Art/Music
Every Friday and Saturday night the Brooklyn Academy of Music opens up its BAMcafé free to the public. Jazz, world beat, and experimental artists keep the crowd rocking.
Admire the work of contemporary artists from around the country at the American Folk Art Museum, free Friday nights from 5:30 to 7:30.
Marvel at ancient Egyptian artifacts or Renaissance masterpieces at the highly regarded and diverse Brooklyn Museum, free every first Saturday after 5 p.m. Numerous performing groups of every stripe appear on Central Park Stage during the warmer months of the year. Almost all of the performances are free and open to the public. Check their website regularly for an updated list of events.
See major attractions in New York at about half the price with our partner, CityPass, which includes Traveler's picks for bars, restaurants, shopping, and neighborhoods.
If it's free blues you're after, you can't do any better than the gratis shows every Friday and Saturday night at the B.B. King Blues Club & Grill. Shows start at 9 p.m.; get there early for good seats.
For a slightly less formatted approach to art, visit the Socrates Sculpture Park where local sculptors present various installations. Enjoy a panoramic view of Manhattan from this park, which is always free.
On Friday evenings beginning at 5:45, the Guggenheim hosts Pay What You Wish, where admission is by donation. Live music often accompanies the Friday night special. Arrive a little early so you can admire the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed building.
Visit the Studio Museum of Harlem and watch contemporary artists hard at work on their newest masterpieces. Plan your visit well, though: It's only free the first Saturday of every month.
View works of international artists, or stick around for a film screening, all on Fridays from 4 to 8 p.m. when the Museum of Modern Art opens to the public.
Explore the ever changing world of American art for free on Friday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. when the Whitney Museum waives its typically steep admission fee in lieu of donations.
