free things to do in New York City
Free events for Wednesday, 05/31/17
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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 31, 2017?

54 free events take place on Wednesday, May 31 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 31 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!

54 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Wednesday, May 31, 2017

All events are free unless otherwise noted.
        

Workshop | Park Boot Camp


Join The Rise NYC, a community-driven pop-up fitness group, for a Boot Camp in the park. Rotations through exercises like crunches, planks, push-ups, burpees, and mountain climbers ensure a mixture of cardio and strength training that will keep you coming back--and seeing results. No equipment necessary; smiles and high-fives encouraged. Rain or shine. Every Wednesday.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 am
Free

City Walk | Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights and Dumbo Tour


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.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:30 am
Free

Tour | Downtown Manhattan 3-Hour Tour


The 3-hour walking and subway tour covers the Financial District including Wall Street and the World Trade Center, SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown. These are neighborhoods that simply can’t be fully appreciated from a bus. There will be one or two opportunities to sample tasty treats.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:30 am
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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9:30 am
Free

Park Walk | Central Park Tour - Lower Section


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 among the world's most famous and beloved public parks. 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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9:45 am
Free

Workshop | Mindfulness for Job Seekers


Learn mindfulness techniques that bring relaxation and effortless focus to challenging situations and relationships. Mindfulness is the practice of bringing full, non-judgmental awareness to the present moment. The struggle of searching for a job can be overwhelming at times. See if the practice of mindfulness meditation and some easy to use on-the-spot techniques can help you during these challenging times. Instructor Laura Jackson has been practicing Zen meditation for 12 years and is a UCLA-trained mindfulness facilitator.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:30 am
Free

Workshop | MS Word 2010 for Beginners


Learn the basic features of Microsoft Word 2010, a word processing program you can use to create documents. Topics include entering and editing text, saving files, and formatting.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:30 am
Free

Workshop | Elements of Nature Drawing


Get inspired by the beautiful expanse of the Hudson River and New York Harbor and by the verdant park, with its very special Hot and Cool gardens; each flower-filled and colorful throughout the season. All art materials are provided.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free

Park Walk | Heart of the Park Tour


On this east-west walk you will see some of the Park's most well-known landmarks, including Conservatory Water, Bethesda Terrace, the Lake, and Strawberry Fields. Route involves a few stairs. 90 minutes.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free

Park Walk | Public Park Tour


Join an enjoyable walking tour of the park, and discover how they successfully transformed "Needle Park" of the 1970s into Manhattan's Town Square of today. The guides are loaded with expertise on the park's rich history, award-winning design, distinct amenities, and ongoing maintenance efforts. Every Wednesday.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free

Film | Billy Wilder's Oscar Nominee The Spirit of St. Louis (1957): Lindbergh's Historic Flight


Stars: James Stewart, Murray Hamilton, Patricia Smith. Charles 'Slim' Lindbergh struggles to finance and design an airplane that will make his New York to Paris flight the first solo transatlantic crossing. 135 min.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:15 am
Free

Workshop | 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.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free

Concert | Brad Cole Quartet, Roots-Based Folkies


The songs of Brad Cole address the ups and downs of the human condition with both wit and raw insight. His passionate and distinctive delivery of roots-based folk music, woven with the grit and groove of old school bossa and rhythm and blues moves the listener’s soul in a direction that is unexpected, yet perfectly familiar.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
Free

Author Reading | Douglas Brunt discusses his book Trophy Son


Douglas Brunt is the bestselling author Ghosts of Manhattan and The Means.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
Free

Jazz | Larry Ham, Jazz Pianist


Jazz pianist, composer and educator Larry Ham has toured and recorded with many of today’s top jazz artists, and has performed throughout the United States, Europe, and in Japan, Russia, Brazil and West Africa. David Dupont of Cadence Jazz Magazine writes, “He glides over the keys, with every note articulated cleanly…his playing is masterful.”
   New York City, NY; NYC
12:30 pm
Free

Workshop | The Writer Workshop: Business Writing


A two-hour workshop packed with practical strategies for improving your on-the-job writing. The Writer is an international consultancy who work with individuals and companies on every stage of the writing process, including planning, tone of voice, revision, content, naming, and more. Attendees are encouraged to bring in a piece of their writing.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
Free

Other | 4th Annual Youth Media Festival: Concrete Stories


This media showcase of work by youth under the age of 20 celebrates talented young media makers who are telling stories through short films, documentaries, and animations. Produced and curated by a group of media-savvy Brooklyn high school students as part of the BRIC Youth Media Fellowship Program.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Battery Park City Adult Chorus


Directed by Church Street School for Music and Art, the BPC Chorus is open to all adults who love to sing. Learn a mix of contemporary and classic songs, and perform at community events throughout the year.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Screening | Dance on Film: Frederick Ashton


A film of the Frederick Ashton retrospective program performed at Covent Garden in 1970.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
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. Tour times: 1:00pm, 2:00pm. This tour takes place Mondays through Fridays, except bank holidays.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Gallery Talk | Gallery Tour: Infinity of Nations


A guided tour through the permanent exhibition. This exhibition presents works of art from throughout Native North, Central, and South America, with more than 700 works on display. The rich exposition of focal objects, including a magnificent Apsáalooke (Crow) warrior’s exploit robe, demonstrates the degree to which Native America was interconnected before European peoples arrived and how cultural exchange has profoundly shaped our shared histories.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Gallery Talk | Guided Exhibition Tour: A World of Emotions


Bringing to vivid life the emotions of the people of ancient Greece, and prompting questions about how we express, control, manipulate, or simulate feelings in our own society, A World of Emotions: Ancient Greece, 700 BC–200 AD is a path-breaking exhibition.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Lunchtime Meditation


Take a mid-day pause to refresh your mind and re-establish your center in the midst of bustling city life. Meditation is a powerful tool to eliminate stress, to heal the body, mind, and brain, and to enhance your personal well-being and positive relationship with the world.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
$10 suggested donation

Jazz | Midday Jazz


With: Cecilia Coleman Big Band Midday Jazz is an ongoing jazz program for the midtown community.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
$10 suggested donation

Tour | Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House Tour


An in-depth look at the unique architecture and exquisite beauty of the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House. Designed by famed architect Cass Gilbert and completed in 1907, the Custom House is a National Historic Landmark. The building’s interior splendor includes an elliptical rotunda with a 140-ton dome skylight designed by Valencia-born engineer Raphael Gustavino and murals by New York painter Reginald Marsh, as well as monumental marble arches and columns. Tours include a visit to the Collectors Office, not normally accessible to the public. Takes place daily.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Jazz | Jazz Wednesdays with the Bill Wurtzel Trio


During the run of the exhibitions Eugen Gabritschevsky: Theater of the Imperceptible and Carlo Zinelli (1916–1974), the Bill Wurtzel trio will perform music that celebrates the creativity and expressiveness of the human mind.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Tour | Midtown Manhattan Tour


Arguably the world's most valuable, busiest and most crowded pieces of real estate, Midtown Manhattan is what most visitors think of when they think of New York City. Home to some of the city's most iconic architecture, from Gothic to Post-Modern and from Beaux-Arts to Art Deco (lots of Art Deco). it's not difficult to understand why. But just behind the massive facades, lie facinating histories just waiting to be unveiled.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Figure Al Fresco Outdoor Drawing Class


Many people are challenged when trying to draw the human figure. This workshop offers everyone a chance to improve their skills through a wonderful outdoor figure drawing class. Meets each Wednesday afternoon from May 6 through October 28, 2017.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:30 pm
Free

Workshop | Twitter Basics Workshop


Learn about the online social network Twitter.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:30 pm
Free

Staged Reading | Play Reading: Rocket Park


In some small American town in 1979, Marlene is concerned that her new neighbor is listening to her through the shared wall of their apartments. Her queer, Christian experience of the Cold War leads to a bizarre accident. As she copes in the aftermath, she begins to wonder: Is she being watched? Written by Liza Birkenmeier.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Drop-In Chess


Play the popular strategy game while getting pointers and advice from an expert. Chess improves concentration, problem-solving, and strategic planning – plus it’s fun. For ages 5 and up (adults welcome).
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:30 pm
Free

Concert | Choral Concert: Musica Dulce (Thompson Brook School, Avon, CT)


Program: Hans Leo Hassler, arr. Robinson Cantate Domino Antonio Vivaldi, arr. Spevacek Come, Sing and Be Joyful Claude Debussy, arr. Raines Nuit d'Etoiles Samuel Ward & Katherine Bates, arr. Sauerbrunn America, the Beautiful Spiritual, arr. Townsend Every Time I Feel the Spirit
   New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Poetry Workshop


No experience necessary. Just bring your pen or pencil, and your love for poetry. With Bill Zavatsky
   New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free

Park Walk | Central Park Sunset Tour


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 among the world's most famous and beloved public parks. 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

Reading | Bellevue Literary Review Spring Issue Reading


To celebrate the publication of the Bellevue Literary Review’s latest issue, editor-in-chief Danielle Ofri (author of What Patients Say, What Doctors Hear and Medicine in Translation) hosts an evening of readings by contributing authors from the issue, including Caitlin Kuehn (winner of the 2017 Felice Buckvar Prize for Nonfiction), Colter Jackson, Jay Kidd, and Gardner McFall.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Beginner Word for Macs Workshop


Learn the basics features of Microsoft Word 2011 for Mac, a word processing program you can use to create documents. Topics include entering and editing text, saving files, and formatting. Class is conducted on Macintosh computers.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Concert | La Exitosa: Band of Artists from Puerto Rico


La Exitosa – hailing from Puerto Rico – is composed of visual artists who will play renditions of a range of popular and obscure Spanish language songs from the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s. Featuring performers Joel Rodriguez, Manuel Mendoza, Jose Carballido, Lorraine Rodriguez, Michael Linares, and Pablo Guardiola. Rain or shine.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Workshop | LinkedIn and The Art of Networking


John Crant examines networking and how to do it effectively; how to get started with LinkedIn.com’s networking personal profiles; how to expand your network; and how to utilize your new network in your search for your next career challenge. Topics covered include: Whom should I ‘link’ with on Linkedin? Joining Groups will benefit you in ways that you may not realize Why your blog should be linked to your Linkedin profile.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Meditation


In today’s constantly connected world, bringing some calm to a crowded mind can be difficult. Meditating for just a few minutes a day can make you happier, healthier, and reduce the stress of daily life. Our simple, convenient approach is rooted in history, based in science and comes with some serious benefits. In this class, you will: Be taught the basics of meditation and how to start a daily practice Learn more about the effects of meditation on the mind and body Understand how meditation can reduce stress at work and beyond
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Dancing | Park Dance Party: Disco


Disco with Deverne and The Vintagesoul featuring Carol Williams and instructors Maria Torres O'Connor + Kelvin Roche + Lori Ann Roche. Dance Party, hosted and produced by Talia Castro-Pozo, includes superb bands and expert dance instruction for extraordinary dancing experiences each Wednesday evening. Learn the steps from 6pm - 7pm and then test out your new moves to live music from 7pm to 8:30pm. Deverne & The Vintagesoul plays hits from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and up through today's Hip Hop, R&B, Rock, Jazz and Soul, joined by guest singer Carol Williams, best known for her disco hits "More," "Come Back," and "Love Is You."
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Settlers of Catan Social


Build your empire and trade your way to 10 victory points, all while practicing for two special Settlers of Catan tournaments. Participants who win a game can enter a raffle to win a valuable Park Prize pack at the end of the Game Social season.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Sunset Yoga


Open space, fresh sea air, and the floral scent of the gardens will help you stretch away the stress of the workday and allow you to let go of the hectic buzz of city life. Whether you’re still learning Child’s Pose or have mastered the Twisted Half Moon, our expert yoga instructor will guide you through a routine that works for you. Please bring your own mat.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Other | 4th Annual Youth Media Festival: Concrete Stories


This media showcase of work by youth under the age of 20 celebrates talented young media makers who are telling stories through short films, documentaries, and animations. Produced and curated by a group of media-savvy Brooklyn high school students as part of the BRIC Youth Media Fellowship Program.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free

Staged Reading | The Brother: The Untold Story of the Rosenberg Case


This play is about the real-life trial of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, who were executed in 1953 for espionage and providing information about the atomic bomb to the Soviet Union. The play is written by John Hancock and Dorothy Tristan, based on the book by New York Times reporter Sam Roberts and directed by Elowyn Castle. There will be a talkback with Sam Roberts immediately following the performance.
   New York City, NY; NYC
6:30 pm
Free

Gallery Talk | Exhibition Walkthrough: Exploratory Works: Drawings from the Department of Tropical Research Field Expeditions


Historian and anthropologist Katherine McLeod's walkthrough of the Exploratory Works exhibit aims to give political and economic context to the drawings, films, and writing made by the Department of Tropical Research.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
$5

Discussion | Off the Wall: Latin America in Photographs


Meet three artists featured in the Library's latest exhibition, Viewpoints: Latin America in Photographs: Edward Grazda Ann Parker John Cohen In conversation with curator Elizabeth Cronin The geography, people, and rich culture of Latin America have long inspired photographers to capture their experiences and impressions. Grazda, Parker and Cohen will recount their fascinating journeys photographing in Guatemala, Bolivia, and Peru during the 1970s.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free

Workshop | Yoga Outdoors


For Tejal Yoga, the practice, traditions, and teachings stem from a greater source within, a source that taps into her culture, heritage, and roots. Tejal Yoga began in 2013, after Tejal completed her first vinyasa yoga teacher training at The Yoga Room in Astoria, NY. Her love of teaching and passion for the practice led her to India for a traditional hatha yoga training in 2014. Tejal Yoga offers radiant yoga in a warm environment with a clear voice, helping you to feel acknowledged and aligned.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
$10 suggested donation...

Author Reading | Michael Howard reads from his book The Actor Uncovered: A Life in Acting


After more than seventy years as a professional actor, director, and teacher, Howard shows how living creatively and invoking one's own personality can lead to a successful career as an actor.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Staged Reading | Play Reading: Rocket Park


In some small American town in 1979, Marlene is concerned that her new neighbor is listening to her through the shared wall of their apartments. Her queer, Christian experience of the Cold War leads to a bizarre accident. As she copes in the aftermath, she begins to wonder: Is she being watched? Written by Liza Birkenmeier.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Book Signing | Senator Al Franken signs copies of his book Giant of the Senate


Senator Al Franken has represented Minnesota in the United States Senate since 2009. Before entering politics, he was an award-winning comedy writer, author, and radio talk show host. Following a discussion with journalist and author Jonathan Alter, Franken will be signing and personalizing his new book, as well as one backlist title per customer.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:00 pm
Free

Discussion | Writing Cities: Writers in Conversation


Cities can play a key role in literature—from Ferrante’s Naples to Calvino’s fantastical creations, Joyce’s Dublin to Dickensian London. They can be a familiar space, or an alienating force; a character in themselves, or simply a backdrop for events. Novelists Jessie Chaffee (Florence in Ecstasy) and Kristopher Jansma (Why We Came to the City) are joined by essayist and editor Garnette Cadogan (Non-Stop Metropolis: A New York City Atlas) to explore how cities inspire writers, and how they are represented in both fiction and non-fiction.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Performance | Don DeLillo: The Body Artist: Experimental Theater


Ghost stories reflect uncertain times. Lauren Hartke, an artist whose work crosses the limits of the body, lives on a lonely coast in a rambling rented house. She encounters a strange, ageless man with uncanny knowledge of her own life. Together they begin a journey into a spare, seductive outpost of time, love, and human perception.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:30 pm
Free

Play | Shakespeare's Julius Caesar: A Play of Politics and Power


Rome’s leader, Julius Caesar, is a force unlike any the city has seen. Magnetic, populist, irreverent, he seems bent on absolute power. A small band of patriots, devoted to the country’s democratic traditions, must decide how to oppose him. Shakespeare’s political masterpiece has never felt more contemporary. Runs May 23-28, May 30-June 3, June 6-13 and June 15-18.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Photoshop for Beginners


Learn how to enhance photos using the number 1 photo editing software in the world; Adobe Photoshop. In this class you learn the features of Photoshop and learn about layers and use them to manipulate images to your desire. Class is conducted on Macintosh computers.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:30 pm
Free
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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