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Free events for Friday, 05/17/13
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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 17, 2013?

51 free events take place on Friday, May 17 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 17 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 Friday, May 17, 2013

All events are free unless otherwise noted.
        

Workshop | Tai Chi in the Park


Increase physical balance, strength, and mental focus. Learn the ancient Chinese martial art with expert Alex Hing. No experience is necessary. Hing also teaches Tai Chi at the China Institute and Sacred Sounds Yoga. He has practiced martial arts for over 30 years in San Francisco and New York City, including 10 years with Tai Chi grand master William C. C. Chen.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:30 am
Free

Symposium | Art and Design History and Theory Graduate Symposium


This symposium explores a range of student research on decorative arts and design history, fashion studies and history, and design studies and theory. The event features current research in these fields, bringing together students from the MA History of Decorative Arts and Design, MA Fashion Studies, and MA Design Studies programs.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:00 am
Free

Fair | Street Fair


   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:00 am
Free

City Walk | All-in-One Downtown Tour


This tour utilizes your feet and the New York City Subway* to transport you from Lower Manhattan, the birthplace of New York, through Wall St and the Financial District, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Chinatown and Midtown Manhattan. There will be ample opportunities for memorable pictures. You'll get the chance to savor NY's best pizza and cannoli and other treats, learn how to play NY handball, maybe bargain with a shopkeeper in Chinatown, observe a game of street chess in Greenwich Village, people watch and window shop in SoHo, and kick back on the Highline Park. Along the way, you'll master the subway and learn about New York's Finest!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

Workshop | Catch & Release Fishing


Grab a pole and relax on the Harlem Meer while you wait for a bite from one of the many species of fish that live in its diverse aquatic ecosystem! Poles available to borrow; must release fish after catching them. Free for families and individuals; groups larger than 5 must reserve at least 2 weeks in advance. Adult with photo I.D. must accompany all children.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

Tour | Lower Manhattan Tour


It is here, as much as anywhere, where American history started. It's where the first US Congress assembled and produced the Bill of Rights and where President George Washington took his first oath of office. It's here where the world's most important stock exchange and one of the most famous bridges stand. And it is here where an unspeakable tragedy took place and where a rebirth is underway.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

Symposium | MFA Design and Technology Symposium


The MFA Design and Technology thesis exhibition features installations and performances, objects and apps, games and video, and interactive experiences that explore the dynamic role of technology in our lives. Works invoke the playful, the informative, the critical, and the subversive to investigate emerging issues and spark discussion.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

Fair | Street Fair


   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. Tour times: 11am & 1pm.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
$6

Conference | From Sustaining Democracy to the State of the Civic: 20 Years of the Vera List Center for Art & Politics


On the occasion of its 20th anniversary, the Vera List Center is assessing the unique and increasingly recognized role art plays at the intersection of politics and civic life. This daylong conference addresses the changing cultural and political landscape we face now in response to the global social movements instigated by the Arab Spring and Occupy Wall Street, and provokes responses and reflections from an international group of artists, activists, and scholars.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free

Workshop | Park Pétanque


Learn to play pétanque, the popular European game anchored in precision, patience, and camaraderie from members of La Boule New Yorkaise, NYC’s championship-winning club.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 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" Tour times: 11:15 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 12:45 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:15 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:15 am
Free

Workshop | Learn Juggling in the Park


Test your coordination and dexterity with free juggling lessons in the park. All skill levels are welcome to join in the fun. Equipment is provided. Lessons are weather permitting. You'll be surprised that Alex and Jordan can often be found outside tossing pins in the snow!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free

Screening | Pauline Koner, American Original


The remarkable dancer and choreographer, Pauline Koner, achieved fame as a principal dancer with Doris Humphrey and Jose Limón in the 1940s and 50s. View reconstructions and archival footage of her work and a panel of distinguished artists discussing her life and work.
   New York City, NY; NYC
12:00 pm
Pay-what-you-can admission policy

Workshop | Yoga at the Library


Free Yoga Classes at the Library bought to you by Shape up NYC. Expert Instructors. Please bring your own mats.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free

Tour | Grand Central and Its Neighborhood


Discover architecture and social history of Grand Central neighborhood; learn secrets of Whispering Gallery in Grand Central Terminal; gaze upon hubcaps and roadsters on side of Chrysler Building; discover favorite Midtown Manhattan hangout of Mercury, Hercules, and Minerva; learn why Pershing Square isn’t really square; visit original Lincoln Memorial by Daniel Chester French. Award-winning tour led by urban explorer, historian, and storyteller Justin Ferate.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
Free

Tour | “The Castle and its Kingdom” Tour


Take a walk around the lands dominated by the Castle, situated high on Vista Rock. Visit the tiny 55-acre realm on an eclectic tour of history and nature. Tour is approximately one hour.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
Free

Workshop | Learn 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

Reading | Reading Performance: Gradually, and with no small struggle against this realization, I came to see that oral propaganda is at best but a means of shaking people from their lethargy: it leaves no lasting impression


Gradually, and with no small struggle against this realization, I came to see that oral propaganda is at best but a means of shaking people from their lethargy: it leaves no lasting impression is a live sound collage made from two lectures. It is part of a cycle of public readings in which artist Reena Katz works with archival feminist, leftist, and other radical texts through collective reading.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:30 pm
Free

Film | Cinema from Spain: Alejandro Amenábar's Oscar Winner The Sea Inside (2004)


Stars Javier Bardem, Belén Rueda, Lola Dueñas. The real-life story of Spaniard Ramon Sampedro, who fought a 30-year campaign in favor of euthanasia and his own right to die. 125 minutes. In Spanish with English subtitles.
   New York City, NY; NYC
2:00 pm
Free

City Walk | Greenwich Village Tour


Greenwich Village is among Manhattan's most desirable and expensive residential neighborhoods. It's history, however, betrays it's monied status. The Village, with it's quiet, shaded streets, lined with lovely brick and brownstone townhouses, was once the incubating ground of artistic, social and political movements that have helped shape US history. From the Beats to the Folk Movement, from workers rights to gay rights, the Village has often been the center of it all.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

City Walk | Harlem Tour


Although world famous, Harlem may be New York's best kept secret with some of the city's best architecture, food, music and people. Harlem's history is also one of the city's most dramatic, having gone through many ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic changes over the past roughly 400 years, which have resulted in a diverse array of places of worship, theaters, homes and eating establishments.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Concert | College Harpsichord Recital


Yana Borisova, Harpsichord
   New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free

Concert | College Voice Recital


Davone Tines, Bass-Baritone
   New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free

Symposium | Loudspeaker: A Concert/Symposium for Extra-Normal Vocals


Performa presents a concert-cum-symposium that considers the historic grounding of extended vocal technique as well as current developments within contemporary avant-garde performance. Participants will demonstrate the range of sounds of which the voice is capable, from vocal rills and ululation (Joan La Barbara, Meredith Monk) to melisma (Whitney Houston and Beyoncé) and death growl (Napalm Death). The various formats and approaches to the voice will be presented and demonstrated by pioneering vocalist Joan La Barbara; writer, musician and Performa 11 contributor Jace Clayton; Performa 13 commissioned artist Florian Hecker; contemporary vocalist Gelsey Bell; musician and composer Alex Waterman; and Performa 13 Curator Mark Beasley. The symposium will also feature key video works of vocal performance.
   New York City, NY; NYC
4:00 pm
Free

Opening Reception | Show Up, a Student End-of-Year Show


Hundreds of original student works on view across the disciplines of architecture, art and engineering.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free

Opening Reception | Five Sixty 7th Exhibition


The School of Fashion presents an exhibition of thesis work from the range of fashion disciplines, including menswear, womenswear, childrenswear, accessories, and multimedia installations. Also on view are projects sponsored by companies including PPR, Louis Vuitton, Nomi, Swarovski, Saga Furs, Solstiss, and The Shoe Polytechnic.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free

City Walk | The High Line Sunset Tour


The area around the High Line Park was a vital business district of New York City, supplying fresh fruits, French Cheeses and Russian caviar as well as fresh meats to City markets. The hustle and bustle of the streets induced the City to elevate the railroad trains delivering goods to the commercial buildings. When interstate truck traffic made the railway outdated, it fell into ruin, only to be regenerated as a park. Reservations Required RESERVE NOW
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free

Park Walk | Central Park Sunset Tour


Join Free Tours by Foot as they stroll through the park and tell the epic story of New York's green oasis. Once described as the lungs of the city, Central Park brings a breath of fresh air to New York's crowded urban terrain. What started out as the rocky and desolate northern fringes of a rapidly expanding city is today amongst the world's most famous and beloved public parks. Originally intended to bring people of all walks of life together -- a people's park -- Central Park lives up to it's original designs. With over 843 acres of meadows, hills, ball fields and bodies of water, it's impossible not to find something to enjoy in Central Park.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free

Concert | Free Music Friday: Elijah & the Moon / Michaela Anne / Michael Beresh


5:30 Elijah & the Moon - Melodic indie pop 6:05 Michaela Anne - Contemporary folk songwriter 6:40 Michael Beresh - Modern country twang Hosted by Lara Ewen
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free

Reading | Reading Performance: Gradually, and with no small struggle against this realization, I came to see that oral propaganda is at best but a means of shaking people from their lethargy: it leaves no lasting impression


Gradually, and with no small struggle against this realization, I came to see that oral propaganda is at best but a means of shaking people from their lethargy: it leaves no lasting impression is a live sound collage made from two lectures. It is part of a cycle of public readings in which artist Reena Katz works with archival feminist, leftist, and other radical texts through collective reading.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free

Concert | College Voice Recital


Jay Louis Dref, Baritone
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Concert | College Voice Recital


Julia Bullock, Soprano
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Dance Performance | Harlem Dances: Dances for a Variable Population


Come see local dance companies demonstrate their moves and learn a move or two.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Opening Reception | Parsons MFA Fine Arts Thesis Exhibition


Parsons presents work by graduating students in its MFA Fine Arts program, in which emerging artists develop the formal, intellectual, and conceptual dimensions of their work. A cross-disciplinary program, MFA Fine Arts houses students and faculty whose practices span a range of genres and fields of research. The exhibition is curated by independent curators Wendy Vogel and Jess Wilcox.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Opening Reception | Photography: Frank Burgel & Jeffrey Ben Berman's Elevating the Mundane


This exhibition exemplifies the unrestrained potentials of imagination. Through the conduit of the camera's eye, ordinary, everyday objects, many times spotted from the corner of an eye, are transformed into a new context altogether. From a slight marking on a wall to a non-descript industrial structure, both Burgel and Berman usher forth an alternative landscape into existence. By reinterpreting the original image through abstraction or color enhancement, another is allowed to emerge thus presenting to the viewer an entirely new constructed narrative.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Jazz | College Jazz Drums Recital


Arthur Hnatek, drums
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Author Reading | Lurlene McDaniel reads from her book The Year of Luminous Love


In the vein of Eat, Pray, Love, but for teens, this inspirational novel is set against the backdrop of Tennessee horse country as well as the historic cities of Italy and the Italian countryside. The story unfolds as three teenage girls, recently graduated from high school, plan the next phase of their lives while dealing with immediate life issues.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Film | Nicholas Ray's In a Lonely Place (1950): Murder He Wrote


Stars Humphrey Bogart, Gloria Grahame, Frank Lovejoy. A potentially violent screenwriter is a murder suspect until his lovely neighbor clears him. But she begins to have doubts... 94 min. Featuring: Adam Gopnik and Richard Brody in discussion.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Performance | No Name... & A Bag O' Chips Comedy/Variety Show


With performers Liam McEneaney (Comedy Central’s “Premium Blend”), Kevin Avery (head writer, FX Network's “Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell”), and club and college favorite Ray Marshall.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
No cover...

Screening | Short Films by Kenneth Zoran Curwood


Artist Kenneth Zoran Curwood will be presenting his films and discussing his process, influences, and philosophy behind much of his recent work. From concept and shooting, to hand processing and re-photographing the film, Curwood will elaborate on the process and underlying aims of his films. Films screened include: Piltdown Days, super 8, (9 mins), This Time, super 8, (6 mins), Dusted Rays, super 8, (6 mins), Dr. Delay, 16mm, (7 mins), Cut and Run, 16mm, (6 mins), Poor Jim, 16mm, (10 mins).
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Other | Sunset Singing Circle


Raise your voice and join singer/guitarist Terre Roche as the sun sets over the River for enchanted evenings of folk songs, rounds and chants. Novice and experienced singers of all ages are welcome. Bring a favorite song.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Screening | News Reels: A (Mini) History of the (Sub) Genre


Shown in Reg. 8mm & Super8 (Sound) only, this all-new program has never seen before. The program will (probably) include the following: News Parade of 1939 B&W, Reg. 8mm, Silent, 12 mins. Adventures of Newsreel Cameramen: Filming the Big Thrills B&W, 1930's/1940's, Super 8 Sound, 12 mins. News Parade of 1941 B&W, Reg. 8mm, Silent, 12 mins. Adventures of Newsreel Cameramen: Scouring the Seventh Seas B&W, 1930's/1940's, Super 8 Sound, 12 mins. News Parade of 1943 B&W Reg. 8mm, Silent, 12 mins. News Thrills of 1944 B&W, Reg. 8mm, Silent, 12 mins. News Parade of 1945 B&W, Reg. 8mm, Silent, 12 mins. News Parade of 1946 B&W, Silent, 12 mins. News Parade of 1968 B&W, Super 8 Sound, 12 mins. News Parade of 1972B&W, Super 8 Sound, 12 mins. Gordon's News Films Demonstration Reel Color, 1978, Super 8 Sound, 8 min. The Inauguration of Ronald Reagan Color, 1981, Super 8 Sound, 12 mins. Screening will be followed by an audience-led discussion.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:30 pm
$10 suggested admission

Dance Performance | College Choreographic Honors


A sampling of works curated from workshops and performances by the Dance Division throughout the year.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free

Concert | College Clarinet Recital


Anna Brumbaugh, Clarinet
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free

Concert | College Violin Recital


Jun Hong Loh, Violin
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free

Concert | Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, a College Production


Vivienne Benesch, director, presents Drama students.
   New York City, NY; NYC
8:00 pm
Free

Concert | US premiere of FAMA by Beat Furrer


Guest concert featuring Talea Ensemble, actress Bo Chang, Tara O'Connor on contrabass flute,and vocal ensemble Ekmeles. US premiere of FAMA by Beat Furrer.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free

Jazz | College Jazz Piano Recital


Georgos Progulakis, piano
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:00 pm
Free

Concert | Grand Baton, Caribbean-Inflected Prog Rock


Combining the traditional gwo ka drum rhythm of its native Guadeloupe with electric guitars and bass-heavy grooves, this self-described “voodoo rock band” creates adventurous Caribbean-inflected prog rock. With lyrics in Creole, Grand Baton blends Guadeloupean folk music and modern electronica; the ensemble’s forthcoming album moves further into computer-generated dubstep beats while maintaining its Caribbean roots.
   New York City, NY; NYC
9:00 pm
No cover, no...

Screening | Reuben Atlas' Brothers Hypnotic (2013): Documentary Premiere Followed by a Concert


For the eight members of the electrifying Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, brotherhood is more than an idea, it's a literal fact, and music is more than something they play. It's a way of life. 82 min. Filmmaker Reuben Atlas will be in attendance to introduce the film and the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble will perform live following the screening.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:00 pm
Free
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