We know, we know — the economy still sucks ... and your pockets still look like rabbit ears. But even though you're broke, you don't have to spend your evenings eating ramen noodles and watching Hulu.com. Yes, you recession-ravaged reveler, you can have a good time without having to take out a second mortgage. And we're here to point the way — by presenting our annual list of 50 cheap thrills to give you the entertainment you long for. Read on ... and then, please, drop the ramen.

1. $2 Tuesdays and No Cover Wednesdays at Club Onyx: Strippers always raise your spirits, and nothing is better than getting to see girls shake it fast with a deep discount (and drink specials to boot). Club Onyx offers two nights of discounts for frugally minded T&A fans. Club Onyx, 5300 Old Pineville Road. 704-525-7050. www.ricks.com.

2. Le Bang at Dharma Lounge: Wednesday night means it's time for one of Charlotte's biggest — and most off-the-wall — weekly parties: Le Bang. Head out and hang with le hipsters, listen to a bizarrely danceable mix of music and snag some cheap drinks. Free entry. Dharma Lounge, 1440 S. Tryon St., Suite 105. www.dharmacharlotte.com

3. Wine and beer tastings at the Common Market: For $5, you can sample a flight of wines every week at both locations of the Common Market (you know, one of the city's most beloved convenience stores/delis). Sip vino Tuesdays at the Plaza Midwood store and Wednesdays at the South End spot. And if you dig beer, visit the Plaza Midwood CM on Wednesday for a free beer tasting and the South End locale on Thursday for more beer. Common Market, (Plaza Midwood) 2007 Commonwealth Ave. 704-334-6209 — and (South End), 1515 S. Tryon St. 704-332-7782. www.commonmarketisgood.com.

4. More free wine: Enhance your palate by attending a free wine tasting at area Total Wine and More stores. Free. Every Friday (4 p.m.-7 p.m) and Saturday (12 p.m.-6 p.m.) Details and locations at www.totalwine.com.

5. Open mic at The Fort Mill Comedy Zone: Make a short trip to South Carolina and take an uncensored chance to be the next great stand up comedian — or just sit in the audience and boo those not-so-funny clowns on the stage. Every Thursday it's free to laugh or try to make other people laugh at your jokes. 9:30 p.m. The Comedy Zone Fort Mill, 900 Crossroads Plaza, Fort Mill, S.C. 803-802-3990. www.thecomedyzonefortmill.weebly.com.

6. Celtic/American String wizard Robin Bullock in concert: The Charlotte Folk Society's next Gathering on Friday, April 8, features Robin Bullock — who's described by the Baltimore City Paper as "a Celtic guitar god." Free. 7:30 p.m. The Great Aunt Stella Center, 926 Elizabeth Ave. www.folksociety.org.

7. Social Sundays Day Party: Sunday isn't just for church anymore. Tiffany H. of Twelve Entertainment presents: Social Sundays Day Party at Toxic Nightclub (formerly the Rustic Martini). Free admission and free food. 4 p.m. Toxic Nightclub, 616 N. Tryon St. 919-638-4690.

8. Four years of Tilt: Celebrate the fourth anniversary of the Uptown nightclub Tilt on April 16, featuring $4 drinks. Free admission. 8 p.m. Tilt, 127 W. Trade St. 704-347-4870.

9. Cult Movie Mondays: Hosted by drag goddess Roxy C. Moorecox, this event serves free popcorn, free parking and free "classic" movies (like Weekend At Bernie's and Serial Mom). What could be a better way to start your week? Free. Doors open at 7 p.m.; movie starts at 8 p.m. The Actor's Theatre of Charlotte, 650 E. Stonewall St. 704-342-2251. www.actorstheatrecharlotte.org.

10. The Session: Head upstairs to the Wine-Up on Wednesday night for some live music hosted by Twenty/20 and DJ Raquest. $5. Doors open at 11 p.m. Wine-Up, 3306-C N. Davidson St. 704-372-2633. www.wine-up.com.

11. Rock It Tuesday at The Saloon: Food and live music at NC Music Factory's signature pub/restaurant. Free. The Saloon, 935 N. Graham St. 704-716-2327. www.thesalooncharlotte.com.

12. Pure Wednesday: Dudes take note — every Wednesday the award-winning nightclub Halo offers free entry for the ladies. Got it? Good. Go. Halo, 820 Hamilton St., Suite A2. 704-332-4256. www.haloclt.com.

13. $2 Taco Tuesdays at The Men's Club: The Men's Club is a great place to have lunch (and possibly get a lap dance). Get two tacos (beef or chicken) for $2 — and/or $2 sliders and Coronas. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The Men's Club, 444 Tyvola Road. 704-525-8525. www.themensclub.com.

14. Matthew Mayfield live: On April 7, musician Matthew Mayfield — whose song "First In Line" appeared in the 100th episode of Grey's Anatomy — brings his blend of rock and soul to the Queen City. The show is $5 for men and free for ladies. Doors open at 8 p.m.; show starts at 9 p.m. Double Door Inn, 1218 Charlottetown Ave. 704-376-1446. www.doubledoorinn.com.

15. Flirtatious Fridays: Need to blow off some steam after a long week of working for "The Man"? Head down to Tempo. Drink specials are $5 (or less) and entry is free until 11 p.m. Tempo, 4809 Wilkinson Blvd. 704-391-8909. www.tempocharlotte.com.

16. 50 Cent Friday: We're not talking the rapper here — but we are talking about two quarters and the things they can do for you on a Friday night. The Pub at Gateway offers Bud Light drafts for 50 cents and pints for $1. Free admission. The Pub at Gateway, 710 W. Trade St. 704-333-9818.

17. Halfway to Halloween: Need a reason to pull out a costume and parade around Uptown? Well, if you do, Whisky River has the party for you. April 19 marks the halfway mark between spring and the world's scariest (and sluttiest) holiday. Put on a mask and text 980-333-3923 for contest details. Free before 11 p.m. Whisky River, 210 E. Trade St., Suite A-208. 704-749-1097. www.whiskyrivercharlotte.

18. $5 cover and table dances: End a long day with a table dance at one of Charlotte's oldest strip clubs; $5 gets you in and gets you that dance. Baby Dolls, 12820 US Highway 29N. 704-593-0302. www.malentertainment.com.

19. Beauty in the Broken: New Works by Artist Kendra Baird: Green Rice Gallery presents a new exhibit by artist Kendra Baird. Inspired by traveling to 11 different countries over the last year, Baird captured the beauty of her trip by re-imagining the broken things she saw along the way. Free. Through May 29. Green Rice Gallery, 451 E. 36th St. 704-344-0300. www.green-rice.com.

20. The Classic International Black Cinema Series: The monthly film series features a screening of Sankofa, by director Halle Gerima, this time around (on May 8). Free. 2 p.m. Harvey B. Gantt Center, 551 S. Tryon St. 704-547-3700. www.ganttcenter.org.

21. Wine Down Wednesdays: $5 glasses of wine and free entry into NoDa's Prevue is just one cheap way to get over the hump. Enjoy music ("erotic" lounge, sexy house and jazz) by DJ Silvio. Doors open at 6 p.m. Prevue, 2909 N. Davidson St. 704-375-3747.

22. Studio 12: Poets Pad: Sit in on an old-school jam session every Tuesday at Studio 12; no tracks, just live music, vocals and poetry. $5 at the door and free refreshments. 8:30 p.m. Studio 12, 136 E. 36th St.

23. Bask In The Cause: Network, drink and help Autism at Bask on Seaboard. This event, sponsored by the Autism Services of Mecklenburg County, happens on the last Wednesday of each month. There's no cover charge and profits from the food and beverage items purchased between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. go to ASMC. Bask on Seaboard, 1000 Seaboard St., Suite C1. 980-613-8282. www.baskonseaboard.com.

24. Pop Life: Charlotte's signature after-work Wednesday event, Pop Life, is back for a new season with a new home. Admission is free, with more patio seating and drink specials. RE:Public, 314 N. College St. Doors open at 8 p.m. www.thesolkitchen.com.

25. First Tuesday Concerts: First Presbyterian Church hosts free chamber music concerts on the first Tuesday of each month, featuring leading local and regional professional musicians. Concerts are at 12:10 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, 200 W. Trade St. 704-335-0009. www.charlottechambermusic.org.

26. Alive After 5: Get some Liquid Pleasure as Alive After 5 kicks off on April 7 at the Wachovia Plaza before moving to the EpiCentre in May. The event runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free. www.aliveafterfives.com.

27. Free yoga: What's better than getting healthy? How about doing it for free on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday? 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12 p.m. on Saturdays. Dharma Lounge, 1440 S. Tryon St., Suite 105. www.dharmacharlotte.com.

28. Movies and Music @ The Mint Museum: Catch a film and hear some live music at the Mint Museum Uptown. The next installment pops off on April 12, and it features the movie Key Largo and tunes by Ron Brendle. Free for members; $5 for non-members. Music: 6 p.m. Movie: 7 p.m. The Mint Museum, 500 S. Tryon St. 704-337-2000. www.mintmuseum.org.

29. Acoustic Whiskey Wednesdays: The Gin Mill presents a night of open mic performances, along with drink specials like $3 drafts, $4 Wild Turkey and American Honey, and $5 Dragon Bombs. Gin Mill, 1411 S. Tryon St. 704-372-0782. www.ginmillcharlotte.com

30. Art/Out: The Charlotte Lesbian and Gay Community Center is home to the exhibition Art/Out, showcasing works by Carlos Alvarez Cotera, Carlieena Person, Justin Helms, Tony Hller, Dan Butner, Debbie Oliveri, Garry Benner, J. Scott Arnold, Kit Thomas, Ronnie Carruthers and Gil Croy. Free. 5:30 p.m.. Charlotte Lesbian and Gay Community Center, 820 Hamilton St. 704-333-0144. www.gaycharlotte.com.

31. Soca Therapy Saturdays: Twilight Caribbean Restaurant brings the islands to Charlotte with the sounds of soca music every Saturday night. $5 before 11 p.m., Saturdays, Twilight Caribbean Restaurant, 10210 Berkeley Place Drive. 704-295-0102. www.twilightcaribbean.com.

32. Live Jazz at The Cajun Queen: Get a taste of New Orleans in food and music at the Cajun Queen. The music is free and the menu offers an array of food from the Big Easy. Daily. Free. The Cajun Queen, 1800 E. 7th St. 704-377-9017. www.cajunqueen.net.

33. Respect Da Mic Grand Slam Finals: The season's top poets compete in three rounds to see who will become members of the 2011 Respect Da Mic Poetry Slam Team, which will represent Charlotte in various regional and national competitions. April 9. $5. 2 p.m. Harvey B. Gantt Center, 551 S. Tryon St. 704-547-3700. www.ganttcenter.org.

34. Charlotte's Happiest Happy Hour: Free admission to Uptown Cabaret, all-you-can-eat wing bar ... and don't forget about the dancers. Fridays. 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Uptown Cabaret, 108 E. Morehead St. 704-344-0802. www.uptowncabaretclubs.com.

35. Find Your Muse: Find yourself listening to the next big local talent at this Monday night open mic competition that encourages original music. And at $3, it's much cheaper than a movie at your local multiplex. 7 p.m. The Evening Muse, 3227 N. Davidson St. 704-376-3737. www.theeveningmuse.com.

36. Gallery crawl: Troll local art galleries and sip wine while munching on cheese and wondering, what in the hell was this artist thinking? NoDa's Gallery Crawl is free and happens on the first and third Friday of each month. Free. 6 p.m. At the 3200 block of N. Davidson Street. www.noda.org.

37. Dancing on The Darkside: Local musicians and dancers take on the music of Pink Floyd at the Neighborhood Theatre. $5. April 21. 8 p.m. Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th St. 704-358-9298. www.neighborhoodtheatre.com

38. BARkini contest: BAR Charlotte is looking for the best bikini body as part of its 16th Annual BARKini Contest, which starts Thursday, April 14. Six weekly winners will advance to the finals and compete for the big grand prize. And while you watch the contest, enjoy drink specials that range from 25 cents to $3. Ladies are free before 11:30 p.m.. April 14-May 2. BAR Charlotte, 300 N. College St., 704-342-2557. www.barcharlotte.com

39. Body & Soul: The Light Factory is currently playing host to the new photography exhibit Body & Soul, featuring the work of Joyce Tenneson, Jock Sturges and Mona Kuhn. The show runs through May 15. Free. The Light Factory, 345 N. College St. 704-333-9755. www.lightfactory.org

40. The Monday Night All-Stars: Kick off the week with this classic, kick-ass jam session, starring some of Charlotte's best musicians. $5. Mondays. Doors open at 8 p.m. Show starts at 9 p.m. The Double Door Inn, 1218 Charlottetowne Ave. 704-376-1444. www.doubledoorinn.com.

41. $3 Pint Day: Want to eat, drink and be merry on the cheap? (And we're not talking running for the fast-food border.) Head to Tyber Creek Pub where every day is $3 pint day. The Irish pub also offers live music for free. Daily. Tyber Creek Pub, 1933 South Blvd. 704-343-2727. www.tybercreek.com.

42. Lunch-time basketball: Why spend your lunch hour eating greasy burgers when you can shoot hoops? The Greenville Recreation Center hosts one-hour games on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for adults looking to let off stream and talk a little trash. $2. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Greenville Recreation Center, 1300 Spring St.

43. Beer Ed: Ever wondered what was in the mug you're drinking from? Growlers Pourhouse is hosting Beer Ed to give beer drinkers an education on where beer comes from. (Here's a hint: The stork doesn't brink it.) First Tuesdays in April, May, June. Free admission and free beer samples. 7 p.m. Growlers Pourhouse, 3120 N. Davidson St. 704-910-6566. www.growlerspourhouse.com.

44. Balroom dancing: Bill Hanna's Vintage Dance Band plays the tunes and you learn the moves for free, Mondays at Grand Central. Between 7 p.m. and 7:45 p.m., learn how to do some of the most popular ballroom dances — like the foxtrot, the rumba and the salsa. Free. Monday. 7 p.m. Grand Central Events and Catering, 1000 Central Ave. 704- 373-1699.

45. Sock hop: Get your lindy hop on at this old-fashioned sock hop dance party. Hot dogs, soft drinks and chips will be on hand for your eating pleasure. Free. April 16. 2 p.m. Morgan School Gymnasium, 700 E Martin Luther King Blvd. 704 649-9633.

46. Talent Thursday: Listen to the next big thing and laugh at comedian Nick Lewis for free. Doors open at 9 p.m. at Tempo and admission is free before 10 p.m. Free. Thursdays. 9 p.m. Tempo, 4809 Wilkinson Boulevard. 704- 391-8909. www.tempocharlotte.com.

47. Sensoria: With every artistic platform on display, Central Piedmont Community College hosts this annual weeklong arts festival. April 16. 10 a.m. CPCC's Central Campus, 1201 Elizabeth Ave. sensoria.cpcc.edu.

48. Charlotte's Largest Office Party: You can skip the run and enjoy a party hosted by MGD64, featuring a live performance by UPhonik. Free. Uptown Charlotte, Tryon and Trade streets. April 8. 7:30 p.m.-10 p.m. www.runforyourlife.com/race/celebrate-better-health-5k.

49. Professional Fridays: All you need is a business card to party for free after work in Uptown at Club Toxic. Happy hour starts at 5 p.m. and parking is free, too. Free. Fridays, 5 p.m. Club Toxic, 616 N. Tryon St.

50. Cheap Drunk Night: Fridays are always Cheap Drunk Night at Petra's, which serves up $4 cheap shots and $3 well drinks. Fridays. Petra's Piano Bar, 1919 Commonwealth Ave. petraspianobar.com.