlotte's best museums. Seriously. No joke. Go inside and you'll come out with a greater knowledge of Charlotte and the South. Free for children under 6; $5 (Children and seniors); $6 (adults ... Yeah we cheated again!). Monday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 12 p.m.-5 p.m. 200 E. 7th St., 704-333-1887, www.museumofthenewsouth.org

45-50 More at the store: We know we've mentioned that fine establishment Pura Vida a few times already -- when it comes to art shows and live music -- but they truly have a ton of cool shit going on. To finish up our list, here are a few more things going on at the store (which incidentally is moving to NoDa in October. Check the website, www.puravidaart.com, for more details):

• Healing Drum Circle. Free. 4 p.m. Every first Sunday of the month.

• Americana/Folk w/Rick Spreitzer. Every first Saturday of the month. Free. 5 p.m.-6 p.m.

• Hola Baby Bilingual Storytime. Spanish/English every Wednesday through July. Free. 10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m.

• Words for Hope: A Poetry Fundraiser. Free but donations will be accepted. 7 p.m.-8 p.m. July 9.

• Furious Season Summer Release. Release party for the Charlotte literary zine. Free. Time TBD. July 11.

• L.B. Lee Eclectic Handmade Jewelry Trunk Show. Free to attend, but jewelry costs. Sat. 2 p.m.-5 p.m. July 17.