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What’s Free in NYC: A James Baldwin Celebration, ‘Happy Feet’ Comes to Carnegie Hall, Plus Free Cake, Books and Junkanoo Puppet-Making
Spend the weekend doing fun things without spending all your dough. This week’s What’s Free in NYC is full of indoor activities that center community.
If you’re like millions of Americans this month, you’re gearing up to spend money on holiday gifts, travel, or hosting. If you’re like me, you’re opting out almost completely, but either way, ConEd wants its money. So save a few bucks this weekend and splurge on nothing more than train fare with this edition of What’s Free. Choose from free movies at Carnegie Hall, honoring the late James Baldwin, free pilates, an open-forum craft night, a bag full of free books, and more.
Manhattan
Happy Feet at Carnegie Hill Cinema Club
Friday, DEC. 5, 10-12 p.m., 7 East 95th Street
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Enjoy a little history and the best animated musical of all time (argue with your mom). Bring the kids for a beautiful night of film, dance and song with a free screening in the beautiful cinema beneath Carnegie Hall.
Harlem Community Tree Lighting Event
Saturday, DEC. 6, 2-6 p.m., Hancock Park
Help make Hancock Park a little more seasonably festive with this community event presented by the Harlem Public Arts Project. Help decorate, and enjoy carolling, poetry and warm refreshments.
The Living Legacy of James Baldwin
Friday, DEC. 5, 5 p.m., Sisters Uptown Bookstore
Honor the 101st birthday of literary legend James Baldwin with a community discussion, live poetry, and the featured work of local Harlem artists.
Panettone Taste Around
Friday, DEC. 5, 2-4 p.m., Eataly Downtown
Stop by Eataly for a free tasting of almost a dozen delicious desserts and adult beverages. Must be 21 and over to participate.
Monad Pilates Athletes Core Experience
Sunday, DEC. 7, 2:30-3:45 p.m.
Try the Athletes Method for Pilates for free this weekend at Helen Mills event space on West 26th Street. Bring your own mat.
Brooklyn
Spread Love: Winter Clothing Drive at Time Out Market
Saturday, DEC. 6, 9 a.m.
Drop off your washed and gently used winter gear to be distributed to neighbors in need. Bring coats, gloves, hats, scarves — warm and insulated items only. Clean your closets out and support those bracing for a cold winter.
Public Craft Night 1st Fridays
Friday, DEC. 5, 6:30 pm, 87 Third Ave
Craft-lovers unite! Bring whatever you’re working on and finish it in community with other crafters and creators, including everything from woodworking to costume-making. Masks are required and provided to those who need them.
Free Books from the Book Bodega
Saturday, DEC. 6, 11 a.m.
Show up, fill your tote bag with free books, and head home with a new winter reading list. The Book Bodega offers over 100 titles to choose from for ages 10 and up.
BWWG Conference: Writing Our Lives
Saturday, DEC. 6, 10:30 a.m., Buskwick Library
Learn and discuss your writing craft at this conference designed to support and build community around women writers. Stay for a single panel or the entire day, meet writers and grow your writing practice.
Queens
Hands-on History: Junkanoo Puppets
Friday, DEC. 6, 1-4 p.m., King Manor Museum
A family-friendly activity celebrating the Jamaican art of Junkanoo puppet making. Learn about the traditional characters and create your own puppet to bring home. Supplies provided.