No Money Weekend

No Money Weekend

The essential nation-wide cheapskates event guide.

Stretching before you right now: three nights and two days of diving into new drinking locations, meandering through markets, poring over paintings, and feasting on dumplings and dim sum. All for $10 or less. How positively delightful. Welcome to your No Money Weekend.

Cover Image: Michelle Anderson

PERTH

DEVILLE'S GOIN' DOWWWN

There is good news and there is bad news. The bad news is Aberdeen Street’s iconic hell-themed bar Devilles Pad is closing down, becoming yet another victim of the infamous Perth Venue Purge of 2015. The good news? Abbe May is having a big ol’ party to pay her respects to the bar and its memories. Three of Perth’s best will grace the stage including the apocalypto-songstress herself, local three-piece Methyl Ethel and punk coolbois Hideous Sun Demon. $10 tix are very enticing and if you’ve never even been to Devilles this could be a damn fun way to say hello and goodbye to one of WA’s favourite themed bars. – Charles Douglas

When & Where: Fri Mar 20, 6pm – 2am, Devilles Pad, 1/3 Aberdeen St, Piccadilly Square, Perth. $10 tix on the door.

DEVILLES

Above: Deville's Perth

NOODLING AROUND

Melbourne had it. Brisbane had it. Sydney had it. And now Perth is getting it. The exotic Night Noodle Markets are in Northbridge for 12 nights at the Perth Cultural Centre. We’ve had an influx of amazing cultural festival experiences lately and yet again our delicious food scene is getting some cred with these acclaimed markets. Seriously delish exotic modern Asian cuisine will blow your mind, including Malaysian, Korean, Japanese, Thai and Vietnamese, and some of the stalls are super cheap. There will also be pop-up bars such as the Coopers beer garden and Thatchers Cider Orchard so you can get your drink on after all the chow. – Charles Douglas

When & Where: Runs from Mar 18-29, 4-11 pm, Perth Cultural Centre, Northbridge. Free. More info here.

PSYCH-A-PALOOZA

Local clothing and arts label The Axiom present Eight Tones, a Mojos night of seriously good Freo lo-fi bands. Flying you to another dimension will be a thick psych-jam lineup including SpaceManAntics, Apollo’s Son, Silver Hills, Golden Slums and Kashikoi. Dancing around makes you hungry though, so you can grab a tasty creation at Wassup Gourmet Hot Dogs at half-time. Have to say – big, cheap, happy Mojos gigs like these show how fantastic our local scene is in Perth, and what the blooming Freo psych community is really capable of. Get around it. – Charles Douglas

When & Where: Saturday Mar 21, 7-late, Mojos Bar Fremantle, 237 Queen Victoria Road, North Fremantle. $10 entry. More info here.

wassup dog

Above: Wassup Gourmet Hot Dogs

SYDNEY

POP DOWN TO THE ROCKS 

Now that Sydney is finally getting a taste of autumn weather, it’s the perfect time to take in the Rocks Pop Up Markets. There’s an array of your usual market stalls with clothing and jewellery but you’ll also find some one-of-a-kind artworks be it Indigenous or contemporary. It’s an easy stroll from the CBD and you’ll notice the pace of life getting slower as you near the water. With the view of the Harbour Bridge to one side and the Opera House to the other, you’ll feel like a tourist in your own city, only you know how lucky you are to call it home. – Sam Garcia

When & Where: Every Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm, Playfair St, George St, Jack Mundey Pl. Free Entry.

WORK IT

Ladies, the ultimate #fitspo is coming to Sydney this weekend; 2DayFM are sponsoring a free bootcamp with Kayla Itsines. Grab a towel, yoga mat and your best gal pals who aren’t afraid of looking like inflexible tomatoes. What better way of working off a hangover than sweating out the toxins? If anything, it’s the perfect way to ensure you deserve that mimosa with brunch. Entry is completely free but it is first in best dressed so make sure you get down early to secure your spot. Gates open at 6:30am so I suggest four alarms set five minutes apart. - Sam Garcia

When & Where: Sat Mar 21, The Showring at the Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park. Free Entry.

BOOTLEG IT

Sydney/Gold Coast boys Bootleg Rascal have been making waves with their new single Oh I Know and as a part of its launch; they are touring nationally. After selling out two Newtown Social Club gigs and having just played at Yours and Owls in Wollongong on Thursday night, these boys do not stop. Between writing, recording and supporting fellow Sureshaker artists Sticky Fingers, the fellas are really making a name for themselves. Playing this weekend at the Cambridge Hotel in Newcastle, the mini road-trip will be well worth the drive; especially considering tickets are a measly $12.80. It’ll be sure to sell out so grab your tickets beforehand online. -Sam Garcia

When & Where: Fri Mar 20, The Cambridge Hotel, 289 Hunter St, Newcastle West. Free.

FROM A SERIOUS FLOP TO SERIOUSLY HOT

Last week there reports pouring in about how much of a failure Spectrum Now was. However, this week things are perking up majorly in the form of Angus & Julia Stone, Deep Sea Arcade, Grace, Left. And Caitlin Park playing on the same bill. And it won’t cost you a single cent. There are also a variety of beer gardens provided by Little Creatures and a ‘Hendricks Parlour of Curiosities’ alongside the not to be missed No Lights No Lyrca Trundle. Which is basically a party in the dark where you can look like the uncoordinated lunatic you are without worrying about what anyone else thinks. - Liam Apter

 When & Where: Sat Mar 21, 1pm- 11pm. The Domain, Art Gallery Rd, NSW. Set times here. Free.

RED BULL GIVES YOU WINGS. AND FREE THINGS.

Taylor McFerrin is one of the lucky people to be signed to the personal label of Flying Lotus - Brainfeeder. And if that isn’t enough of a reason to head out to see him then his style of washed out instrumental hip-hop should easily win you over at the price tag of zero dollars at Goodgod Small Club. - Liam Apter

  When & Where: Sat Mar 21, 11pm-4am. Goodgod Small Club, 53-55 Liverpool St, Sydney, NSW. Free.

CAVETOONS

We all mourn the loss of Cheez TV, and lament the creation of it's abomination of a cousin that was Toasted TV. Everyone secretly wishes they could relive those lazy Saturdaymornings watching cartoons, and now thanks to the guys at the Nerd Cave you can. Starting from 9AM, you can walk in, choose a bowl of the American Cereal of your choice, and relive the glory days of Goku defeating Cell once more. - Brad Nash

When & Where: Sat Mar 21, 9am. The Nerd Cave, 1/7 Randle St, Surry Hills. $10

VERY FINE INDEED

Yes, we all know it's Art Month. I expect most people's Facebook events page to be filled with invites to many illustrious art events throughout Sydney, showcasing galleries and artists you never even knew existed. As such, it's easy to get swept up in the complexity of it all. Thankfully, the people at Art Month are running a very helpful intro tour around some of Chippendale's best galleries, including advice on how to appreciate the art, and buy it too if you're feeling like a little flutter. This is the No Money Weekend though, remember? You're meant to be broke. - Brad Nash

When & Where: Sat Mar 21, 2pm. Galerie Pompom, 2/39 Abercrombie St, Chippendale, Free.

ALT-ROCK APPRECIATION

If you're not already exhausted after your day of Lucky Charms, Anime and Fine Art appreciation, take a stroll up Oxford St to Spectrum. For just a tenner on the door, you can take in the sounds of some of Sydney's finest alt-rock bands, with the lads from Colour Therapy headlining. Just below on the bill, local favourites The Sculptures are playing their last ever show together that night as well. Historic, huh? - Brad Nash

When & Where: Sat Mar 21, doors 8pm. Spectrum, 34 Oxford St, Darlinghurst, $10

Colour Therapy

Above: Colour Therapy

MELBOURNE

TIME TO HARVEST

CERES is the most green and most serene place to spend an afternoon in the inner north. This weekend they’ll be pulling out the big greens with their annual Autumn Harvest Festival. There will be food tastings (yes please), free music (you bloody rippa’), workshops (FYI) and bush cubby building (absolutely). Whether you’ve been chowing down home grown vegies since birth, or you’ve been looking for your moment to jump on that bandwagon (gramming progress shots of your seedlings, or you cacti collection from Bunnings: you know who you are), CERES is for everyone, so get on down for the Harvest. - Holly Bodeker-Smith

When & Where:  Sat Mar 21, 10am-3pm. CERES Environment Park, Cnr Roberts St and Stewart St, Brunswick East. Free.

LAZER PIGGIN’ OUT

If pigs could fly, and lets not rule that out, they would be getting in early to hog up all of the deals at the Lazerpig Garage Sale this Sunday. If you’re looking to pig up some real bargains you’ll be finding yourself as happy as a pig rolling in a pile of vintage & designer threads, sportswear, shoes, records, handmade jewelry, candles and plenny’ more. To keep the hogs happy the Lazerpig kitchen will also be pumping out $10 Margherita pizzas and $5 Aperol Spritz. Go ham. - Holly Bodeker-Smith

When & Where: Sun Mar 22, 11am – 5pm. Lazerpig, 9-11 Peel Street, Collingwood. Free.

QUESTIONING THE INTERWEBS

The Brunswick Street Gallery never fails to impress, and this weekend’s exhibition, The Internet is a Cultural Object is due to be no exception. This show brings together 30 local creatives who explore and question the manipulative grip that the Internet takes over our society. It calls for you to filter out that urge to check the phone vibrating in your back pocket, as you observe works across the mediums of sculpture, photography, digital print and paint. The exhibition runs until April 2nd, but opening night this Friday is due to be a goodie. The staff are fantastic and the local art is on point; this is one you don’t want to miss. - Holly Bodeker-Smith

When & Where: Mar 20 - Apr 2. Brunswick Street Gallery, 322 Brunswick. Free.

DUMPLINGS ARE FUNPLINGS

Tightass Tuesdays are great, but at Shanghai Street Dumplings you can be cheap any day of the week. A plate of dumplings will set you back about $8, and it’s BYO. Take a goon sack and eat to your heart’s content. Friends optional. – Alyce Shaw

When & Where: Lunch & Dinner Mon-Sat, Shanghai Street Dumplings, 342 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne. Walk-ins Welcome.

THE WITCHING HOUR

Fitzroy Beer Garden is all about the hour of power. From midnight till 1am Fridays and Saturdays, you can get your last fill in of $5 coronas, house wines and $2 ‘Fitzy BG Shots’. Don’t ask what’s in it- just smile, throw it down the cakehole and stumble home. – Alyce Shaw

When & Where: Fri-Sat Midnight-1am, Fitzroy Beer Garden, 243-245 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy. Free entry.

HOLD UP, DRANK

The Adelphi Hotel is on some fancy shit. The rooftop pool pokes out so swimmers can be seen by the plebs down below. Come see how the other half does it this Sunday, at the hotel’s retro-themed rooftop pool party. Get in early; secure a banana lounge and work on that tan. Drinks start from $5 and entry is free. – Alyce Shaw

When & Where: Sun March 22 12-7pm, Adelphi Hotel, 187 Flinders Lane, Melbourne. Free entry.

Adelphi Hotel Architecture Design in Melbourne Australia 2

Above: The Adelphi

LUCKY NUMBER EIGHTY-NINE 

Underground music collective Eighty-Nine have invited local Melbourne producer Dan White to do a five-hour set at this month’s shindig at My Aeon. Moopie will be on hand out in the courtyard to help out, showing us his colourful side and providing a few musical detours. Gird your loins accordingly, come shake some hands. - Bec Mery

When & Where: Fri Mar 20, 8pm. My Aeon, 791 Sydney Road Brunswick. $10. 

GARAGE GALA

Third Drawer Down and the street that surrounds it will be transformed into something of a designer and good-time wonderland this Saturday. The Fitzroy boutique will have brands including Lucy Folk, Seletti, Hay and more at up to 60% off, along with plenty of giveaways. Acclaimed artist Oslo Davis will be drawing portraits, and Dog Photog will be on hand to snap a photo of your pooch for your mantlepiece. Or any other pet, for that matter. Aforementioned activities (and food!) by donation, so gather up your poo change. - Bec Mery

When & Where: Sat Mar 21, Third Drawer Down, 10am. 93 George St Fitzroy. Free.

IN YER DAYDREAMS 

March is drawing to a close, which means there are only a couple more Dr Morse-hosted Daydreams parties left on our weekend horizons. The weekly Sunday sessions proved to be be stupidly good/crazy popular, surely a bane to the existence of all those who work on Monday and who suffer from FOMO. This week, DJ Kiti, CC:DISCO and BJT will be providing the tunes; expect the usual free entry, free fruit, good food and primo vibes out in the beer garden. - Bec Mery

When & Where: Sun Mar 22, 4pm - late. Dr Morse, 274 Johnston St Abbotsford. Free.

daydreams

Above: Daydreams

ADELAIDE

MISCELLANEOUS MADNESS

Beyond Killa is a new range of (f)artworks from Lucas Croall and Gabriel Cole. The crudely named exhibition features a new range of art, custom apparel, miscellaneous merchandise, a magazine and of course Tazos! The launch party is taking place at Created Range, Adelaide’s hub for locally produced fashion labels such as Fools and Trolls and Pirate Material. Created Range has provided a fresh perspective on streetwear in Adelaide, trading in cheap mass produced branded items for hand printed gems in limited quantities. The launch party will feature live wax from Milkpaste and Fishermans Friend. 6:00pm – 9:00pm. Free Entry. Killa! - Jonty Czuchwicki 

When & Where: Fri Mar 20, Created Range – Shop 13, Regent Arcade, Adelaide CBD. Free.

BEYOND KILLA

Above: Artwork by Lucas Croall and Gabriel Cole

BIG ROCK

One of the biggest events this quarter within the Adelaide Psych Rock spheres. Glass Skies and The Dunes will be launching a split single in the way of a massive show at The Crown and Anchor this Saturday night. Having shared the stage with The Delta Riggs and King Gizzard and the Wizard Lizard between them these two bands are at the forefront of contemporary psych and have been receiving positive exposure from 3D radio, The Music and Triple J! Supporting are newcomers Fondle, along with an after party curated by Joel Byrne of Wolf and Cub and Going Steady DJs. - Jonty Czuchwicki 

When & Where: Sat Mar 21, The Crown and Anchor Hotel, 196 Grenfell Street, Adelaide, SA. $10 Entry

OUTRAGEOUS RAVE

If you don’t enjoy Psytrance you haven’t yet been to a Psytrance party. Clocking in at outrages BPMs, lauding furious baselines and a psychedelically infused theme it’s the ultimate in raving fun for everyone! Psyence Fiction will be hosting the last ever club night at Savvy before it shuts it doors and this one will be massive. Along with NSW import Penumbra the decks are also being graced by Postman Pat, Adam Stapleton and James Corbett - the latter of which you can hear ever Wednesday on Soundpond.net broadcasting psytrance to the greater global community from 10:00-12:00pm each week. - Jonty Czuchwicki 

When & Where: Sat Mar 21, Savvy Nightclub, East Corner of Light Square, Adelaide, SA. $10 Entry. 

 BRISBANE

FEELING HORNY, BABY?

This Friday night The Motor Room is bringing you the edgiest, funkiest brass band that ever was or ever will be – BULLHORN. These local boys and their hooters are making quite the name for themselves, receiving unanimous praise for their contemporary fusion of hip hop, soul, jazz, funk, reggae and dance music. Luckily, the Boundary Street Markets food pavilion will be just outside the venue to supply scrumptious sustenance to spectators, sure to be exhausted from compulsive boogieing. The big band will be supported by reggae/funk trio Anarchist Duck and local up-and-comer Selecta Watson. This event will be hard to trump(et)! - Georgina Fraser

When & Where: Fri March 20, 5pm-10pm, Corner of Boundary and Mollison Streets, West End. Free entry.

GURL, CHECK THIS OUT

The Lust for Life Gallery in Fortitude Valley is one of Brissie’s hidden gems. The little shop isn’t quite sure if it’s a café, an art gallery or a tattoo parlour – but it’s undeniably cool, whatever it is. At the moment, the pieces of Australian artist Tiffany Atkins’ newest exhibition adorn the walls of the multipurpose space. GYARU (Girl) is an exploration into the various ways femininity is portrayed in modern Japanese pop culture. The works of this collection look good enough to eat; Atkins uses vibrant colour (particularly pastels), pattern and vivid illustration to communicate her themes. And no, it’s not just a bunch of anime.  - Georgina Fraser

When & Where: Until March 30, 10.30am-6pm every day, 176 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley. Free.

SPEEDING UP CULTURE

Have you engaged in any substantive political discussions this week, beyond mocking Abbott’s St Paddy’s day speech? Have you consumed your recommended daily dosage of foreign art and culture? Not likely. Well, here’s your chance to redeem yourself – The Beared Lady is hosting an evening of thought-provoking musical musing to bring you plebes up to cultural speed. Post-punk political bands Prison, from Copenhagen, and Grey Places, from New South Wales, will be headlining the event, playing some moody tunes that tackle everything from queer issues to Indigenous injustices. Mercifully, The Bearded Lady has a well-stocked bar to help you deal with your inevitable social guilt.  - Georgina Fraser

When & Where: Sat March 21, 8pm, 138 Boundary Street, West End. $10 at the door.

themculturalhorizons

Above: The Bearded Lady

NEW ZEALAND

OPEN YOUR THIRD EYE

End your week right by heading up the coast too see the most of what progressive hip-hop has to offer. Noah Slee, ThirdEye and new-kid-on-the-block, Nikolai, have got you covered. By the end of the night, however, they want to see your mind uncovered, and opened to any opportunities available in front of you. Taking experience from conscious effort, these guys are not out to fool no one. No smack talking, no person shaming, just straight truth and real-talk. Not to be missed, set in one of summer’s hottest venues. Get some. - Georgina Bidois

When & Where: Fri 20 March, Leigh Sawmill Café, 142 Pakiri Road, Leigh, Auckland. $10

NOAH SLEE NO MONEY WEEKEND

 Above: Noah

GOLDEN RADNESS

Finally the boys are arriving in the city of sails! Catching the Wellington winds north, the Groeni crew have finally got themselves together on their anticipated tour. First stop, the big apple, so lets give them something good to look at. Fresh from their talked about performance at Chronohonium, you will know that the dreamy Al Green is keen to make your ears melt, and your heart pound. Not to mention Julien Dyne and a DJ set from She’s so Rad to add to the bill. What a cheap and cheerful night, get in before they set sail back south again.  - Georgina Bidois

When & Where: Sat Mar 20, 8pm. Golden Dawn, 143, Ponsonby Road, Auckland. $5

TECHNOLOGIC 

Love Eclectic music? Need to dance off your Friday hangover? Want to smash out a huge line-up? Then be here, or be boring. Just down the road from yours, Whammy Bar is hosting a huge electronic party and you’re all invited. Not name dropping or nothing but I hear Rackets, Bespin and Heavy, are all going to be there. And how sick were those guys at Laneway?! Don’t miss out on this super cheap opportunity to see some of the freshest beats, and babes, off the beaten block. For a measly tenny, you’d be a fool to forget this gig.  - Georgina Bidois

When & Where: Sat Mar 20, 8pm. Whammy Bar, 183 K’rd, Auckland. $10

Got something cheap or free you can recommend for our weekly guide? Send your zero-dollar recommendations for the week ahead to dani@pilerats.com. Have a great weekend!

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