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When you live in the most expensive city in America, it can be hard to stick to a budget. Luckily, we've got you covered. Whether you're looking for a concert, art exhibit, comedy show or even a date idea, there are plenty of places to have a good time without paying a dime. Here are the best free parties, cultural events and things to do between now and next Wednesday.
NYC Paws Parade and Adoptapalooza
What’s better than watching dogs parade through Manhattan? Adopting one of those four-legged cuties! See pups from the ASPCA and shelters (including internet-famous critter Marnie the Dog) strut from Madison Square Park to Union Square (11am to noon), followed by a fee-waived adoption party. Union Square, North Plaza, Broadway and E 17th St (aspca.org/April10). Sun 10 11am–5pm.
Bronx Trolley Night
Hop aboard the Bronx trolley and head to hot cultural spot the Bronx Museum of the Arts. A guide takes you on a museum tour, which includes CommuniTea Time with Michele Brody, an artist who encourages you to share tea and exchange stories that are transcribed onto a tea-filter quilt as part of her exhibition, “Reflections in Tea.” The Bronx Museum of Arts, 1040 Grand Concourse (718-681-6000, bronxmuseum.org/events). Wed 6 5:30–7:30pm.
’60’s Club Night
Rough Trade is going back in time! The record-store-cum-music-venue transforms into a cool-cat pad so ’60s pop lovers can throw on some Twiggy-esque threads and do the twist. Vinyl-only DJs Noizy Nige and Dik Ellis spin your favorite jams, from the Supremes and the Temptations to the Four Seasons, while you sip cocktails reminiscent of the decade. Rough Trade NYC, 64 North 9th St, Brooklyn (718-388-4111, roughtradenyc.com). Fri 8 at 7pm.
Party Like It’s 1999: “No Scrubs Edition”
You definitely don’t want no scrubs, but you’ll certainly shake your rump to TLC’s charttopper the second those minor chords chime through the speakers. Celebrate the three fierce femmes who taught us to be wary of broke-ass busters by dancing to their best tracks. DJ Steve also serves up the usual mix of pop, R&B and hip-hop tunes from the ’90s to keep you grooving till dawn. The Bell House, 149 7th St, Brooklyn (718-643-6510, thebellhouseny.com). Sat 9 at 9pm.
Brooklyn Poetry Slam
Grab a black turtleneck and a cup of joe and start snapping your fingers for Brooklyn’s finest up-and-coming poets, hosted by writer Mahogany L. Browne. This special event, which is equally an intergenerational poetry slam and an open mic, features artists responding to city culture, national issues and the exhibitions on view at BRIC House, with music provided by DJ Jive Poetic. BRIC House, 647 Fulton St, Brooklyn (718-855-7882, eventbrite.com). Wed 6 7–9pm.