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When you live in NYC, 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 good time without paying a dime. Here are the best free parties, cultural events and things to do between now and next Wednesday.
RECOMMENDED: Free things to do in NYC guide
Bulletin Broads Nolita Store Opening
Bulletin Broads—a badass, indie-brand shopping destination in Williamsburg—just opened a sister store in Nolita! Snag some awesome female-empowered merchandise and enjoy gratis rosè, pink macaroons and Prince Street Pizza bites while you shop. 27 Prince Street (shop.bulletin.co). Thu 24 11am–8pm; free.
Summer HD Festival
The Met Opera is running nightly alfresco screenings of past live performances. With more than 3,000 seats in the iconic Lincoln Center Plaza, fans can catch classics like The Magic Flute and The Barber of Seville, plus updated favorites like the contemporary-set Rigoletto and Tristan und Isolde. Metropolitan Opera, 30 Lincoln Center Plaza (212-362-6000, metopera.org). Fri 25–Mon 4 at 8pm; free.
Coney Island Fireworks
Coney Island serves free, sensational fireworks every Friday night through September 1st. Grab a frank and get yourself a comfortable spot on the boardwalk to celebrate the end of the work-week every week. Coney Island Boardwalk, Brooklyn (718-449-8836, coneyisland.com). 9:30pm; free.
Battle of Brooklyn
Calling all history buffs: Brooklyn returns to 1776 and its Revolutionary War roots at this reenactment fest. Take part in two days of redcoat and patriot activities, tours, tales and 18th-century fare to taste. Visitors will experience life on the Colonial battlefield with soldiers, parades and cannon fire. Green-Wood Cemetery, 500 25th St, Brooklyn (718-210-3080, green-wood.com). Sat 26 7–10pm, Sun 27 11am–3pm; free–$25.
Go Topless Day
Honor Women’s Equality Day by freeing your nipples at this march for equal gender rights (protected in NYC since a 1992 ruling allowing public female toplessness). Fight body-, breast- and nipple-shaming and hypersexualization by reclaiming your right to bare chests. W 58th St between Eighth and Ninth Aves to Bryant Park at Sixth Ave and 42 St (raelusa.org). Sat 26, 11–4pm; free.