07/09/12 - 0 Comments
Free and Cheap in NYC this Summer
It’s rough living in New York City sometimes. It seems like everything is double the price compared to anywhere else in the world—they’re even thinking of raising the cab fairs! But, don’t worry, not everything is expensive. We’ve compiled a list of some cheap and fun things to do this summer in NYC.
Number one on our list—outdoor screenings. New York City is known for its large parks, and what better way to grab citizens’ attention than by luring them in with a great flick, some snacks and a good time? Here are some great film festivals happening this summer:
Celebrate Brooklyn! Until August 11, this free event hosts a trio of festive, music-minded screenings, this year including Saturday Night Fever (July 14) and the Muppet Movie (July 28). Check out Brooklyn’s Park Slope to join in on the fun.
Central Park Conservancy Film Festival runs August 21 to 25 this year. The free festival, at Sheep Meadow in Central Park, gears towards the “stoner-comedy” fans but also features some “not-so-stoner-comedy” hits. This year you can watch Tim Burton’s Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (Aug 22), the Coen Brothers’ The Big Lebowski (Aug 23) or, for the less munchie-inclined, Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing (Aug 21).
SummerScreen Known to gear their movies towards the hipster crowds, this year they’re showing Cruel Intentions (July 11), Dirty Dancing (July 25), Top Gun (Aug 8), Raising Arizona (July 18) and The Princess Bride (Aug 1). Before each screening, guests are welcomed by a short musical set played by local acts. Also, vote for Summerscreen’s closing-night film on Facebook!
Alternatively, why not try out a street fair if you’re not a night owl? New York’s famous street fairs offer lots of free goodies, free food, free admission, good times and good people. Here are the festivals to attend this summer (for more information on any event, visit Nycstreetfairs. Note: all events are free!
- Fri, July 13: The Bowling Green Park Fair, located on Broadway at Whitehall Street, 9am-6pm
- Sat, July 14: Times Square Summer Fair, located on Broadway between 47th and 57th Streets, 9am-6pm
- Sun, July 15: The Lexington Avenue Summer Spectacular, located on Lexington Avenue between 23rd and 34th Streets, 10am-6pm
- Sat, July 21: The Earth Awareness Fair at Herald Square, located on Broadway between 35th and 39th Streets, 10am-6pm
If you’re looking for a bit more, or maybe just a bit more booze, then try a party on for size. These parties are cheap, fun and host special guests from all over the nation and the planet:
The Warm Up at MoMA PS1 branch in Queens. This is only $15, held every Saturday at 4pm. What better way to party than gathering outside with beer and 3,000 other like-minded city kids? This year’s lineup holds a strong UK delegation, including acts such as MJ Cole (July 28), Jamie xx (August 4) and James Holden (September 1).
The Tiki Disco. This is a New York City returning favorite, which offers plenty of beer and fun for attendees, and also a host of deejays, including Eli Escobar, Lloydski and Andy Pry. You may have missed the July 8 event, but, don’t worry, the Tiki Disco will be back beachside at the Rockaway Burger Shack, Rippers, this August 5. Check out more details at their Tumblr page!
Visit Verboten every Sunday—a new excuse to call out sick to work on Mondays. This outdoor event is known for their lineup of out-of-control house deejays. This Sunday, No. 19 label-mates Art Department, Shaun Reeves and Ryan Crosson filled the bar with music. We just have to wait and see what future acts Verboten holds, including their talented local acts.
If you love hip-hop or rap music, then Brooklyn’s Hip-Hop Festival is the place to be the next few weeks (as long as you are over 18). The old-school, no corporate sponsored event is proud to announce their headlining act this year, Busta Rhymes.
In addition, the festival features other supporting acts, the Dummy Clap Film Festival on July 10 (which includes a screening of Wild Style, recounting the story of an NYC graffiti artist) and Salute the DJ Day (July 12). The closing after-party will be held on July 14. Nelson George, the co-creator of the classic hip-hop film CB4, will make an appearance, as will Chairman Mao, the creator of Ego Trip Magazine. Both with explain the significance of the music you will hear at Brooklyn’s Hip-Hop Festival. Last year, acts such as Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest, Busta Rhymes, Black Thought of The Roots and Kanye West performed. We’ll just have to wait and see who joins Mr. Rhymes this year.
Calling all Shakespeare connoisseurs! You may have missed Shakespeare in the Park as it celebrates 50 years of replicating the world’s most revered playwright’s works, but you can still catch the Lower East Side’s Shakespeare in the Park(ing) Lot, featuring the Merry Wives of Windsor from July 12 to 28 and Coriolanus from August 2 to 18.
Enjoy your summers, everyone!
Photo credit: TimeOut, WiredNewYork
