FREE + CHEAP NYC - Week starting August 1, 2013
- 08/01/2013 by Angela Church & Maayan Schneider, WBAI (WBAI)

FILM
There are many free, open-air screenings in the city this summer, and here are a few. The films usually start at sunset (around 8-8:30 pm), but common wisdom is to get there at least 2 hours early, to settle in.  Angela’s recommendation: “Bring a blanket to sit on and always check the grass for sprinklers!”

2 of this week’s films are shown at the South Street Seaport “Front Row Cinema”, at the intersection of Front and Fulton streets. Front Row Cinema is part of the South Street Seaport’s new SEE/CHANGE campaign of summer events. When movies aren’t being shown, bands play and DJs spin. Grab a lounge chair and settle in for an 8 p.m. movie.

August 3: “The Muppets”, South Street Seaport
August 5: “Norma Rae”, Bryant Park
August 7: “Young Frankenstein”, South Street Seaport
August 8: “Chico + Rita”, preceded by music by the Rebeca Vallejo Trio. Free churros! Tompkins Square Park

Also, check out TKTS at the South Street  Seaport

ART
do it (outside) at Socrates Sculpture Park, Astoria, Queens – Through August 4th
http://www.socratessculpturepark.org/exhibitions/exhibition/do-it-outside

Socrates Sculpture Park was once an abandoned landfill; in the 1980s, it was turned into an open studio and exhibition space for artists, as well as a neighborhood park. It is now an internationally renowned outdoor museum and park offering a host of free family programs and a place to picnic or walk along the East River with a view of Manhattan’s skyline.

In collaboration with Independent Curators International (ICI), Socrates Sculpture Park presents do it (outside),  a selection of artists' instructions interpreted by other artists, performers, community groups, and the public.  In the last 20 years, versions of do it have been presented in over 50 venues worldwide, giving new meaning to the concept of the “Exhibition in Progress.” do it (outside) at Socrates Sculpture Park is the first presentation of the exhibition in New York City and the first to be presented completely outdoors in a public art venue. The design includes 587 linear feet of sidewalk bridge that stretches across the grounds to create a pergola, corridor and courtyard within the park.

Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, Staten Island
http://www.snug-harbor.org/

The Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden is a large complex that consists of multiple organizations, including the Staten Island Botanical Garden, the Staten Island Museum and the Staten Island Children's Museum.

There is also a "Secret Garden" here, based on the book by Francis Hodgson, which served as a source of inspiration for the Connie Gretz Secret Garden.
The Secret Garden is dedicated to the memory of Connie Vigneri Gretz (March 14, 1950- October 25, 1996).  The Garden was built by her family, friends, and with the help of Merrill Lynch.  The maze conceals the secret garden, providing children with an exciting yet challenging adventure.  The Gretz family wanted to teach children (and remind adults) that “although life’s path is never straight, we should look for the magic and joy in each step of the journey.  For it is only through life’s journey that we each find the peace and beauty of our own secret garden.”

Bonus: CHOCOLATE
Go to GODIVA.COM, join as a member (for  free), and earn a free chocolate truffle every month! We (Maayan) have researched this offer, and can heartily recommend it.

Have suggestions for the coming weeks?
Email us at freeandcheap@wbai.org.

headline photo
The Secret Garden at Snug Harbor, Staten Island