Are you looking for fun off-campus activities on a budget in New York City? Keep reading for a list of activities to do with friends or alone. If you’re reading this, you can thank yourself for choosing New York, the city that never runs out of places, people or things to do.
Starting this spring, be aware that on March 30, 170,000 free tulips will be handed out in Union Square. Presented by Royal Anthos, you will have the opportunity to mix and match a tulip bouquet. The maximum is 10 tulips per person. Whether you’re in the area or passing by, Union Square all year is a perfect place to go for food, shopping or just passing by. It is suggested that you register in advance to attend. Tickets were made available on March 17.. This event will occur in the Tulip Garden between 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Dancers or musicians, behold the jazz band Svetlana and the Delancey Five! Six musicians come together to create a pop and sophisticated jazz tender tone, bringing incoming swingers to life. The band has sold-out United States shows from premier venues such as the Blue Note, Iridium, Joe’s Pub and the band’s Time Square Swing Flash Mobs. This Swing event takes place at Lincoln Center from 5-9 p.m., led by Odysseus, with an intimate gallery with a dance floor and space to dance. Starting this past Monday Svetlana and the Delancey Five started hosting backroom speakeasy sessions, opening up to the vocal and instrumental jam session. Bring your voice, spirit and dancing shoes to work. Do not worry, this event happens every Monday, so feel free to bring new faces to the crowd.
In addition, various listening bars offer concerts or music during the week all the time in New York City. One I recently went to is called Public Records. Another place I enjoyed attending was So Far Sounds, where they host secret pop concerts in different locations around the city. The idea is that it is a complete surprise, so you buy tickets in whichever area you are in. You can pick Williamsburg, Lower East Side, West Village or Chelsea. The best part is that you don’t know where the event will occur or who is playing. Within 48 hours before the event, they will send you the location. When you arrive, there is a fantastic ambiance. The other night, I heard from a beautiful cellist who used the cello like a guitar. Truly a majestic piece of music. Lastly, there was a freestyle rapper, which was a massive switch from the first act but gave you a diverse taste in music.
For my coffee drinkers, do you want a free cup of coffee? Enter your phone number online to download a Digital Coffee Card at any Capital One Cafe. There, you can choose to customize any drinks from their menu. From drip coffee, cafe au lait, espresso, macchiato, cappuccino, americano, mocha, latte, hot chocolate, hot tea and chai latte to matcha! Once you become a Capital One Card holder, you will receive 50% off on all hand-crafted beverages when paying with the Capital One debit or credit card.
Artists, there is a free stained glass class hosting a contest for a free class with a friend. There will be one lucky winner. Come swing by to Williamsburg for a quick day trip. From 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Oh My Glass will teach and announce winners. Closer than Williamsburg, Happy Medium and Art Cafe in Lower East Side Manhattan offer you the option to order art supplies instead of just food and drinks for reasonable prices. This cafe varies by collaging, air drying clay, water painting and pottery; the list is endless. This cafe brings you into an expansive space to play and create. Whether alone or with friends, this is a perfect place to spend leisure time away from the busy hustle and bustle in New York. For under $30, you can expect to have a great time with new people and places. In addition, you can expect to find pop-up art events all over New York City hosted by Wellness cafes. Rooftop workshops, yoga and meditation classes start you off before the fingerprinting and help you get lost in the act. This event is free and open to the public.
Remember to take advantage of all the free and affordable opportunities New York City has to offer. Go out there with friends or by yourself and really get the New Yorker experience!
