Things to do for free this summer

Summer will be full of sizzling deals, both on merchandise and things to do. Here's a look at some of the highlights:

FURNITURE

Manufacturers swap out styles early in summer. Look for discounts, especially on floor models.

LINENS

White sales pop up toward the end of summer. Markdowns can push 75 percent.

POOL SUPPLIES

Stock up toward the end of summer, when this year's leftovers are priced to clear.

MOVIES

It's possible you can catch a new movie for free, thanks to studio-sponsored screenings at select theaters.

"Once you start looking, they're everywhere," said Ashley Grant, who publishes TampaBayFreebies.com. Grant says ads for free movies are regularly published in community newspapers.

Other venues, such as Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach, offer public screenings. The Pier's Sunset Cinema is scheduled every Friday and Saturday night.

http://www.sunsetsatpier60.com/

"We're talking places that just want to get people out there and give them a free good time," Grant said.

LIVE MUSIC

Community concerts, such as Tampa's Rock the Park, abound. Grant says the price can't be beat: free.

http://www.rocktheparktampa.com/

"There are some that are on Thursday nights, there are some on Friday nights, there are some on Saturdays," she said. "Prime time and free."

MUSEUMS

Bank of America customers receive free admission to select museums on the first weekend of the month. The Tampa Museum of Art and St. Petersburg's Fine Arts Museum participate in the promotion.

"If you consider the fact that you can spend in upwards of $13 per ticket, right there is $26 bucks if you bring yourself and someone you're with -- totally free," Grant said.

http://museums.bankofamerica.com/

CLASSES

Grant says libraries are a fantastic resource for free entertainment. Within just a few seconds of searching she dredged up a week's worth of activities at local libraries -- free and open to the public.

ATTRACTIONS

Theme parks are never free. But Grant says there is no reason to pay full price. She says bargain hunters should tap into deals that are geared toward out-of-towners.

"Just because I live here doesn't mean I can't take advantage of things offered to tourist," she said.