Welcome back students! Now that you've had time to get your schedule in order and have dropped serious money getting set up and buying books for classes, you may be noticing that your bank account balance is looking a little low. That's where FREEStyle can help. Check here each week for the low down on some "low dough" ideas for staying budget-savvy while still having fun in Knoxville.  

This weekend there are a lot of opportunities to stretch your fun, without emptying your pocketbook. First Friday happens all along and around Gay Street on every first Friday of the month. This mult-venue event features free art, free food and free beverages all throughout downtown galleries.

Two must-see exhibits are located in the Emporium Building, featuring the work of Brian Wagner, and on the 14th Floor of the East Tennessee Foundation offices, 625 Market St., featuring the work of UT professor Rob Heller.

Heller, who teaches photojournalism at UT, said this exhibit covers photography he has taken throughout his travels: from New York to San Francisco to Warsaw, Poland and places between. The show, City Light, highlights the effect of light on architecture and the fascinating play light has on cityscapes.  

I like to examine the confluence of architecture, people and light. Rob Heller, professor at UT

Heller said he makes it his business to get up early to walk through a city and capture the contrast of light on its buildings and people. 

"I like to examine the confluence of architecture, people and light," he said.

This will be Heller's first color exhibit and first showing at First Friday. The show features 24 color and four black and white photographs. The framed works are on sale to the public with all proceeds going to the East Tennessee Foundation.

Also Friday night, for only $4, check out Alive After Five in the downstairs ballroom of the Knoxville Museum of Art. The Hector Quirko band highlights the 16th anniversary celebration of bringing art and music together at the museum. There are two cash bars for beverages, free popcorn and your admission fee also gives you access to the museum exhibits at no additional charge.

Just below the museum, at World's Fair Park, live music with country star Sara Evans and Nashville country band Telluride will be featured as part of the annual Big Orange Blast pep rally. This is the most expensive option at a listed $12, but it's to support the VOLS, so it makes the list. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.

Sunday night, head to Volunteer Landing for Boomsday. This fireworks show makes the 4th of July show look like an opening act. Admission is free.  Click here for parking and event information.  Note, too, that the Henley Street bridge will close Saturday night and will remain closed until 6 a.m. Monday morning.

Check back next week for more free-to-inexpensive ideas to help you stretch your fun budget to the limit.