Nearby Events That Cost 31 Cents or Less

This week's Frugal Family will look at fun events that won't break the bank. Enjoy a easy-on-the-wallet forms of entertainment.

Saint Xavier University’s Latin American Studies Program is hosting a three-week film series highlighting female Latin American directors that started Wednesday, April 6, and ends April 20.

The series, titled “Latin American Women Directors,” is free and open to the public.

Each viewing will take place in room S113 in the Warde Academic Center at SXU’s Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St. All films begin at 5:30 p.m. and are followed by discussions.

Brava Gente Brasileira is often described as an anti-epic that charts the experiences of a young Portuguese cartographer in the 18th century during an expedition into the Amazonian rain forest, home to the indigenous Guaicuru Indians. Directed by Lucia Murat, it will be shown in Guaicuru and Portuguese with English subtitles on April 20.

Chicago Architecture – Then and Now

The Honors Program continues its special community lecture series with The 1909 Burnham Plan Then and Today: Chicago Architectural and Spatial Development.

Jennifer Masengarb, the Chicago Architectural Foundation’s Senior Director of Educational Research, will lead the free presentation on Wednesday, April 20, from 5-7 p.m. in Sherman Recital Hall.

The GSU Honors Program community lecture series is designed to provide information and encourage discussion of current global and regional issues and interests.

Baskin-Robbins 31-Cent Scoop Night Benefits Fallen Firefighters

It doesn't get much more frugal than 31 cents.

The National Fallen Firefighter Foundation  will be the 2011 charitable partner for the fifth annual Baskin-Robbins 31-Cent Scoop Night on Wednesday April 27, from 5-10 p.m.

in Olympia Fields is donating $100,000 to NFFF, and you can help as well. Consumers can text to 6333 (NFFF) to 50555 to make a $5 donation. Consumers will receive a text message to their phone asking them to reply YES to confirm the donation.

Bringing Bhutan to America

’s next exhibit Into Bhutan is an exhibit of photographs and traditional arts from the kingdom of Bhutan.

It will feature painting, weaving, embroidery, carving, jewelry, native clothing and traditional music from Bhutan. The exhibit opens on April 15 and runs until May 14.