Yes, my cheapies, so I took the day off. Sue me — it was the motherland-loving Fifth of July, throwaway day of recovery from firework shellshock and grilled everything overload. But like all prophets through the annals, after a period of silence I have returned with great news from on high: cheapness is alive and well in Boston’s summer. Beyond the mainstays, may I present this week’s wallet-friendly menu.

Wednesday, July 6

BU’s own Coit Observatory atop the College of Arts and Sciences has open hours every Wednesday night at 8:30 PM. The general public is welcome to open stargazing (call ahead for weather) for about an hour.

Thursday, July 7

Somerville gets in on the outdoor outdoor action with a screening of The Karate Kid (ahem, 2010 Smith-Chan rendition, but it’s free) at Seven Hills Park near Davis Square. Jackie starts doling out martial life lessons at dusk.

Friday, July 8

The Highland Street Foundation funds free admission days across Massachusetts during the summer. This week they’ve cracked open the New England Historic Genealogical Society, one of the leading research centers in the world for discovering which side of the family tree to blame for nostril asymmetry. Visitors can pore over eight stories of NEHGS archives, photographs and electronic resources, as well as ask assistance in tracking down far-flung ancestors from the Society’s professional staff.

The Museum of Science’s Gilliand Observatory is open for free to the public this Friday from 8:30 to 10 PM. The Museum has a few great exhibitions on for the summer, including one that will dash virtually everything Mrs. Thomas taught third-grade-you about stegasauruses. Boston Public Library cardholders can get free admission passes for four (IMAX and special exhibits like the Butterfly Garden are extra) through their Museum Pass Program — why not make some stargazing the cosmic cherry on your cheapskate’s trip to the museum?

The Somerville Arts Council and Somerville Community Access TV present the third annual Somerville… in Shorts!, a night of experimental animated short films in Davis Square. Live music will begin at 7 PM, with films firing up once the sun sets.

Boston Harbor Hotel‘s summer series continues with Sally Field, John Malkovich and Danny Glover in Places in the Heart (1984) beginning at dusk.

Saturday, July 9

Macy’s Chefs A-Go-Go truck stops Saturday and Sunday at Prudential 11 AM to 3 PM for demonstrations and free grub by celebrity chef Ming Tsai, host and producer of the Emmy-winning “Simply Ming” on WGBH. The truck will also be accepting donations for Feeding America.

The Pru’s weekly Family Film Festival also begins Saturday with Megamind in the South Garden at sundown.



Sunday, July 10

Somerville Trading Post strikes for July at the Somerville Community Growing Center near Union Square from 10:30 AM to noon. Turn accumulated drawer flotsam into more useful miscellanea with your bartering acumen —homemade, home-pickled and preserved foodstuffs abound at the Post, as do superfluous seeds, seedlings and produce, most of it organic and much free for the taking with a smile. Come armed with an eco-friendly sack for the haul. (If you can’t make the Post but are still jonesing for some kale or homebrewed pilsner to trade, beg or borrow, mosey over to Massachusetts Food Trader for a virtual, recently-beta-approved experience by the same swap-minded folks.)

The Charles River Conservancy presents the third annual Sunday Parkland Games all afternoon from 2 to 6 PM in Allston’s Herter Park. Planned activities will include frisbee, bocce, badminton, horseshoes, paddle ball and more, all without any registration or entrance fee required. The events culminate in true Allston style with a community yoga session (also free) from 5 to 6 PM. Bring a blanket, picnic and friendly competition, because you know every single broken bottle on Harvard Avenue will be placed squarely on your shoulders by Mr. Familyman-with-Labrador when it comes down to horseshoe-death-match.

Those lacking the wherewithal and discipline for the earlier Somerville Trading Post might consider the Boston Food Swap at 2 PM at Space with a Soul (near the Children’s Museum, a few blocks from South Station). The Swap welcomes all wares made, grown or foraged, and requires free pre-registration to attend.

The Emerald Necklace Conservancy hosts the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company (who at the end of the month will stage Shakespeare on the Common) for “A Shakespearean Cabaret,” a New England Conservatory collaboration of songs inspired by the scenes from the Bard. The merriment begins at 6 PM at Jamaica Pond.