5 things to do under $5

1Dog Days of Summer: Instead of whining about the heat, pant for some puppies at this dog-friendly event with "Meet the Breeds," adoptable dogs, vendors, a pet CPR class, a look-alike contest, demos by the Tampa Fire Department Search and Rescue Dogs and War Dogs from MacDill Air Force Base from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. All dogs must be on nonflexible leads. It's free but parking is $5 at the Florida State Fairgrounds Special Events Center, 4802 N U.S. 301, Tampa.

2Books & Brews: Who said the library wasn't cool? This drinking and thinking library program for adults age 21 and older is a new type of book group for those who love to read and have a fondness for special brews. The get-togethers feature popular bestsellers and appeal to anyone who has a burning desire to read and express their viewpoint. The group meets the first Tuesday of every month, including next week. The program is free. It's at 6 p.m. at the Oldsmar Tap House, 300 State St. E, Suite 107, Oldsmar. (813) 749-1178.

3Zhu-niverse Tour: The fake hamsters known as Zhu-Zhu Pets are on a national tour and bringing a life-sized hamster wheel for kids to play on. Families can explore the "Zhu-niverse" in activities that range from grooving with your favorite rodent on the Rock Star Stage, playing in a life-sized hamster habitat or testing game skills in the Nintendo DS Gaming Tent. It's making two stops in the Tampa Bay area: at noon Friday at the Toys "R" Us, 1900 Tyrone Blvd., St. Petersburg, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday at Gulfport's Gecko Fest. Free.

4HalfWay to St. Patrick's Day Party: Get just a little bit green starting at noon Sunday when Durty Nelly's Irish Pub hosts a block party with free live music by Less Than Jake and the Supervillains at 149 Central Ave. N, St. Petersburg.

5Saturday Sunsets on the Trail: The free weekly beach fest has a special installment of Beach Blanket Bingo for prizes from local merchants from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Treasure Island Beach Trail Park, 10400 Gulf Blvd. Then musicians and vendors line about a mile of the beachfront trail along with street performers, water slides and various inflatables for the kids. The pop rocker Sunza Beaches play from 5 to 9 p.m.

Sharon Kennedy Wynne, Times staff writer