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When you live in NYC, 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: Full guide to free things to do in NYC
Museum Mile Festival at various locations; Tue 2; free
This festival is back for its 40th year, which turns Fifth Avenue into the city’s largest block party. Live music and entertainment flood the streets while museums open their doors to the public at no charge. Past participants include Museum of the City of New York, the Jewish Museum, Cooper Hewitt, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and more. Fifth Ave between 82nd and 105th Sts.
BAM R&R Festival at MetroTech Commons; Thu 7; free
BAM's outdoor R&B series—which also features funk, gospel, soul, jazz and world music—returns to give your lunchbreak a boost with free performances from Savion Glover, Vivan Green, PJ Morton, Ranky Tanky, Delgres and more, going down every Thursday at noon. Grab a sandwich, kick back in the shade and get your groove on before heading back to the grind.
Vinyl Nights with the MM Crew at Plaza 33; Thu 7; free
The Mobile Monday's crew takes over Thursday nights with a free outdoor dance party. DJs play funk, soul, disco, pop, house, hip hop and salsa while you cut a rug, on the street. On June 7, catch DJs Woof and Joey Carvello spinning dope tracks, all on vinyl.
Cut & Crafted Industry City; Sat 9; free
Get inspired at this bazaar—formerly known as Brooklyn Makers—that showcases the work of craftspeople across BK. Among the goods that you can gawk at (and potentially purchase) you'll find handmade jewelry from JCH, sculptural ceramics from Mud to Life, end-grain cutting boards from Spalt & Burl, sustainable workout duds from Simulacra, ginger and cardamom cider from Descendant Cider Co., skincare products from Flynn & King, curry paste from Mama Lam's and more. There's also finger-licking grub to fuel your shopping endeavors.
Pet Day at Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park; Sat 9; free
Take your four-legged companion for a spin on the Wonder Wheel at this annual event where animals ride free with their owners. Nattily dressed pets can enter the costume contest at 2pm for a chance to win a $150 Petco gift voucher. Only 25 pets can enter, so pre-register online or sign up on the boardwalk first thing. Either way, bring along two cans of dog or cat food to seal the deal. The cans are donated to the Sean Casey Animal Rescue, which has adoptable pets around for you to play with (and maybe take home) at the event.
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