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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.
RECOMMENDED: See the full guide to free things to do in NYC
All the Park’s a Stage: The Winter’s Tale
If rom-coms are your jam, check out the original classic of the genre, Shakespeare’s A Winter’s Tale, and learn just how little the ins and outs of falling in love have changed over the last 400 years. New York Classical Theatre is offering free productions of the play all week long in Brooklyn Bridge Park, so make sure to bring a date (and get ready to make ‘em swoon) with this special performance beneath the stars. Harbor View Lawn (in Brooklyn Bridge Park), Doughty St at the East River, Brooklyn (brooklynbridgepark.org). Wed 10, Fri 12–Sun 14 7–9pm.
Movies with a View: Selma
This week’s flicks with the fireflies special is Selma, an epic story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. Director Ava DuVernay’s film is preceded by tunes from DJ Ming and Darius Clark Monroe’s short film “Dirt.” So valet your bike, gasp at the beautiful view, and enjoy an evening of free entertainment! Harbor View Lawn (in Brooklyn Bridge Park), Doughty St at the East River, Brooklyn (brooklynbridgepark.org). Thu 11 at 6pm.
Babeland’s Summer BBQ
If you’re a grown-up who loves beer, hot dogs and multicolored hot-dog–shaped “toys,” then let feminist sex shop Babeland welcome you to its annual summer bash. The evening hosts multiple free 15-minute workshops and also covers some new erotic trends and topics. One lucky customer goes home with $200 worth of naughty toys after the raffle, and the first 10 people to arrive receive sexy door prizes. Either way, you’re getting lucky tonight. Babeland, 462 Bergen St, Brooklyn (718-638-3820babeland.com/events). Fri 12 at 7pm; free with registration.
Perseid meteor shower
Look up in the sky. Way out beyond the birds and the planes are massive celestial bodies that are way too distant to see with the naked eye. But with the help of binoculars, telescopes and local astronomers, you can observe one of the most jaw-dropping events deep in our solar system—the Perseid meteor shower. Bring a blanket, sit back, learn the wonders of the universe, and get some science dropped on you. Payson Park House (in Inwood Hill Park), Dyckman St and Payson Ave (212-628-2345, nycgovparks.org). Sat 13 8–9:30pm.
Alley Pond Park Adventure Course
Who says team-building and trust-falling are just for corporate field trips and schoolchildren? Certainly not the Urban Park Rangers, who put together environmentally educational recreation throughout the city. This event features outdoor fun both high in the air and down on the ground for all sneaker-wearing solo and group adventurers, so be prepared to get a little dirty. Adventure Center (in Alley Pond Park), Queens (718-217-4685, nycgovparks.org). Sun 14, Aug 21, Aug 28 9:30am–noon; free with registration.