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When you live in the most expensive city in America, it can be hard to stick to a budget. Luckily, we've got you covered. Whether you're looking for a concert, art exhibit, comedy show or even a date idea, there are plenty of places to have a good time without paying a dime. Here are the best free parties, cultural events and things to do between now and next Wednesday.
Runnin’ On Empty with Yotam Tubul & Lisa Franklin
This monthly showcase mixes up rising star stand-ups with new acts ready to attack the scene. This week, Aparna Nancherla hits the stage alongside Jordan Carlos, Charla Lauriston, Mitra Jouhari, Catherine Cohen, James Belarde and Simon Henriques. Some have written for Samantha Bee and Hannibal Buress, while others are just sinking their teeth into the live game. You won’t know the difference. Le Poisson Rouge, 158 Bleecker St (212-505-3474, lpr.com). Thu 17 at 8pm.
The Hunting Ground
If you were moved to tears by Lady Gaga’s showstopping performance of “Til It Happens to You” at the Oscars, see the 2015 documentary for which it was created. Join the Bluestockings crew to watch Kirby Dick’s Oscar-nominated documentary about the culture and cover-ups of rape on college campuses, then participate in a discussion about combating the epidemic with the director, film subject and activist Andrea Pino and organizer Willa Rose Johnson. Bluestockings, 172 Allen St (212-777-6028, bluestockings.com). Thu 17 7–9:30pm.
Oh My Science!
You'll actually learn quite a bit during UCB comedian Dan Silver's twisted, hysterical lectures on psychology, animal biology, ecology and more, but you'll have to try hard to keep up between gut-busting laughs. Whether you show up for slides of animals dancing or kissing or for the answers to life on Earth, you'll likely be stupefied and wiped out from laughing at this "rigorous examination of all matters." Videology Bar and Cinema, 308 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn (718-782-3468, videologybarandcinema.com). Thu 17 at 9:30pm.
The Orchestra Now: Free Concert in Brooklyn
Witness a spectacular showing by the Orchestra Now, Bard College’s new international master’s music training program, as it heads to Brooklyn for its free About Town series of amazing concerts. Conductor James Bagwell leads the group through stirring orchestrations of Aaron Copland’s Quiet City, Charles Ives’s The Camp Meeting and Ludwig van Beethoven’s infamous Symphony No. 8. Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts, 2900 Avenue H (718-951-4500, theorchestranow.org). Fri 18 8–9:20pm.
The Goonies Trivia
If seeing the truffle shuffle, a young Josh Brolin and buried treasure ships still strikes an emotional chord sharper than a B flat from a bone organ then you’re likely in need of five rounds of nostalgic trivia on the greatest kid adventurers in history. Bring along your own Data, Mouth and Stef (the maximum team number is four players) to win that glorious pirate’s booty, which, in this case, is a free round of drinks. Prepare to scream, "Hey, you guys!" for several hours. Videology, 308 Bedford Ave (718-782-3468, videologybarandcinema.com). Sun 20 at 7pm.