• Take a free bite outta New Yorkwelcome to new york image by Earl Robbins from Fotolia.com
  
  Entertainment is available around every corner in the state of New York. Whether you find yourself in the city, the outer boroughs, upstate or in Long Island, New York offers a plethora of free events. Depending on your schedule and preference, it is possible to spend an entire day being entertained in New York without spending a dime. Put on your walking shoes, tickle your funny bone or score a free drink, all without emptying your wallet.
  
  

Comedy Shows

• Throughout New York, many comedy troupes and comedy clubs host free shows for the public. This gives them notoriety and exposure and gives the audience a free laugh or two. While you can book these in advance, it is extremely easy to get a free last-minute ticket. Simply walking down the street near Times Square, if you are in the city, almost guarantees free ticket handouts from local comedy troupes. If you are not in that area, check the Internet for information about free nightly comedy shows (some even offering free food).
  
  While in New York City, visit Upright Citizen's Brigade, where Wednesday nights are always free to the public. The weekly event is called School Night.
  
  Upright Citizens Brigade
  
  307 W. 26th Street
  
  New York, NY 10001
  
  212-366-9176
  
  ucbtheatre.com
  
  

Gallery Showings and Art Exhibits

• On certain nights in New York City and the surrounding boroughs, visitors and locals can take gallery walks or visit art exhibits for free. First-Thursday events in DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), Brooklyn, allow guests to do a gallery walk every first Thursday of the month. Guests pick their own routes and are able to view art exhibits, screenings and live performances.
  
  Other venues, such as Lincoln Plaza, also host free showings seasonally. These events are always open to the public, usually requiring no invite.
  
  DUMBO Culture 411--First Thursdays
  
  freenyc.net
  
  

Concerts

• In New York City, stay close enough to Central Park at night and you can often hear the sweet sound of live music. The same can be said for Rockefeller Plaza during the day. Free concerts are a Manhattan mainstay and fairly easy to attend. During the summer, Central Park is home to Summer Stage, which is free and open to the public and showcases everything from jazz to theater events.
  
  While some larger billed concerts may require a ticket, NBC hosts free outside concerts in Rockefeller Plaza. Register on "The Today Show" website for your free tickets. Featured guests in 2010 include Bruce Springsteen, Marc Anthony and Sara Barailles.
  
  Toyota Concert Series
  
  Rockefeller Plaza
  
  New York, NY 10020
  
  today.msnbc.msn.com