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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.
RECOMMENDED: Free things to do in NYC guide
Mama’s Bazaar: Holiday Market
Grab a brunch cocktail and cruise a merry holiday market that could only go down at House of Yes. While you browse textiles, fetish wear, costumes, jewelry and crafts, you can groove to beats from DJs Dropkat, Space Toast and Cindy Kim, check out multimedia installations by Annika Moller and even get your tarot read by Jezmina von Thiele. House of Yes, 2 Wyckoff Ave, Brooklyn (houseofyes.org). Sat 17, Sun 18 11am–5pm; free.
Brooklyn Makers Market: Holiday Edition
We may live in a bubble that is NYC, but at least we’re self-sufficient. Buy jewelry, clothes, crafts and bites, all made in Brooklyn from dozens of vendors handpicked by the masterful minds of Shwick. Pick out handmade leather products from Henry Green, Dope Fresh pins and shirts from Brothas ’n Sistas, old-school hats from Really Roots and lotion from Body Stuff. Count on endless beats and delicious treats to keep you shopping. Williamsburgh Savings Bank, 175 Broadway, Brooklyn (brooklynmakersmarket.com). Sat 17, Sun 18 11am–7pm.
Phil Kline’s Unsilent Night
Since 1992, New Yorkers have embraced this Say Anything–style Christmas carol through the city, which has now spread to more than 100 cities around the world. Grab an old-school boom box or bring your own, and join a merry procession from Washington Square Park to Tompkins Square Park with a soundtrack of four interconnected, totally trippy carol tracks by composer and founder Kline. Meet at Washington Square Park, W 4th St to Waverly Pl between MacDougal St and University Pl (unsilentnight.com). Sun 18 at 6pm.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Trivia
Sunnydale survivors unite! Test your knowledge of the Watchers’ Council, demonology and bunnies at this trivia battle covering all 144 episodes of one of TV’s most legendary series. Register a team of up to four Scoobies online, slip into your leather pants, and pack your holy water: You’re going to have some fierce competition. And if you need to refuel your Slayer strength, grab a chicken pot pie from the Dubliner’s menu. The Dubliner, 45 Stone St (212-785-5400, triviaad.com). Tue 20 7–8:30pm.
Elf: Free Screening
Grab some comfort food and embrace the unironic joy of Will Ferrell’s Buddy the elf at this screening of the 2003 holiday favorite, which also features Amy Sedaris and Bob Newhart. As Buddy falls in love with Jovie (Zooey Deschanel), you can restore your faith in humanity and put the cynicism of 2016 far behind you. Just try not to get too excited when Santa shows up. 150 Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn (bkbazaar.com). Tue 20 at 8pm.