Free Events in New York City

New York is notorious for hemorrhaging wallets and enticing locals and visitors to drop $20 on anything from umbrellas, ice coffee, fake Prada, and more. Unless you're getting paid in pounds or euros, you're probably feeling the pinch of New York prices. But there are plenty of entertaining activities to keep your budget in check.

Free Attractions in New York

The Staten Island Ferry - Take the free, 30-minute ferry ride to Staten Island and stay on the boat for the return journey. You'll also get a view of the Statue of Liberty on your way.

Central Park Summer Stage - Free concerts all summer long including music, dance, and more. Some are benefit concerts with admission at the door, but you can sit outside the gates with a picnic and listen for free.

Prospect Park Concerts - All summer long, Brooklyn's Prospect Park hosts a variety of concerts. There is a $3 suggested donation, meaning you pay what you want but they'd love if you offered $3. You can always sit outside the fence with sandwiches and drinks and listen for free instead.

Kayaking on the Hudson - The Downtown Boathouse offers free kayaking on a first-come, first-serve basis for a 20 to 30-minute excursion. Bring a lock and you can even use their lockers for free.

Barnes and Noble in Union Square - This bookstore frequently hosts free readings from famed authors around the world. Check their website or window display for more information.

Bryant Park - Show up on Monday after work for a sunset movie right in the park. Movies are free, but spots to sit, let alone stand, are difficult to come by so arrive as early as possible.

Free Water Taxi - Take the free water taxi from South Street Seaport to the new IKEA in Redhook Brooklyn. Do some window shopping or wait to take the free water taxi or bus back.

Shakespeare in the Park - Step back in time at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park for a performance of Hamlet, Midsummer's Night Dream, Romeo and Juliet or other Shakespeare favorites. Get in line around 7am to pick up your tickets at 1pm. Or go online and sign-up for their electronic queue and see if your name is selected at random.

The Brooklyn Bridge - Walk over the Brooklyn Bridge for the best views of downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn. Stop midway to read the plaques about the history and struggles of building the bridge.

McCarren Park Pool - This abandoned pool in Brooklyn turned concert venue opens its doors (or the deep end) for free performances including King Kahn, Of Montreal, Sonic Youth, and more.

The Brooklyn Brewery - Take a free tour of the only brewery in Brooklyn serving up local favorites including Brooklyn Pale Ale, Brooklyn Lager, Brooklyn Pilsner and more tasty brews.