5 Fun Things to do in NYC for $5 – Part II

It’s been a while since we posted our last 5 for $5 NYC Activity Guide, so we scrounged up a few more cheap activities in New York (not an easy feat, we might add). While our last series featured some activities that were a  bit more arts focused, this edition has a bit more punch with horror films, bingo nights and drag queens — isn’t that what summer’s all about?  Check out our second edition of 5 Fun Things to do in NYC for $5.

1. Attend a Show at People’s Improv Theater

Not every single show at the PIT is $5 — there are the occasional $8 and $10 shows (which is still excellent for good improv in the city) — but the majority are $5 and under.  Our top $5 picks are “Sitcom” and the “Comic Book Club“.  PIT also has a nice selection of free shows.  And although they may not be their most top notch performers, you can’t really be that picky when you’re scoring a seat at a free show.  Check out their schedule here for a long list of $5 shows (alongside some free and higher priced options).

2. Coney Island Museum Saturday Film Series

The Coney Island Film Society, along with IndieFilmPage.com and Coney Island, USA, hosts a weekly film series.  Every Saturday, they show a classic horror movie upstairs in the Coney Island Museum.  Tickets are $5 and popcorn is free.  Check out the full summer schedule here.

3. Bingo Night at the Bowery Poetry Club

Wanna kick back for a calm night of bingo playing, hosted by New York’s favorite drag queen, Linda Simpson and comedian/entertainer, Mr. Murry Hill?  Of course you would.  Who wouldn’t?  Every Monday is bingo night at downtown’s Bowery Poetry Club.  Entrance is free, but Bingo cards are $2 each, so you can stick around for two games and not hurt your wallet.  Plus, there are prizes which range from porcelain dancing babies, theater tickets, booze and a cash jackpot.  Find more info here.

4. Open Variety Night at Galapagos Art Space

The first Monday of every month features Keith Bindlestiff’s variety night at the Galapagos Art Space in Brooklyn.  Specifically featuring “jugglers, hoofers, magicians, aerialists, physical comedians, opera singers, violin playing pogo stickers, steppers, [and] acrobats”, the Open Variety Night is “dedicated to New York City’s variety, vaudeville, aerial, and circus artists”.  You can find more information here and here.

5.  Forgotten NY Tours

Ever wanted to dig into the city’s deep history with a smart, insightful tour guide without ponying up $30 for some overrated touristy tour?  Forgotten NY is the place for you.  With previous tours showcasing the Prospect Park, Greenwood Cemetery, and Southern Central Park, Kevin Walsh typically hosts around 6-7 tours a year with tickets at $5.  Although there haven’t been any 2009 tours as of yet (he’s been recovering from heart surgery), there are a few in the works.  Check out previous tours here and keep watch on the homepage for the next tour to be announced.

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