Image via Complex Original
New York City stake to the claim of being "the city that never sleeps" is legit: It is nearly impossible to have an uneventful night in this city. Still, those events often come at an unaffordable price.
Even if you're shekels are slacking, you're still entitled to appreciate one of the best cities in the world. Here are some seriously awesome events you can partake in this weekend without dropping a penny: Free 99: 10 Things to Do in NYC This Weekend That Won't Cost You a Dime.
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Astronomy Night
Date: Friday, May 10
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Pier 86, Twelfth Ave.
Website: intrepidmuseum.org
See the stars like never before. Hop aboard the USS Intrepid, one of the aircraft carriers used by the US Navy during World War II, for an unforgettable guided viewing of the night sky. Guides will be instructed by local astronomers using a range of eight different telescopes. All you need to do to become a part of this experience is RSVP to educationevents@intrepidmuseum.org.
National Public Gardens Day
Date: Friday, May 10
Time: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Bartow Pell Mansion, 895 Shored Rd.
Website: nycgovparks.org
In celebration of National Public Gardens Day, guests are invited to roam the Bartow Pell Mansion for a guided tour of the garden. The tour will include a viewing of the Age of Botanical Wonders exhibit, which features illustrations from seven volumes of the Transactions of the Horticultural Society of London.
MADONNA: A Transformational Exhibition
Date: May 10 - May 12
Time: Varies
Location: W New York - Times Square, 1567 Broadway
Website: richardcorman.com
This exhibit features never-before-seen photographs of the pop icon, Madonna, shot by world renowned photographers Richard Corman and George Dubose. The photographs were taken during the 1980s—right before the then 24-year-old singer became the superstar she is today.
The Art of Harvey Kurtzman
Date: May 10 - May 12
Time: Varies
Location: Society of Illustrators, 128 E. 63rd St.
Website: societyillustrators.org
Editor of MAD, the most important comic satire magazine in the twentieth century America, Harvey Kurtzman is revered for his fearless criticism of American advertising and television. This exhibit serves as an anthology of Kurtzman's most notable works like Alred E. Neuman, MAD's iconic gap-toothed mascot to his most personal, never-before-seen collections.
Esterio Segura, Goodbye My Love
Date: May 10 - May 12
Time: Varies
Location: Anita's Way, W 42nd St. to W. 43rd St. (btwn. 6th Ave. and Broadway)
The popular Times Square pedestrian walkway transforms into a public art exhibit with work from Esterio Segura, a Cuban-born artist. The walkway will feature a dozen large red, heart-shaped planes hanging over travelling pedestrians.
Brooklyn Bike Jumble
Date: Saturday, May 11
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Washington Square Park, Fifth Ave (btwn. 3rd and 4th Sts.)
Website: nybikejumble.com
Brooklyn Bike Jumble is the only all-bicycle flea market in New York City. The event will be filled with vendors selling new and used bikes as well as any bike accessories you might need. This is a guaranteed must-see for any cyclist in the city.
Grand Centennial Parade of Trains
Date: May 11 - May 12
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Grand Central Terminal, Vanderbilt Hall, 42nd St. (btwn. Vanderbilt and Lexington Aves.)
Website: grandcentralterminal.com
The Grand Centennial Parade of Trains will feature more than 20 railroad relics dating all the way back to 1948, including the iconic 20th Century Limited, "The Most Famous Train in the World." Aside from the historical trains, passengers riding the shuttle from Grand Central to Times Square will be riding on vintage 1940s and 1950s subway cars.
Second Avenue Festival
Date: Saturday, May 11
Time: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Second Avenue (btwn. 4th and 14th Sts.)
Website: clearviewfestival.com
The Second Avenue Festival is an annual celebration that takes place just blocks from Union Square. This means you can spend some time shopping then head over to the festival for some delicious food from one of the hundred of vendors scheduled to be there.
Broadway Festival
Date: Sunday, May 12
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: Broadway (btwn. 8th and 14th Sts.)
Website: clearviewfestival.com
Taking up some of the city's most popular streets this Sunday is the Broadway Festival. Like most of the festivals that occur in the Big Apple, this one will feature a diverse array of vendors offering a variety of food. Vendors selling handmade bas and jewelry will also be present.
The After Revolution
Date: Sunday, May 12
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: 5 Pointz, 45-46 Davis St.
Website: 5ptz.com
This event, sponsored by 5 Pointz, honors the biennial World Nomads Festival, a festival highlighting French-speaking nations that exemplify creative vision and courage. This year's focus for the festival is Tunisia, where it is illegal to participate in any kind of street art. Tunisian artists eL Seed and Jaye took to the walls of 5 Pointz to create fascinating calligraphy-style graffiti and murals.