Times Are Tough

So with the economy in the crapper and no prospect of getting extremely better by tomorrow, I've decided I need to take some time to think about what I can do for free or cheap for fun over the weekends.

Now if you have any suggestions of your own, please comment back so we can all enjoy 'em!

Each week there's free poetry readings, dance parties, mini concerts, and much more which you can find here.

Possibly the best thing I've found is The Walker Art Center's Target Free Thursdays. Each Thursday you're invited to visit the Walker. Compliments of Target. For more information visit the Walker Art Center. Directly across from the building are two free art exhibits. The first one, a collaboration between the Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Parks & Recreation is the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Most famous for its Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture. Just South of the Sculpture Garden is the second free exhibit is the Cowles Conservatory. This contains seasonal floral arrangements and works of art like Frank Gehry's.

For some more free art, visit Ralph Burnet's hotel creation The Chambers on Hennepin. This hotel/art gallery offers two great deals. The first, a free art gallery that is partner with the Walker and the Minneapolis Institute of Art. In addition, Mr. Burnet provides pieces from his personal gallery to supplement touring artists. Current artist is David Bartley featured until April 4th. And if you're kicking yourself for missing out on Restaurant Week, the Chambers is offering their special prix-fixed menu until April 30th.

Another great place to check out some free art is at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. MIA Members donate enough each year to make admission free for the rest of us. Close Mondays. The third Thursday of every month there is a themed art night. Art and entrance are free. Refreshments are themed. Acoustic Sunrise Concerts are held on Sunday mornings in the cafe with local musicians playing.

Still craving free art? Here's a list of a few more places that offer free admission. Though free parking is not guaranteed. The Weisman Art Museum funded by the University of Minnesota has free museum admission and free admission to some events. The Bell Museum of Natural History is also funded by the University of Minnesota and is free on Sundays or if you're under the age of 3 or a student or faculty of the University of Minnesota. The Minnesota Landscape Aboretum is also funded by the University of Minnesota and is free on Thursdays. Another option is to visit your local library and obtain a visitor's pass. You can receive up to 4 passes for free visits to Fort Snelling and the Walker as long as you are a library member.

And coming in April, Minneapolis will be releasing their line up for free outdoor concerts. Check back then to find out which ones you can attend! In addition, there's free plays, movies, etc. the city of Minneapolis also offers.

And if you're looking for some free beer there's at least three free beer tours with free samples at the end. Reservations required. For Saturday tours, join those over at Summit Brewery. And for Friday night tours, join those at Surly Brewing. And about once a month Flat Earth Brewing Company holds free tours or tastings with no reservations required.

In terms of just free tastings of beer and wine, three specialty stores hold frequent events. The first is Four Firkins out of St. Louis Park. Trader Joe's hold weekly wine tasting parties at their St. Louis Park location. And Surdyk's holds frequent wine and beer tastings.

The Guthrie in Northeast Minneapolis is open all day to the public. Now if you're looking to catch a free show? Try volunteering as an usher.

Looking to visit other historic buildings? Both the state capitol and the St. Paul Cathedral hold daily, free tours.

Need to exercise, try new things? Midtown Global Market holds free yoga and dance classes in addition to poetry readings, chess clubs and other things. If you don't mind others watching you, you could save some serious money.

And if you're unemployed in Minnesota, one dry cleaners, Elite Cleaners, is offering FREE dry cleaning to you. They think this will help you in terms of interviewing.

And if you're looking for fun things to do that are cheap, check out Thrifty Hipster for great deals on Happy Hours as well.