Cheapies, I’m afraid the end is nigh. In the last full week of August, I can’t help but be a bit nostalgic, remembering not too long ago when you were all just cheap bastardlings running around my ankles and peeing yourselves over free Costco samples. My, how you’ve all grown. Boston will not disappoint your more refined tastes for cheapery this week, either. Go forth and pay little.
Monday, August 22
Boston Restaurant Week continues a second run this week, much to the delight of cash-poor foodies. Eateries from across the genre gamut serve up prix fixe menu—lunch is $15.11, and two- or three-course dinners can be had for $20.11 and $33.11, respectively. Restaurant Week runs through Friday.
Brattle’s Repertory Series serves up a thrilling pair by Sisters (1973) at 3:15 and 7:30 PM, intercut with British thriller Twisted Nerve (1968) at 5:15 and 9:30. Students get into both for $7.75.
Club Oberon near Harvard Square hosts The Big Quiz Thing, a live trivia game show from New York City. The grand prize pot is $200, with a consolation prize of warm fuzzy satisfaction at knowing how many Ents must be present to constitute a legal Entmoot quorum. (If you understood that in the least, BQT is entirely up your alley.) Doors open at 7:30 PM, seating for first comers. Take the Red Line to Harvard, then follow Mass Ave toward Central Square to Oberon.
Tuesday, August 23
It wouldn’t be a Cheapskate’s Guide without falling over myself making excuses for Tuesday. But by now you really should know better than to waste your time. So move along, pal. Nothing to see here.
Wednesday, August 24
The Boston Landmarks Orchestra plays its penultimate summer concert tonight. As always, the Landmarks strike up at 7 PM. Pair it with a free community Sunset Yoga session starting at 6 PM (bring your own mat if possible).
If any two pastimes were truly made for each other, it’s bowling and being a cheapass. Kings in Back Bay obliges in kind with its Wild Wednesday promotion: the 21+ get all-you-can-bowl for $10 after 9 PM.
Thursday, August 25
Returning a tradition dating back to the 1890s, Puppets on the Common presents Aesop’s Fables for children of all ages (which I can only assume includes college students) at 2:30 PM in the Parkman Bandstand near the Boylston T stop.
Boston Cyclists’ Union hosts its First Annual Meeting at 7 PM, a party-and-board-meeting for one of the most active cycling groups in the city. The party is free for BCU members — a year membership normally costs $25, but there are discounted rates for students, or members can barter volunteer time for dues.
Entering its sixth year of bringing classic kung fu to a Chinatown lot, Films at the Gate kicks off its four-day run tonight at 8 PM with Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris in Way of the Dragon (1972). All films in the series are preceded by martial arts demonstrations from local masters and academies.
Friday, August 26
Tonight marks the beginning of St. Anthony’s Feast in the North End with music, food and pageantry in spades.
Free Friday Flicks at the Esplanade Hatch Shell concludes for the summer with Iron Man 2 (2010). Bring a blanket and hankie to mourn this year’s death of free outdoor screenings.
Cheap laughs abound every Friday at Allston’s Great Scott, where Anderson Comedy hosts The Gas for $5 at 7 PM (18+). This week is headlined by Fred Bernabe.
Saturday, August 27
CommuniTeach, a network of free neighborly skills-sharing enthusiasts, offers a free bike maintenance crash course on the Cambridge Common today at 2 PM near the cannons. Mini-lessons include brake adjustments and flat repair. Bring tools if you have them!
Sunday, August 28
The Charles River Conservancy presents the third annual Sunday Parkland Games all afternoon from 2 to 6 PM in Allston’s Herter Park. Planned activities include frisbee, bocce, badminton, horseshoes, paddle ball and more, all without any registration or entrance fee required. The events culminate in true Allston style with a community yoga session (also free) from 5 to 6 PM.
Don’t forget other Sunday staples, like SoWa Open Market!
