By Samantha Chapnick
You can find cheap flights to New York. New York hotels don’t have to be pricey. And you don’t even have to blow your budget on activities and entertainment. This summer, book your New York vacation and take advantage of all the free things to see and do in the Big Apple!
For a brief shining moment before it gets turned into condos or a theme park or any of the other developement-cetric ideas being bandied about, see Governor’s Island it as it has been for the past 400 years. And have fun too! There is a free ferry leaving from downtown Manhattan that only takes a few minutes. Events take place all summer, including the fun opening festival, folk and jazz music concerts, military heritage weekends, and dance events.
I like to take one of the free ranger-led tours and then have a picnic in one of the elm-tree shaded quads. NOTE: There are NO commercial facilities on the island so bring plenty of water! There is one bathroom near the ferry.
ONGOING FESTIVALS
River to River Festival: Downtown’s biggest summer festival. All 500+ music, dance, food and film events are entirely free.
Lincoln Center out of Doors: New York’s pre-eminent cultural institutions answer to the August festival season. This year’s theme is a tribute to Soul-meister James Brown. There’s dancing, dining, and music all August long — and it’s all free.
Shakespeare in the Park: Free shows in a fabulous setting! Performances are at 8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. "Hamlet" runs May 27 - June 29, and "Hair" runs July 22 - August 17. Even though it’s free, you do need to pick up tickets. You can get them the day of the show at the Delacorte Theatre, or, a limited number will be available online.
DYNAMITE DRIVE-INS
Ok, so it’s your rear and not your REO you park at these outdoor movie spots. Get there early and bring a picnic, and you’re in for a fun way to share your favorite films with thousands of other New Yorkers.
Bryant Park movies:
Enjoy a flick al fresco Monday nights from June 16 to August 18. The
park opens for picnickers at 5 p.m.; movies start between 8 and 9.
River Flicks: Pier 54 at 14th Street. "La Bamba," "Almost Famous," "Purple Rain" and more. Wednesdays starting (July 9th to August 20) around dusk (generally 8:30 p.m.).
For Kids: Pier 45 at Christopher Street. Movies include "Bee Movie," "The Wizard of Oz," "E.T." and "Shrek"; Fridays (July 11th to August 22nd) starting around dusk.
CONCERTS
Central Park Summerstage:
Rumsey Playfield in Central Park becomes a world music stage from June
13 through August 17. Free concerts range from gospel music to dramatic
readings. The closest entrance is at 69th Street and Fifth Avenue.
Monday Evening Music on the Hudson at Hudson River Park
Bryant Park hosts concerts with names you know and love every Friday from 7 to 9 a.m. OK, it may be a little early to roll out of bed to see Cyndi Lauper, Boys II Men, Chaka Khan, the Broadway cast of Rent and others. But its simulcast on ABC’s Good Morning America and might cut down on the crazy crowds!
FAMILIES
Go to the Hans Christian Anderson Statue (72nd and 5th avenue) Saturdays at 11 a.m. to hear noted storytellers recount the tales like "The Tinder Box," "The Ugly Duckling" and "Bear’s Short Tails."
SPORTS
The Downtown Boathouse at Pier 40 runs free kayaking trips, walk up public kayaking, and evening classes. The uptown branch offers free kayaking at Pier 96 (55th Street and the Hudson River).
MoonDance: Pier 54 at W. 14th Street. Sundays at 6:30 p.m. do some swing, salsa and tango dancing with free lessons. Live bands include David Berger and the Sultans of Swing and George Gee’s Jump, Jivin’ Wailers. July 13th to August 10th.
Yoga: Every Wednesday (June 17 to August 12) at 6:30 p.m. at 66th and the Hudson River.
Tai Chi: Every Tuesday and Thursday from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Bryant Park hosts a free Tai Chi class near the Fountain Terrace or Southwest corner of the lawn. Check the site for details and up-to-date information.
You’ve got music, theater, active adventures and more — everything people love about New York — all FREE! So find a cheap airfare, choose one of your favorite New York hotels, and enjoy a summer vacation in the city.
CheapTickets resources:
Samantha Chapnick is a New York writer who scours international destinations looking for what hasn’t been found.
