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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 good time without paying a dime. Here are the best free parties, cultural events and things to do between now and next Wednesday.
Scent & Sensibility: The Art of Scent and Attraction
There’s no crash course for mastering the art of attraction (that we know of), but spend merely two hours with expert perfumer Dana El Masri, and she’ll help you find a magic love “potion” that will arouse your next Tinder date. You know what they say: The way to someone’s heart is through…the nose? Masri will help you select the perfect fragrance while you enjoy refreshments (free bubbly!) and more surprises throughout the night. Babeland, 462 Bergen St, Brooklyn (718-638-3820, babeland.com). Wed 18 7–9pm.
Connect with Nature at Marine Park
Show Brooklyn’s largest public park some love by volunteering to spruce it up with the Natural Areas Conservancy. Throw on your sturdiest waterproof shoes and help remove debris and trash from several areas of the land to improve the natural habitats. After the cleanup, experts give you the 411 on bird watching and caring for the park’s flora. Bonus: You get a free lunch and good karma points for your service. Marine Park, Gerritsen Ave between Lois and Seba Aves, Brooklyn (naturalareasnyc.org). Sat 21 9:30am–1:30pm.
Fitness Party in Hudson Park
Health nuts and fitness fiends should skip their stuffy, crowded gyms and sign up for this spacious alfresco workout instead. Folks from the insanely talented Mark Fisher Fitness team are stationed in Hudson Park to provide an hour-long body-weight exercise, which is perfect for both beginners and advanced ninjas. Register in advance, bring a towel, grab your water bottle, and get ready for a seriously fun sweat sesh while admiring the great outdoors. 544 W 35th St (markfisherfitness.com). Sat 21 11am–noon.
Shakespeare in the Park
New York’s favorite and free outdoor theater in Central Park is back! This year, Tony-nominated director Phyllida Lloyd presents Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew with an all-female cast (a bold twist of which we think the Bard would approve). Fiery leading lady Katherina is played by the extraordinary Cush Jumbo, who must outwit wild outsider Petruchio, played by the marvelous Janet McTeer. Tickets are distributed every day at the Delacorte Theater at noon. Remember: you snooze, you lose. Enter at Central Park West and 81st St (212-539-8500, publictheater.org). Tue 24 at 8pm.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer/Angel Crossover Episode Trivia
If Buffy Summers can obliterate an uprising of vampires, you can take a stab at this round of trivia, which includes questions involving Buffy’s ex-bae Angel. Register your team of badasses (up to four) in advance for a chance to win free booze (the stakes are high), which will be a nice relief if the apocalypse actually comes. The Holland House, 276 Fifth Ave (212-685-2727, triviaad.com). Tue 24 8–9:30pm.