The three best FREE things to do in New York today

Happy almost holiday! Today:

See the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade Balloon Inflation
This pre–Turkey Day ritual, held near the American Museum of Natural History, has become almost as crowded as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, but we prefer it to the main event. Why? We prefer to weave through the crowds, walking past the inflation stations to see Kermit the Frog, Julius the Paul Frank monkey, Sonic the Hedgehog, Buzz Lightyear et al. at our own pace. Inflation takes place from 3 to 10pm. Arrive later in the evening, when the gigantic characters have taken shape; the crowds are at their peak, so you can also show off the famed New York sidewalk shuffle.
Enter at W 79th St at Columbus Ave, 3pm

Bare all at The Dump! Storytelling Open Mic
The Creek and the Cave gives you eight minutes to rid yourself of some of your most ghastly memories at this cathartic storytelling event. With no prompts or judges, you can finally share your secret tales of summer camp heartbreak and music festival STDs among tipsy friends and fellow shameless storytellers.
10-93 Jackson Ave, Queens, 8pm 

Have one-dollar beers at Threes Brewing's Thanksgiving Eve Party
Get some serious bang for your buck at this garden party gathering. Grab $1 beers from 6–9pm, indulge in a slice of Roberta's pizza and catch a set from Kid Midnight at midnight!
333 Douglass St, Brooklyn, 6pm