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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.
“Magnum Photos: New Blood” exhibit
Celebrate the work of Magnum Photos’ new nominees—Matt Black, Carolyn Drake, Sohrab Hura, Lorenzo Meloni, Max Pinckers and Newsha Tavakolian—during a temporary showcase comprising frozen-in-time shots taken everywhere from California’s Central Valley to the streets of Tehran. You may be inspired to pick up a camera yourself. Milk Gallery, 450 15th St (212-645-2797, themilkgallery.com). Wed 13–May 8; Mon–Fri 10am–6pm; Sat, Sun 11am–7pm.
Fencing lessons in Bryant Park
If you loved sword fighting with tiny plastic spears as a little kid, you’ll get a kick out of the grown-up equivalent: fencing! Take an open-air lunch break and meet the instructors—all coaches fence at either an Olympic or national level—who teach you the basics like how to attack, disengage and parry (a.k.a. block) before you dive into a blood-pumping duel with a partner. Don’t worry, the classes are noncompetitive—but you can still say, “En garde!” Bryant Park, Fifth Avenue Terrace at 41st St (bryantpark.org). Fri 15 1:30–2:30pm.
’90s Pop-Culture Trivia + ’90s Party
Prove that you are, indeed, a true acolyte of the ’90s who is well-versed in fashion trends, movies, TV and pop culture during this phat round of trivia that covers everything from Clarissa Explains It All to Madonna’s infamous cone bra. Register your team in advance if you want to win great prizes—like free booze! Afterward, rock out to live music, and throw on your best Cher Horowitz getup if you want to crush the costume contest. Totally bitchin’! Bierhaus NYC, 712 Third Ave (212-867-2337, triviaad.com). Sat 16 5–6:30pm.
Flying Tiger UES Grand Opening
We absolutely love this Danish brand not only for its adorable and super-useful home goods, accessories and stationary, but for the $10 price cap on nearly every item in stock. Better yet, the cutesy maze-like Soho shop has a new twin on the Upper East Side, so celebrate the opening by dropping in for a day filled with fun games like hopscotch, complimentary Danish sweets, live music from a Danish band and, best of all, discounts! (It’s like taking a vacation to Denmark.) Flying Tiger, 1282 Third Ave (eventbrite.com). Sat 16 9am–6pm.
Sexy Relief for Tax Day
Filing your taxes can be, well, taxing, so you’re probably in need of an orgasmic release right about now. (Yes, we’re not-so-subtly alluding to a little sexy time.) Burst into Babeland’s Soho store for an evening of boozing and schmoozing with the store’s resident sexperts. Comped glasses of champagne and light refreshments are provided, along with tips for keeping things fun and spicy in the bedroom. Bonus: Shoppers receive a sweet Tax Day discount on all toys in the shop. Babeland, 43 Mercer St (212-966-2120, babeland.com). Mon 18 at 6pm.