Free date ideas in New York City: Romance on the cheap
Looking to romance your companion even when you’re totally broke? Look no further than our guide to free-of-charge date ideas.
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Free date ideas in New York City: Stroll the Brooklyn Heights Promenade Photograph: Michael Kirby
It’s a common problem: You want to sweep your sexy partner off their feet. But you, you know, don’t have any coin. Worry not, romantic New Yorker! We found some great date ideas that won’t cost you a cent.
RECOMMENDED: Full list of free things to do in NYC
Rebel Night
- Critics choice
- Free
DJs Sei, June, Kick, Hiromu and their pals wig out at this night of rockabilly-oriented madness, with a dressed-up crowd of revelers jiving, bopping, strolling and twisting the night away.
- Otto’s Shrunken Head 538 E 14th St, between Aves A and B, 10009
- Fri May 17
Drums Along the Hudson
- Critics choice
- Free
This Native American festival takes place rain or shine and includes performances by the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers and others.
- Inwood Hill Park Indian Rd, at 218th St
- Sun May 19
Museum
- Critics choice
- Free
Museum—a 60-square-foot repository located in an abandoned Tribeca freight elevator—debuted last May and, after closing to swap out exhibitions, has reopened for its second season. Its collection is a mishmash of found objects and artifacts donated by hobbyists; its permanent holdings include an index card detailing a pot dealer's pricing scale
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 19
Slurp!
- Critics choice
- Free
Cap your weekend with some infused vodka and a performance from the tireless Paige Turner.
- Vlada Lounge 331 W 51st St, between Eighth and Ninth Aves
- Sun May 19
Monday Night Bingo
- Critics choice
- Free
Hosts Linda Simpson ("In the know and on the go!") and Murray Hill ("the hardest-working middle-aged man in show business") team up for a night of alt-bingo mirth every Monday on the Lower East Side. Admission is free, but a game card will cost you two clams.
- Hotel Chantelle 92 Ludlow St, between Broome and Delancey Sts, 10022
- Mon May 20
High Hat
- Critics choice
- Free
Jonny Porkpie, our burlesque mayor (well, he will be if he wins the election), hosts this monthly night of music and burlesque in the retro-accented surroundings of the Edison Hotel's Rum House. The former comes courtesy of the swingin' Candy Shop Boys; the latter via the onstage antics of Jo "Boobs" Weldon, the Maine Attraction and Tansy.
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 20
Mixtape Mondays
- Free
Tina Burner hosts this week starter with DJ David Serrano spinning hits from the ’80s through today. Lube up with two-for-one infused-vodka drinks until midnight.
- Vlada Lounge 331 W 51st St, between Eighth and Ninth Aves
- Tue May 21 - Mon May 20
Wasabassco Tuesdays at Bathtub Gin
- Critics choice
- Free
Doc Wasabassco returns to this speakeasy-style drinkery every Tuesday, with Evelyn Vinyl, Hazel Honeysuckle, Medianoche, Nasty Canasta and their burlesque pals strutting their salacious stuff.
- Bathtub Gin 132 Ninth Ave, between 18th and 19th Sts
- Tue May 21
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