5 free and cheap things to do under $5

1. Holiday tree lightings: Once we all awake from our post-turkey nap, it's time to focus on twinkling lights and the big guy with the bag full of toys. On Friday at 7 p.m., St. Petersburg's mayor flips the switch to light the city's holiday tree and decorations on the waterfront at Straub Park. On Saturday, Old Hyde Park Village brings in a celebrity to light the 30-foot tree, St. Nick himself, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the shopping village on Snow Avenue in South Tampa. And on Monday, it's Gulfport's turn, with music, refreshments and lots of lights at 7 p.m. at Clymer Park at Gulfport and Beach boulevards. All three are free.

2. 4th Friday Party on Cleveland Street: The block party in downtown Clearwater this month features a tribute to the Blues Brothers, performed by Wink Warren and Dave Martin. The Clearwater party runs from 5:30 to 10 p.m. in the 500 and 600 blocks of Cleveland Street. Also performing will be the Mainstream Band with Kirstin Joyner. The party is free, with vendors selling beer, wine, food and other items.

3. Music for Black Friday: After a day of hunting bargains, you can settle back into the sports bar and music haven Fubar at 658 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, to hear the indie rock of Gleaming Amoebas, the Future Now, Matt Ayo, Alexander & the Grapes and Only Monsters. It starts at 9 p.m. Friday and the cover is $4.

4. Guided hikes: The weather is so nice you should take a hike. Brooker Creek Preserve in Tarpon Springs and Philippe Park in Safety Harbor both have free hikes at 9 a.m. Saturday. The Philippe tour requires registration at (727) 669-1947. At 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is offering a Wildflower Walk to learn the names of many wildflowers and enjoy their beauty on a stroll through the park. It's $3 ($1.50 for kids) at 1101 Country Club Way S in St. Petersburg; (727) 893-7326.

5. Designated Driver Awareness Concert: If you've had a few too many, there's free towing at a free concert with 14 national and area bands including Jaded, Johnny G. Lyons, Smoke and Run, Sin City, Recoil and many more on Saturday at L.A. Hangout, 16411 N Florida Ave., Lutz. It's sponsored by the Brittany Nation Foundation Against Drunk Driving and it runs from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Free.

This article has been revised to reflect the following correction: Brooker Creek Preserve in Tarpon Springs and Philippe Park in Safety Harbor both have free guided hikes at 9 a.m. Saturday. An incorrect time was listed in today's Weekend section, which is printed in advance.

Sharon Kennedy Wynne, Times staff writer