FRUGAL & FREE NYC

For the 2008 NYC FREE Summer Events Calendar, check the special blog entry lisitng free concerts, festivals, outdoor films, etcetera.

By the time you finish paying crazy rents, utilities, overpriced food and school fees, and if you're crazy enough to own a vehicle, gas prices that allow you to go only a few blocks before coasting into the next gas station, living in NYC can far exceed your monthly income. Below I have listed a few frugal or free tips for regular free events and groups that will help you, if not to save $, at least be able to manage your daily expenses without pitching a tent in Central Park.

For events that occur weekly or monthly, or things that you might consider doing at least once, I have listed times, dates, locations and any other contact info in a summary below. Check for updates first, but if you have questions on anything here or on how to get practically anything for free, email me at travelriter@aol.com. If you know of any free events or ideas for frugal living, please let me know so I can pass it on to others. These ideas are for spring and summer months. Check back for updates.


Exhibits, Lectures, Readings and Workshops

Most of the cities' universities, colleges, libraries and museums offer free classes and lectures throughout the year. The list of events is overwhelming; poetry readings, films, lectures, children's activities; far too many to list here. Contact individual institutions to get on their mailing lists. A few of my favorites are; Cooper Union, The Brooklyn Public Library, and The Metropolitan Museum.

The Cooper Union

Cooper Union offers the opportunity to experience incredible art exhibits, lectures and talks for free. Exhibits cover topics ranging from graphic design and typography to art and psychology. Hours: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. weekdays, noon - 5 p.m. Saturdays, closed Sundays and holidays. The Great Hall Gallery, East 7th at 3rd Avenue. 6 train to Astor Place. 212.353.4195.

The New York Public Library

The New York Public Library has a calendar filled with a wide variety events and activities for children and adults. Check out their website at http://www.nypl.org. I prefer the Central Library in Brooklyn at Grand Army Plaza (http://www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/events, 718-230-2100.)

Big Apple Greeter Tours

Big Apple Greeters offers tourists (you need to 'be' a tourist,) free, personalized tours of New York City led by volunteer Greeters. There are over 400 volunteer Greeters, and tours are usually for groups of 2 - 6 people. Tours last from 2 - 4 hours and each member of the group will get an unlimited MetroCard "Fun Pass" for the day. Tours happen rain or shine, and its easiest to book a tour in the summertime. Call (212) 669-8159 or email information@bigapplegreeter.org.

Free Boat Rides

The Staten Island Ferry is one of the most fun ways to spend a hot, muggy summer afternoon in the city when you're broke. The ferry no longer costs 25 cents, but is now free. The trip to and from Staten Island from Battery Park takes less than an hour. To avoid being crushed by the tourists who have found out about our formerly secret way to view The Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Manhattan skyline, sit at the rear of the boat. While most people rush to the front, the view from the rear is just as beautiful, and if you're a couple on a cheap date, you'll get more privacy.

Kayaking on the Hudson River is free thanks to the Downtown Boathouse from May through October at three locations. (www.downtownboathouse.org) There are single and two-person kayaks available, but get there early because boats are offered on a first come basis. The downtown location is at Pier 40, Houston Street and the Hudson River, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. weekends and holidays. Midtown is at Pier 96, W. 56th Street and the Hudson River, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. weekends and holidays as well as weekday evenings form June 15 to September 15 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. On the Upper West Side is the W. 72nd Street Boat Basin in Riverside Park, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekends and holidays.

Single or double person kayaks are free for twenty minutes, but even though life jackets are required you need to know how to swim know how to swim. . The Downtown There are also three-hour, guided trips every weekend and holiday morning at 8:00 a.m., from June to September, leaving from the Pier 96 at W. 56th Street location. The trips go out into the Hudson River and explore the lower harbor. The exact destination depends on the tides and the weather but trips cover a least four or five miles. You must go out on the river several times using the walk-up program or have previous kayaking experience before taking part. This is to build-up your strength and allow you to get familiar with the boats. The trips require three hours of constant paddling so you must be physically fit but it's truly a unique experience complete with a panoramic view of the city skyline. Beginners can take part every Wednesday evening in two-hour introductory classes that cover a wide variety of kayak-related topics. Most of the class takes place on the water and you'll learn proper kayaking skills. The classes are held at the Pier 96 at W. 56th Street location.

Wildman Steve Brill Nature Foraging Walks

While technically not free, Wildman, the leader of the walks will not turn anyone away for not having the $12 suggested donation. The nature walks are year-round at more than 50 locations throughout the city. Not only does he give an interesting and educational talk on nature, he shows you how to find free food growing wild in the parks, from herbs to mushrooms to tea. Call (914) 835-2153 to register, or check out www.wildmanstevebrill.com for times and locations.

Central Park

While I have listed details of the weekly Summerstage events in the 2008 Summer calendar, Central Park offers far more than just concerts and outdoor movies. Free theater, nature walks, children's events, fishing, and live jazz are only a few of the types of free activities in the park. Go to the website for more info. http://www.centralpark.com.

The Public Theater presents Shakespeare in the Park

Tickets are required for all who want to attend Shakespeare in the Park and are distributed on the day of the performance at the Delacorte Theater beginning at 1 p.m. and at the Public Theater (425 Lafayette Street) from 1-3 p.m. There are also select dates when tickets are available in the boroughs. Theater doors open at 7:30 p.m. and performances begin at 8:30 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday evenings. There are only two tickets given to each person, so get there early; longs get long. Some people go as early as 6 a.m. but if you get there around 8 or 9am you should be fine. You can also get tickets at the Public Theater where lines are usually not as long as at the Delacorte Theater. Take the 6 train to 77th Street and walk to the Central Park entrance at 79th Street and Fifth Ave.. There is a path directly to the theater. http://www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/delacorte-theatre.html

CityParks Outdoor Concerts

NYC has far too many free outdoor concerts throughout the boroughs to list here. The website www.cityparksfoundation.org is a good place to begin, but my favorites located in Brooklyn and Manhattan are included in the calendar. www.cityparksfoundation.org.

CityParks Dance Out!

I've added Brooklyn and Manhattan performances to this calendar, but other great shows are at Queens, The Bronx and Staten Island parks. www.cityparksfoundation.org
This year, CityParks Dance includes a special presentation of 25 performances from July 16 through July 20, presented in partnership with The Joyce Theater. The Joyce Theater performances take place in nine parks across all five boroughs.

Brooklyn Botanical Garden

For a one day mini, mid-week vacation, escape to The Botanical Garden in Brooklyn (yes, I know there's one in The Bronx, too,) any Tuesdays (all day,) or Saturday from 10-12 when the Gardens are free. I bring a picnic lunch with me and garnish my salad with a few fresh herbs stolen from the herb garden, but picnicking is forbidden. There is an overpriced on-site cafe that may break the bank, but the food is pretty good. 900 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn, 718-623-7200. www.bbg.org

Free Heart of Brooklyn Free Trolley

If you want to get a tour of some of Brooklyn's hot spots, hop on the Heart of Brooklyn Free Trolley. The trolley operates on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, 12 - 6 pm, throughout the year. The trolley leaves from Prospect Park’s Wollman Center and Rink on the hour and makes stops throughout Prospect Park, Brooklyn Public Library, Brooklyn Museum, Prospect Park Zoo, and Brooklyn Botanic Garden. www.heartofbrooklyn.org

Brooklyn Museum

The Brooklyn Museum has a fantastic Target First Saturday party of every month from 5-11pm, (http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/visit/first_saturdays.php) where thousands of people enjoy free art, live music, dance lessons, and films. The museum also has great special exhibits and tours as well as workshops and classes (not too many of those are free, however.) Like so many of NYC's museums, admission is suggested. They don't take pennies, though. I tried. (718) 638-5000, 200 Eastern Parkway, 2/3 trains to Brooklyn Museum/ Eastern Parkway stop. www.brooklynmuseum.org

Freecycle

Somethin for nuthin?? Well, yeah. Through Freecycle, I have gotten a computer, a laptop, jewelry, clothes, a juicer, and the list goes on, all for free. I have given away a brand new couch that was given to me but too big for my studio apartment, books, bags, and lots of other stuff I no longer needed. Freecycle is an online group where members post for things they want or no longer need. There's no even swap; when you have stuff to give away, great, but if you need something, ask for it. FreeCycle has more than 3 million members in 75 countries. Members are organized into 4,000 local community groups; subscribe to your local group, post a message asking or offering something, then wait for the replies. There is also a flea market held regularly where you bring old stuff and find treasures. Be sure to sign up for the Brooklyn Freecycle as well as the NYC Freecycle groups. www.freecycle.org

Freegan Bike Workshop

Learn how to turn found bike parts into working bicycles & build your own bike. For more info call Christian at (917) 582-9010. Workshops are Wed. from 6-9pm, and Sat. 2-7pm. To get more involved, come to open meetings at 5pm on Wed. 123 Community Space in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn at 123 Tompkins, G train to Myrtle-Willoughby.

Freegan Dumpster Diving Trash Tours

Freegan has dumpster diving trash tours, giving info on how to find great stuff; food, clothes, furniture and other quality products that stores (and people) throw out. Learn how to dive safely, and why you can find these goods and the reasons for such waste. Check the website for dates. Janet at (347)724-6954. http://freegan.info/?page=Events

Grub Community Building Meal

1st & 3rd Sunday of every month. A mostly freegan dinner for strangers and co-conspirators in a relaxed environment. There is no charge but donations are requested. At Rubulad, 338 Flushing Ave. (btwn. Classon & Taaffe) in Brooklyn. Doors at 6:30pm; dinner around 7:00pm. www.suckapants.com/grub

Food Not Bombs

Food Not Bombs offers a vegetarian meal share (using donated food that would otherwise be wasted) Sundays at 3:30pm in Tompkins Square Park. Help cook at ABC No Rio, 156 Rivington St. btwn. Clinton & Suffolk beginning at 1pm. More info: fnb@abcnorio.org or (212) 254-3697 ext.395

Habana Outpost

Habana Outpost is NYC's first eco-eatery and uses earth-friendly practices in their design, construction, and day-to-day operations in an effort to reduce wasteful consumption and promote sustainable solutions, blah, blah, but c'mon, its the great food that draws people there. Me, I go to see all the pretty boys. <sigh> Only in Brooklyn can you find so many gorgeous, funky, creative guys that are so beautiful that you'd swear they're gay in one place. Okay, so a few of them are, but at Habana it doesn't really matter. Gay, straight, black, Asian; this place has a diverse crowd who go there to eat, dance, shop and to watch the free film every Sunday at 8:00pm.. The non-stop party atmosphere is thanks to the live DJ's spinning old school while people shop at the crafts and flea market, pedal a bike to get their smoothies discounted, and dance while eating roasted corn. 757 Fulton Street Brooklyn, C train to Layfayette stop. 718.858.9500 www.ecoeatery.com

Sandcastles Coney Island Boardwalk House Music outdoor parties

Every Saturday and Sunday May 17 through September 13, Dreamland Pavillion @ 10th St, Coney Island boardwalk (2-10 p.m.) www.deephousepage.com, 914-347-2567
For more information on similar parties for House Heads, check out www.visitbrooklyn.org or www.soulsummitmusic.com.

Coney Island Fireworks on the Beach

Astroland and Deno's Wonder Wheel Park sponsor fireworks at 9:30 every Friday night during the season. Fireworks generally start the last weekend in June and conclude the Friday before Labor Day. For specific questions about the fireworks, please contact Astroland (718-265-2100) or Deno's (718-449-8836).

BAMcafé Live!

Every Friday and Saturday night, BAM showcases renowned and emerging artists, featuring some of the best jazz, R&B, world beat, pop, and experimental music from Brooklyn and beyond. The Peter Jay Sharp Building, 30 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn, NYSubway/LIRR, 2, 3, 4, 5, Q, N, R, M, G, B, D, and C trains. www.bam.org

Prospect Park Drum Circle

Drummer's Grove, Prospect Park. Prospect Park Alliance, 718-965-8999; www.prospectpark.org, Q train. 2 p.m. to dusk Sundays, from May to August.

JELLYNYC Pool Party

Every Sunday at 2:00pm in July and August enjoy free concerts at McCarren Park Pool. L train to the Bedford Avenue stop in Brooklyn. Walk north on Bedford to Lorimer Street, take a right on Lorimer, the Main Arch of the pool is on the left on Lorimer St. between Driggs & Bayard Ave.G train: Take the G train to Metropolitan Avenue.Walk out of the station and cross Metropolitan on Union.Walk up Union under BQE overpass until you reach Roebling. Make a right, walk one block to Lorimer. www.thepoolparties.com

NYC Parks and Recreation

Check out this link for a list of summer concerts, theater and dance performances throughout the city parks. http://www.nycgovparks.org/

Renaissance Faire at The Cloisters Museum

The Annual Renaissance Faire is held every September at The Cloisters Museum, New York's most beautiful secret, located at Fort Tryon Park, north of 190th Street and south of Dyckman Street, between Broadway and the river. It can be reached by the A train to 190th Street. Information: 212-781-4051 or 212-408-0217.



A List of NYC Free Summer Concerts

(For a schedule of 2008 Free NYC Summer Concerts, see the 2008 Summer Calendar blog entry)

Central Park Summerstage
Shakespeare in the Park
Broadway Under the Stars
Naumburg Orchestral Concerts
Movies with a View at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
Harlem Meer Performance Festival
NY Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks
Lincoln Center Out of Doors
Free for All at Town Hall
JVC Jazz Festival
Washington Square Music Festival
River to River
East River Music Project
Seaport Music Festival
SpiegelWorld
Governors Island Concert Series
Folks on the Island
Governors Island
Celebrate Brooklyn
Met Opera Summer Concert
McCarren Park Pool
Siren Festival
Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
Bryant Park Film Festival
Broadway in Bryant Park
Piano in the Park, Bryant Park
Music at 5 in Bryant Park
Good Morning America Summer Concerts
Today Show concert series
Wave Hill concerts
Riverside Park RCTA Sunset Concert Series
Stars in the Alley
Classical Theatre of Harlem parks productions
Shakespeare in the Parking Lot
Rooftop Films
Turntables on the Hudson
TheaterWorks USA
Film Festival Theater Festival
J&R’s Summerfest
martin Luther King Jr. Concert Series
Seaside Summer Concert Series
Madison Square Park free Wednesday concerts
Forest Hills Jazz Thursdays
Baked Summer Concert Series
Music in Abe Lebewohl Park
Brooklyn Central Library free concerts

---

---