free things to do in New York City
Free events for Wednesday, 05/18/11
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Free Events, Free Things to Do in New York City!  Read More

Are you looking for free things to do in New York City (NYC) on May 18, 2011?

51 free events take place on Wednesday, May 18 in New York City. Don't miss the opportunities that only New York provides! Exciting, high quality, unique and off the beaten path free events and free things to do take place in New York today, tonight, tomorrow and each day of the year, any time of the day: whether it's a weekday or a weekend, day or night, morning or evening or afternoon, December or July, April or November! These events will take your breath away!

New York City (NYC) never ceases to amaze you with quantity and quality of its free culture and free entertainment. Check out May 18 and see for yourself. Summer or Winter, Spring or Fall! Just click on any day of the calendar above and you'll find most inspiring and entertaining free events to go to and free things to do on each day of May . Don't miss the opportunities that only New York provides!

Some events take place all year long: same day of the week, same time there are there for you to take advantage of. One of the oldest free weekly events in Manhattan is Dixieland Jazz with the Gotham Jazzmen, which happen at noon every Tuesday. Another example of an event that you can attend all year round on weekdays is Federal Reserve Bank Tour, which takes place every week day at 1 pm (but advanced reservations are required). You can take at least 13 free tours every day of the year, except the New Year Day, July 4th, and the Christmas Day. If you are classical music afficionado, you can spend whole day in New York going from one free classical concert to another. If you love theater, then New York gives you an option to attend plays and musicals free of charge, or at deep discount. You just need to have information about it. And we are here to make that information available to you.
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The quality and quantity of
free events,
free things to do
that happen in New York City
every day of the year
is truly amazing.

So don't miss the opportunities
that only New York provides:
stop wondering what to do;
start taking advantage of
free events to go to,
free things to do in NYC
today!

51 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Wednesday, May 18, 2011

All events are free unless otherwise noted.
        

Tour | Federal Reserve Bank Tour


Learn about central banking functions that Federal Reserve System performs and see Bank's vault of international monetary gold on bedrock of Manhattan Island, five stories below street level. Learn why Federal Reserve has "Federal" in its name, while it's a private bank, not Federal at all. Congressman Ron Paul considers the Federal Reserve "both corrupt and unconstitutional" Five tours daily on the hour.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:30 am
Free

Talk | Learn about the Peoples of the Plains


With Laura Browarny.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

Gallery Talk | The Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Room


An expert leads informal discussions in the room and answers questions. Two sessions: 10am-1pm and 1:30pm -3pm.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

Tour | Cathedral Tour


Explore the Cathedral's newly cleaned and restored Nave. Learn about the art, architecture and history of this great sacred space from 1892 to the present.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
$6

Workshop | Ping Pong in the Park


Test your skills at state-of-the-art tables. Paddles and balls are provided free of charge.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free

Tour | Tavern and Its Green Tour


Discover the sheepfold that became a world famous restaurant, a parade ground that became the Sheep Meadow, the Children's District, The Mall including its statues.
   New York City, NY; NYC
11:00 am
Free

Workshop | Elements of Nature Drawing


Enjoy drawing in the parks and gardens with an artist/educator. Materials provided.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:30 am
Free

Tour | Grand Central Terminal Tour


Tour of this magnificent Beaux-Arts landmark.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
$10 suggested donation

Talk | Grover Cleveland and the Panic of 1893


Join author Matthew Algeo as he discusses his new book, The President Is a Sick Man, the true story of a secret cancer operation performed on Grover Cleveland in 1893. The surgery took place at the height of the Panic of 1893, and Cleveland, fearing news of his condition would only make matters worse, insisted on concealing his condition from the public. A story of business, politics, medicine and journalism in the Gilded Age, The President Is a Sick Man solves a longstanding political mystery: Why did the President disappear during the panic? Feel free to bring your lunch.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
$5

Concert | Terry Waldo, Ragtime Pianist


Ragtime expert & stride pianist Terry Waldo is a protege of the late Eubie Blake. He has produced over 40 albums and wrote the definitive book This is Ragtime - just republished at Jazz At Lincoln Center with a new introduction by Wynton Marsalis. His 26-part radio series with the same title, produced for National Public Radio, fueled the 1970's ragtime revival.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
Free

Tour | Cathedral Tour


Explore the Cathedral's newly cleaned and restored Nave. Learn about the art, architecture and history of this great sacred space from 1892 to the present.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
$6

Workshop | Fencing in the Park


Take a stab at the modern sport of fencing with masters from Manhattan Fencing Center. No prior experience needed and equipment is provided.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Gallery Talk | Highlights from 3 Exhibitions


Visitors will be treated to a tour of highlights from all of the spring exhibitions including Stephen Burks: Man Made, Benjamin Patterson: Born in the State of FlUX/us: Scores and Collected. Vignettes. Adults, families, and kids of all ages are welcome!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Concert | Juilliard Chamber Ensembles


Juilliard students share their talent with the community in this free lunchtime concert.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Screening | Short Films on and by Native Americans


Featuring UNRESERVED: The Work of Louie Gong, Writing the Land, Airplane, Button Blanket, and Preston Singletary: Echoes, Fire, and Shadows. Start times are 1pm and 3pm.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Featured Database: New York Times (1851-2007)


Hands on using wireless laptops. Search for articles and page images in back issues of the New York Times. Find histrorical headlines, news stories, book, film and theater reviews, obituaries, advertisements and more.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:15 pm
Free

Jazz | Bill Wurtzel, Jazz Guitarist


Enjoy free live music performed by jazz guitarist Bill Wurtzel and guest musicians.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Talk | Taino Culture & Music


Irka Mateo teaches visitors about Taino culture and music.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Figure Al Fresco Drawing


Learn figure drawing outdoors with a clothed model and an artist/educator. Materials provided.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:30 pm
Free

Workshop | Stay Well Exercise


A free Stay Well exercise session. Stay Well volunteers cetrified by the NYC's Department for the aging will lead participants in a well-balanced series of exercises for seniors of all ability levels. Please wear loose comfortable clothing. Exercise equipment will be provided. All participants are required to sign a personal medical waiver at the beginning of the class.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Finance Seminar: Taking Control of Debt


Learn how to take control of your finances and conquer debt. The seminar will be presented by a representative from the Office of Financial Empowerment.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free

Author Reading | Photographer Michael Furman discusses his book Speed, Style, and Beauty: Cars from the Ralph Lauren Collection


Michael Furman has had a long and successful career as one of the world’s leading automotive photographers. In the past twenty years, his focus has narrowed from shooting for manufacturers to specializing in classic cars. This move has given him significant insight into automobile design, history, and future directions. From Furman's unique position as a visual chronicler, he will take us through various years of car design concepts and present some of the most beautiful and important cars of the last hundred years.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free

Opening Reception | Encore!, a Tribute Exhibition


A Merton D. Simpson tribute exhibition, a passion project curated by Gallery Director Juliette Pelletier and ­Karen Tuominen, aims to honor and bring Merton D. Simpson back to the spotlight for his history-making artistic accomplishments. Shown: "USA" 1965.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Screening | Animator Bill Plympton screens his work


Well-known animator Bill Plympton will present a screening of his work, followed by a signing of his newly-released book Independently Animated: Bill Plympton, The Life and Art of the King of Indie Animation.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Opening Reception | BFA Communication Design Thesis Exhibitions


An exhibition of work by graduates of its BFA Communication Design and BFA Design + Technology programs. Work on view will include animation, motion graphics, video and film, product design, interactive and web design, time-based narrative, information design, books and package design.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Opening Reception | BFA Illustration Thesis Exhibition


An exhibition of thesis work by graduating students in the BFA Illustration program, which prepares students to translate their vision into a wide range of traditional and emerging media, including editorial illustration, comics and graphic novels, motion graphics, toy and product design, pattern and surface design, and gallery art.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Book Discussion | Book Club: Animal Farm by George Orwell


As ferociously fresh as it was more than a half century ago, this remarkable allegory of a downtrodden society of overworked, mistreated animals and their quest to create a paradise of progress, justice, and equality is one of the most scathing satires ever published. As readers witness the rise and bloody fall of the revolutionary animals, they begin to recognize the seeds of totalitarianism in the most idealistic organization—and in the most charismatic leaders, the souls of the cruelest oppressors.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Talk | Building Your Professional Network with LinkedIn & How To Use It in Your Job Search


In this lecture, John Crant will teach you about NETWORKING and how to do it effectively; how to get started with LinkedIn.com’s networking personal profiles; how to expand your network; and how to utilize your new network in your search for your next career challenge.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Opening Reception | Group Show: From On Line to Online: All Connected


The group of 24 artists will explore the radical transformation on new form, concept, and the gesture of building and connecting networks in all diverse areas of our existence in current society. With the connecting networks in current society, artists compare it with the construction of a garment to the invisible connections between fashion businesses and fashions that are interpreted through concept of WIRED, PUZZLED, and SYMBOLIZED with forms of their own individual expression.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Opening Reception | MFA Design + Technology Thesis Exhibition


An exhibition of work by graduating students includes interactive installations, physical computing, animation, motion graphics, video and film, product design, interactive and web-based work, time-based narrative, and information design.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Performance | Super Free Wednesday Comedy Shows


Featuring: Recess, Watson + Tuscarora Fire Company Picnic, The Whiskey Rebellion + Stranger, Local 154 and Borealis, Handsy + The Faculty and Friends, and Improdome.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Reading | Almost Famous Reading Series


The fourth installment of the Almost Famous Reading Series, featuring four new authors each week of our May program. Initiated in March 2010, the series has gained momentum, asking previous participants to recommend their favorite authors from the New York City community, leading to a diverse and interesting spectrum of readers. Refreshments will be served, stories will be shared, and interests will be piqued. With: Greg Ames, Melissa Broder, Joseph Colonna, and Richard Foerster.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free

Book Discussion | Book Club: Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell


"Gladwell (The Tipping Point) once again proves masterful in a genre he essentially pioneered—the book that illuminates secret patterns behind everyday phenomena." - Publishers Weekly
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free

Other | Cooking Demonstration with Food Network's Daisy Martinez


Chef Daisy Maria Martinez was born to Puerto Rican parents in Brooklyn, N.Y. Through this fun cooking demonstration, she will share recipes from her collection Daisy Morning, Noon, and Night. Martinez—star of Food Network's Viva Daisy!—draws from her own Puerto Rican traditions as well as her annual family journeys to Spanish-speaking countries around the world for this ambitious collection of Latino recipes. She covers a wide range of events, from cocktail parties to elaborate dinner parties and weekend brunches. Martinez tailors her recipes for the time-strapped with dishes like Faster-Than-Takeout Chicken in Green Sauce, alongside special chapters on weeknight dishes like her Guava & Cream Cheese Turnovers with Frozen Puff Pastry, and tips for making dishes ahead. Though simplified, her recipes still incorporate their distinct regional flavors, including traditional ingredients such as salt cod, alcaparrado, and coconut milk.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free

Author Reading | Francine Prose discusses her book My New American Life


The bestselling author offers a brilliantly satirical immigrant story that subtly embodies the cultural complexity and political horrors of the Balkans and Bush-Cheney America.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free

Gallery Talk | Guided Tour of the Exhibition Traveling Full Circle: Frank Stewart’s Visual Music


Led by curators Robert G. O’Meally and C. Daniel Dawson. Senior staff photographer Frank Stewart has crisscrossed the world exploring music. This exhibition celebrates an artist on the road and the discovery that his travels from the U.S. to the Caribbean, Africa and back home are culturally circular journeys.
   New York City, NY; NYC
6:30 pm
Free

Lecture | How Words Evolve: A Darwinian Look at the English Language


With Patricia T. O'Conner, author of five books on language and writing. Most of us don’t think of our language as a living creature. But like the beaks of finches or the wings of fruit flies, English words have evolved over time. In her talk, the author will discuss how new words are formed, how old ones change, and even how the dinosaurs among them become extinct. It’s no accident that the title of her latest book — Origins of the Specious — has a Darwinian flavor!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free

Workshop | MS PowerPoint Workshop


Hands on using wireless laptops. Learn how to create a slideshow presentation using Microsoft PowerPoint 2003. Topics include creating and editing slides, inserting images and clipart, and running your slideshow.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free

Book Signing | Sex and the City author Candace Bushnell presents her book Summer and the City


The bestselling author revisits the teenage Carrie Bradshaw in her latest novel for young adults, the second volume in her popular new 'Carrie Diaries' series.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:00 pm
Free

Opera | André Grétry's Opera: Richard the Lionhearted


A semi-staged performance of his most popular opera, replete with battle scene and heraldry. Grétry's operas were beloved in his time for their memorable tunes and entertaining style. This is the first performance in New York in modern times.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Author Reading | CBS News reporter Jim Axelrod reads from his book In the Long Run: A Father, a Son and Unintentional Lessons in Happiness


In his new book, Jim Axelrod reshuffles his priorities after 12 successful years in the highly competitive TV news business.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Discussion | Dancers, Choreographers and Commissions


How does power shift when dancers commission works from choreographers? This discussion will focus on the reasons for and ramifications of this kind of commissioning process, with a special focus on artistic concerns. Panelists include Jean Butler and Tere O'Connor, Marýa Wethers and Daria Faïn, and Sonja Kostich and Brandi Norton of OtherShore. Moderated by Danielle Goldman.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Author Reading | Edward Grinnan discusses his book The Promise of Hope


The editor-in-chief of Guideposts magazine discusses his new book filled with stories of hope, faith and transformation.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Video | Film Screening and Discussion with Artist Consuelo Castañeda


The first in Consuelo Castañeda’s "lounge events," this program will begin with a screening of Guantanamera, a two-channel video projection by Scottish filmmakers David Harding and Ross Birrell on the subject of Cuba and its identity. The project was filmed on location in Cuba (March-April 2008) and Miami (January 2009) in the period immediately following the resignation of Fidel Castro. In their film, Birrell and Harding follow two singers, one in Cuba and the other in Miami as they perform Cuba’s culturally historic song, "Guantanamera." Following the film guest speakers will engage in a discussion on the interrelating themes explored in Guantanamera and Castañeda’s exhibition. Guest Speakers: Consuelo Castañeda, Artist; Yasmeen Siddiqui, Exhibition co-Curator; Carmen Pelaéz, Playwright. Moderated by Gabriela Rangel, Director of Visual Arts and co-Curator.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Poetry Reading | Graduate Student Thesis Reading: Poetry


Graduating MA and MFA candidates read from original poetry manuscripts. Wine and cheese reception will follow.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Workshop | LGBTQ Estate Planning


With Attorney Alison Arden Besunder. A comprehensive seminar on the legal issues facing the LGBTQ community, such as: property administration; protecting adopted and non-adopted children; cohabitation agreements; partner advantages; tax savings; and Medicaid.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Film | Rupert Julian's The Phantom of the Opera (1925): The Silent Classic


With Lon Chaney. This silent film portrays a disfigured composer, who lives in the catacombs below the Paris Opera. In the story, he falls in love with a young soprano and plans to make her a star as well as his bride. 92 min.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Dance Performance | Experiments in Dance: Maria Sessa / Vanessa Von Wormer / Maggie Bennett / Burr Johnson


A program of non-curated shared showings of experimentation and work-in-progress, for artists at all stages of their development. The events are centered around an audience discussion moderated by a Movement Research Artist-in-Residence or an occasional guest, where they will experiment with different feedback methods to support and inform the artists’ process.
   New York City, NY; NYC
8:00 pm
$3 suggested donation

Performance | Gandhi, Is That You? Comedy Show


Stand-up comedy show (that has been featured on MTV, and that fills to standing-room only each week). The show is produced by Brendan Fitzgibbons (The Onion, McSweeney's) and Lance Weiss (Carolines on Broadway) with comedians from David Letterman, Vh1, MTV, The Onion, and Comedy Central. Free pizza!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:00 pm
Free

Jazz | Stephane Wrembel, Jazz Guitarist


Wrembel is a French-born jazz guitarist currently residing in Brooklyn. Wrembel is best known as a composer and performer of Gypsy Jazz, but is also heavily influenced by world music
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:00 pm
No cover

Jazz | 5/5/5 After Hours Set


A great way to hear some of the most talented young lions of jazz while enjoying spectacular views of Manhattan.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 pm
$5 cover, $5...
Complimentary Tickets

to shows, concerts ... (CFT Deals!)

Broadway | Broadway Show!

Regular Price: $101
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Concert | Christmas Concert

Regular Price: $55
CFT Member Price: $0.00
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