Felix, an African elephant at the Maryland Zoo, which has free admission Wednesday {thanks, The Baltimore Sun}

From today’s b, the paper

We’re all about getting cultured. But the money we usually have to spend to do so — not so much.

Which is why we pray to the altar that is Free Fall Baltimore.

Through October, you’ll be able to take in music, films and local theater around the city without breaking the bank, or even touching it. There’s also free admission to various attractions on different days, like the Maryland Zoo on Wednesday. Learning is good. Saving money is better.

Here are a few of the not-to-miss Free Fall events that let you do both:

music
open rehearsal, ‘The Music of Billy Joel,’ Thursday
BALTIMORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Because, really, how often do you get a behind-the-scenes moment with the great BSO?

In preparation for the Friday-Sunday show at the Meyerhoff (sadly, not free), Tony-nominated pianist/vocalist Michael Cavanaugh, the star of musical “Movin’ Out,” joins the orchestra for the final rehearsal.

It starts promptly at 10 a.m. (Promptly! Final rehearsal people!) and runs through 12:30 p.m. Come at 9 a.m. for a chat with BSO musicians and free coffee and pastries in the lobby.

1212 Cathedral St. Reserve seats at bsomusic.org. Free passes may also be requested by calling 410.783.8159 or e-mailing freefall@BSOmusic.org.

dance
free adult dance classes Oct. 7-28
EUBIE BLAKE CULTURAL CENTER
If your dance knowledge is limited to what you see on “Dancing with the Stars,” give this opportunity a whirl.

Introductory series of classes designed for those ballroom-deficient include simple styles, such as line dancing and hand dancing (Is that like hand jiving? We must explore further).

The bravest of the class can perform a selection at the Dance Baltimore Community Dance Workshop at the Baltimore Museum of Art on Oct. 18.

8 p.m. Tuesdays in October. 847 N. Howard St. dancebaltimore.org.

museums
art at MICA Oct. 10-Nov. 9
VARIOUS GALLERIES
A trio of artistic happenings on campus.

Opening Oct. 10, “Deliberations: An Exhibition of Recent Painting by Michael Weiss,” features the Baltimore-based artist and MICA faculty member. 5-7 p.m. reception Oct. 10, running through Nov. 9 (Pinkard Gallery, Bunting Center, 1401 Mount Royal Ave.).

Next, check out the best up-and-coming artists at the Juried Undergraduate Exhibition. Runs Oct. 13-26, 5-7 p.m. reception Oct. 16 (Decker and Meyerhoff galleries, Fox Building, 1303 Mount Royal Ave.).

Finally, photographer/installation artist Stephen Berkman discusses his unique techniques, seen in his tintypes for “Cold Mountain.” 7 p.m. Oct. 13 (Falvey Hall, Brown Center, 1301 Mount Royal Ave.). mica.edu.

film
Baltimore Women’s Film Festival Oct. 23-26
LANDMARK THEATRES HARBOR EAST
Two of this year’s screenings are free, both on Oct. 26. First up: “Women Behind the Camera,” a six-years-in-the-making look at the lives of camerawomen living in Iran, Mexico, Senegal and other countries. And these ladies ain’t no joke: They film in helicopters, major war zones and — scary! — Hollywood. The 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. event includes a panel discussion with seven filmmakers. Round out the day at 4 p.m. with a women in sports program. A collection of short films includes looks at roller derby and a third-grade girls soccer team playing in the boy’s division. 645 S. President St. Reserve free passes at bwfilmfestival.com.

theater
“Watch, A Haunting” Oct. 31
STRAND THEATRE COMPANY
If you aren’t out gallivanting about Fells Point, or want to get in the mood beforehand, check out the Strand’s free Halloween night production of this spooky play, which runs from Oct. 16-Nov. 2.

It centers on Vi, a young girl who lives with her crazy family and, yeah, may or may not see dead people. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Also part of the night: a haunted theater tour. Yikes! 1823 N. Charles St. strandtheatrecompany.org.

Jordan Bartel is assistant editor at b. E-mail him at jordan@bthesite.com.

Selected schedule. For a full schedule of events, go to freefallbatimore.com

art & museums
Oct. 1: Maryland Zoo, free admission
Oct. 3, 31: Maryland Science Center, free admission after 5 p.m.
Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum, free admission
Oct. 4-5: Baltimore Museum of Industry, guided tours and demonstrations
Oct. 5, 12: Jewish Museum of Maryland, free admission
Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26: Hot Glass Center, glass blowing
Oct. 11, 25: Baltimore Clayworks, clay workshops
Oct. 12, 19: Creative Alliance, lantern making workshops for the Halloween parade
Oct. 17-19: School 33 Art Center, opening reception and studio tour (Oct. 17), downtown studio tour (Oct. 18), uptown studio tour (Oct. 19)
Oct. 25: Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History, free admission
Oct. 26: American Visionary Art Museum/Poetry for the People, open house

dance
Oct. 4, 11, 18, 21, 25, 28: Sankofa Dance Theater, African dance class (concert Oct. 12-19)

film
Oct. 7, 14, 28: Maryland Film Festival screenings at MICA
Oct. 19: Citylit Project “Helvetica” screening, Charles Theatre

theater
Oct. 11, 12: Vagabond Players, staged readings
oct. 13: University of Baltimore/Run of the Mill Theater, staged reading
Oct. 16: Baltimore Theatre Project, free night of theater
Oct. 22, 24, 26: Center Stage, free night of theater
Oct. 23: Run of the Mill Theater, free night of theater
Oct. 25: The Collective/Baltimore Improv Group, dance and comedy
Oct. 25, 26: Single Carrot Theatre, theater performance

music
Oct. 5: Bach Concert Series, concert
Oct. 12: Cylburn Chamber Music Series, concert
Oct. 12, 19, 26: Baltimore Classical Guitar Society, guitar master classes
Oct. 18: Station North Arts & Entertainment District, outdoor music concert
Oct. 24: Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, concert and access to Maryland Science Center

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