No Money Weekend

With the help of talented band of state experts, Pilerats' picks for partying thrifty in the big city (and the little cities) are laid out for you below. Because when it comes time to cut a rug, it can never hurt to know how to cut some cash corners! Among the highlights are an Ashanti appreciation night, gore-soaked slashers, an outdoor dance party, a 360 degree art experiences, dirt-cheap pints and dirtier tactics at roller derbies. You can also consult our handy Record Store Day 2015 Guide for ideas of record-related places/events to hit up this Saturday.

(Header Image: Nemanja Knežević) 

PERTH

STRANGE SHADOWS

Though you might remember him as street artist Kid Zoom, these days Perth-raised, New York-based artist Ian Strange is frying bigger fish in the contemporary art world. He's in Perth at the moment creating a new body of work for FORM's Public program; an investigation of the family home, exploring suburban life across the USA, New Zealand and around Australia. HOME is his most significant body of work to date and his first major work in his own state. If you caught his sinking house installation outside the Adelaide Biennial, you know Strange doesn't muck around when it comes to wow factor. Expect a big turn out of Perth underground art fam, should make for a great atmosphere. - Dani Marsland 

When & Where: Fri Apr 17, 6pm. Runs until May 9. 318 Murray St, Perth. Free.

Above: Ian Strange, Shadow. 

FRIED FRIDAY

From the people who brought us Tiny Club, a miniature club in the girls toilets, comes Tiny KFC Club, a miniature club in North Perth Kentucky Fried Chicken. We wish we could say this was going to be a regular occurrence, but this occasion of 'slaw and sweat is a one-off: it's a final hurrah to KFC North Perth, whose automatic doors will slide shut for the last time today. KFCDJs Double Down, Col. Cambourghini, Hot b2b Spicy, Gaytime Krusher and Pinger B Urger - all a(chicken)breast of the latest tunes - will hold down the decks, while you try and hold down the contents of a Mega-Bucket. - Dani Marsland

When & Where: Fri Apr 17, KFC, Corner Charles and Fitzgerald St, North Perth. 9pm - 11pm. Free. Regular menu available for purchase. 

ART FEAT. ATOMS

Space, atoms, dark matter, solar winds, the Big Bang, human evolution, our relationship with the natural world – these are subjects of endless human desire to know the secrets of our universe and where we and everything we know has come from. As part of PUBLIC 2015, your own yearning to know more about the universe will be condensed into a 360-degree visual art instalment that explores human existence and molecular science. ‘Into the Void’ is the first instalment of a fairly large body of work from artists Kalem Bruce and Tom Rogers at favourite local jam den Dream Studios in Mt Hawthorn. Along with the visual experience, on offer will be cheap Sailor Jerry’s and Gage Roads beers, which will no doubt assist your own insights into how little you know about what we are. Step into the void. - Charles 

When & Where: Sat Apr 18, 6-8 pm, Dream Studios, 369 Oxford St, Mt Hawthorn. Read more here.

A segment of the mural from Kalem Bruce and Tom Rogers. 

BIRD OF PARADISE

Bedroom synth duo GRRL PAL have this new EP called Paradise (you can read more about GRRL PALhere) and this Friday they’re going to set it free at The Bird. The minds behind GRRL PAL, Jay Le Kat and Danny K have been all over the place in last two years and their brand of dreamy electro is quickly making waves internationally. You can listen to one of their new tracks below. Joining them this Friday eve will be a fun home grown line-up including Antonio // Paul, Childsaint and Childs Play for some soothing grooves. - Charles

When & Where: Fri 17 Apr, 8pm. William Street Bird, 181 William St, Northbridge. $5 on the door. Info here.

VINYL SAFARI

Record Store Day 2015 is here* and to celebrate your new romance with your Dad’s old record collection you should go on a 'Perth record store shop n’ hop’. Bring a day pack because there are tonnes of stores to hit up in and around Perth, and each one is going to have truckloads of RSD exclusives, reissues, unreleased gems, as well as bargains and bare essentials. I recommend heading to Perth’s youngest record store Good Company Records in Subi to grab a beer and a hard-to-find twelve inch, then you can stick around for guest performances from Eleventeen Elston, Basic Mind and Leaving. Alternatively, our Freo friends can slip down to Mills Records to watch some excellent musicians including Koi Child, Mitch MacDonald (The Love Junkies), Jane Azzopardi (Childsaint), as well as a guest signing from San Cisco. And for those who just need a bunch of bargain essentials to bulk up your collection, head in to 78 Records and Dada Records for the larger selections, or pretty well any record store that tickles your fancy. Support your local vinyl curators, find a gem, and it will be a Saturday well-spent. - Charles

When & Where: Record Store Day, Sat 18 Apr, 9-5. Your favourite record vendors - Perth, Subiaco, Northbridge, Mt Lawley, Fremantle etc.

*For more tips on Record Store Day event vibes across Australia, head to Pilerats' 2015 Record Store Day Guide

SYDNEY

THROWAWAY THROWDOWNS

Summer is officially over, and as such so are the days of Sunday Sessions laced with cheesy house music and $9 Vodka lime sodas. Thankfully, the lads at Throwaway have you covered for an afternoon of warm Hip Hop, beats and experimental electronic music. With free entry from 4pm and nothing but good vibes, there aren’t many better ways to ease yourself out of the weekend. - Brad Nash

When & Where: Sun Apr 19, 4pm. Knox Street Bar, 21 Shepherd St, Chippendale. Free.

BUG YOURSELF

One of Sydney’s finest young artistic talents, Thomas Jackson, is set to breathe some fresh life into the scene with the opening of his latest collection “Entomology”. The mural painter, street artist and illustrator is choosing to focus on the bodies of lifeless insects seeking to reflect both on the relationship between man and nature, and comment on just how other beings need to adapt to revolve around the human life cycle. - Brad Nash

When & Where: Fri Apr 17 – Sun Apr 19, 12-5pm. China Heights Gallery, 16-28 Foster St, Surry Hills. Free.

LICENCE PLATES IN THE GIFT SHOP 

For those of a slightly less groovy, heavier disposition, Valve Bar has you covered the night before, with a host of Sydney’s finest talent from the metal scene tearing the Agincourt hotel apart. Possibly one of the best named bands ever, BORT, open the proceedings, followed by Speedball, Drones, and Failure of Faith topping the bill. Expect mild violence, Mild hearing loss the morning after, and a whole heap of fun. - Brad Nash

When & Where: Fri Apr 17, 9pm. Valve Bar, 871 George St, Sydney. $12 

Above: BORT

FRESHERS

Freshly Squeezed Friday is returning to the Annandale Hotel this weekend for a special one off charity event in celebration of the new LP The Hearing by Fortay At Large. Hosted once again by Daily Meds’ P.Smurf, all artist proceeds plus any made from raffles/auctions will go towards the funding of medical treatment for a close friend of Fortay who is suffering from cancer. With a line up of legends including Fortay At Large, Jimmy & the Junkie, SQZ, Gabreal, Top Dawg and Defiant, the evening promises to be a banger. Not to mention, you’ll be getting crunk for a good cause. – Sam Garcia

When & Where: Fri 17 April, from 8pm, Annandale Hotel, 17-19 Parramatta Rd, Annandale. Free entry.

THEY SEE ME ROLLIN' 

If Drew Barrymore’s 2009 classic Whip It gave you all the feels like it did me, the 5x5 Roller Derby Championship Round 2 is where you need to be this weekend. Everyone from the Inner West to Newcastle will be represented in what I can only think to describe as a “violent orgy of elbows”. Doors open at 12:30pm for the first match up of Sydney vs Varsity at 1pm. Hawkesbury take on the Central Coast at 3pm. Sydney’s South Side and Newcastle will showdown at 5pm and the Inner West will take on the Blue Mountains at 7pm. Whether figuratively or literally, there will be blood! –Sam Garcia

When & Where: Sat 18 April, from 12.30pm, Sydney Boys High School, 556 Cleveland St, Sydney. Tickets available here for $12 or $15 at the door.

CLUB EL FRESCO

Super OpenAir is back for another outdoor party, and after outgrowing the very humble Vic on the Park; has moved to Marrickville’s Factory Theatre. With a line-up that is nothing to sneeze at, Mr. Ties (Homopatik – Berlin) along with Ben Fester & Preacha, Annabelle Gasper, DJ Kiti (Melb), Ben Drayton, Kato, Simon Caldwell and Gemma will be supplying you some underground house and techno beats. Quite possibly one of Sydney’s best day parties devoted to house and techno, OpenAir is on the rise and will more than likely sell out so get in quick. Tickets are available online so you know what to do. – Sam Garcia 

When & Where: Sun Apr 11 from 2pm, The Factory Theatre, 105 Victoria Rd, Marrickville. Tickets here for $11.

Above: Kiti

MELBOURNE

HULA IS THE NEW TWERK

If you like themed bars and haven’t been to Fitzroy’s LuWOW – well, you are just one silly sausage. With a giant Tiki bar, ridiculous cocktails and lei's (if you’re lucky - wink wink), this is the perfect place to forget your troubles, or event forget where you are geographically. Every Friday the peeps down at the LuWOW have an authentic Hula show, and signature Mai Tai’s for only $10 before 9pm. Perfect spot for after work dranks - Alyce

When & Where: Fri from 5pm, The LuWOW, 62-70 Johnston Street, Fitzroy. Free Entry

DO YO' THANG, GIRL 

I don’t know about you but there aren’t many things that I love more than boogying like an independent female who don’t need no man. So thank the lawdy-lawd’ that CRXZY SXXY CXXL has returned to Laundry Bar for a #GIRLPOWER special. Prepare to be taken into a time warp back into the 90s: Ashanti gon’ be there, Bey gon’ be there, Aaliyah gon’ be there. And of course, you gon’ be there: booty poppin’ in the middle of the d-floor and swirling the straw in your drank that you bought with your own PayPass! Cause you an independent lady, and damn girl, you lookin’ good. - Holly Bodeker-Smith

When & Where: Sat 18 April, 10pm – 3am. Laundry Bar, 48-50 Johnston Street, Fitzroy. Free.

FITZ ME UP

There is no better way to soak up the buzzing Fitzroy atmosphere than at the Fitzroy market this Saturday. Now in it’s fourth year, this is the inner north’s equivalent of the iconic Camberwell market and it is not to be missed. There are over 65 stalls selling plenny’ a goodies: all things second hand, vintage and hand-made. You’ll also find yourself all kinds of people, from nannas selling homemade marmalade to youngens selling their goods real cheap to scrounge up some doll hairs. Grab your granny trolley that’s gathering dust under the staircase and get down to Fitzroy Primary for a gooden. - Holly Bodeker-Smith

Where & When: Sat 18 April, 10am-3pm (and the third Saturday of every month!). Fitzroy Primary School, cnr Napier St and Chapel St, Fitzroy. Gold coin donation.

Above: Secondhand swag.

SAY YOUR PRAYERS 

Every Sunday for the rest of April, The Public Bar is throwing up its arms for the very special Sunday School. The free-for-all evening will feature live acts from Straylight, EN V and Makda Zucco. To top it off, there’ll be $6 pints until 7pm and $10 jugs until 8pm. Sounds like the perfect way to forget about Monday and wind down after a weekend of doing jack all. - Holly Bodeker-Smith

When & Where: Sun 19 April, 4pm onwards. The Public Bar, 238 Victoria St, Melbourne. Free.

PLEASURE PLANET

While Pleasure Planet might sound like some weird sci-fi porno, you’re still kinda interested aren’t you? Thought so. Celebrating their second Birthday (they grow up so fast), Pleasure Planet are throwing a 24 hour mind bending, soul exploding party starting in the wee hours of Sunday morning, until 2am Monday. Featuring acts like Ladyland, BennyBlue and Dan White. So if you have an RDO or are funemployed, you can party on a school night, well done you  - Alyce

When & Where: Sun April 19, Pleasure Planet, 243 Swanston Street, Melbourne. $30 at the door.

ADELAIDE

PSYCHEDLIC SOCIAL CLUB

Traditionally known for its Society Thursdays that play host to cashed up private school leavers the Pirie & Co. Social Club actually plays host to live music too having seen the likes of Kingswood and Tkay Maidza perform there in the past. On the local side of things we have a free entry show ther on Friday night headed by alternative psych-rockers Array. There’s $6 pints all night and the synth laden band will be joined by Creature space and '70s style piano rock band The Cities Alight. Excellent! - Jonty Czuchwicki

When and Where: Fri April 17, Pirie & Co. Social Club, 121 Pirie Street, Adelaide. Free. 

WILDSTYLE

Wildstyle is making it’s return to Ancient World with the aptly named Wildstyle 2. This is a dress up party. There is no theme, but you could pretend you are from Berlin, Tokyo, or New York! Entry is free if you dress up and $5 if YOU’RE A FUCKING SQUARE! There are also free drink cards being handed out to those whose outfits are better than yours, so don’t be a boring motherfucker. Expect DJ sets from Hairy Fox, Dubrat and Misha. There will be a live set from POTOR. There are also loads of cool sponsors on board. So you can win free things. - Jonty Czuchwicki

When and Where: Sat April 18, Ancient World, 116a Hindley Street, Adelaide. $5, or free if you dress up.

LOCK IT IN

Sydney’s the Lockhearts will be jumping in a van to tour the country in support of their single Lowwhich will see a worldwide release along with a limited run of 7” Vinyls. No stranger to regular gigs, be it the club, basement or backyard The Lockhearts couldn’t be more excited to hit Adelaide’s best known rock venue Enigma Bar. Joining them will be 70’s punk rockers Laced in Lust (who are fresh from touring Europe) and of course Ben Gel & The Boneyard Saints! Together these bands should make for a rollicking good time. Only $10 at the door! - Jonty Czuchwicki

When and Where: Sat April 18, Enigma Bar, 173 Hindley Street, Adelaide. $10 entry. 

Above: The Lockhearts

JIGGY AT THE JADE

It’s the third anniversary of Filthy Lucre’s first ever show. The band have been hopping elegantly from strength to strength with support slots for Truckfighters and Jackson Fyrebird resting high amongst radio interviews and a live appearance on Foxtel’s Music Room. What better way to celebrate three years of success than by playing at the venue where it all began? Joining the powerful blues rockers will be four piece Tabula Rasa and Athletic Teenage Joggers. Entry is $10 and you will be allowed to stroll through the doors at 9pm. - Jonty Czuchwicki

When and Where: Fri April 17, The Jade Monkey, 160 Flinders Street, Adelaide, $10 Entry.

ECO LIVIN'

The Good Earth Market is taking place on across Saturday the 18th and Sunday the 19th of April this weekend. The exciting and totally free initiative explores all things that are earth friendly, made from natural fibres, up-cycled, re-cycled, green, DIY, sustainable AND ethical. Boy - that was a mouthful. The focus is on great design, fashion and of course creativity. Everything you see will be made sustainably, organically, botanically, charity, fair trade and/or vintage. What’s more is that every patron will leave the market having learnt something about decreasing their global foot print! Get rid of your shoes and get down to Flinders street! - Jonty Czuchwicki

When and Where: Sat April 18 – Sun April 19, 230 Flinders Street, Adelaide. Free. 

JONTY'S #1 ADELAIDE PICK

Pilot Records, Ancient World and Rocksteady #1 present to you the launch party for No Birds and Thee Dub Divisions’ brand new extended play record entitled As One. This is Jonty Czuchwicki’s number one pick for cheapskates in Adelaide this weekend. Featuring live sets from both No Birds and Odessa the event will also feature DJ greatness from the likes of Pilot DJ’s, Gunda G and Rocksteady #1 DJ’s. Ancient World will also be hijacked by the juicy deliciousness of Cuckoo’s Funktion 1 system. You know, the best speakers on the market, ever. It’s even free to get in. - Jonty Czuchwicki

When and Where: Fri April 17, Ancient World, 116a Hindley Street, Adelaide. Free.

BRISBANE

G'DAY U.S.A.

Brisbane seems to have a kink for all things American food lately, with burger joints and American style eateries popping up all across town. Two of the newest additions to the fold are 5 Boroughs on the southside and Miss Kay's in the city. 5 Boroughs offers a melting pot of cuisines from burgers and sliders, to a fusion street food menu; aiming to bring a bit of New York's "boroughs" to Brisbane. Miss Kay's has had such a promising start that they've been selling out most nights. The burger joint/bar in the midst of the city serves up an array of "authentic" fast food: cheeseburgers, fries, wings and heaps of alcoholic options. Their Mac Daddy (Mac and Cheese burger) is sure to induce some sort of heart condition. You might want to engage your second stomach if planning on attending either of these establishments, but with options just north of a tenner it won't break the weekend budget. - Miles Ruge

When & Where: 5 Boroughs, open seven days from 11am, 405 Logan Road, Greenslopes. $10-$20. Miss Kay's, open Mon-Wed 11am - 8pm, Thu-Sat 10am-10pm, 185 George Street Brisbane. Under $20. 

BENDER ON THE GRASS

Brisbane Beer Fest takes to Eatons Hill Hotel this Saturday. Enjoy some Autumn sunshine and kick back on the grass while sampling over 130 beers, craft beers and ciders from 30 brewers. There will be food and live music and DJs as well. Australian icon Sam Kekovich will be on hand too, presumably dolling out trademark one liners about lamb and whatnot all day. All proceeds will be donated to the Daniel Morcombe Foundation, so you can enjoy a beer and support a worthy charity, what's not to love? - Miles Ruge

What & Where: Sat 18 Apr, 11AM, Eatons Hill Hotel, 646 Southpine Road, Eatons Hill. Gold coin donation (all proceeds donated to Daniel Morcombe Foundation). 

TASMANIA

LIGHT UP THE LANE 

As part of National Youth Week, Hobart is putting on its own event in the cosy Mathers Place. Light up the Lane will showcase the talents of local creators, stimulating both your ears and your eyes. Films, documentaries and graphic design will illuminate Mathers Place accompanied by some local electronic producers, while more laidback live acoustic sets by other budding young musicians will provide a contrasting atmosphere in the adjacent Mathers House courtyard. There'll be coffee and pizza among other things, as a variety of Hobart's mobile food vendors will be there to provide only the most mouth-watering sweet and savoury snacks. - Tom Wolff

When & Where: Fri April 17, 6 -9pm. Mathers Place, off Bathurst Street, Hobart. Free 

A HOWLIN' GOOD SUNDAY ARVO 

What better way to dust off the Sunday arvo slump than with a delicious IPA and a bit of unplugged jazz from Howlin' Jim and the Hot Five. The weekend couldn't culminate more perfectly, with the guys providing some upbeat deliciousness as the brass soothes the mind and soul, blowing that hangover you had out of the water. You'll be grinning and bopping in no time. Coincidentally, it also happens to be the Winston's second birthday this weekend, so it’s a good time to chow down on one of burgers from their killer range. - Tom Wolff 

When & Where: Sun Apr 19, band starts at 6pm. 381 Elizabeth Street, North Hobart. Free entry.

AS TRASHY AS IT GETS 

Trasharama is the self-proclaimed nastiest short film festival in Australia. After sell-out shows in "HELLBOURNE" and "Radelaide", the touring festival is arriving in "TRASHMANIA" (Their words, not mine - ha). You can be assured at least a few gore-soaked slashers, a serial killer or two, some politically incorrect comedies, lots of poo and basically anything that's low-brow and most importantly, doesn't take itself too seriously. The festival, which takes place at the Brisbane, also coincides with Happy Hour so you can't get some dirt-cheap pints to stimulate the laughs, or the screams. And apparently there's free bingo as well, and you can win shit.  - Tom Wolff 

When & Where: Sun Apr 19, 6pm. The Brisbane Hotel, 3 Brisbane St, Hobart. $10

If you have a free or cheap event you'd like included in next week's guide, email your info and images to dani@pilerats.com. We'd love to have some help fleshing out our Brisbane and Perth sections - if you're in the know re: what's on weekends, and you can string a few words together, email your best 100 word max. No Money Weekend event example to dani@pilerats.com