by Mary Beth Maslowski
Are you in the city this summer? Take advantage of all the free events going on from dance concerts to fencing to checking out the stars. New York City may be expensive, but having fun doesn't need to be!
Free Asian Art Exhibition
From June 28 until July 3 the Asia Society offers free admission to celebrate its 60th birthday. This leading educational organization is dedicated to promoting mutual understanding and strengthening partnerships between Asia and the United States. Asia Society features art exhibitions, film, literature, performing arts and education and conversation. The main exhibit now is “In & Out of Context” which features Asian art from the Rockefeller collection as well as contemporary art.
Asia Society / 725 Park Avenue, (between E. 70th and 71st), Manhattan
Free Fencing
Until July 29 you can get your fencing on with free lessons at the Manhattan Fencing Center on Fridays from 3:30 to 4:30 pm. These classes are indoors and all equipment is provided. Pre-registration is required. (212-382-2255)
Manhattan Fencing Center / 225 W. 39th Street, Second Floor, Manhattan
See Stars at Lincoln Center
You may be able to see stars on Broadway, but you can also stargaze at Lincoln Center Fridays and Saturdays through August 12th. The Amateur Astronomers Association will have telescopes set up on the plaza at Lincoln Center, just north of the fountain where you can explore the sky and check out the Moon and stars in addition to Jupiter, Saturn and Mars!
Amateur Astronomers Association / 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, (Broadway at 65th Street), Manhattan
No Feet on the Seats!
Whether in Toronto or Tokyo, and even in NYC, bad passenger behavior on mass transit has always been a headache. (In the case of NYC, that’s over 100 years of feet on seats, etc.!) This exhibition of posters and video from around the world using creative and engaging visuals, in addition to a sense of humor, have tried to make us all into better passengers. From asking people not to smoke, to be safe at the edge of the platform, or to throw away their trash, this exhibit shows courtesy that we can all (hopefully) understand.
New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex and Store, Grand Central Terminal / 87 E. 42nd Street, Manhattan
Free Dance Parties
Live music dance parties are held outdoor every Wednesday through August 3rd in front of the Central Library at Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn. Check out these upbeat outdoor concerts. Every week there’s a different type of music from swing to salsa to Cuban Son and Brazilian Choro.
Central Library / Brooklyn Public Library / 10 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn