The best things in life are free, and so are many performances and activities in New York City. Whether you crave live music, a screen larger than your television’s or group activities to take part in, there is always something, somewhere that invites you to join in for free.
And in addition to these free events, don't forget to check out the NYC ARTS list of ongoing Free Attractions in NYC.
Composers Now: The Innovation and Impact of A Tribe Called Quest
ManhattanPlease check full listing for event date and times
Harlem Stage looks at A Tribe Called Quest’s contributions to hip hop and the culture at large with a panel of artists, journalists, educators and cultural experts. More
IndiVisible: African-Native American Lives in the Americas
National Museum of the American Indian—Smithsonian Institution
ManhattanThurs, Feb 9, 2012 – Fri, Aug 31, 2012
This exhibition addresses the racially motivated laws that have been forced on Native, African American and mixed-heritage peoples. The daily cultural practices that define the African–Native American experience will also be highlighted. More
The Birth of Promotion: Inventing Film Publicity in the Silent-Film Era
New York Public Library for the Performing Arts
ManhattanTues, Nov 22, 2011 – Sat, Feb 25, 2012
Compare today's publicity for retro silent film The Artist with that of yesteryear. The basic elements of the promotion and distribution of film were established in the silent-film era. On view are things that the public was never supposed to see — advice for theater owners and managers on publicity, advertising, and retail tie-ins for films starring Theda Bara, Lillian Gish, Corinne Griffith, Mary Pickford and Rudolph Valentino, to name a few. More
City Skate Concert Series at Rockefeller Center
ManhattanPlease check full listing for event date and times
Those who miss the figure skating and ice dancing of the Olympics can see more talent right here in New York. Ice Theatre of New York Ensemble and special guest artists perform its dance-on-ice repertory, including new choreography by renowned ice choreographer, Douglas Webster. More
Free Screening of "More than a Month" for Black History Month
Long Island University's Brooklyn Campus
BrooklynThurs, Feb 16, 2012
An African American filmmaker sets out on a cross-country campaign to end Black History Month. Through this tongue-in-cheek journey, he investigates what the treatment of history tells us about race and equality in a “post-racial” America. A free screening, followed by a talk with the director. More
ManhattanSat, Feb 18, 2012
Known for her striking voice and magnetic performances, Mexican-American singer and composer Lila Downs (Oaxaca, México) has created one of the most singular explorations of Mexican roots music on both sides of the border. A musical journey with Lila blends Mexican rhythms and native dialects with American folk, blues and rock. More