Image by Ken Hawkins/Staff

Why spend the money if you don’t have to? There are plenty of things going on this week in Charleston that you can do for free!

Monday, December 14

Open Mic Night
9:30 p.m. Enjoy music and comedy at Upper Deck’s open mic night.
Upper Deck, 353 King Street, Downtown

DJ Dancing
10:30 p.m. Great music at a great price…$0.00! With cover charges taking over Charleston’s DJ performances, it’s nice to know we can still get down without a dime. DJ CMNDer will provide the music as long as you take care of the dancing.
Torch Velvet Lounge, 545 King  Street, Downtown

Tuesday, December 15

Holiday Theater Performance
5-7p.m. The classic tale of “A Christmas Carol” will be performed by theater instructor and talented performer, George Younts. Enjoy the ageless story of Jacob Marley (Scrooge) and the valuable lesson he learns one haunting Christmas Eve. Area senior groups invited, the performance is open to the public for all ages. Groups of 6+ should reserve space by calling Belinda Swindler at (843)745-1028 Felix Davie Community Center at Park Circle, North Charleston

Porkchop Productions: Holly and the Christmas Gift
9:15 a.m. and 10:30 It's the day after Christmas and Holly, an elf, finds a package marked "undeliverable" in Santa's sleigh. Unable to contain her curiosity, Holly sets out on a journey to discover who the mysterious Bahum Bugg is and why he doesn't want a Christmas present left at his door. This holiday favorite is sure to warm the frostiest of hearts!
Charleston County Public Library, 68 Calhoun St., Downtown

Wednesday, December 16

Etiwan Park - Garden in the Parks
9-11 a.m. Morning activities to include garden clean up activities in this park's newest pocket garden. The yearly maintenance of this garden will be taken on by the Charleston Parks Conservancy and the Park Angels. No prior experience needed. Bring a trowel or favorite planting tool, pruning sheers and some sunscreen. All other tools will be provided. General garden activities such as weeding, deadheading, and watering will be on schedule.
Etiwan Park, Etiwan Park, Daniel Island

Noon Concerts At Circular Church
Noon. Jazz pianist, Jonathan Ray, will raise the rafters with his powerful versions of familiar songs. The concerts will begin at noon in the sanctuary.
Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St., Downtown

Thursday, December 17

Book-cessories
5-7 p.m. Enjoy champagne and snacks as you check out local designers Katie Johnston and Lauren Sanchez. Katie Johnston incorporates architectural design vocabulary into each of her jewelry pieces. She works in sterling silver, gold fill, and reused materials like CMYK newspaper aluminum printing plates, aluminum building flashing, and HVAC grills. Lauren Sanchez's first L_Design handbags were created from leftover samples that her architectural firm was going to throw away. Seven years and hundreds of handbags later, Sanchez still uses modern, retro, and classic upholstery fabrics.
Blue Bicycle Books, 420 King St., Downtown

Friday, December 18

Alchemy at Avondale: Gale Ray
6-9 p.m. Alchemy Coffee presents local painter Gale Ray. The evening will offer attendees a glimpse of how Alchemy Coffee and art go hand in hand, while also providing an opportunity to experience an educational artistic experience in a relaxed coffee shop atmosphere.
Alchemy Coffee, 11 Magnolia Road, West Ashley

Electric Friends
Spend the night at Torch where Electric Friends (DJ JeffyET, CMNDer, and MACHETE) will be playing their powerful tunes all night for your dancing pleasure.
Torch Velvet Lounge, 545 King  Street, Downtown

Mt. Pleasant Visit with Santa
Noon. Children will enjoy Christmas music, games, crafts, face painting and, a visit with Santa himself. A photo will be provided, as well as free snacks for children.
The Darby Building, 302 Pitt St., Mt. Pleasant

Mega Churches
This is the last day to see this exhibit! The exhibition features a recently completed photography project by Artist Joe Johnson. This selection of photographs is about the Mega Church phenomenon. Mega Churches have inspired thousands of Christian worshipers to gather within vast post-modern architectural spaces across the nation.
Redux Contemporary Art Center, 136 St. Philip St., Downtown

Saturday, December 19

Presents from Punks
8 p.m. A free art show with musical guests Dante's Camaro playing at 10:30 and Rocky Horror at 11:30 p.m. The whole show starts at 8 p.m. and art will be on sale until 10. All proceeds will go toward buying food and toys for the less fortunate this Christmas.
Mellow Mushroom, 309 King St., Downtown

Lowcountry Anime Gamers Tournament
2 p.m. Lowcountry Anime Gamers first annual Christmas party/game tournament at Green Dragon. Bring a gift to exchange with a fellow gamer and an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots.
The Green Dragon, 7671 Northwoods Blvd Unit 5t, North Charleston

Pet Helpers Holiday Open House
11 a.m.-3 p.m. Celebrate the season with Pet Helpers. Visit the shelter for holiday treats, Santa photos with your pet, and plenty of good cheer! Bring a donation item to put under our shelter pets' tree! Special Holiday Gift: The first six adoptions get a complementary pet portrait session with Laura Olsen Imagery!
Pet Helpers' Adoption Center, 1447 Folly Road, James Island

The Polar Express at the Library

2 p.m. An event for the whole family! Come warm up in the children’s room, as we cozy up on the Polar Express.  Enjoy a screening of the film, along with hot chocolate and a special holiday gift.
Charleston County Public Library, 68 Calhoun St., Downtown

Young Adult Movie Series: The Nightmare Before Christmas

2 p.m. Tired of scaring humans every October 31 with the same old bag of tricks, Jack Skellington, the spindly king of Halloween Town, kidnaps Santa Claus and plans to deliver shrunken heads and other ghoulish gifts to children on Christmas morning. But as Christmas approaches, Jack's rag-doll girlfriend, Sally, tries to foil his misguided plans. Rated PG; 76 minutes.
Dorchester Road Regional, 6325 Dorchester Road, North Charleston

Sunday, December 20

At any time, get rid of that __________ you've been holding on to for _____ years, for the slim chance _____________________ might happen, and have a yard sale.
Your place. Whatever area you live in.