NYC - March Free / Cheap Events Preview - New York City

Manhattan Adirondacks in Central Park
Saturday, Mar 29 at 10:00 am

Olmsted and Vaux designed the North Woods to replicate the forests and Adirondack Mountains, with their crystal streams, tumbling cascades, rustic bridges, and picturesque pools right in New York City's backyard.
Meet at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center inside the Park at 110th Street, between Fifth and Lenox avenues.

Women's History Tea Party in Brooklyn
Sunday, March 30 at 1:00 pm

In honor of Women's History Month, we'll enjoy a cup of tea & tea sandwiches, and share stories of your favorite women.
Location: Meet at the Fort Greene Visitor Center. Enter the park at Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park.
More Information: (718) 722-3218

More Information: (718) 549-3200 x385

The Circus is coming to town!!!
From March 20 - April 06

Visit the official web site for info and details on purchasing tickets

2008 Skating With the Stars, Under the Stars gala
Monday, March 31, 2008 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm
taking place at Trump Wollman Rink in Central Park.

Aaaah. You know Spring is almost here when the mention of Orchids on display comes to mind and into our hearts. At the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory will be this annual and wonderful display of orchids. Get there and enjoy the beauty of one of the most gorgeous flowers in the world.

It is during this display that Orchid related events will be taking place. From Question and Answer sessions with Orchid Experts to demonstrations and more.

The Little Red Lighthouse Tour
Saturday, March 01 at 1:00 pm

Tour the only lighthouse in Manhattan. Discover its history and enjoy a view of the Hudson Valley.
Head down to the base of the George Washington Bridge for this wonderful opportunity to check out the lighthouse on this rare occasion.
Location: Fort Washington Park. Meet at the lighthouse.

Denizens of the Dark in Queens
Saturday, Mar 01, 2008 at 4:30 pm

Join in for an after hours visit through Cunningham Park. They'll be looking for bats, raccoons, owls, and whatever else lurks in the dark. Bring a flashlight, but leave your fear at home.
Taking place at Alley Pond Park Adventure Center, Alley Pond Park. Enter at Winchester Boulevard, under the Grand Central Parkway. For More Information: call (718) 217-6034

The Modern Show
February 29, March 1-2, 2008
20th Century Art, Design & Furnishings
Friday and Saturday 11 am - 7 pm,
Sunday 11 am - 5 pm

Exhibitors from across the United States and Europe set up incredible booths of 20th Century Art & Antiques. Art Deco, Mid Century Modern, Art Nouveau and Arts & Crafts Period, Designer Furniture, Fine Art, Prints, Textiles, Glass, Ceramics, Silver, Jewelry, Books, Photography & more are featured at this very stylish event.

Madness for Modern designs reigns supreme at The Modern Show where aisles are always crowded with hip interior designers and collectors.  Exhibitors from throughout the U.S. and Europe can be counted on for exquisite collections of art, furniture, lighting, ceramics, silver, glass, lighting and more.  Selections from the Art Deco period through the colorful groundbreaking design of the fifties, and sixties will also be found.  The dealers in this show are among the most progressive in the field and promise to have an eclectic selection of world class art and objects.

69th Regiment Armory, Lexington Avenue @ 26th Street, New York City
90 Exhibitors. Admission: $15
Learn more at the official site.

Hike the Green Trail at High Rock Park in Staten Island
Sunday, March 02 from 10:00 am - 11:30 am

The green trail is a great place to look for the first signs of Spring greenery. Join the Greenbelt educators as they lead you through the trail and discuss the history of High Rock Park and why the green trail is named in honor of Gretta Moulton. This hike is approximately 1.5 hours and is of moderate difficulty. Dress appropriately for hiking. Meet at the lower parking lot of High Rock Park, 200 Nevada Avenue, off Rockland Avenue. Call (718) 351-3450 to register.

Early Bird Walk: Gulls Galore in Brooklyn
Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Think all gulls are the same? Take a closer look, explore the park’s new Nature Trails system, and discover all the different gull species in Prospect Park. Taking place Rain or shine.
This free event is led by Brooklyn Bird Club.
Meet at the Prospect Park Audubon Center.
For More Information: call (718) 965-8999

Guided Winter Walk in Fort Tryon
Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 from 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Take a guided winter walk through Fort Tryon Park with members of our expert horticultural staff. This rambling jaunt will focus on the soon-to-be-restored Alpine Garden and will feature views of the Hudson River as well as some less-known areas of the park. Dress for the weather and wear your walking shoes.
Meet at the entrance to the Heather Garden on Margaret Corbin Circle where Cabrini Boulevard and Fort Washington Avenue converge.

Open House For The Bronx Museum Spring Exhibitions
Sunday, March 2 From 2:00 – 6:00 pm
The launch of The Bronx Museum of the Arts’ three spring exhibitions:

• Making It Together: Women’s Collaborative Art and Community, exploring an important chapter in recent history when women artists, inspired by the 1970s Feminist Movement, worked collectively in new ways to engage communities and address social issues;
• Highlights of the Permanent Collection: Women Artists, a counterpart to Making It Together highlighting women artists from the Museum’s permanent collection;
• Teen Council Presents: Jamel Shabazz, a special exhibition organized by The Bronx Museum’s Teen Council class of 2007-2008 featuring photographs by artist and activist Jamel Shabazz based on the theme of community.

Each exhibition will be on view through August 4, 2008. There will also be a panel discussion on collaboration and feminist practice at 3pm with Making It Together curator Carey Lovelace. For more information, please visit www.bronxmuseum.org
The Bronx Museum of the Arts, North Wing entrance, 1040 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10456

Legendary New York writer to speak at New-York Historical Society
Thursday, March 6, 2008 6:30 pm
Non-Members: $15; Students, Educators, and Seniors: $10; Members: $8
The Good Rat: A True Story
The legendary Jimmy Breslin tells the story of Burt Kaplan, the star witness at the recent trial of two New York detectives indicted for acting as mob hitmen, and provides a chilling look at the world of the Mafia and the murder-for-hire industry.

Irish Songs at Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum in the Bronx
Friday, Mar 07 from 5:45 pm - 8:15 pm
Join them as they kick off the season with the lively Hudson Brass Quintet who will play Irish songs as homage to the Irish servants who worked in the mansion. Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum, a public historic site with an enchanting garden, announces its exciting lineup of artists who will fill the mansion with music during its 2008 First Friday! Program. During this program, artists are invited to play music in the Mansion on the first Friday evening of each month (March-October).  With admission to the museum, enjoy the ambiance of the site as you meander through the 19th Century Mansion and grounds, snack on refreshments, and listen to music in this exceptional New York setting.
Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum (895 Shore Road)
For More Information: Call (718) 885-1461

Lantern Tour of the Fort in Queens
Saturday, Mar 08, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Explore the dark caverns of Fort Totten for a history tour by lantern.
Location: Fort Totten Ranger Park. Enter the park at fort entrance, north of intersection of 212th Street and Cross Island Parkway.
For More Information: Call: (718) 352-1769

11th Annual USA Memory Championship
Saturday, March 8, 2008
9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Lunch Break: 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm)
Free for Spectators

“The Olympics of the Mind”: Some of us need notes to remember our own birthdays, but others can memorize a shuffled deck of cards in less than two minutes.

At the USA Memory Championship, "Mental Athletes" compete in brain-breaking events including the memorization of: a string of 1,000 random digits, two decks of shuffled cards, 99 names and faces, 100 spoken words and an unpublished 50 line poem. In this tournament, challengers from around the country vie for the title of "USA National Memory Champion."

The winner of the USA Memory Championship will automatically qualify to compete against champions of other countries in the World Memory Championships to be held in Bahrain in October.

Takes place at: Con Edison Grand Auditorium, 4 Irving Place (14th Street), NYC
Student Mental Athletes (Contestants) ages 12-21 -- Free registration
Mental Athletes (Contestants) ages 22 and up: $25 to register (pre-qualification not required)
Note: Anyone who is a permanent US Resident and over the age of 12 can register to compete.
So if you're interested in learning more about this special event then head on over to the official website: www.usamemorychampionship.com

The METROPOLIS ENSEMBLE Presents World Premieres of ETUDES for Piano as Part of Its New Curatorial Concert Series
Supported by Smithsonian Magazine

Saturday, March 8th at 2:00 pm
Metropolis Ensemble’s Curatorial Concert Series.
Witness the evolution of composer Ryan Francis (b.1981) and the world premiere of his ETUDES for Piano.  Francis will discuss the compositional processes and points of inspiration as well as their counterparts by Chopin, Liszt, Ligeti, and Bolcom.  ETUDES for Piano serves as the launching pad for his new Piano Concerto scheduled to premiere at Metropolis Ensemble’s April 10th concert at the Times Center. In addition, enjoy the complimentary wine tasting and reception sponsored by SIMI Winery, while exploring the exhibits of the Chelsea Art Museum.
Also featuring three guest pianists: Vicky Chow, Michael Shinn, and Daniel Spiegel; led by Andrew Cyr, Artistic Director/Conductor of the Metropolis Ensemble. 

Taking place at the Chelsea Art Museum.  556 West 22nd Street between 10th and 11th Avenue, New York City.  Train C/E to 23rd Street.

General Admission $20 includes FREE museum admission and wine tasting.  
For more info or to purchase tickets, call Metropolis Ensemble at  
1.800.838.3006 or visit http://www.metropolisensemble.org

Lights, Camera, Central Park
Sunday, Mar 09, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Test your movie trivia knowledge as we hike in the park.
Location: Meet at the park entrance north side of 60th Street just west of 5th Avenue.
For More Information: Call (212) 860-1376

New York Open Judo Championship - 25th Year
March 9, 2008

On March 9th, 2008 will be taking place this annual Judo Championship at the New York Athletic Club with participants from 23 countries.

This item takes place at the New York Athletic Club, 180 Central Park South.
So why not have a look? Visit as well the official web site for additional details Shanghai Circus

American Musicals Project Concert Series Continues With The Master, Sir Noel, A Celebration Of The Life And Works Of Noel Coward
March 10, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Admission: $30–$45

Nancy Anderson and KT Sullivan sing the acclaimed songs of Noel Coward Directed by Simon Jones; Musical Director and Performer Steve Ross; Series Producing Director Pamela Hunt.

Noted author to speak at New-York Historical Society
Tuesday, March 11, 2008 6:30 pm

Biographer Edward J. Renehan, Jr., tells the tale of Cornelius Vanderbilt, a self-made man who left behind a tremendous fortune and a lasting legacy for New York and the nation

Parks Announces The Alice Austen Exhibit At Central Park Arsenal
Thursday, March 13, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Taking place at the Arsenal, Central Park -- 830 Fifth Ave.

Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe, the Historic House Trust, the Alice Austen House Museum, the Staten Island Foundation, the city Department of Cultural Affairs and the art community celebrate the opening of “Austen at the Arsenal.”
Alice Austen (1866 - 1952), a Staten Island native, was one of America's earliest and most prolific female photographers. Austen may be the only woman in America, with the exception of Eleanor Roosevelt, to have a museum, ferry, school and street named after her. This exhibit explores why that distinction is well-earned.
The “Austen at the Arsenal” exhibit will be on display Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., until April 10. It was made possible by the Staten Island Foundation and the New York Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the Historic House Trust.
For more information, please visit www.nyc.gov/parks or call 311

If you are a high school student who has questions about your future, then join us!  Representatives from City of New York Universities (CUNY), State Universities of New York (SUNY), and private colleges will be represented at this event.

All high school students are invited.  For more information, call (212) 927-2012.

The Pier Show at Pier 94
55th Street & 12th Avenue
Saturday and Sunday
March 15-16, 2008

Internationally known, The Pier Antiques Show will have thousands of eager shoppers heading to the unconventional exhibit arena called Pier 94 in New York City. Almost 500 exhibitors set up wonderful settings of art and antiques to crazy collectibles to ultra cool modern furnishings and vintage fashions all in a big warehouse facility fitted out to be a convention center. There is a style section for every taste, each overlapping so that you might discover a new passion.

With today’s design trend of mixing old with new this is the place to find the perfect antique accent. Shipping and delivery services are on site.

Admission $15.
Children under 16 free when accompanied by an adult.
On-site paid parking available. For information Stella Show Mgmt. Co. (212) 255-0020; www.stellashows.com.

Search Engines Strategies Conference and Expo
March 17-20, 2008

Learn more about this special annual event which takes place not merely in New York but as well at other spots around the world. Visit this page to get more important details and links.

American Musicals Project Concert Series Continues With Hello Jerry!, A Celebration Of The Tony Winning Author And Lyricist Jerry Herman
The American Musicals Project Concert Series: Hello Jerry!
at the NY Historical Society
March 17, 2008 at 7:00 pm
ADMISSION: $30–$45

Featuring Lee Roy Reams and Karen Mason; Director Lee Roy Rams; Musical Director James Followell; Series Producing Director Pamela Hunt

Christopher Hitchens and Annette Gordon-Reed discuss Thomas Paine’s Rights of Man
Tuesday, March 18 at 6:30 pm
ADMISSION: Non-Members: $15; Students, Educators, and Seniors: $10; Members: $8
Annette Gordon-Reed joins columnist and author Christopher Hitchens in discussion about Thomas Paine’s groundbreaking Declaration of the Rights of Man, as they explore its lasting impact on America’s political and philosophical thought. Tuesday, March 18th at 6:30 p.m. at the New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West at 77th Street. 
Call SmartTix at 212 868-4444 to purchase tickets

2008 NY International Auto Show at the Jacob Javits Convention Center

That's right! Tickets are already available for the 2008 show taking place March 21 - March 30

Visit the main Auto Show page to learn more as well as the photos page to see postings from previous years' shows.