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
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
Buddies
- Critics choice
- Free
DJ Damian reigns at this casual weeknight get-together, spinning an eclectic set of underground dance, funk, punk, ’80s and rock for the fuzzy, beer-loving guys who pack in every week.
Natalie Joy Johnson
- Free
Musical-theater neodiva Natalie Joy Johnson and piano whiz Brian Nash unite for a free weekly show at Therapy, joined by special guests.
Too Soon Tuesdays
- Free
Enjoy the sloppy antics of Logan Hardcore and the music of DJ TK while you kick back complimentary preshow shots at this weekly party.
- Vlada Lounge 331 W 51st St, between Eighth and Ninth Aves
- Wed May 22 - Tue May 21
The Will Clark Show
- Critics choice
- Free
Clark hosts this weekly fund-raiser, consisting of bingo, booze and porn-star worship. Ever-changing guests keep things interesting. For more information, go to willclarkworld.com.
- Uncle Charlie's Piano Bar and Lounge 139 E 45th St, between Third and Lexington Aves, 10017
- Wed May 22 - Thu May 23
Nuit Blanche: Ginger Burlesque
- Critics choice
- Free
Dances of Vice brings a glamorous gaggle of glittering showgirls and exotic performers to the Meatpacking District; the burlesque affair features three sets in an all-new production each week. Tonight's show, saluting all the crimson-maned burlesquers out there, stars Raquel Reed, Bettina May, Gin Minsky, Madame Rosebud and Albert Cadabra; a dance
- Beaumarchais 409 W 13th St, between Ninth Ave and Washington St, 10014
- Wed May 22 - Thu May 23
The Sherry Vine Show
- Critics choice
- Free
The great Sherry Vine brings you her brilliant song parodies and acid wit every week in Hell's Kitchen. For more information, go to sherryvine.com.
- Industry Bar 355 W 52nd St, between Eighth and Ninth Aves
- Thu May 23 - Wed May 22
Happy Hour with Pat Pervert
- Free
This after-work unwind for the alternative set has Pat Pervert spinning punk, psychobilly, goth, new wave and industrial at the never-ordinary Otto's.
- Otto’s Shrunken Head 538 E 14th St, between Aves A and B, 10009
- Thu May 23 - Fri May 24
Cabaret des Illusion
- Price band: 2/4
- Critics choice
- Free
The newly relocated Duane Park eatery hosts an evening of bedazzling magic and music, as Marco Frezza wows the crowd with his feats of prestidigitation, and "professional sensationalist" Amber Ray and other stars of the burlesque scene add to the night's appeal.
- Duane Park 308 Bowery, between Bleecker and E Houston Sts, 10012
- Thu May 23
Bassment
- Critics choice
- Free
Held in one of Gotham's longest-running gay hangouts, Bassment happens every week in—you guessed it—the venue's basement. Mandy Graves and Jools Palmer are the hosts and residents for this night of tomfoolery, as the pair and their guests entertain the troops with housed-up rhythms. For more information, go to bassmentparty.com.
- The Monster 80 Grove St , at Seventh Ave South
- Thu May 23
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