Everyone thinks of Memorial Day weekend as the awesome start to a fun-filled summer; the three-day weekend where you are obligated to go to a music festival, the beach, the mountains… just generally get out of town and have fun. It’s almost like if you don’t go out and have fun this weekend, you are branded as a boring stick-in-the-mud who’s entire summer is going to be spent sitting on the couch eating Cheetos after work.
Everyone thinks of Memorial Day weekend as the awesome start to a fun-filled summer; the three-day weekend where you are obligated to go to a music festival, the beach, the mountains… just generally get out of town and have fun. It’s almost like if you don’t go out and have fun this weekend, you are branded as a boring stick-in-the-mud who’s entire summer is going to be spent sitting on the couch eating Cheetos after work. But let’s be real; not everyone has the funds to drop on some big out-of-town party or festival, or even on the gas it takes to have a weekend getaway. So, here for your enjoyment, is a list of five of the most fun free or inexpensive things you can do this weekend. Enjoy!
Friday, 5/24: YERB! CD Release Party @ Strange Matter
If you love going to shows at the YERB! or you’re a fan of the bands that play there, this is definitely not a show you want to miss. Toxic Moxie, Tungs, and Brother Bill will all be playing, and you can grab a free copy of the YERB! CD, which will feature Night Idea, The Northerners, Black Girls, People’s Blues of Richmond, and many, many more. There will also be delicious drinks, not to mention the chance to mix and mingle with many of the main players in the super-varied list of local bands appearing on this compilation. Plus, the show is free! Be there!
Friday, 5/24: Beat Down The Kid’s Birthday Party @ Bellytimber
Beat Down The Kid is turning 23, and celebrating his birthday party by spinning awesome tracks for you all night long at Bellytimber. Stovetops and Smiley will also be DJing for the first hour, and as usual there will be plenty of tasty drinks and fun dancing buddies. This is another great way to party hard and enjoy your Memorial Day weekend right here in RVA, without spending anything at the door.
Saturday, 5/25: May Really Really Free Market @ Monroe Park
It’s the last Saturday of the month, and that means it’s time for the Really Really Free Market in Monroe Park. This gathering is all about showing up with stuff you are willing to give away, from clothes and food to sewing lessons or an acoustic guitar performance, and taking whatever you see there that you like. Not only is this an awesomely free way to spend a day having fun in the sun, meeting new people, and networking with locals, it’s perfect if you have a bunch of clothes lying around your house that you need to get rid of, or if you want to go shopping but even the thrift store is out of your price range at the moment.
Saturday, 5/25: Chris King in-store @ Steady Sounds
If you are looking to check out some super-rare, one-of-a-kind art and music for absolutely free, be at Steady Sounds at 4:00pm to see Grammy-winning archivist and producer Chris King. He will be spinning his vinyl compilations Aimer et Perdre and Five Days Married & Other Laments, both of which have never been played out in public before. He will also be showing the original Robert Crumb artwork [!!!!-ed.] that graces the cover of his compilations!
Sunday, 5/26: Well Worn Market @ Gallery 5
OK, so this last event isn’t totally free, but there isn’t a cost to get in, and there’s no crime in window shopping. Well Worn Market is a pop-up market of cheap, thrifted, and vintage goods from stores like Yesterday’s Heroes, The Odd Couple, and many more. There will also be Goatacado sandwiches and Lamplighter coffee if you are looking for a snack. This seems like a great way to wrap up a cheap Memorial Day weekend at home–and who knows, maybe you can get a little crazy and splurge on some knicknacks, since you saved so much money!
For a full listing of all the stuff happening this weekend, click here for our whole calendar!
P.S. If punk and metal is more your scene and you’re bummed about missing Maryland Deathfest, I’ve also written a guide to having your own little deathfest here, which includes all the harder stuff that’s happening this weekend. Check it out here!
