No Money Weekend

Well, it would appear to be that time of the week again, where we all get weird and panicky about the best way to spend our precious two days of free time. If your current plan is to forgoe a truckload of good times because you just checked your bank account and the balance is two digits or less, then read on, because we have a better plan. 

(Image: James Mitchell)

PERTH

FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED

Taylor McFerrin is an American producer, DJ and singer who released his impressive debut album Early Riser last year, after taking six years to complete it. This Sunday evening, Red Bull Academy Club hosts McFerrin for a free event at the William Street Bird. As it turns out, the event RSVP’s are being snapped up fast but for those who missed out on RSVP tickets, entry works on a first in, first served basis, so just make sure you get there nice and early. Support from Perth songstress Mei Saraswati, Andrew Sinclair and Ben Taaffe make this free event well worth the effort on a balmy Sunday night. - Charles Douglas 

When & Where: Sun 15 Mar, 6 – 10 pm, William Street Bird, 141 William St, Northbridge. Free. Info here.

Above: Taylor McFerrin

WHEELY FUN BIKE QUEST

Bike Week 2015 starts this weekend, and among the many different bike-themed events is the Brew-To-Brew Tour. Starting the journey at Curtin University Tavern, you’ll receive a free coffee (brew #1) and begin a 20km picturesque biking adventure through Perth, solving cryptic puzzles in teams and finishing up at UWA for a free BBQ and more free brews. Not only do you get to exercise on a lazy Saturday arvo but you get to have some fun doing it. And if that’s not enough incentive for you, there’s also a sick little bike trophy up for grabs if you win the competition. Grab some mates and make a day of it. - Charles Douglas

When & Where: Sat 14 Mar, Curtin Tavern, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley. Free. Info here.

MMM…ARKETS

Call out to good food fans (so... pretty much everyone) – Mt Hawthorn Hawker Markets kick off again this Friday night at Axford Park, with a troop of the best food trucks in Perth serving up some 10/10 local fare. Ambient vibes and some decent buskers make this a great starting point for your Friday night, but remember to bring them family-friendly vibes. A couple of my go-to options would be T-Sisters' Steamed Pork Buns and Grilled to the Mac's famous Mac 'n' Cheese toastie creations. Feast cheap and feast local this week before your big night out with da boys. - Charles Douglas

 When & Where: Fri 13 Mar, 5 – 9 pm, Axford Park, 130 Scarborough Bch Road, Mount Hawthorn. Info here.

FRIDAY FREEDOM

Ooh, Ezra Pound looks like it's going to be a bit of a THING tonight! Open-air-tropical-soundclash-block-party. That's a lot of things for one night to be, so we're expecting a lot of vibes. Flying in from Toronto with a crate of calypso vibes are DJs from the Invisible City Sound record label, who will be bassing up the place on a JA Soundsystem. Joined by supreme crate digger Tako, of Amsterdam's Redlight Records. Jimmy Dawg, John Safari, Good Company DJs and {move} DJs + more keeping you grooving 'til your limbs give out. - Dani

When & Where: Fri Mar 13, 5pm - 1am, Ezra Pound, William St, Northbridge. Tickets here or on the door if available.

SYDNEY

BLANKET SPACE

It’s the third Sunday of the month which means Sydney’s Picnic Markets are back. It’s a lot more down to earth than any other market and you’ll see why when you notice everyone selling their pre-loved and homemade goods off picnic blankets. The markets originally began as a solution to combating wastefulness in Sydney and lends to the overall feeling of being at a huge garage sale, despite the fact that the sellers don’t own garages or, for a lot of them, cars. It’s a hipster feeding frenzy with everything from clothes, to books, to artworks up for grabs. Even if you leave empty-handed, you will leave inspired. - Sam G

When & Where: Sun 15 March, Prince Alfred Park, Surry Hills. Free entry.  

IT'S A HARD KNOX LIFE

Not having the energy or the money to go out on a Sunday night is the epitome of first world problems but Knox St Bar’s Throwaway Sunday is both chilled and cheap. SPIRALS, Ostinato, Mayo and Elbee will be spinning their electronica/ambient as you cling to your last moments of happiness before Monday rolls around again. The vibe of this underground bar will make you forget about the responsibilities of “adult” life. It wraps up at a very reasonable9pm so you’ve got plenty of time to cram for your Monday morning exam or put the finishing touches on that preso. - Sam G

When & Where: Sun 15 March, Knox St Bar, Cnr Knox St & Shepherd St, Chippendale. Free entry.

Above: Throwaway Bar

STRAIGHT PUBBIN'

Ain’t No Rockafellers will be tearing up the stage at Marly Bar this Saturday for what promises to be another mega night in Newtown. Awarded the National Pub of the Year at 2014's Bar Awards, the Marlborough Hotel is like home to the Rockafellers who are practically part of the furniture. The Sydney locals will play all of your favourites while you dance like it’s Year 10 formal all over again, only this time you’re allowed to drink, it’s even encouraged! Their set kicks off at 10:30pm so there is time to pregame and even stretch before the dancing. Yep, you’ve already been put down for cardio. - Sam G

When & Where: Sat 14 March, Marlborough Hotel, 145 King St, Newtown. Free entry.

AUSTRALIANA HIP-HOP WITH PRO-ERA BEATS

Are pro-era chilled beats and some Hip-Hop your kind of Friday night? Then why not see Flip The Script and their kick-arse DJ BNJMM bring some serious fire to The Unicorn Hotel on Friday. It’s only five bucks and finishes at 10pm so you can easily slink along to the cross or Oxford street afterwards way before the lock-out. - Liam Apter 

When & Where: Fri Mar 13, 8-10pm. The Unicorn Hotel, 106 Oxford St, Paddington, New South Wales. Price: $5.

FREE MUSIC, FREE BOOZE, BYO YOURSELF 

I feel like I’ve pretty much sold this event; you’re outside, the music is wicked, you haven’t paid anything and the booze will be flowing. Furthermore the cracking music is coming from Inner-West garage poppers Flowertruck so it’s guaranteed to be memorable. They’re playing as part of the Courtyard Sessions that the Seymour Centre puts on and every week there will be a new band to see for free. - Liam Apter

When & Where: Fri Mar 13, 7-9pm. Seymour Centre, corner of City Rd and Cleveland St, Chippendale, New South Wales. Free.

TROPICAL PARTY AT THE END OF THE WORLD 

Newtown is just getting better and better. By day you can browse through seriously wicked bookstores and record shops and by night pretty much party you’re way through till day. And see half of Sticky Fingers or mistake someone for them because you’re blind drunk. And the Sly Fox is part of it with their monthly ‘Bad Deep’ parties; this month’s theme is ‘tiki-tropo-apocalypse’ and they’re going hard till 6am for free. - Liam Apter

When & Where: Fri Mar 13, 8pm-6am. The Sly Fox, 199 Enmore Rd, Enmore, New South Wales. Free.

BAREFOOT & BOWLIN

Ahhh, the great Australian past time. Cricket? No, not that. Football? Nope. The beach? Getting a bit chilly for that. That’s right, barefoot bowls time, and residents of the North Shore will be happy to learn that Longueville Bowlo has you covered. Just show up with a group of your nearest and dearest, whack down a tenner each (or five if you’ve drunkenly signed up to become a member in the past and only just found the card in your wallet), and play for as long as you like. – Brad

When & Where: Fri nights ongoing, Longueville Sporting Club, Cnr Kenneth St and River Road, Longueville. $10 

KNICK KNACK PADDY WHACK

If Paddington Markets were any more out of the way, no one would go, and if they were any more in the way, so many people would go that it wouldn’t be worth it. Luckily, Paddington is just so that the culture of the area brings probably the best markets Sydney has to offer every Saturday, but filters out the hungover, lazy and generally unpleasant. It’s a fair walk from the city up Oxford St, or alternatively a bus trip from Bondi Junction, but it’s so worth it. Make the effort and you’ll probably be rewarded with a bargain or two. – Brad

When & Where: Saturdays 10am-5pm, 395 Oxford St, Paddington. Free

 MOSEY INTO THE M2

We’re all about art, but it’s easy to get sick of massive galleries filled up with tourists while you bump into your old school teacher who’s conveniently taking her year 8 class on an excursion there on the exact same day as you. Among Surry Hills there are a number of non-descript little buildings which secretly house some of Australia’s finest artists, and M2 is no different. Opening on Friday is ‘Homeland’, the debut collection from Chunyu Zhang, which explores the love for Chinese culture and the complexities that come along with it. – Brad

When & Where: Opening Fri Mar 13 (6-8pm) until Mar 28, M2 Art Gallery, 4/450 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills. Free. 

Above: artwork by Chunyu Zhang

ADELAIDE 

LEFT-FIELD STARGAZERS

Veteran psychedelic grunge outfit Devil’s Crossroad have been honing their toned down electric-acoustic shows for the past year. These shows have provided a soothing juxtaposition from the heavy energy and occult atmosphere of their full live show. Now for the very first time Devil’s Crossroad will be playing completely unplugged in and in a way never seen before. To make it more compelling DC will be joined by psychedelic folk mastermind and multi-instrumentalist Mote and yes, in Adelaide every genre has its own psychedelic variant. Make sure you smile, as Devil’s Crossroad will be shooting for an upcoming music video! -  Jonty Czuchwicki

When & Where: Fri March 13, The Exeter, 246 Rundle Street, Adelaide. Free.  

EL CHEAPO MUCHACHO

Kustom Kulture weekend is an inaugural four day rockabilly music and culture festival. With a bill that is topped off by Big Sandy with Los Straitjackets (USA), The Allniters (NSW) and DJ Dingo (VIC) it’s sure to be a fun filled riot of a weekend, one that is usually remembered for being a killer way to send off the Adelaide Fringe Festival. What deserves a special mention is that Adelaide country western two piece The Rememberz will be playing a 2pm day time slot on Saturday. The event is also free during the day. How’s that! -  Jonty Czuchwicki

When & Whee: Sat March 14, 290 Anzac Highway, Plympton. Free.

Above: Los Straightjackets

THE MOTHERLOAD

The line between a cheapskate and a dumbass is always blurry so whether you’re a cheapskate, a dumbass, or just a dumbass cheapskate you better listen up! This five band monster-show features three interstate imports: Sumeru (Sydney) will be headlining in support of their crushing album Holy Lands. Joining them is Olmeg (Melbourne) and a secret act from Perth (the announcement of whom has been embargoed). Cobra will be playing their first show back after a small hiatus along with Adelaide’s Faitheater. The riffs will have you soiling your toddler training underpants and that’s before you’ve even necked a $6 corona. -  Jonty Czuchwicki

When & Where: Sat March 14, 208 Hindley Street, Adelaide. $6. 

MELBOURNE

Above: The Seven Seas

BRUNS-WHEELIN’ AWAY

Over the last fortnight the Brunswick Music Festival has hosted some of the finest music produce from near and far. The final day of the festival this Sunday calls for celebration, and what better way to celebrate than in true Brunswick style – broke as shit and hungry for cheap beer. This Sunday, Howler will be hosting some of Melbourne’s finest local musicians with the annual House Party on Wheels. 36 bands and soloists will be coming together to bang out an afternoon of free music. If you missed out on the fortnight-long festival, this is your chance to soak up the last of it! - Holly Bodeker-Smith

 When & Where: Sun March 15. Howler, 7-11 Dawson street, Brunswick. Free. 

PEEL (SHAKE) IT OFF

The Social Studio is Collingwood’s hub for fashion designers, artists and creative all sorts. They also happen to throw a damn good party, and this year they have teamed up with Northside Records and Three Thousand to bring you the best yet. The Peel Street Block Party returns for round two, featuring a day of performances from local musicians including Banoffee, Baro and Queen Magic. Alongside them will be a string of craft stalls, live artwork and a fashion show presented by VAMFF. Soak up the most diverse bunch of local creatives and kick off your Saturday night for little to nothing: get down to the Peel St block. - Holly Bodeker-Smith

 When & Where: 12-6pm, Sat March 14. Cnr of Peel & Oxford St, Collingwood. Free.

Above: Banoffee

DO YOU FEEL LUCKY, COQ?

Chapel Street favourite Lucky Coq is welcoming the weekend with open arms and sweet, sweet food deals. Come down from 7-9pm Friday for the $4 pizzas and hot dogs, stay for the $8 vodkas distilled in-house. Wet your whistle with fun flavours like lychee, vanilla or green apple. - Alyce Shaw

When & Where: Fri March 13, Lucky Coq, Cnr Chapel & High Street, Windsor. Free. 

JUAN TACO TO RULE THEM ALL

Whether it’s pre or post-fiesta food you’re in need of, Los Hermanos have got you covered. With $5 tacos and cheap jugs of sangria, you and your pals will be well looked after. Best of all; it’s traditional Mexican food, which means your pesky gluten intolerant friends can enjoy themselves without multiple trips to the toilet. Ole! - Alyce Shaw

When & Where: Thurs-Sat 6pm-1am, Los Hermanos, 339 Victoria Street, Brunswick. Free. 

Above: Los Hermanos

DOUBLE TROUBLE

It’s nice to think twins have some kind of weird telepathic syncing ability. It could be the secret behind the success of Sydney twin duo Cosmo’s Midnight. Why not find out? Come check out their live show for the ‘Snare’ launch tour at Fitzroy’s newest nightspot, Little & Olver. This is also the opening of Little & Olver’s partying twin Hardrive. Double the reason to party, double the reason for fun. - Alyce Shaw

When & Where: Sat Mar 14, Little & Olver, 393 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. $17.50 via Moshtix.

Above: Cosmo's Midnight

NEW ZEALAND

PISSING ON THE UNION

Sick of hearing about equality for all? Tune in your earholes and eyeballs to this gig of non-give-a-fuck vibes. This official party will mark the release of Civil Union's long awaited album, as well as showcase a lot of nonchalant ladies, singing sexy songs, too sad beats. If your Friday night isn't mixed up enough, head down to Golden Dawn in the heart of the trendiest hub in the city, and give them a reason not to dislike you. Cheap drinks, cheaper chicks and chaps at the cheapest of their chilled-hood, ready and waiting, and rearing to go.

When & Where: Fri March 13, Golden Dawn, 134a Ponsonby Road, Auckland. $5 on the door.

Above: Civil Union

@PEACE

Auckland University's Student Association is curating an event that'll put you @Peace with the beginning of the school year. Based in Melbourne, returning to the next to perform to all the students who have already spent their course related costs on other non-related school gears. Notorious for doing what they love, whilst still not bagging the big bucks, this will not be a night to miss. Home Brew included - get your kit off for this kick off to the school year!

When & Where: Fri March 13, Neck of the Woods, 155 Karangahape Road, Auckland. $10

SILO SONGS

Known for its edgy exhibitions, Silo Park is back for another round of White Night. Musical performances will ensue hosting a spot of Kiwi songstresses Boh and Bic Runga. If thats not enough to delight you, then head over to the markets where, amongst installations reflecting off the white scene, you will be able to find food and drink for next to nothing. An important aspect to note about this exhibition is that throughout your wanderings, you will be expected to participate. So open your mind, expand your horizons, and witness the best in waterfront mega art action.

When & Where: Sat March 14, Silo Park, Waterfront, Auckland. Free.

Above: Silo Park

TASMANIA

 REGGAE IN THE SUN

Do you have a better idea for Sunday afternoon than sitting in the sun, drinking $6 pints and listening to live reggae? I certainly don't. Chuck into that mix the fact that you can use their BBQ to cook your own lunch and you're laughing. Arrive at midday to get first dibs on the BBQ and the best seats in the house. - Tom Wolf 

When & Where: Sun Mar 15, 12pm (Music 2pm), The Waratah Hotel, 272 Murray St, Hobart. Free entry, $6 pints. 

SHORT & SWEET 

 Flickerfest is on tour and this weekend arrives at the enchanting Peacock Theatre in the Salamanca Arts Centre precinct. The theatre, whose name originates from the company who produced jams on the site for half a century, will be screening the best Australian short films of the past year. The programme is a specially curated selection of the most impressive works in the competition that occurred in Bondi earlier in the year. From the story of a mischievous spirit tormenting a mob of Warlpiri men trying to visit a local elder in the desert, to the complex nature of life as a refugee settled in Australia, the diverse line-up has something to stimulate anyone's interest or passion. - Tom Wolf

When & Where: Fri Mar 13 8pm, Peacock Theatre, Salamanca Arts Centre, Salamanca, Hobart. $13 for concession.

FOX TROTTING

 Get those dancing shoes (and outfits!) on for a night filled with Mr Fox's varied electronic influences of 90s house, synth funk and a dash of new age ambience. You may remember Andras Fox from his collaborative project with fellow Melbourne producer Oscar Key Sung, and this gig is a welcome addition to Hobart's burgeoning electronic scene. - Tom Wolf

When & Where: Fri Mar 13, Doors at 9pm, The Grand Poobah, 142 Liverpool St, Hobart

Above: Andras Fox

If you have a cheap or free event that you'd like included in our weekly No Money Weekend Guide, please email details and images to dani@pilerats.com before 5pm WAEST Thursday weekly.