Free parties and club nights in New York City
Attention, thrifty night owls! Discover lively free parties and club nights in NYC that won’t break the bank.
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Free things to do today
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Free dance
Free things to do in NYC: Your guide to gratis entertainment
Hitting a club in this town need not cost a pretty penny. Or even a penny, for that matter. Check out these free parties and soirees, which specialize in everything from house to non-dance-music genres like punk and keep kicking well into the night.
RECOMMENDED: Full list of free things to do in NYC
Hotmale
- Free
A rotating roster of DJs and hosts keeps things fresh for this house-music soiree at Chelsea's slickest lounge.
Thee Midnite Monster Hop
- Critics choice
- Free
Mike Mortician (from the Memphis Morticians) and his pals spin psychobilly and ’60s garage at this rockin’ bar. Bands and horror films add to the morbid fun.
- Otto’s Shrunken Head 538 E 14th St, between Aves A and B, 10009
- Sat May 25
Coney Island Reggae Beach Party
- Critics choice
- Free
WKCR's Carter Van Pelt and the Sound Liberation Front host a killer lineup of selectors (which has seen Downbeat the Ruler and Clive Chin on the decks, among others) at this homage to Jamaican sound-system culture. Just follow the deep bass and heavy rhythms toward the Parachute Jump—you'll find it. The party ends at sundown. Listen to Van Pelt’s
- Coney Island Boardwalk Boardwalk, at 10th St
- Sun May 26
The Do-Over: A Red Bull Music Academy Special
- Critics choice
- Free
Haycock, Strong, and Aloe Blacc's L.A.-based ode to boogie beats hits Gotham as part of the RBMA juggernaut, with guest sets courtesy of Emufucka (performing live), Trancemicsoul and a "very special" surprise visitor. R.S.V.P. (it's a must) at thedoover.net/nyc13.
Stiletto
- Critics choice
- Free
Maggie C serves up this popular lesbian soiree and tea dance, with drink specials, grilled treats, DJs and gaggles of gorgeous ladies. For more information, go to maggiecevents.com.
- Cabanas at the Maritime 363 W 16th St, at Ninth Ave
- Sun May 26 - Mon May 27
Scissor Sundays
- Critics choice
- Free
JD Samson's weekly tea dance features a rotating cast of local and visiting DJs providing ambience while you enjoy cheap booze and gorgeous sunsets over the Hudson.
- Rusty Knot 425 West St, at 11th St
- Sun May 26
Vandam Sundays
- Price band: 2/4
- Critics choice
- Free
Susanne Bartsch and her clubland comrade Kenny Kenny take control of the eco-themed Greenhouse every Sunday. The evening features the usual crowd of nightlife freaks and phantasms preening and prancing to Jackie 60 headmaster Johnny Dynell. Downstairs, Desi Monster and Ladyfag hold court, with various spinners working the crowd.
- Greenhouse 150 Varick St, at Vandam St
- Sun May 26
Beats and BBQ
- Critics choice
- Free
This crew is back for its annual Memorial Day shindig, with deep and soulful house accompanied by barbecued vittles. The nice array of DJs includes Ali Coleman, Jose G, Siren, Ruby Red, Kev Kruz, Laz and Eddie S. E-mail acidreg@gmail.com for more info.
- LP & Harmony 683 Grand St, at Manhattan Ave
- Mon May 27 - Tue May 28
Mobile Mondays! 45s
- Price band: 2/4
- Critics choice
- Free
Start out your week with a wide-ranging regimen of funk, soul, rock, punk, new wave, pop, salsa, calypso, reggae, rhythm & blues, disco and anything else that's danceable, spun (on 45-rpm vinyl) by Just Blaze, DJ Misbehaviour, $$$ Mike, Operator EMZ, Joey C, Natasha Diggs and guests. Miss Rebecca and Snkr Joe are the evening's hosts.
- The Bowery Electric 327 Bowery, between 2nd and 3rd Sts
- Mon May 27
Dark Water
- Critics choice
- Free
This weekly soiree pays homage to all things dark including goth, ’80s new wave, punk, industrial and EBM, spun by resident DJs Spaz and Cage; Father Vincent is the evening's host.
- Otto’s Shrunken Head 538 E 14th St, between Aves A and B, 10009
- Tue May 28
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