free things to do in New York City
Free events for Wednesday, 05/25/11
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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 25, 2011?

51 free events take place on Wednesday, May 25 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 25 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 25, 2011

All events are free unless otherwise noted.
        

Park Walk | Fitness Walk NYC


This free fitness walk is one hour long and led by experienced Instructors.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:00 am
Free

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

Screening | Documentary: Tom Mercer & Mike Camoin's The Battles of Saratoga (2003)


Experience the Turning Point of the American Revolution through a blend of historical images and the sights and sounds of battle. More than three thousand re-enactors from around the world converge on a sleepy farm in Fort Edward , New York , to bring these battles to life again on the 225th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga. 70 min.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free

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

Park Walk | “Exploring Hallett and the Pond” Tour


Take a break to enjoy the Park on this one hour walk through the Park's smallest woodland area. Learn its history, enjoy its peacefulness, and discover the mystery behind the waterfall. Note: Due to limited space, the first 20 people to sign in at the beginning of the tour will be able to participate!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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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

Discussion | Live Broadcast of Sirius XM Live on Broadway


Broadway fans are invited to attend Sirius XM Live on Broadway with host Seth Rudetsky to watch interviews and performances with their favorite Broadway stars. Followed by autograph signings and photos.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free

Concert | Benjamin Ickies, Accordionist


Enjoy a taste of Paris in the park at lunchtime with musette style accordion music.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
Free

Author Reading | Charlaine Harris reads from her book Dead Reckoning


Meet the author who proves she possesses what it takes with a talk about her newest book in the Snookie series that inspired the HBO hit True Blood.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
Free

Jazz | Deanna Witkowski, Award-Winning Jazz Pianist


Winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition and a past guest on Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz, Deanna Witkowski brings an exuberance and vitality of spirit to her fusions of jazz, Brazilian, Afro-Cuban, and classical music. "Witkowski's playing is consistently thrilling." (All Music Guide).
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
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

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

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

Author Reading | Tony Perrottet discusses his book The Sinner’s Grand Tour: A Journey Through the Historic Underbelly of Europe


Sex and travel have always been intertwined, and never more so than on the classic Grand Tour of Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the continent is still littered with salacious remnants of that golden age, where secret boudoirs, notorious dungeons and forbidden artifacts lured travelers all the way from London to Capri. This lecture will recount how historian Tony Perrottet journeyed across Europe, using initial inspirations from the archives – in The New York Public Library, the National Library of Paris and the Archivio Segreto of the Vatican – to discover a string of legendary historical sites and relics, traditionally kept far from public view.
   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

Book Signing | Harvey Stein signs copies of his book Coney Island 40 Years


Since 1970, when world-renowned photographer Harvey Stein first turned his discerning eye toward Coney Island, his love affair with this New York beachfront amusement park began to grow. Coney Island 40 Years, spanning the years 1970-2010 in 214 compelling images, tells the tale of his 40-year romance with this iconic locale.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free

Opening Reception | Grace Knowlton, New Sculpture and Photographs


Grace Knowlton’s sculptures explore strong, affirmative and essentially present forms, endowing them with weight, mass, and a definite, affirmative presence. Seen at close range, however, the artist’s attention to details of material and texture endow them with a mitigating delicacy and subtlety. Knowlton executes her pieces with a grace and balance of form that evokes an ideal partnership between positive and negative space, a stasis that is alive, active, poised. Also opening: Four Sculptors 1968-1980 featuring Lynda Benglis, Rosemarie Castoro, Ursula von Rydingsvard, and Jackie Winsor.
   New York City, NY; NYC
6:00 pm
Free

Author Reading | Artist Lydia Venieri discusses her book Theogony


Marking the publication of Theogony, the influential artist Lydia Venieri, art historian Anastasia Aukeman and writer and reporter Michael Skafidas discuss the book and the work of this prolific artist. Venieri's most recent video art project The Dolphin Conspiracy will also be screened.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Film | Colombian Cinema: Luis Alberto Restrepo's Gabriel's Passion (2009)


An energetic young priest tries to make a difference in the lives of his poor parishioners in the Colombian jungle. Pragmatism trumps tradition when Father Gabriel tries to engage both sides of the ongoing civil war, the army and the FARC guerillas. 92 min. In Spanish with English subtitles.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Talk | Interview Checklist: Preparing Before, and Follow-up after an Interview


Success during an interview depends on how well you prepared beforehand. In this lecture, John Crant will teach you how to research a job opportunity that you are about to interview for, and fully prepare for interview success. And, with the right follow up after your interview, it’s an opportunity for you to remain memorable –so that your success is not simply left to chance.
   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

Discussion | 9/11 Conspiracy Theories: Why They Exist and What Role They Play in Society


Professors Kathryn Olmsted and Michael Barkun address broader questions of why conspiracy theories exist and how they should be viewed in the context of post-9/11 communities. Both have written books on the subject and will discuss the psychological underpinnings of these theories, their historical roles in shaping public opinion and how we should view or evaluate their relevance today.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 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: Angela Ashman, Dylan Landis, Eric Lindley, and Shelly Oria.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free

Author Reading | Chris Hedges, Pulitzer-winning journalist, discusses his book The Death of the Liberal Class


Chris Hedges examines the demise of classical liberalism in our society. He will outline the vital role of the liberal class in a democracy, talk about its failure to sustain itself in the face of the increasingly powerful corporate state, and bring forth the dire consequences of an empty and corrupt liberalism. “In a traditional democracy,” Hedges explains, “the liberal class functions as a safety valve. It makes piecemeal and incremental reform possible. It offers hope for change and proposes gradual steps toward greater equality. It endows the state and the mechanisms of power with virtue. It also serves as an attack dog that discredits radical social movements.”
   New York City, NY; NYC
6:30 pm
Free

Slide Lecture | From the Beginning: Geology and History of Fort Tryon Park


With Sidney Horenstein. Fort Tryon Park is a 66.5 acre park astride one of the ridges that make up the northern part of Manhattan Island. Its outstanding design provides the visitor with many vistas - north, east and west – that permits them to become familiar with the various topographic and geologic features of this part of the metro New York area. This illustrated presentation will describe the creative forces of the park’s terrain – when at various geologic periods the area was subjected to several episodes of mountain building, volcanic eruptions, submergence below the sea and covered by vast glaciers.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free

Opera | Underworld Productions performs Handel's Apollo & Dafne


Underworld Productions Opera presents Apollo & Dafne by G.F. Handel (1710), the archetypal story of Apollo’s aggression toward Dafne, her escape via metamorphosis, and the laurel wreath woven from her limbs. This performance is sung in Italian with supertitles, semi-staged, with piano accompaniment.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free

Discussion | What Makes a Good Picture Book?


Join some of today’s most successful and inspiring writers and illustrators as they discuss the special elements that make a picture book appealing to all children. Picture books are instrumental in creating a friendly relationship with books that should last a lifetime. These authors and illustrators will talk about their newest projects, as well as share their insights about what makes a book come alive for children.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free

Reading | 3 Writers: A.S. Byatt / Hans Magnus Enzensberger / Tracy K. Smith


Renowned novelist A S Byatt will join German poet Hans Magnus Enzensberger and Brooklyn-based poet Tracy K. Smith for a reading and discussion on the nature of writing and collaboration.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Book Signing | Late Night host Jimmy Fallon discusses his book Thank You Notes


Journalist Katherine Lanpher interviews Late Night talk show host Jimmy Fallon, who will discuss his new humor book, Thank You Notes, and will be joined by members from his house band, The Roots.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:00 pm
Free

Discussion | Building Bridges: Spanish and English Language Writers in Conversation


A roundtable discussion between some the Best Young Spanish Language Novelists. Andres Barba (Spain), Alberto Olmos (Spain), Antonio Ortuño (Mexico), Rodrigo Hasbun (Bolivia), Carlos Labbe (Chile) will discuss the role of translation in literature.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Film | French Film: Jacques Demy's Academy Award-Nominated The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964)


With Catherine Deneuve. Normandy, France is the backdrop for this is a delightful, but sad French film about two star-crossed lovers. 91 min.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Author Reading | Klaus Kertess reads from his book Seen, Written


Curator and historian, gallerist and writer, Klaus Kertess has long been a decisive and forward-thinking presence in the art world. He founded the Bykert Gallery in 1966, where he represented artists including Chuck Close, Ralph Humphrey, Brice Marden and Dorothea Rockburne; three decades later, he curated the 1995 Whitney Biennial, the follow-up to the famously political iteration. This volume collects Kertess's art writings from the past 30 years, including meditations on Willem de Kooning, Agnes Martin, Joan Mitchell, John Chamberlain, Vija Celmins, Chris Ofili, Carroll Dunham and many others. With each essay accompanied by full-color reproductions of works discussed, Seen, Written provides a priceless opportunity to see art through the eyes of a lifelong viewer.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Author Reading | Pulitzer winner Oscar Hijuelos reads from his book Thoughts Without Cigarettes


Hijuelos, the Pulitzer-Prize-winning novelist (The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love), will discuss and read from his latest publication, a page-turning memoir that traces his life from his childhood in 1950s New York to his development into an acclaimed author. This program will be conducted in English.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Author Reading | Stefanie Pintoff reads from her book Secret of the White Rose


Stefanie Pintoff reads from the compelling third novel in her Edgar Award-winning series.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Screening | Truth Be Told Student Documentary Film Festival 2011


Over three evenings, short films made by this year's students in the New School's graduate certificate program in Documentary Media Studies are screened for the public. Media Studies faculty members Deirdre Boyle and Deanna Kamiel conduct Q&A sessions with the filmmakers following the screenings each night. These works are the product of a year of intensive study of documentary production, history, and theory.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Author Reading | Writers Lynne Tillman & Paula Fox read from their books


Lynne Tillman has written Someday This Will Be Funny. Paula Fox is author of News from the World.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Concert | Extension Opera Excerpts 2010/2011 Concert 3


This performance will feature opera scenes in a semester-end performance by the Extension Division Opera program.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free

Film | Colombian Cinema: Abner Benaim's Chance (2009)


A fun tropical comedy that takes place in the luxurious mansion of the González-Dubois, an aristocratic Caribbean family, where Paquita and Toña are employed as domestic workers. Fed up with the abuse and lack of respect they get from their employers, Paquita and Toña decide to make justice on their own hands and kidnap the González-Dubois in their own home. They will ask for a large ransom. What no one imagines is the great secret behind the family. 90 min. In Spanish with English subtitles.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:40 pm
Free

Reading | Readings: How I Learned about Sex (Volume II)


Featuring: RACHEL SHERMAN (Living Room, The First Hurt), PAUL FORD (Gary Benchley, Rock Star; Harper's), BEN LERMAN (Logo TV, Here!), MICHELE CARLO (Fish Out of Agua; The Moth), SHAWN HOLLENBACH (Closet Cases; Hot Gay Comics). Hosted by BLAISE ALLYSEN KEARSLEY.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free

Dance Performance | Student Dance: MFA II Concert


Original works in a variety of dance styles choreographed as a final presentation by graduating MFA students.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free

Performance | BARE 3.0: The Dark Days Burlesque Show


BARE 3.0: The Dark Days combines gutwrenching stories with burlesque acts that comment and solidify the themes of the tales. With all new stories by Moth Grandslam champion Peter Aguero and acts by some of NYC's most creative burlesque performers, this edition of BARE will yank the heart out of your chest and stomp on it, only to replace it lovingly in order for it to be destroyed once more.
   New York City, NY; NYC
9:00 pm
$5

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 | 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

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Broadway | Broadway Show!

Regular Price: $101
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Concert | Christmas Concert

Regular Price: $55
CFT Member Price: $0.00
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