Philadelphia, The Greatest City Never Sold: Bucket List May 23-30

Monday, May 23: Cuba Libre, 50% off the new menu and $5 "Caipy Hour" (in case you haven't been reading Philly Hub religiously or following Lindsay_L_Lewis on twitter, Monday was obviously the day to be Cuban).

Tuesday, May 24: The extremely luxe, posh, and everything else trendy Arrow Swim Club is hosting a Grand Opening VIP Event (how many grand openings can they have?) from 6 to 8 p.m. It may be the only way that you'll see the inside, unless you're willing to pony up a hot grand to be one of the cool kids. On that note, if you aren't on the guest list for tonight but still want to spend a chunk of cash, spend $75 for the 4th Annual Women Empowering Women Event: A Night of Fashion and Compassion, which benefits Project H.O.M.E - you'll be in for a Macy's fashion show, local celebs, live music and refreshments. Also going on, Beer and Bacon Dinner, 4 courses of bacon & beer for $40. If none of those are a good (a.k.a. affordable) option for you, try Cuba Libre at 50% off (call ahead) or Isabella Happy Hour.

Wednesday, May 25:  On Thursday, I mean Wednesday, I have my own personal gig to attend. Aspiring musician (and boyfriend) Quin Turner is playing at The Grape Room in Manayunk. I'd love to meet you if you came out, but seeing as he only has 15 followers on twitter I understand if he's unknown to you. (Q if you're reading this, Love ya, babe) Information here. I realize that I'm shamelessly promoting the event,  so know that you have other options like the usual happy horas from DrinkPhilly and the 2011 Summer Grand Slam and BBQ.(No, it's not at Denny's) For $15, fulfill your hipster quota for the week by attending the competition for "Best StoryTeller in Philadelphia." Because this isn't your typical slam poetry sesh where performers creep you out like Todd in Wedding Crashers, go to the pre-party before the slam for an extra $15. While you nosh on Sweet Lucy's Smokehouse barbecue and sip some Summer Love  to live music by The Yes Team, you'll be happy you did. If you don't want to pay $30 to drink, try PW's happy hour club - drink specials, free bites and raffles. It's at sapphire this week - RSVP here.

Thursday, May 26: In the 'yunk, Bourbon Blue debuting their outdoor patio for the season with a bang. Their VIP Outdoor Deck Launch Party (where VIP basically means, RSVP ASAP) boasts an open bar from 6 pm. to 8 p.m. with Miller Lite, Sweet Caroline Vodka bevys and house sangria, the last of which gets my vote. Also, you'll feel very British with the butlered, yes butlered, samples of Bourbon Blue's menu (I can only condone this if you call the "butler" Alfred.) If you're not going to be in the city, head over to Kildare's in West Chester for their very exclusive 8th Anniversary Party, where exclusive is defined by having a printer: if you print this invite, you're in for a complimentary two hour bar starting at 6 p.m., drafts, house wine and well liquor included.

Friday, May 27: Three words: Three. Day. Weekend! Tonight's the night to go all out, so plan for a party and recover tomorrow. Cheap Date Philadelphia recommends the Piazza at Schmidt's for some Phillies action: Watch for free, grab a slice, bring a date. (and I concur.) Go Phils! You can actually take advantage of this all three days this weekend.

Saturday May 28:  If you're looking for cheap or free this weekend, read this article on Examiner.com- it has some budget Memorial Day-related events and tips. Otherwise, think about spending some quality time catching up with spring. Farmers Markets in Philly (from Philly Homegrown) and ones in Chester County (via West Chester Dish) have been kicking off throughout the past month, so take the extra day this weekend as a sign you're late to the party and need to catch up. As added incentive to get up early, Guitar Center's free GarageBand recording class is still running, so kick off your three days of relaxation by indulging in your wannabe rock star fantasy.

Sunday May 29: Try out the new brunch at Xochityl Philly, which was one of the Cinco de Mayo picks as well. The menu looks awesome, but it's sure to be packed to stake your claim with a reservation now. Now, if only it were more affordable...

Monday May 30: Happy Memorial Day! Remember what it means? Memorial Day means no work, so get all of your friends together to come out and play at a picnic. Cheapest option if you go to an event or park is BYO everything (bevys included), and your best bet is either a $10 wine tasting if you're outside the city or Hang Free at Fairmont Park if you're in Philly for the day (or if you live there). Also, there are a plethora of parks in the area with grills, as well as the jungle in your own backyard if you're in suburbia.

For More Weekend: If you're heading to the shore, word on the block is that DrinkPhilly is starting a jersey Shore edition: drinkjerseyshore.com - so check there for your memorial day weekend celebrations. Go to Uwishunu Memorial Day Weekend Picks or check out my Examiner.com Page for Philadelphia Budget Events - also, follow me on twitter for constant updates about events! www.twitter.com/Lindsay_L_Lewis