FREE EVENTS IN NYC
Summer in the “city that is never sleeps” is always a lively, electrifying season with so much to do that it can be overwhelming for both tourists with flashing cameras and self-proclaimed New Yorkers. Personally speaking, I am tired of missing some of the amazing events taking place around our fair city. Whether it’s hip-hop or jazz, Shakespeare in the park, movies on the Hudson, concerts at Summer Stage or at Wingate Field, many are free to the public. From Harlem to BK, here are a few suggestions to help you enjoy the rest of summer with friends, your boo or the family:
Do you have any suggestions that aren’t listed? Had a terrific time at any of these weekly events? Share your thoughts and give us all something to get out of bed for.
Brooklyn– Concerts, Films and Theatre
Keyshia Cole at Wingate Field, Brooklyn
This distinct borough hosts free Seaside Summer Concert Series at Asser Levy Park every Tuesday and Thursday in July and August at 7:30 pm. Also, thru September, the family will also enjoy the array of street festivals, salsa by the sea in Sheepshead Bay, live band performances at Prospect Park, film screenings in Williamsburg, live circus acts at Coney Island and kid-related activities at Brooklyn Children’s Museum. For a list of events BK events visit: website at: www.brooklyn.com/events
A Piece of Me, written by Bedford-Stuyvesant native Jermaine Smith, this thought-provoking, comedic stage play touches upon the dynamics of family, forgiveness, infidelity, alcoholism, homelessness and honesty. On Saturday, August 8, the Brooklyn show will be the 40th performance in 3 years running. In celebration of this achievement, A Piece of Me production is free to the public. For additional info visit:www.jermainesmith.yolasite.com
The 27th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Concert Series free performances are held every Monday night from July 13 to August 24 at 7:30 pm. With artists like Keyshia Cole, Jazmine Sullivan, Sean Paul, Anita Baker and Robin Thicke
visit: www.brooklynconcerts.com/mlk.html for additional information and performance schedule.
BAM/MetroTech R&B Festival located on the Common Lawn each Thursday from June 4 to August 6, 12 Noon – 2pm
Brooklyn Bridge Park in DUMBO (between Manhattan & Brooklyn Bridge) hosts “Movies with a View” on Thursday nights. Screenings include: The Maltese falcon, Return of the Pink Panther and much more. For additional info call 718-802-0603. Prospect Park West at 9th Street, Brooklyn presents documentary movies from July 20 to August 8th with features like the Big Daddy Kane story.
ACROSS THE BRIDGE—Concerts, Movies and Theatre
Central Park Summer Stage
Internationally acclaimed poet Ainsley Burrows presents the awaited Freak Nasty erotic poetry show performed by some of the most erotic poets and performers. Freak Nasty is for the grown and sexy and promises to reach your climax. Feature performance July 30 at Le Poisson Rouge from 7-10pm. Tickets are $15 and Freak Nasty sells out quickly so visit www.burrowsink.com for tickets and info.
City Parks Theatre presents Movies and Shakespeare in the Park. Featured plays such As The Tempest, Hamlet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Riverside Park at 6:30pm; Marcus Garvey Park at 8pm; East River Park, Hudson River Park and Central Park. Visit: or call 212-360-8290. Not a fan of this English playwright, then watch the latest movies such as Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Sex & the City: The Movie, The Dark Knight or Hancock at “movies under the stars” every Wednesday night at 8:30pm. Visit 212-533-PARK for movie listings. Fridays are for Kids at Hudson River Park (Pier 46) where they can view Star Wars, The Muppet Movie, Ghostbusters and many more at 8:30pm
Music in the NYC
Joe/Chico DeBarge and Ginuwine to Perform at Summer Stage, July 26
From June 27 to August 14 experience the free live concert performances from R & B artists Ginuwine, Joe and Chico DeBarge at Central Park’s Summer Stage to the South Street seaport concerts, pier 17, thru August 7th. Jazz concert performances June to August, 2009 throughout the five boroughs visit www.jazzmobile.org, Lincoln Center Out of Doors Live Concerts starts August 5 to August 23, visit: new.lincolncenter.org for more upcoming performances. The Harlem Meer concerts, featuring jazz, blues, salsa and gospel at Central Park by 110th and 5th Avenue (Charles A. Dana Discovery Center), Sundays thru Sept 6th from 2-4pm for more info contact 212-860-1370.
You can also check out live concerts at Madison Square Park Concerts on Wednesdays at 7-8:30pm and the Hudson Lawn Party on August 16 from 3-5pm. Clinton Cove Festival, Hudson River Park boosts live music, children’s games & activities and a free barbeque on Saturday, July 25, 1-4pm
Harlem’s Sundae Sermon Festival–starting Sunday July 19th enjoy a free family fun day and dance party. Rock to the sundae music classics, soulful house and afro beat with special treats for the kids. Pack your picnic baskets and be blessed from 3 to 7pm each Sunday till September 20th.
Governors Island
Are you looking for a quick getaway from the busy city, Governors Island, just a short complimentary ferry ride away features an array of outdoor concerts, exhibits and family-friendly activities. August 8th and 9th dance to the beat of Africa at the African Theatre & Film Festival at 12 noon. Contact 212-440-2202 or visit the website www.govisland.com
Have fun!
4 Comments Post A Comment
Ironically, I was just asking my friend if he knew about any websites that gave a listing of free events. My niece is coimng from England for summer vaction or should I say “holiday” and I am trying to figure how I am gonna keep this 18 year old entertain. I know you ladies can definitely understand where I am coming from because entertaining guests who wantto be tourist can be very costly. Thanks Cari this will definitely help.
Ironically, I was just asking my friend if he knew about any websites that gave a listing of free events. My niece is coimng from England for summer vaction or should I say “holiday” and I am trying to figure how I am gonna keep this 18 year old entertain. I know you ladies can definitely understand where I am coming from because entertaining guests who want to be tourist can be very costly. Thanks Cari this will definitely help.
This is absolutely great!!!! I have a family of six and we’re ALWAYS looking for something fun, free and/or low budget to do…Thx for the connection.
Most of the parks have free events throughout the summer. As mentioned above, Madison Square Park has free music every Wednesday in the summer, as well as a free kids event every Tuesday, and a literary reading in the park every Thursday. You can usually find out the upcoming stuff at madparknews.com or the Madison Square Park Conservancy.