What’s Free?: 10 Things to Do in NYC This Weekend That Don't Cost a Dime

3 weeks ago 9

It’s the last full month of summer, and the assignment is simple: close it out with a bang. Flash floods, triple-digit dew points, rent, and overpriced matcha lattes be damned—New York is not $100 per hour if you know where to go. This weekend, there’s art, bike rides, trivia nights, vintage markets, and even a chance to splurge $5 at Lincoln Center. Ditch your hot apartment and go introduce August to your very strict budget.

Brooklyn

Free Smashburger at Steiny B’s

Saturday, August 2, 12pm, 942 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn

Celebrate the grand opening of Steiny B’s in Flatbush by getting your hands on a free smashburger. Don’t be late, these free certified Halal burgers are only going to the first 100 customers.

Film Screening: Do the Right Thing (1989)

Saturday, August 2, 3:30pm, Flatbush Library, 22 Linden Blvd., Brooklyn

Catch Spike Lee’s Brooklyn classic on the big screen in the borough that birthed it. No AC window unit can compete with this kind of cool.

Manhattan

OPENING CELEBRATION: MAISON MILLEFLEURS & SILENT DISCO

Saturday, August 2, 7–10pm, Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Park, 20 Battery Place, Manhattan

Life-sized glowing flowers, a greenhouse full of community-made art, and a sunset silent disco? This Battery Park party is what happens when craft night goes full New York.

NYRR Open Run: Inwood Hill Park

Saturday, August 2, 7–10pm, Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Park, 20 Battery Place, Manhattan

Before your night of debauchery, pull up to Inwood Hill Park to get your jog on Saturday evening.

Paper Sculptures

Saturday, August 2, 1–3pm, Bryant Park, Manhattan

Roll it, fold it, twist it, turn a plain sheet of paper into something weird and wonderful at this drop-in sculpture session.

Film 101 with Gelatin Labs

Saturday, August 2, 6–8pm, Peak Design, 241 Lafayette Street, Manhattan

Dreaming of shooting on film but scared of the darkroom? Gelatin Labs will school you in the magic of analog photography, complete with free film development on your first roll.

Coney Island Cyclone Bike Ride

Friday, August 1, 7–9pm, Meet at the Manhattan side of the Brooklyn Bridge

Cruise from Manhattan to the Coney Island boardwalk, lock your bike, then reward yourself with fries and a spin on the Cyclone.

Choose-What-You-Pay Lincoln Center

Dates vary, Lincoln Center Plaza, Manhattan

High culture, low cost. Lincoln Center’s summer concerts are back with a pay-what-you-wish model. Keep your pinky up while enjoying a very affordable evening.

Legendary Looks: Preserving Our Legacy

Ongoing, Friday–Sunday by appointment, City Lore, 56 E 1st St., Manhattan

Dive into ballroom culture with this exhibit on the artistry and resilience of New York’s legendary house ball community.