5/27: Three for free

Pinching pennies? Chic but cheap? We understand. Here are three free events this week for your going out pleasure.

Wednesday, May 28

- Zox @ Great Scott: Imagine if this electric jam band had been around when Dr. Seuss wrote "Fox in Socks"? Oh, the possibilities. You can bet that these Providence-based rockers will play several tunes from their new disc, "Line in the Sand" — get a taste of these sweet and sometimes urgent love songs on Zox's MySpace page. Be sure to RSVP for this free show at Allston's premiere hipster haven. 9 p.m.

Saturday, May 31

- Stony Brook area tour in Jamaica Plain: If your only interaction with this vibrant Boston neighborhood is J.P. Licks' Cherry Ortiz, put this free guided tour on your calendar. The walk begins at the Stony Brook T stop on the orange line. From there, you'll check out 19th century tanneries and breweries (including the Sam Adams brewery) and the homes of early German settlers. Plus, you'll hear the story of how community activists blocked construction of the Southwast Expressway from coming through J.P. in the 1970s. Power to the people. 11 a.m.- noon.

- Sew What? event @ Union Square Plaza: Need some new summer digs? Have some old clothing to donate? You know what they say: One woman's culottes are another woman's treasure. Head to Somerville's Union Square this Saturday for a giant clothing swap, sewing demonstrations, and myriad vendors peddling their wares. DJ Rouskov will provide the soundtrack for this D.I.Y. love fest — why not take those new culottes for a spin on the dance floor? 3-7 p.m.

[Winding the bobbin is back, y'all! I know, because I wrote a story about it.]