New York City is consistently ranked one of the most expensive places in the world--that is, until summer hits. That's when having more fun means spending less money. Here are 10 completely free events for you to kick off summer in the city right.
June 11, 8pm | Ferris Beuller's Day Off, 35 mm Screening
SVA Theater is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the classic rebel teen movie, which is the perfect feel-good flick for early June weather. Seating is first-come-first-serve, so be sure to arrive early and get your (free) ticket here in advance.
June 12, 6-9pm | Museum Mile Festival
Enjoy live music and free admission to nine museums on the Upper East Side's museum mile. Start at Harlem's Museo del Barrio for the opening ceremony, and then make your way down to the Met, stopping at institutions like the Guggenheim, the Jewish Museum, and the Neue Gallery along the way.
June 14-23 | NYC Dance Week Festival
Dance studios throughout NYC will be offering 10 days of free dance, fitness, and wellness classes. Join the kickoff party on the 14th, which will include a live DJ, dance party, giveaways, and more. You can explore participating studios and register for classes here.
June 16, 1pm | Mermaid Parade
Celebrate the 36th annual Mermaid Parade, a tribute to Coney Island's history and culture and one of NYC's wackiest parades. Participants strut in handmade mermaid costumes that range from ethereal to outrageous, and this year singer Amanda Palmer and author Neil Gaiman (real life husband and wife) will be Queen Mermaid and King Neptune. Stick around for a beachside burlesque show to follow.
June 16, 7pm | Rhiannon Giddens live at Rumsey Playfield
NYC's series of free outdoor concerts, Summerstage, will feature acclaimed musician and banjo maestro Rhiannon Giddens, along with Son Little. Expect soulful solos from Giddens' Grammy-nominated album Tomorrow Is My Turn, and a moving exploration of the African American music tradition that made her most recent album, Freedom Highway, such a knockout. Reserve your tickets here and arrive early to get a good seat.
June 16, all day | 1920s Lawn Party
Wear a flapper costume and dance to the Dreamland Orchestra at Jazz Age's annual Lawn Party, which includes a Charleston dance contest, dance lessons, food, 1920s cars, and croquet on Governors Island.
June 17, 12-4pm | Egg Rolls, Egg Creams, Empanadas Festival
An annual Lower East Side festival held by the Museum at Eldridge Street that includes a mashup of Chinese, Jewish, and Latino culture, music, food, and crafts. Learn how to braid challah, watch a Chinese opera, and stuff your face with freshly made empanadas.
June 21, all day | Solstice Times Square
Celebrate the summer solstice with free yoga in Times Square. Yogis from all over the world will commemorate the longest day of the year by taking yoga classes with instructors from YogaWorks, Aerie, and Sivananda Yoga in the heart of the city. Register for your class of choice here.
June 23, 2-6pm | Superhero & Sci-Fi Festival
A kid-friendly event where you can play classic carnival games, hang out with characters from Star Wars, Transformers, and comic books at the Martinez Playground in Williamsburg. See the schedule of superhero visits here.
June 24, all day | NYC Pride March
An annual celebration of the LGBTQ community that includes food, craft vendors, musicians, and entertainment in Manhattan's Greenwich Village. The day ends with fireworks on the Hudson River.
Hold on to your paychecks! Enjoy all that summer in New York City has to offer, without spending a dime.
