Editor’s Note: Again, thank you to all who found me after my appearance on #TheRehearsal with Nathan Fielder. The Cheap Chick in the City could still REALLY use your help, esp right now as she is struggling to pay July rent/bills, and since she only recently started a new job, so if you want to buy her a cup of coffee or a cup of orange juice, no pulp 😉 or just support the website, you can Venmo her via @Patricia-Couture-3. EVERY little bit helps, thank you!
Here’s a link to my recent post, which still has some great free NYC summer events!
Happy Pride Weekend NYC and now on to this weekend’s exciting NYC Pride events, as Pride Month winds down in NYC:
Saturday June 29th, 2024
“Yoga in the Garden at Orchard Alley” (This event repeats every week on Saturday between 6/22/2024 and 7/27/2024.)
9 a.m.
Orchard Alley, 4th Street and Avenue, Manhattan
“Are you ready to rejuvenate your body and mind amidst the beauty of nature? Join us for an invigorating outdoor yoga session in the serene embrace of the Orchard Alley community garden, weather permitting, most Saturday mornings, June through August. This offers the perfect opportunity to connect with nature, breathe in the fresh air, and stretch your body under the open sky. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a beginner, it is tailored to accommodate all levels, so don’t hesitate to join the garden group.
Please bring your own yoga mat and water bottle. Let’s flow together, embrace the tranquility of the garden, and find balance in both body and soul with seasoned instructor Alex Royals, of Yes Yeah Yoga!”
Cost: Free!
“Dance Fitness Latin Rhythms”
9:30 a.m.
Flagpole in Cunningham Park, Queens
“Are you ready to party? Welcome to an experience rooted in connection, laughter, and heavy on Latin rhythms. Strength, flexibility, and endurance are just some of the benefits of this all-levels cardio dance party. Let’s celebrate movement, music, and you! A bailar se dijo!”
Cost: Free!
“Proud Colors of Nature Hike”
9:30 a.m.
Greenbelt Nature Center in Blood Root Valley, 700 Rockland Avenue at Brielle Avenue, Staten Island
“Learn the meaning behind each of the colors of the rainbow and try to find them as we hike along the nature center trail.”
Cost: Free! For more info and to get tkts, go here.
“Book Swap!”
10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
First Floor Lobby, Jefferson Market Library, 425 Sixth Avenue, Manhattan
“Please join us for our famous Book Swap!
This one is an all day affair, so come by and bring a friend!
Bring a book, take a book, meet a friend or two!”
Cost: Free!
“Dance Fitness-Upbeat Pop!”
10 a.m.
Audubon Center at the Boathouse in Prospect Park, Brooklyn
“45 minutes of dance aerobics to upbeat pop songs. Come prepared to shake, roll, grapevine, and clap! We will use this time to cultivate joy, silliness and everything unserious. All levels welcomed and encouraged. Whether you want to learn some new choreography or you need a space to step touch and sing this class is for you and we look forward to having you!
Instructor: Amy Armstrong.”
Cost: Free! Get tkts here.
“Dominican Taste Festival 2024”
10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Quisqueya Plaza, 247 Dyckman Street, Manhattan
“Get ready to embark on a culinary journey like no other as we celebrate the vibrant flavors and rich culture of the Dominican Republic. Join us for an unforgettable experience filled with delicious food, lively music, and exciting entertainment.”
Cost: Free! For more info (and tkts, not necessary). go here.
“Fishing Clinic”
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
West Harlem Piers Park, 125th Street, Manhattan
“Celebrate Free Fishing Weekend with a catch-and-release fishing session in partnership with the Hudson River Fisherman’s Association. Gear provided.”
Cost: Free!
“Moves with Limón Dance”
10 a.m.
Bryant Park, Manhattan
“Move to live accompaniment and experience the joy of dance with dancers from the Limón Dance Company. Open to all levels and ages – no experience required! Bring friends, family, water on hot days, and enjoy dancing on the grass. Class meets on the northeast corner of the lawn.”
Cost: Free!
“Socrates Farmstand” (This event repeats every week on Saturday between 6/22/2024 and 10/19/2024.)
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Socrates Sculpture Park, Queens
“Every Saturday at Socrates through to the fall, Socrates Sculpture Park’s Farmstand offers fresh seasonal local produce sourced from small NY farms in collaboration with The Connected Chef. The Socrates Farmstand is run by community members and teenagers who are part of our teen programs Socrateens and Socrateens Resilience Lab.”
Cost: Free!
“Magnetic Archery“
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Entrance – 68th Street and Colonial Road in Owl’s Head Park, Brooklyn
“Join the Urban Park Rangers in welcoming the 2024 Olympic Games with some archery practice in the park. This will be a beginners archery session where we will shoot arrows with a flat magnetic tip onto a velcro target board. All equipment will be provided. Ages 8 and older.”
Cost: Free!
“BROOKLYN PUP PRIDE PARADE: PUPS IN THE PARK”
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
ABOLITIONIST PLACE, Downtown BK
“Calling all dog lovers! Join us for a tail-wagging good time at our first-ever Pup #PRIDE Parade! We are teaming up with City Point BKLYN and PUPS Pet Club to bring you a dog-friendly event on June 29th at Abolitionist Place from 12:00 to 3:00 PM. Bring your pup and strike a pose at the pop-up photobooth, snag some Pups Pet Club and Good Vets swag in our fun giveaway, get hip with some adorable doggy tattoos, march in the pup pride parade, run through the Abolitionist Place Dog Run, and more! Jolie E. Dudley, co-founder of Must Love Dogs and Comedy, Inc. will be the parade MC.”
Cost: Free!
“Celebrate Shorebirds Festival”
12 p.m.
Entrance – Beach 44th Street and Boardwalk in Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk, Queens
“Love the beach? So do nesting shorebirds, like the piping plover. These tiny shorebirds fly over 700 miles to nest at Rockaway Beach every year. Join NYC Park’s Piping Plover Team and other community partners for a day of educational activities and crafts to help us better understand how we can all share the beach and support a healthy living environment. Event is for all ages and with activities geared to younger audiences.”
Cost: Free!
“El Barrio Garden of Angels Grand Opening”
12 p.m.
El Barrio Garden of Angels, 121 East 122nd Street, Manhattan
“Celebrate with the garden group for the reopening of El Barrio Garden of Angels, formerly Carolina Community Garden. Community gardeners are excited to bring this garden back to life after being closed for a few years! Join the garden members for a fun day and learn more about how to be involved with the garden. There will be food, beverages, music, kid-friendly activities, and giveaways!”
Cost: Free!
“Zither and Dulcimer LIVE instrumental musical presentation”
12 p.m.
The Conference House in Conference House Park, 7455 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island
“Join us for a free live musical presentation and demonstration of two instruments. The Zither and the Dulcimer. Played by Harry Oppenheimer in our garden surrounded by the beautiful Conference House, in Tottenville’s Conference House Park.”
Cost: Free!
“Cooking on the Farm with Chef Angie”
1 to 3 p.m.
Urban Farm in Randall’s Island Park, Manhattan
“Join us in the Urban Farm’s kitchen for an interactive cooking demo by local Chef Angie! With the chef’s guidance, use ingredients harvested from the Urban Farm to create a culturally significant, farm-to-table dish that you’ll get to enjoy.”
Cost: Free!
“Instant Shakespeare”
1 p.m.
53rd Street Library, Community Room, 18 West 53rd Street, Manhattan
“The Instant Shakespeare Company, whose motto is “Shakespeare for Everyone!” is now in its 25th Season of presenting readings of all of Shakespeare’s plays. Join us for the group’s play reading of The Lying Valet by David Garrick. The play is a farce written by the great Shakespearean actor David Garrick.
For further info, or if you would like to participate, please email instantshakespeare@gmail.com.”
Cost: Free!
“Wire Sculpture/Drawing”
1 p.m.
Bryant Park Art Cart, Manhattan
“Get inspired by the urban life, flowers, and monuments of Bryant Park, then express it with our free drawing and craft supplies. Adults and kids alike are invited to get creative.
Materials are always changing, but drawing pencils, erasers, and brush markers are generally available. The Art Cart also provides a rotating selection of craft supplies, including crayons, colored pencils, markers, ribbon, glue, construction paper, stencils, beads, yarn, and coloring sheets.
Create a wire sculpture by bending, twisting, curling, knotting armature wire into different shapes and configurations. Artist Alexander Calder enjoyed sculpting with wire because he said it allowed him to create ‘drawings in space.’
Cost: Free!
“Annual Queens Irish Heritage Festival”
2 to 5 p.m.
Live At The Gantries,4-09 47th Road, Queens
“Our 3rd Annual Queens Irish Heritage Festival brings out some of the most beloved Irish performers from around the World’s Borough!”
Cost: Free! For more info and to get tkts, (not required), go here.
“Sunset Photowalk with ‘The Bronx Photowalk'”
4 p.m.
Icahn Plaza in Randall’s Island Park, Manhattan
“Join The Bronx Photowalk to venture through Randall’s Island Park during golden hour! Whether you have a small or large camera, phone, or your eyes, come learn how to observe the natural elements of the park in the magical late afternoon light. The walk will be guided by a representative of The Bronx Photowalk.
Meet us at Icahn Plaza by the North Entrance of Icahn Stadium where we can use the restroom and regroup. Generally, we’ll walk slowly around the western part of the island and will have a cart for the first two hours for folks who are more comfortable riding than walking. RSVP for more details by emailing thebronxphotowalk@gmail.com. Bring water and snacks!
Schedule:
- 4 PM: Meet up at Icahn Plaza by the north entrance of Icahn Stadium
- 4:15 – 6 PM: Walk and photograph along the west side of the island
- 6 PM: Cart and Randall’s Island staff leave
- 6 – 8 PM: Walk and photograph the sunset
*RSVP recommended: email thebronxphotowalk@gmail.com.”
Cost: Free! See above for tkts.
“Skate Night at Blake Hobbs”
4 to 7 p.m.
Play Area in Blake Hobbs Playground, East 102nd St and 2nd Ave, Manhattan
“Join NYC Parks and Council Member Diana Ayala for a fun
skate night in the park! Dance and enjoy an outdoor rollerskating event with music, jumbo games, and much more!
4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Family Session
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Adult Session.”
Cost: Free!
“Opening Reception for Sabrina Bockler – ‘Coquette'”
6 to 8 p.m.
Hashimoto Contemporary, 54 Ludlow Street, Manhattan
“Potions, poisons, and the social power dynamics enabling their use may not scream “love,” but for Sabrina Bockler, elements of trickery, revenge, and class relations have underpinned ritual unions throughout European history. In Coquette, the Brooklyn-based artist’s latest solo exhibition at Hashimoto Contemporary, Bockler creates a new series of paintings that explore women’s treatment in romantic dynamics and how they reclaim their own power. Employing miniscule brushstrokes to denote each hair on a dog, petal on a flower, thread on a gown, Bockler’s nearly obsessive attention to detail creates alluring scenes of foreboding circumstances wrapped in love, chaos, and revenge. The artist will be in attendance.”
Cost: Free!
Celebrate Pride @ The South Street Seaport Museum today with free activities (including free museum admission) from 11 a.m.to 5 p.m.!
The “NYC DYKE MARCH” is today @ 5 to 8 p.m. from Fifth Avenue from Bryant Park to Washington Square Park.
Saturday June 29th and Sunday June 30th, 2024
“Shakespeare at Sunset”
5:30 p.m.
The Granite Prospect in Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn
“…Theater 2020 will present ‘THE TEMPEST’ for their “Shakespeare at Sunset” production this season, presented in partnership with Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy. THE TEMPEST, adapted by David Fuller, is a 75-minute fast-paced version meant for the whole family: Shakespeare’s comedy about revenge, redemption and forgiveness.
Check brooklynbridgepark.org for full details and the most up to date information. This event is subject to change to weather or other extenuating circumstances.”
Cost: Free!
“Summer on the Hudson: Star Gazing”
8 to 11 p.m.
Pier I in Riverside Park South, West 70th Street, Manhattan
“A summer evening in Manhattan is made complete with a great skyline and the stars, planets, and moon in full view. Manhattan provides a great backdrop as we peer heavenward to see celestial wonders with the help of the Amateur Astronomer’s Association.”
Cost: Free!
Sunday June 30th, 2024
“Brooklyn American Independence Day Parade“
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
5 Avenue, Sunset Park, BK
“Join us in person…for a day filled with patriotic fun and excitement. Get ready to witness a spectacular parade showcasing the spirit of American independence. Enjoy vibrant floats, marching bands, and colorful costumes as they make their way through the heart of Brooklyn. Bring your family and friends to this lively event and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable celebration of freedom and unity. See you there!”
Cost: Free!
“NYC Pride March”
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Worth Square, Manhattan
“The inaugural March took place in 1970, one year after the Stonewall Uprising, and has since evolved into an annual civil rights demonstration. Its purpose has expanded over time to encompass raising awareness about the fight against AIDS and honoring those we have lost to illness, violence, and neglect.
Due to the impact of Covid-19 on our Pride season plans in 2020 and 2021, we modified our in-person March and placed significant emphasis on extending our virtual presence. Through the NYC Pride Broadcast on WABC-7, we continued to showcase our community, featuring marching contingents, Grand Marshals, non-profit organizations, sponsors, small businesses, and activists.
In 2022 and 2023, we returned to the streets, marching to celebrate our lives and the resilience of our community. We are thrilled to carry forward this spirit and determination into our 2024 season.”
Cost: Free!
“‘Do the Right Thing’ 35th Anniversary Block Party“
12 to 6 p.m.
Do The Right Thing Way, between Lexington Avenue And Quincy Street, in Da Peoples Republic Of Brooklyn
“We Will Celebrate The 35th Anniversary Of Do The Right Thing With A FREE Block Party On The Very Same Block The Film Was Shot In Bed-Stuy Do Or Die.”
Cost: Free!
“Pride For The People Block Party”
12 to 7 p.m.
Moxy NYC Chelsea, 105 West 28th Street, Manhattan
“Get the PRIDE parade party started #atthemoxy! Meet at Moxy Afterdark from 12-3PM for complimentary PRIDE make-up and Stencils by Stencil1 followed by a live DJ, a special guest appearance, and live pop-up performance from 3-7PM. Be sure to try out specialty cocktail: PRIDE PUNCH.”
Cost: Free!
“Conversations on the Porch: Adama Delphine Fawundu, Nona Faustine + Niama Sandy”
2 p.m.
Lefferts Historic House in Prospect Park, Brooklyn
“Join Prospect Park Alliance for a conversation between ReImagine Lefferts Artist-in-Residence, Adama Delphine Fawundu and Nona Faustine about history, art, and placemaking moderated by New York-based cultural anthropologist, curator, producer and organizer, Niama Safia Sandy. Both Fawundu and Faustine use photography to engage with the legacies of enslavement and resilience in Brooklyn, including at Lefferts Historic House.
Fawundu’s Ancestral Whispers, on view at Lefferts Historic House until December 1, includes large fabric banners covering the Flatbush Avenue porch that ask viewers to collectively witness anew, imagine, and feel through some of the indigenous and African ancestral stories that have added to the greatness of Brooklyn. Faustine’s White Shoes, on view at the Brooklyn Museum until July 7, includes multiple self portraits of the artist at local Black history sites to bring attention to the often under-recognized impact of the past on our present understandings of ourselves and our world.”
Cost: Free!
“A Great Wave – An Immigration Tale”
3 p.m.
Poppenhusen Institute, 114-4 14th Road, Queens
“This original play written by Tom Block, a Queens resident, will be presented as a dramatic reading.
Directed by Brenda Jones.
Set in 1892 in NYC – the play focuses on Jurgen Kocherhin and his family who emigrated from Europe, were processed in the receiving hall at Ellis Island before arriving at their final destination, College Point. Although the Jurgen family is a fictitious one, their experiences were ones like all those who traveled to America at the time for a better life.”
Cost: Free! For more info and to get tkts, go here.
“Bridge Matter/The Reach: An evening of performance and River Views”
4:30 p.m.
Little Red Lighthouse in Fort Washington Park, Manhattan
“Kinesis Project moves uptown to Fort Washington Park, a gorgeous space that includes the George Washington Bridge and The Little Red Lighthouse.
The company is presenting the first installation of their newest large-scale dance work: Bridge Matter/the Reach. A dance of echoes, listening, how we bridge the cracks between us and the company’s extraordinary ability to bring new life into an environment.
On Sunday, they will also be co-creating a large-scale, Durational Installation of Care.
This new work, placed in a historic NYC location, is a moment to be shared with friends old and new, leading audiences along pathways, waterways and bridge views with gorgeous dancing and the live music of Grammy and Obie Award winning musician, Johnny Butler.
Bridge Matter/The Reach is Kinesis’ second collaboration with the research of geoscientist Dr. Missy Eppes and her colleagues, studying how our shifting climate is affecting even the bedrock of our earth.”
Cost: Free! Registration and time-slot choices for a Durational Installation of Care in Fort Washington Park, NYC.
“THE LITERARY SALOON”
5 p.m.
THE CENTER FOR FICTION, 15 LAFAYETTE AVENUE, BK
“The Literary Saloon is a monthly, mixed-genre reading series at The Center for Fiction. With an emphasis on local emerging talent and a dedication to diverse and underrepresented voices, these are unique, welcoming, and fun literary events with a Sunday-evening-at-the-bar-with-my-friends vibe.
Host and curator Wesley Straton (The Bartender’s Cure) started hosting readings in the spring of 2021 in the outdoor area of New York Distilling Company, as a way to reconnect readers and writers as we slowly came out of Covid lockdown. Since then she has hosted early-career playwrights alongside bestselling memoirists; debut novelists and award-winning poets; and the occasional comedian.”
Cost: Free! Get tkts here, but “RSVPs are optional and drink purchases from our Café & Bar are kindly requested.”
“Silent Disco”
5 to 9 p.m.
Sobelsohn Playground in Forest Park, Queens
“Join us for a FREE Silent Disco Dance Party at Forest Park, sponsored by Council Member Lynn Schulman and the Forest Park Trust, Inc. This family-friendly party has music for everyone to enjoy. Our 3 channels will be playing your favorite songs, from Top 40 to throwbacks, to Hip Hop and R&B!”
Cost: Free!
“Cinema Chats: Cabaret“
6 p.m.
Online
“Cabaret (1972) is an iconic film which won Academy Awards for best directing (Bob Fosse), best actress in a leading role (Liza Minnelli), and best actor in a supporting role (Joel Grey), as well as cinematography and production design. Based in 1931 Berlin, the plot follows Minelli’s character, American cabaret singer Sally Bowles, who meets British academic Brian Roberts (Michael York) who is finishing his university studies. The pair become lovers, but both soon fall for newcomer Maximilian von Heune (Helmut Griem), a wealthy and decadent playboy. This love triangle plays out against the rise of the Nazi party and the collapse of the Weimar Republic.
Join us with award- winning actor, Steven Skybell, who is currently starring as Herr Schultz, a Jewish fruit vendor who falls in love with boarding house owner Fräulein Schneider, in the Broadway revival of Cabaret. Together, Skybell and Cinema Chats moderator Lucy Shahar will lead us in a discussion about the film from an acting perspective.
We recommend you watch the film in advance of this lecture. Cabaret can be streamed on Netflix, HBO Max, Vudu, Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, and Apple TV.
Please see the Zoom link in your order confirmation email. This program is entirely virtual.‘
Cost: “Registration for this program is pay-what-you-wish.” Get tkts here.
Today is the last day for “Montague Open Streets,” 12 to 5 p.m.
NYC Pride Weekend Guides (Warning: These NYC Pride events may NOT be Free!)
Your guide to “Pride Weekend in NYC.” (Gothamist)
“PRIDE IN TIMES SQUARE
Friday, June 28th and Saturday, June 29th
Times Square, Manhattan“
“HARLEM PRIDE CELEBRATION DAY FESTIVAL
Saturday, June 29th, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
12th Avenue at 133rd Street, Manhattan”
“QUEER LIBERATION MARCH
Sunday, June 30th, 11 a.m.
Greenwich Village, Manhattan”
“PRIDEFEST STREET FAIR”
Sunday June 30th, 11 a.m.
Greenwich Village, Manhattan
(Courtesy GCT)
NYC Summer Guides
NYC Tourism’s Summer in NYC Guide!
And finally…
“Scenes of New York City: Selections from the Elie and Sarah Hirschfeld Collection” has opened @ The NY Historical Society and runs thru Sunday October 27th, 2024. Remember the museum is pay-what-you-wish on Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m.
###
All events were available @ time of posting. The Cheap Chick in the City is not responsible if events become sold out.
The Cheap Chick in the City will continue to tweet via @cheapchicknyc, so be sure to check there for SOME cheap and non-free things to do in New York City.
The Cheap Chick in the City is also available for special personalized messages etc. tips, advice, and ideas/suggestions via the Cameo app including trip/vacation/planning, birthdays and graduations!
P.S. And yes folks, I am VERY real 🙂
Cheap Chick in the City 