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Home > Smart Spending > Archives > 2008 > December > 26
Friday, December 26, 2008
Ways to Spend Nothing — And Still Have Fun
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Julianne Hough will perform at this year’s Peach Drop at Underground Atlanta on New Year’s Eve. Photo: Ondrea Barbe.
Things are often quiet in those days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, but there are still plenty of entertainment options. And, for the events below, you won’t have to spend any of that newly gifted money in your pocket.
ROCK, DON’T SPEND A ROLL
Rock 100.5 is throwing a Taint Party this weekend. What’s a Taint Party, you may ask? Well, ‘taint Christmas and ’taint New Year’s Eve, as the organizers put it. In the limbo land between the holidays, the radio station will bring the reunited Verve Pipe to the Loft for a free concert on Dec. 27 for ages 18 and up.
It’s been seven years since the last Verve Pipe album and more than 10 since the Top 5 single “The Freshmen,” but the Michigan band still has a sizable following. That’s probably attributable to frontman Brian Vander Ark’s torch-bearing solo career. He’s released three albums since 2001’s “Underneath,” still the most recent Verve Pipe disc.
Rock 100.5 will also be giving away a trip to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, a Miller Lite guitar and other goodies.
Doors open at 8 p.m, at the Loft in the CW Complex, 1374 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-885- 1365.
POKEMON INVASION
Pokemon seems to be everywhere this week. There are city championships planned in at least four metro area burgs. All events are for all ages and skill levels, but players should bring their own 60-card deck. Check the Pokémon site for rules and regulations.
In Newnan: Noon Dec. 28. Heroes Cards, Comics and Games, 211-A Bullsboro Drive. 770-251-5754.
In Kennesaw: Noon Dec. 30. Hobbytown USA, 840 Ernest Barrett Parkway N.W., Kennesaw. 770-426-8800.
In Lawrenceville: Noon Dec. 31. Tower Game Center, 860 Duluth Highway, Suite 156, Lawrenceville. 678-442-1787.
In Marietta: Noon Jan. 1. McDonald’s, 2782 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta. 770-316-7427.
PERFORMANCE WITH PURPOSE
The female percussion and vocal ensemble Giwayen Mata celebrates the fifth principle of Kwanzaa, Nia (Purpose), with a performance influenced by the sounds and rhythms of West Africa. 3-6 p.m. Dec. 30. Free. Auburn Avenue Research Library, 101 Auburn Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-730-4001.
KID-FRIENDLY NEW YEAR
For the young ones who might miss the midnight fun, Radio Disney and Smyrna has the answer. “Noon Year’s Eve” With Radio Disney is a dance party featuring the Radio Disney Street Team, with games, contests, prizes and a balloon drop. And don’t forget the cider toast at noon.10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Dec. 31. Free. Smyrna Community Center, 200 Village Green Circle, Smyrna. 770-434-6600.
DANCE (WITH A STAR) UNTIL YOU DROP
Peach Drop 2009, the annual fruit-flavored year-end celebration at Underground Atlanta, returns with a day of family-friendly activities including a moonwalk, basketball throw, free face painting and balloon art on Upper Alabama Street. There will be plenty of musical entertainment, too, headlined by Julianne Hough from “Dancing With the Stars.” At midnight, the 800-pound peach descends the tower to welcome in the new year. 11 a.m. Dec. 31. Free. Underground Atlanta, 50 Upper Alabama St. S.W., Atlanta. 404-523-2311.
Read other money saving tips at Your Money, and see a list of all of more upcoming free and cheap events.
