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Is there anything better than spending a weekend in New York City? Yes. That would be spending a weekend in New York City that requires little to zero spending.
New Yorkers know how rare, and very special it is to find free events in New York City, which is why we thought we'd make this weekend one of those special weekends. Here is Free 99: 10 Things to Do in NYC This Weekend That Won't Cost You a Dime.
The Pop Object: The Still Life Tradition in Pop Art
Date: Friday, May 24
Time: Varies
Location: Acquavella Galleries, 18 E. 79th St.
Website: acquavellagalleries.com
The Pop Object exhibit, curated by renowned art historian John Wilmerding, will include over 75 pop art works from the world's most influential artists such as: Andy Warhol, Alex Katz, and Jasper Johns. The exhibit will not only include prestigious collections from museums like the National Gallery of Art, but will also include works from the artists' personal collection.
Cultural Survival Bazaar: A Festival of Indigenous Arts & Cultures from Around the World
Date: Friday, May 24
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza, 833 1st Ave.
Website: inhabitat.com
The Festival of Indigenous Arts & Cultures from Around the World may very well be the most culturally-inspired festival in New York City. The event features a marketplace of Native artisans selling handmade products that are beneficial to their livelihood. These products include items such as: tribal rugs, unique jewelery, and clothing. Musical performances and Native American storytelling will also be taking place.
Free Music Fridays: Bird Courage, Heidi Sidelinker and Tuelo & Her Cousins
Date: Friday, May 24
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: American Folk Art Museum, 2 Lincoln Square
Website: folkartmuseum.org
The American Folk Art Museum offers free admission all-year round but on Fridays, that deal is made even sweeter with live musical performances from Folk artists. This Friday, artists Bird Courage and Heidi Sidelinker will be joined by South African rock and blues group Tuelo and Her Cousins.
Lower East Side Festival of the Arts
Date: May 24 - May 26
Time: Varies
Location: Theater for the New City, 155 First Ave.
Website: theaterforthenewcity.net
The Lower East Side Festival of the Arts celebrates its 18th anniversary of art for "eco justice, economy, and ecology." The three-day event consists of theatre performances from Rod Rogers Dance Company, poetry readings by POEZ, and a cultural festival with food vendors and activites.
Martin Boyce, "It's Over and Over"
Date: May 24 - May 25
Time: Varies
Location: Tanya Bonakdar Gallery, 521 W. 21st St.
Website: tanyabonakdargallery.com
Martin Boyce is best known for his large installation work in sculpture. His current exhibit "It's Over and Over" is a perfect example for such large installations. This weekend is the last chance to head to The Tanya Bonakdar Gallery to view Boyce's interesting work.
Bicycle Fetish Day
Date: Saturday, May 25
Time: Noon
Location: City Reliquary, 370 Metropolitan Ave.
Website: cityreliquary.org
This year's Bicycle Fetish Day will be taking place in the most appropriate place: Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The 8th annual event will feature biking competitions, bike workshops, and of course, bike riding. Bike prizes will also be given to winners of the event's several contests including: Best Vintage Bike and Best Mutant Bike. Once the bike festivities are over, head to City Reliquary for the after party.
Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit
Date: Saturday, May 25
Time: Varies
Location: Washington Square, 60 Knolls Crescent
Website: wsoae.org
The Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit showcases the works of craft artisans and fine artists from around New York City. The outdoor art exhibit will cover several streets in the Greenwich Village area, starting at East 12th Street and extending out to West 3rd Street.
The Annual Spring Jubilee
Date: Sunday, May 26
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Lexington Ave. (23rd to 34th Sts.)
The Annual Spring Jubilee is seen by many as the "official" weekend of the summer. The festival includes over 500 food vendors, arts and crafts vendors, and over 100 cultural, non-profit organizations will be on view. The family-friendly event will also include live entertainment.
Sweet Spot Festival
Date: Sunday, May 26
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: West Harlem Piers Park
Website: sweetspotfestival.com
The Sweet Spot Festival is a summer series taking place all over Harlem. The series kicks off in West Harlem Piers with food vendors, vintage markets and soulful house groove tunes spun by local DJ Herbert Holler.
The Do-Over: A Red Bull Music Academy Special
Date: Sunday, May 26
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: The Well, 272 Meserole St.
Website: thewellbrooklyn.com
The Red Bull Music Academy is a world-travelling chain of music workshops and festivals that serves as a platform for people interested in making a difference in today's music industry. The Academy has now arrived in New York City and is bringing New Yorkers this concert special featuring "I Need A Dollar" singer Aloe Blacc, along with many other musical guests. Admission is free, just RSVP here.