Mama Ray @ BB's

Not exactly Free, because you'll have to drinks some beers, and probably eat some BBQ, but there's no cover charge, and you'll have to eat (drink) some lunch anyway, right? BB's Lawnside BBQ hosts Mama Ray's Blues Jam every Saturday from 2-5:30pm. Definitely Fun.

Going to Grandma's...

So, Grandma Jean lives in an assisted living apartment. I know a lot of people are like "I would never put my mom/dad/grandma/grandpa/old person in a rest home. That's so mean and they will be mistreated" but I have seen a couple of those really sad pitiful depressing "rest homes" and Jean doesn't live at one of those. It's really a pretty sweet set up for her. They aren't mean to her, and she'll actually ask them for help with stuff because she is paying them to help her. And pretty much everything is taken care of - you get your meals, entertainment, drugs, everything - even cocktail parties. Yeah! With actual cocktails and beer and live music and everything! And they've got some fancy buffet's too y'all! And those cute little half sized soda cans. (When we were there for the St. Patrick's Day party, there was an old lady hoarding the little soda cans in her walker to take back to her room. A whole bunch of them. And she wasn't being very covert, either. Like they wouldn't bring her a baby soda if she asked for it.) The only thing is that Grandma Jean never invites us over for these things! She must be embarrassed of us. I think I may have to just start inviting myself. I'll make note of the next party - and just haul Grandma's butt down for a snack and a beer. It's free fun! If you have a relative who is staying in a retirement apartment (as Grandpa calls his place) go have some free fun at their happy hour. Most places have these parties a couple times a month, and they have adult beverages if you are lucky. Plus I guess it gives me an excuse to visit Grandma, too.

Free Fun in the Village

Villagefest 2009 is free! Well, you can pay five bucks for a plate of Chris Cakes for breakfast. And they will probably have other things there will cost money, refreshments and whatnot. But they will have Jim "Stinky Feet" Cosgrove and Funky Mama! Pony rides! Petting zoo! Public safety and firearms demo! I don't even have kids and I want to go! I love Jim Cosgrove!

But, the awesomest of all, is the Chinook helicopter landing. Yeah, that thing in the photo. Wow. Now that is worth the price of admission. But there's no admission, is there? Cool! Also, they will have firetrucks, I'm sure. So if you don't have plans for Saturday, and you have kids, or you just like awesome army helicopters and Chris Cakes, you can have free fun in Prairie Village.

Also, I don't see any fireworks on the schedule, but how much can we ask for in a free event, really?

More free fun in KCK

I guess they know what's goin' on with the free fun over in Kansas City, KS. They always have free street festivals! This weekend is the KCK Street Blues Festival. It's free - you can bring chairs and a cooler over to 13th & State, and they will have some food vendors, it sounds like. And this year's Festival Queen is none other than the legendary Mama Ray! Other featured artists include Lee McBee & the Confessors, Millage Gilbert Downhome Blues Band, Levee Town with Sue Stubbs, Little Eva and Samantha Fish, PMS Blues Band, Doghouse Daddies, Luqman Hamza and Lucky Wesley, Bill Carter and Ron Teamer.

Plaza Live! Concerts

Free fun can be had on the Plaza every weekend. Window shop ('cause who can afford to regular shop - especially down there) and enjoy free music from 2-5pm at the Penguin Courtyard (on Nichols Rd. between J.Crew and Scandia Down,) Mermaid Courtyard (at Nichols Rd. and Broadway by Eddie Bauer) and Neptune Courtyard (on 47th St. by Houston's) on Saturdays and Sundays. This Saturday Stan Kessler & the Sons of Brasil will be playing the Mermaid Courtyard, and Roland Allen will be playing the Penguin Courtyard. Sunday will feature Lonesome Hank & the Heartaches at the Mermaid Courtyard, and Bayley Kate & The Bluegills at the Neptune Courtyard. So grab a seat near a cooling fountain, catch some free tunes, and splurge and spend a couple of bucks on an ice cream cone or an iced latte, since it's so stinkin' hot out.
Libby also has a suggestion for some free fun for your canine friend to have on the Plaza. She says that if you take your dog for a walk on the Plaza to be sure to stop in at the Three Dog Bakery. It's the original store! The first one ever. They don't charge anything for your doggie to sniff the yummy treats in their store, and they even hand out free samples!

Dave Stevens!

Some of you know about Dave Stevens. Some of you do not. Those of you who know about Dave and his swing band know he is fantastic, entertaining and adorable. Once again, I wish I could have this fun that requires no exchange of currency (Francie) but, alas, I have previous obligations. The Dave Stevens Band will be playing at Zona Rosa for their summer concert series that costs no money on Saturday, June 20th, from 6-9pm. Thanks to M.B. for the tip! And they have some good bands playing up there at Zona Rosa this summer - The Elders are scheduled for July 17th, and Ida McBeth will be playing Jazz on Town Square (which is also a weekly event) on September 24th. And once again, these events involve no monetary expenditure!

Downtown KCK has free fun.

This weekend is the KCK Arts Network Street Fest. Guess what? It's free! The Street Fest is in conjuction with Downtown KCK's Second Fridays. Second Fridays are, evidently, a lot like First Fridays in the Crossroads. And, yes, there are galleries outside of the Crossroads. (I am just discovering a lot of this stuff, because it is only recently that I have been enlightened as to exactly how FREE fun can really be. It's making me a much more well-rounded person.) This whole Street Fest thing sounds pretty cool, though. Live music (afro-beat/funk, swing, and a jazz trio - I like all of the above) and a puppet show and battling break dance crews? Awesome! Food and drinks are availble for purchase, so it might not be totally free if you buy stuff. I may have to check out Second Fridays sometime. I wonder if they have free adult beverages like some of the galleries on First Fridays.

Too bad it's a school night...

Free beer at the Riot Room in Westport? That is some free fun I can definitely endorse. There is a CD release party tonight for a band called the Also Rans. I know nothing about them, except that they have free beer at their party, and any money collected at the door goes towards more free beer. I just might have to become a fan.

UPDATE: After checking out their myspace, the Also Rans could be kinda cool. Garage Rock. Probably a lot more fun live (and drinking free beer) than sitting at my desk with the volume down so as not to annoy others.