Going out in Charlotte doesn't have to be expensive. In fact, to prove that statement, we've compiled a list of cheap things to do in the Q.C. this weekend. These events may vary, but they're all entertaining and they won't break your bank (piggy banks excluded).

Friday Night Live at Strike City Held on the second and fourth Friday of each month, Strike City will be featuring live music to go along with bowling. The lineup varies, but this Friday's includes a performance by Of Good Nature. $5. Jan. 24, 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. StrikeCity, 210 E. Trade St. www.strikecitycharlotte.com.

Quynh Vantu: Thresholds at McColl Center for Visual Art: More in Art openings this week

Reading of For Black Boys Who Have Considered Homicide When the Streets Were Too Much at Main Library: Staged reading of the play by Keith Antar Mason. The play focuses on black men and how they feel about themselves, in contrast to negative stereotypes. Actors include Arthur Miller, Vincent Freeman and Que'Orris Brion. Free. Jan. 25, 2:30 p.m. Main Library (Francis Auditorium), 310 N. Tryon St.

Charlotte Mini-Con at Grady Cole Center Calling all comic book fans! Presented by Heroes Aren't Hard to Find, Charlotte Mini-Con is a comic book geared event with comic creators, and vendors with comic books, crafts, original art and more. $5. Jan. 25, 11 a.m. & 5 p.m. Grady Cole Center, 310 N. Kings Drive. www.heroesonline.com.

Free Acting Classes by NYS3: Folks aspiring to be an actor/actress will want to take advantage of this special opportunity. NYS3 will be offering two days of acting classes to help those in or looking to enter the theater/TV/entertainment world hone their skills. Classes include: Jan. 25: Acting Technique, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Improv, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; Youth Auditioning & Acting Technique, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Movement & Voice, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Jan. 26: Auditioning, 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.; Voiceover, 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.; Acting Technique, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Free, but RSVP required. For more information, email info@nys3.com or visit www.nys3.com. Central Piedmont Community College (held in the Overcash building, classroom 302), 1201 Elizabeth Ave.