ELIZABETH BILLIARDS If you haven't discovered the coolest watering hole south of the Square, it's time for a trip to EB's (hip, regional lingo). Voted best pool hall as well as best first date place, it's also dirt cheap. Pool is free. Darts are free. Card tables can be set up to start a poker game for free. Friday nights, EB's orders pizza for patrons to consume for free. Catching the trend? OK, the drinks aren't free, but large pints are only $3 (we recommend the Red Hook IPA). EB's also has the best White Russians in town. For $5, you can get a bucket's worth of the delicious milkshake-like digestif. With a satellite signal EB's, located at 1400 Central Avenue in the giant parking lot behind CVS, is a great place to catch a ball game on TV.
CHARLOTTE COMEDY THEATRE Have ya been moping around, feeling a little blue? Then here's the thing for you! Check out Sunday's Open Mic Jam, a combo of comedy, spoken word, music, you name it. Show at 7pm; $3. The location is 1308 D the Plaza. Call for reservations 1-866-467-7681. Web: www.charlottecomedy.com.
FALL IN LOVE FILM SERIES On the heels of its "Summer Retro Film Series" (which featured Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Breakfast Club, among others), Ballantyne Village Theatre now presents the Fall In Love Film Series. Each week, a popular love story will be screened at the venue, with matinees Saturday and Sunday and one evening show Friday. Upcoming titles are Grease (Sept. 8-10), Gone With the Wind (Sept. 15-17) and, of course, Casablanca (Sept. 22-24). For times, tickets or other info, call 704-369-5101.
SPORTS CONNECTION The ultimate cheap thrill is, of course, sports! Among the conventional sports offered at this complex are unconventional (and cheap) games like laser tag and skating. For $5, future Tony Hawks can skate all day -- and Star Wars fans can play laser tag. Enjoy while you can because the skate park is closing on Sept. 30. Go online www.sportsconnectionnc.com or call 704-583-1444.
LEARN TO MEDITATE Take it from loyal practitioners of meditation: There's nothing like it to take the stress of your workday off your shoulders. That's why the Pain & Rehab Institute is offering a free class in the breathing techniques and imagery used in ancient qi gong meditation (betcha didn't know there was more than one kind). The office is located at 128 E. Plaza Drive in Mooresville. Classes are Thursdays at 7:30pm. Call 704-649-1629 to get started on the path to serenity.
SEX SIGNALS Freshen up on your approach to the dating environment from come-ons to comebacks, all while upping your jerk-dar. This presentation of improvisational comedy, education and audience participation addresses dating, sex and date rape on the campus of UNC-Charlotte. Be at McKnight Hall in the Cone University Center on Wed., Sept. 13 at 7-9pm for this free event. Call 704-687-3315.
LATIN NIGHTS "Viva la vida loca," grooving the night away to samba, salsa, merengue, bachata and the hot current craze, reggaeton. Free dance lessons are offered when doors open at 9pm. Touting "celebrity instructors," Dolce Vita is sure to be packed the first Thursday of every month. Hit www.hispanos-usa.com or call 336-988-8887.
TANGO & TAPAS Patou and the Charlotte Tango Society host this free informal lesson on the Argentinian tango, perfect for making friends. Learn this sensual dance and improve existing skills with instructor Daniel Arredondo. Monday nights at 7pm. Patou, A French Bistro, 1315 East Blvd. Call 704-376-2233 or visit www.patoubistro.com or www.passionfortango.com.
BARNES & NOBLE SUMMER GAME NIGHTS It's always a stretch to suggest spending quality time with the family. However, it's also very apparent that a lack of togetherness has led to the downfall of modern society. No for real -- try to remember the last time you spent some nonenforced time with your mom, dad, brother or sister. Kinda hard, isn't it? That's why Barnes & Noble has come up with a plan. Bring 'em round with games to spur communication and bonding. (Family Ties isn't just a TV show starring Michael J. Fox; it's a movement.) This Tuesday is the final game night held at the 3327 Pineville Matthews Road location. It's free therapy for you and the dysfunctionals you call family.
GLOVER MICROCINEMA The new film space kicks off on Friday, Sept. 8 at 7pm with a special opening night party. The featured film will be Stanley Kwan's award-winning Actress, starring Maggie Cheung and Tony Leung. This is the full and uncut version of the movie. The regular screening series on Sunday afternoons at 4pm and Tuesday nights at 7:30pm will begin the following week. The Glover Microcinema is located in the Art House on 3103 Cullman Street. For full details: www.glovermicrocinema.blogspot.com
