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Free events for Friday, 05/16/14
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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 16, 2014?

47 free events take place on Friday, May 16 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 16 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!

47 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Friday, May 16, 2014

All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Editor's Picks

free events nyc Roman Polański's 3-Time Oscar Winner The Pianist (2002): Warsaw Ghetto Drama
free events nyc Peter Haring Judd discusses his book The Akeing Heart: Passionate Attachments and Their Aftermath
free events nyc Dan Wakefield, Kurt Vonnegut's editor, discusses If This Isn't Nice, What Is?: Advice to the Young
More Editor's Picks for 05/16/14
        

Concert | Mariah Carey, Veteran Pop Belter


Long Island's own has sold more than 150 million albums worldwide. She'll be on hand to promote her latest, Me. Attendees are advised to arrive early.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 am
Free

Talk | Designer Talk: David Kelley


As founder of IDEO and the d.school at Stanford University, David Kelley has spent his career building innovative cultures that expand the role of design in the world. Join him for free breakfast, hot coffee, and a special morning lecture.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:30 am
Free

Workshop | Tai Chi Workshop


Increase physical balance, strength, and mental focus. Learn the ancient Chinese martial art with expert Alex Hing. No experience is necessary! Hing 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

Fair | Street Fair


Free fun for the whole family, including arts, crafts, antiques, plants, entertainment, games, and more.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:00 am
Free

Tour | 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

City Walk | Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights and Dumbo Tour


City Hall Park, Broadway, New York, NY, United States (map) DescriptionFree Tours by Foot is partnering with Visit New York Tours in offering a tour of the Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights and Dumbo. This is a 3-hour tour that begins with a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge, an icon of New York City for over 125 years, with spectacular views of Manhattan and Brooklyn. The tour then moves on to a stroll of Brooklyn Heights, America’s and New York City’s first suburb. The tour then explores the neighborhood DUMBO before ending at the Fulton Ferry landing. Reservations Required RESERVE NOW
   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

Tour | SoHo, Little Italy & Chinatown Tour


You've seen the iconic skyscrapers, attended a Broadway show, visited Lady Liberty and relaxed in Central Park. Looking for a little more of the Big Apple? Maybe it's time to visit some of Manhattan's oldest and most enchanting historic districts. Take a relaxing stroll through SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown.
   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 | In the Loop Knitting Circle


Indulge your creative side at this monthly knitting and crochet gathering that gives back to others. Bring hooks or needles, free yarn and patterns are provided. Sessions are guided by fiber arts virtuoso Ina Braun, who helps beginners (with basic skills) and experts alike work yarn magic. Completed pieces will be donated to the Amethyst Women’s Project, a non-profit organization that assists women and families adversely impacted by substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, and domestic violence.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
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

Concert | Bach at Noon


The keyboard works of Bach offered in 30-minute meditations by Patrick Allen, organist and master of choristers, and Phillip Lamb, organ scholar.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:20 pm
Free

Tour | Grand Central and Its Neighborhood Tour


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 | 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...

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: 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

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

Film | Roman Polański's 3-Time Oscar Winner The Pianist (2002): Warsaw Ghetto Drama


Cast: Adrien Brody, Emilia Fox, Thomas Kretschmann. A Polish Jewish musician struggles to survive the destruction of the Warsaw ghetto of World War II. 150 min.
   New York City, NY; NYC
1:00 pm
Free

Jazz | The Guitar Duos Ensemble


The Guitar Duos Ensemble is directed by faculty member Steve Cardenas.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Tour | US Customs House Building Tour


A Museum Ambassador provides a 45-minute in-depth look at the unique architecture and design of the Alexander Hamilton Customs House.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Lecture | Peter Haring Judd discusses his book The Akeing Heart: Passionate Attachments and Their Aftermath


At the center of writer Sylvia Townsend Warner’s emotional life was Valentine Ackland with whom she shared her life from 1930 until Valentine’s death. In 1938 their friendship and mentoring role with Elizabeth Wade White transformed when she and Valentine began an intense affair. In differing forms this lasted for over 10 years although Valentine did not leave Sylvia nor did Sylvia renounce her. Elizabeth kept several hundred letters, notes, and journal entries relating to the affair and her friendships with “S&V” in their mentoring years. Her cousin, Peter Haring Judd, has published an edition of them, The Akeing Heart: Passionate Attachments and their Aftermath: Sylvia Townsend Warner, Valentine Ackland, Elizabeth Wade White (2013). This adds greatly to our understanding of these relationships and their effect on Sylvia; it makes available for the first time her eloquent and incisive letters. His talk will include many of the hotographs found in the papers.
   New York City, NY; NYC
1:15 pm
Free

Tour | Greenwich Village Neighborhood 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

Tour | 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

Film | John Lee Hancock's Oscar Nominee Saving Mr. Banks (2013): Searching for Mary Poppins


Stars: Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks, Annie Rose Buckley. Author P.L. Travers reflects on her childhood after reluctantly meeting with Walt Disney, who seeks to adapt her Mary Poppins books for the big screen. 125 min.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Tour | US Customs House Building Tour


A Museum Ambassador provides a 45-minute in-depth look at the unique architecture and design of the Alexander Hamilton Customs House.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free

Concert | College Recitals: Baroque Viola, Bassoon, Piano


4pm Bretton Brown, Collaborative Piano 4pm Kyle Miller, Baroque Viola 6pm Midori Samson, Bassoon 6pm Peng-Peng Gong, Composer and Pianist 8pm Jonathan Miron, Violin
   New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free

Performance | Jim Findlay’s Dream of the Red Chamber, a Performance for a Sleeping Audience


Conceived as a literal dream play — the work is performed for an audience that is encouraged to experience the piece while they fall in and out of sleep. This durational performance installation invites the audience to take an immersive journey through Cao Xueqin’s 18th century Chinese novel “Dream of the Red Chamber” — an epic love story between a stone and a flower, framed by a dizzying series of metaphysical dreams. Audiences may arrive at any time, depart at any time, and return at any time.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Party Game Social


Join and meet up with like-minded players interested in the same games as you. The Party Game Social is perfect for large groups and individuals looking to meet other players. With Apples to Apples, Taboo, Scattergories and Menu Mash-Up, these games are sure to get the fun started. Drop in anytime, as many party games allow for late additions.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Tai Chi Outdoors


Weather permitting. Open to everyone. All skill levels are welcome. Come 15 minutes early to register. Be 18 years old, or bring your legal guardian.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free

Concert | 3 Folk Music Acts


5:30 The Petticoat Tearoom: Neo-folk 6:05 The Buffalo Nickels: Foot-tapping folk 6:40 Bourbon Express: Classic country
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free

Park Walk | Central Park Tour


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

Park Walk | The High Line 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.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Concert | The IBLA Grand Prize International Music Competition Winners


Featuring World Class Performers from Europe, Russia, Asia and the U.S. The IBLA Grand Prize International Music Competition, celebrating its 23rd anniversary, has become one of the world’s cultural treasures. Held each year in early Summer in the magnificent southeastern corner of Sicily, this competition has proven to be a consistent and world-class showcase for musical talent of the highest order.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Discussion | The Kick: Soccer as a Cultural Phenomenon


As a literary kick-off to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, this will be a discussion about the cultural relevance and societal significance of soccer with Oliver Lubrich, Professor of German and Comparative Literature at the University of Bern, Switzerland, and Der Spiegel’s New York Bureau Chief Alexander Osang, who recently interviewed Pele, Jürgen Klinsmann, and Jogi Löw and traveled to Brazil in preparation for the World Cup. The panel will be moderated by Eric Banks, Director of the New York Institute for the Humanities.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free

Jazz | College Jazz Guitar Recital


Student Eran Sabo will be performing his senior recital.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Author Reading | Dan Wakefield, Kurt Vonnegut's editor, discusses If This Isn't Nice, What Is?: Advice to the Young


Dan Wakefield shares the stage with Kurt Vonnegut drawings, collected by the author's daughter, Nanette Vonnegut. A backward glance at one of America's literary icons.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:00 pm
Free

Film | Documentary: Kiley Kraskouskas' Last Song Before the War (2012)


A feature-length documentary that captures the inspiring rise and uncertain future of the annual Festival re of Mali'in the Desert. The festival history is told from the perspective of the co-founder and festival director, Manny Ansar, the musicians who perform and the intrepid travelers from around the world who make the long journey to attend the festival. Against the backdrop of stunning musical performances, the film subtly reveals the challenges and triumphs of creating an artistic event in such challenging economic and political circumstances. 90 min. Post-screening Q&A with filmmakers & reception.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
$10 suggested donation

Concert | Johnathan Holmok's ( 0 ) and ( ( ), sometimes played in unison, a Musical Interpretation of Kandinsky


What sort of sound does a circle make? Early twentieth-century Russian painter Vasily Kandinsky, who is believed to have had synesthesia--the ability to "hear" colors, or experience physical sensations in response to visual or auditory stimuli--wrote that a circle could be "simultaneously loud and soft." That theory will be tested in this two-part sound performance. Johnathan Holmok and his ensemble--Jasmine Bloch-Krempels, Andrew DeJoseph, Alan Rigoletto, and Geoff Summers--will present a musical interpretation of Kandinsky's iconic 1926 painting, Several Circles, that will explore the work's cosmic nature through sound. The score will utilize the position, color, and size of the circles to create an aural landscape reminiscent of Kandinsky's "music of the spheres".
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Opening Reception | Product Design Exhibit: Small Things Matter


Students conceptually linked their designs to groups of charity organizations that will receive a portion of the profits from the sales of these items, leveraging the power of impulse consumerism to affect positive change elsewhere in the world. At the opening reception for this exhibition, three winning student designs will be announced by a panel of internationally regarded design jurors.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Film | Spanish Film: Alberto Gracia's O Quinto Evanxeo de Gaspar Hauser (2013)


Starting from the legend of Gaspar Hauser, a man who grew up locked away without any contact with human beings and accompanied only by a wooden horse, Gracia imagines and explores the darkest corners of the human subconscious. 61 min. In Galician, subtitled in English.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Tour | Sunset Historical Brooklyn Heights Stroll


2 miles. Ends at Promenade overlooking Manhattan. Bring snack. Rain cancels. Call to confirm not later than Wed., May 14th.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
$3

Concert | Sunset Singing Circle


Sing together! Share rounds and folk songs. No experience necessary. All ages welcome. Bring a favorite song. Led by folksinger Terre Roche.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Theater | The Drilling Company presents an outdoor production of Shakespeare's Hamlet


In an unusual interpretation, the production is intended to illuminate the modern dysfunctional family unit. Gertrude is an alcoholic mother; Ophelia is manic depressive; Claudius is overworked, power-obsessed and success-oriented. Everyone but Hamlet and Horatio are suffering from one of the maladies that we identify in modern culture as a problem for human development.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Concert | The Argento Chamber Ensemble performs works by Berg and others


Program: Aaron Einbond (US) Beside Oneself for viola and electronics New York Premiere Aaron Helgeson (US) Through glimpses of unknowing for solo piano David Fulmer (US) Mnemosyne for voice and piano World premiere; Sharon Harms, voice Sebastian Currier Deep-Sky Objects Sharon Harms, voice Alban Berg (Austria) Four pieces for Clarinet and Piano, Op.5 The Argento Chamber Ensemble is a virtuoso ensemble dedicated to innovative musical performance and discovery of daring artistic paths. Championing cutting-edge contemporary composers, as well as framing classical repertoire in new contexts, Argento inspires musical inquiry through education, mentorship, technology, and dialogue.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
$10 suggested donation

Dance Performance | Choreographic Honors Performance


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

Concert | College Piano Recital


Catalin Dima, piano. Experience the freshness and excitement of a solo performance by a gifted young artist - a uniquely rewarding experience for music lovers. The program for this event is TBA.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free

Jazz | College Jazz Saxophone Recital


Student Itamar Shatz will be performing his senior recital.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:00 pm
Free

Concert | Pillow Theory, Blistering Punk Rockers


Blistering punk energy meets unexpected finesse in the raw, but refined sounds of Pillow Theory. Infectious guitar riffs, impassioned vocals, and unfiltered, cranked-to-11 rock firepower collide for a huge, heavy sound that still delivers hooks. Having opened for bands like TV on the Radio and Living Colour, and recorded with legendary producer Steve Albini, this four-piece outfit brings its frenetic, furious live show.
   New York City, NY; NYC
9:00 pm
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