free things to do in New York City
Free events for Saturday, 05/12/12
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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 12, 2012?

53 free events take place on Saturday, May 12 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 12 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!

53 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Saturday, May 12, 2012

All events are free unless otherwise noted.
        

Forum | Interact: A Forum on Collaboration, Civic Engagement and Social Innovation


This all-day forum explores civic engagement and social innovation activities at the university that incorporate art and design. Investigating the complexities of establishing resilient collaborations with community partners, public sector agencies and institutions in collaborative education-based projects will be the focus of the day’s discussions.
   New York City, NY; NYC
9:00 am
Free

Workshop | Health and Race Walking Clinic


Moderate to brisk walks led by the NY Walkers Club for people 18 years and older of all abilities. This low-impact fitness program is perfect for those who want to get in shape, build muscle tone and strength, and increase cardiovascular health while enjoying the Park’s beautiful landscapes.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:30 am
Free

Workshop | Learn Fly Fishing in the Park


Learn the basics of fly fishing for free. Join expert instructors from Orvis for lessons on fly casting and outfit rigging.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

Conference | The Pathological Sublime: Morbid Anatomies, Medical Grotesqueries


First theorized by cultural critic Mark Dery, the “pathological sublime” is a kind of fascinated revulsion inspired by medical grotesqueries and anatomical oddities – from taxidermy gone wrong to the Anatomical Venuses of the 18th century to operating-room photos of living bodies. This event brings together cultural theorists, medical historians, artists and curators of private cabinets of curiosities for a day-long conference and a companion exhibition of artworks, oddities and curiosa, the first devoted to this burgeoning field of study and artistic activity. Speakers include Mark Dery, author of The Pyrotechnic Insanitarium: American Culture on the Brink (Grove Press, 1999) and Escape Velocity: Cyberculture at the End of the Century (Grove Press, 1996); Joanna Ebenstein, multidisciplinary artist and founder of the blog Morbid Anatomy and the Morbid Anatomy Library; and Suzanne Anker, visual artist, theorist and chair of the BFA Fine Arts Department.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

Book Discussion | Book Club: Walden by Henry David Thoreau


Join this small, friendly discussion for a stimulating Saturday morning.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:30 am
Free

Park Walk | The Art of the Park Tour


Walk and learn about the intricate design of the Park's web of pastoral landscapes and formal romantic vistas.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:30 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

Park Walk | Garden Tour


Experience the Park's only formal garden with the Garden staff. See exuberant perennial and annual beds, and delight in an abundance of color and fragrance while learning about the Garden's history and design.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free

Film | Life Changers Support Group


Are you feeling stressed, frustrated and overwhelmed? Are you looking for new ways to deal with pressures of life? Are you ready to make real life changes and create new results? If so, please join. They will help you make a powerful shift from feeling stress and frustration to getting into action and creating quick wins.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free

Concert | Pre-College Student Recitals


Program: 11am - Yeaeun Lee, organ 12pm - Noah Kay, oboe 2pm - Meera Narula, viola 3pm - Israel Hernandez, voice 5pm - Emma Boisitz, voice
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free

Concert | Pre-College Student Recitals


11am - Nicholas Tisherman, oboe 12pm - Taylor Lockwood, voice 1pm - Albert Cao, violin 2pm - Claudia Oh, voice 3pm - Travis Petre, composition
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free

Workshop | Stitches and Yarn Knitting and Crochet Group


Learn to Crochet and Knit. Beginners and Experienced Knitters and Crotcheteers welcomed! Please bring your own supplies/project (light colored worsted yarn) and size 7 or 8 needles for knitters and g or h hook for crotcheteers. Children are welcomed with parental supervision.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free

Fair | Street Fair


   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free

Fair | Street Fair


   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free

Park Walk | “Amble Through the Ramble” Tour


Over streams, under arches, through the woods along a maze of pathways in a 38-acre woodland respite. Tour will be approximately one hour.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
Free

Film | Barry Sonnenfeld's Oscar Winner Men in Black (1997): Criminal Aliens


With Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith. Two men who keep an eye on aliens in New York City must try to save the world after the aliens threaten to blow it up. 98 min.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 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

Parade | Fourth Annual Hudson River Pageant


The parade of spectacular costumes, giant puppets, and live musical bands, includes stops along the piers and significant sites for performances, poems, songs, and dances, celebrating the history, current issues, and future restoration of the river. FEATURING: Oyster Planting, River Cleansing, Live Fish Release, & Boat Dance.
   New York City, NY; NYC
1:00 pm
Free

Film | Rawson Marshall Thurber's Dodgeball (2004): Look Out


With Ben Stiller, Christine Taylor and Vince Vaughn. A group of misfits enter a Las Vegas dodgeball tournament in order to save their cherished local gym from the onslaught of a corporate health fitness chain. 113 min.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Concert | Student Spring Ensembles Concert


Junior and Intermediate Choruses, String Orchestra, Concert Orchestra and Symphony perform.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Concert | American Song Book in Concert


With Richard Lanham. Come and experience this lively concert featuring songs by Ray Charles, The Drifters, Sam Cooke, Harry Belafonte, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, and many others.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Gallery Talk | Artist Jaime Davidovich discusses his exhibition Re: PLAY


Taking its cue from the hobby horse and the Cabaret Voltaire, Re: PLAY references the video work of Jaime Davidovich as a whimsical challenge to the conventions of television and painting. Beginning with one of his earliest works Road (1972), the exhibition courses through to his latest Urban Landscape (2011) that melds technology with painting.
   New York City, NY; NYC
2:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Block & Lot: Researching NYC buildings and the People Who Lived in Them


Have you ever wanted to document the history of your home, apartment or neighborhood? Would you like to learn about the growth of your favorite historic district or deepen your knowledge of landmark New York City buildings? Perhaps you are interested in the lives of the people who lived in these buildings? Discover how you can unlock the history of a building, a block, or an entire borough. In the first part of this class you will learn how too use antiquarian maps, fire insurance atlases ("Sanborns"), online property data, books and historic real estate photos to document the history of the City's built environment. In the second part we will look at state and federal censuses, city directories, genealogical databases, and historic newspapers, in order to describe the lives of the people who owned and lived in those buildings.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Hand-Made Crafternoon


Join crafty librarian Jessica Pigza of the Rare Book Division and Crafternoon author Maura Madden for a free DIY day at the Library. Welcome Jennifer Paganelli, author of Happy Home and Girl's World, who will show how to make a variety of summer party garlands and decorations. In addition to this hands-on project, they'll also have a selection of books and magazines from the Library's collections to inspire you in further handmade party decor.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Opening Reception | Photography: Sonia Louise Davis' tracing(s) belonging(s)


From the artist: "Over the past year and a half I have been making images in and about Harlem with a 4x5 monorail camera. I’m drawn to the physical shooting process, moving slowly through the streets around my apartment in an attempt to weave my own story into the visual fabric of my neighborhood. I take Harlem as my subject and context, and my practice is both documentary and autobiographical." An artist talk will precede the reception at 1pm. Shown: "untitled #22," tracing(s) belonging(s) series, 2011
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Author Reading | Richard Zacks discusses his book Island of Vice


When young Theodore Roosevelt was appointed Police Commissioner of New York City, he had the astounding gall to try to shut down the brothels, gambling joints, and after-hours saloons. This is the story of how TR took on Manhattan vice . . . and vice won.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Staged Reading | Staged Reading: Ludlow & Broome - the Newlyweds by Ruthy Rosen & Arthur Abrams


Seniors 55+ Take Note! A staged reading/singing of the debut of the musical Ludlow & Broome - the Newlyweds is set. The full-length musical with book and lyrics by Ruthy Rosen and music composed by Arthur Abrams is the sequel to Ludlow & Broome, which has been performed since 2006 in multiple venues, including the Theater for the New City. Synopsis of the new show: Ethel Abramowitz and Myron Suss were sweethearts at Seward Park High School on the Lower East Side in 1938. They planned to marry but Myron walked away. In 1995 he looked her up and they got married. Now they detest each other! The show, with a particular appeal to those over 55, features Jeannette Rosen, Warren Wyss, Michael Rosen, Carole Palmer, Mike Quinn and acclaimed neighborhood theatrical professionals Elizabeth Ruf-Maldonado and Arthur Abrams.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Tour | Union Square: Crossroads of New York


The tour explores the social and political history of the Union Square neighborhood through discussions of the people, history, architecture, and forces that have shaped this community. You’ll hear how Union Square got its name, see where the legendary Tiffany & Co. once stood, and learn how to read the clock (yes, it’s a clock!) on “The Metronome” sculpture and so much more!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Concert | Chamber Ensemble Works by Mozart and Brahms


The Lyons Chamber Ensemble will play works by Brahms, Mozart and Mihud and features Sayuri Lyons (pictured), violin, Joseph Rabbai, clarinet, and Douglas Lyons, horn.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:30 pm
Free

Park Walk | “Cross Park Promenade” Tour


You'll be amazed at what you'll see.... a hidden bench that tells time, miniature boats powered by the wind, a magnificent sculpture celebrating fresh water, and a glorious drinking fountain for the city's equine population. These are just some of the the sites along the way on this east to west walk through the park. Tour is approximately one hour long.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:30 pm
Free

Concert | Concert on Water


The concert is at the coolest classical music concerts location in New York City. Program and musicians TBA.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Tae Kwon Do Workshop


Teaches the fundamentals of disipline, balance, Health and Wellness.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free
4:00 pm
Free

Concert | Pre-College Chamber Music Marathon Part I


The Pre-College Chamber Music Marathon takes place over two weekends.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free

Concert | Saturday Afternoon Organ Meditation


The program features the great repertoire of the Organ on the 101 rank Pipe Organ built by Herman Schlicker and the 5 stop chamber organ built by Taylor & Boody Organ Builders.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free

Concert | Piano Works by Debussy


With Katie Mahan.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free

Opening Reception | Scholars Exhibition


The Scholars Program is a three-year college preparation program in art and design for high school students from New York City public schools. This exhibit showcases the work of students at each stage of this program, spanning a variety of art and design disciplines. A presentation of the Senior Capstone Project precedes the exhibit. Students present work produced in collaboration with the organization Beyond Bullets, which uses documentary films to educate teenagers about gun violence.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free

Performance | Comedy: Playlist Hosted by A/C


Ashley Ward and Chris Grace bring you the best musical improv indie teams in New York, and then perform A/C, their unique two-person musical monoscene.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
$5

Opening Reception | Multimedia Works: Craig Norton's Tim Came Home from the War and Isn't Timmy Anymore


Craig Norton began his career in art by selling decorated flowerpots in front of nightclubs while working as a bouncer. This self-taught artist now utilizes drawing, photography, and collage in his exploration of controversial issues in history, politics, and religion. Lacking any formal artistic training, Norton’s work has a sincerity that shuns conceptuality in favor of a more honest and direct approach. Shown: "My Daddy was a Decorated War Hero," 2012
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Concert | Pre-College Choruses


Featuring High School, Middle School, and Youth Choruses. Esther Liu Harris and Patrick Romano, conductors.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Concert | Pre-College Percussion Ensemble


Jonathan Haas, conductor.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Performance | Super Free Wednesday Comedy Shows


6:00 Recess 7:00 Barnstormer and Seer/sucker 8:00 Family Haircut & Whiskey Rebellion 9:00 Birds & Someday the Cake 10:00 USA & The Faculty 11:00 Improdome
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Concert | Piano Students of Eileen Buck


The Prep Division's young musicians perform a wide variety of repertoire.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Performance | The Indicators: It’s Not Rocket Surgery


Comedy is hard. But this group knows “It’s Not Rocket Surgery.” Come see The Indicators bring their “dark,” “edgy” and award-winning comedy for an evening of hilarious short-form improv.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
$5

Screening | 2 Documentaries: Everybody Street / Close-Up: Photographers at Work “Portraits”


Everybody Street Cheryl Dunn, 30 mn, 2012 During the early decades of the twentieth century, Alfred Stieglitz vividly captured the architecture and urban streetscapes of New York City. The first photographer to take the camera off the tripod, out of the studio, and into the streets, Stieglitz can be thought of as the father of New York City street photography - a genre that produced some of the most exciting and provocative images of the past fifty years. Close-Up: Photographers at Work "Portraits" (pictured) Albert Maysles & Bradley Kaplan, 43 min, 2009 This series for Ovation Television offers a unique window into the creative state of mind of today's most brilliant photographers, including Bruce Davidson, Brigitte Lacombe, Susan Meiselas, Steve McCurry, Jay Maisel and Miru Kim. Q&A with director Albert Maysles, director/photographer Cheryl Dunn, and photographer Clayton Patterson. Moderated by co-curator Zack Taylor.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
$10 suggested admission

Concert | In Concert: NYU Music and Performing Arts


Featuring: The NYU Chorale, Women's Choir, and University Singers.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free

Dance Performance | Coming from Quiet, Choreography by Gina Gibney


Join Gina Gibney and the Company for a showing, a social, and another showing. The 8pm show will be preceded a repertory performance at 6:30pm and a social at 7:15pm.
   New York City, NY; NYC
8:00 pm
Pay-what-you-can admission policy...

Performance | Comedy: Act One


Act One is a monthly showcase of improvised one act plays performed by New York City improvisers. Hosted by the creators of The Scene, Dan Hodapp and Micah Sherman.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
$5

Theater | Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet


Third-year Drama students are featured in their annual performances of works by Shakespeare.
   New York City, NY; NYC
8:00 pm
Free

Screening | The Black Nexxus Film Festival


A retrospective of the works of filmmaker Carl Ford, with a post-screening Q&A by the director and special guests.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free

Concert | College Bassoon Recital


With Ben Baron.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:30 pm
Free

Concert | College Violin Recital


With Itamar Zorman.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:30 pm
Free

Performance | Comedy: With Only a Compass


Inspired by the films of Mike Leigh and Christopher Guest and the early improvisational experiments of the Compass Players, writer and performer Jeff Scherer creates the outlines of plays, leaving the dialogue and details to be improvised by New York’s best improvisers. Each actor starts the performance knowing only what his character is supposed to know — making discoveries about the other characters at the same time the audience does.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:00 pm
$5
Complimentary Tickets

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

Broadway | Broadway Show!

Regular Price: $101
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Classical Music | Piano Works by Chopin and More

Regular Price: $30
CFT Member Price: $0.00
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