The following events require zero dollars. So keep that wallet right in your jeans or purse. OK, you might incur some parking fees at the library or drop cash for popcorn at the movies but for the most part, our free April event round up provides a group of activities sans cover charge.

Three years ago, Sarah Cavanaugh was a self-described "average West Michigan mom." She added "comedian" to her resume when coworkers encouraged her to sign up for a community comedy showcase during the inaugural year of the 10-day comedy festival LaughFest.

With the following LaughFest artists and events taking over the month of March, the mood lightens, we forget our troubles and we give in to that funny feeling. If you're looking to involve the kiddos, you've come to the right place.

Somewhere between winter and spring, in a perpetually thawing purgatory of strong winds and even stronger whiskey, there is the month of March. Cozy up to a film while you await spring.

Pantone's color of the year is Emerald, which is your cue to buy up the shade in mass amounts. It's hailed as a lively, radiant and lush green, and if you're starting to worry on where to find it, jb and me has you covered. With a store in Holland and one in Grand Rapids, co-owner Jamie Grasman says jb and me plans to play with this color in their accessories, shoes and skinny jeans selection.

Folk-comedy duo Garfunkel and Oates started out with a series of lo-fi YouTube videos that Kate Micucci and Riki Lindhome had created for the amusement of friends and family. Thousands of hits later, it became apparent the duo was on to something.

Sometimes comedy is a family affair – at least for Gary Valentine. Take for instance the way he was introduced to the world of comedy. "It was in 1988 when my mother signed me up for an open mic night at a local comedy club," Valentine said.

Where most comedians have to explain to their parents why they decided to give up their office job and toss out their college credentials to pursue a career in comedy, Valentine had his mother there egging him on.

Podcasts are all the rage these days. Whether you're a political junkie, music snob, science geek, foodie or basically a fan of any subject, chances are there is a podcast out there tailor-made for you.

And if you happen to be a fan of fandom? Look no further than Jackie Kashian's "Dork Forest."

This month's silver screen action boasts such titles as Dead Man Down, Oz: The Great and Powerful, The Croods, Admission, and G.I. Joe: Retaliation.

For Jim Breuer, stand-up comedy is a crass and priceless art form. "It's probably the only thing you'll see live that's unedited and completely raw," he said. "You just don't know what you're getting when you go see live comedy, and I love that."

Breuer's breakout was his 1995-1998 stint on "Saturday Night Live," where one of his characters was the memorable-yet-slightly annoying Goat Boy.