free things to do in New York City
Free events for Monday, 05/16/16
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Free Events, Free Things to Do in New York City!  Read More

Are you looking for free things to do in New York City (NYC) on May 16, 2016?

45 free events take place on Monday, May 16 in New York City. Don't miss the opportunities that only New York provides! Exciting, high quality, unique and off the beaten path free events and free things to do take place in New York today, tonight, tomorrow and each day of the year, any time of the day: whether it's a weekday or a weekend, day or night, morning or evening or afternoon, December or July, April or November! These events will take your breath away!

New York City (NYC) never ceases to amaze you with quantity and quality of its free culture and free entertainment. Check out May 16 and see for yourself. Summer or Winter, Spring or Fall! Just click on any day of the calendar above and you'll find most inspiring and entertaining free events to go to and free things to do on each day of May . Don't miss the opportunities that only New York provides!

Some events take place all year long: same day of the week, same time there are there for you to take advantage of. One of the oldest free weekly events in Manhattan is Dixieland Jazz with the Gotham Jazzmen, which happen at noon every Tuesday. Another example of an event that you can attend all year round on weekdays is Federal Reserve Bank Tour, which takes place every week day at 1 pm (but advanced reservations are required). You can take at least 13 free tours every day of the year, except the New Year Day, July 4th, and the Christmas Day. If you are classical music afficionado, you can spend whole day in New York going from one free classical concert to another. If you love theater, then New York gives you an option to attend plays and musicals free of charge, or at deep discount. You just need to have information about it. And we are here to make that information available to you.
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The quality and quantity of
free events,
free things to do
that happen in New York City
every day of the year
is truly amazing.

So don't miss the opportunities
that only New York provides:
stop wondering what to do;
start taking advantage of
free events to go to,
free things to do in NYC
today!

45 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Monday, May 16, 2016

All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Editor's Picks

free events nyc 18th Annual Tribeca Art Walk
free events nyc Ingmar Bergman's The Magic Flute (1975): Oscar-Nominated Mozart Adaptation
More Editor's Picks for 05/16/16
        

Birdwatching | Spring Birding Tour


Go birding! Discover the surprising diversity of birds that call the park home during migratory season with guided tours. The location is a hotspot for avian visitors and birders alike. Past sightings include warblers, tanagers, vireos, thrushes, and even a Chuck-will's-widow.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 am
Free

City Walk | Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights and Dumbo Tour


This is a 3-hour tour that begins with a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge, an icon of New York City for over 125 years, with spectacular views of Manhattan and Brooklyn. The tour then moves on to a stroll of Brooklyn Heights, America’s and New York City’s first suburb. The tour then explores the neighborhood DUMBO before ending at the Fulton Ferry landing. This tour takes place every day at 10am.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

Tour | Downtown Manhattan 3-Hour Tour


The 3-hour walking and subway tour covers the Financial District including Wall Street and the World Trade Center, SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown. These are neighborhoods that simply can’t be fully appreciated from a bus. There will be one or two opportuniti​es to sample tasty treats.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

Tour | Lower Manhattan Tour


It is here, as much as anywhere, where American history started. It's where the first US Congress assembled and produced the Bill of Rights and where President George Washington took his first oath of office. It's here where the world's most important stock exchange and one of the most famous bridges stand. And it is here where an unspeakable tragedy took place and where a rebirth is underway. Tour takes place Mondays and Fridays.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

Tour | Lower Manhattan, Chinatown, Little Italy and SoHo Tour


A multi-neighborhood tour of the Lower Manhattan area. The tour begins on Wall Street, where you will see the New York Stock Exchange and Trinity Church before moving on the the World Trade Center and City Hall. We then move on by subway to visit the largest Chinatown in the United States. Following Chinatown, the tour will continue on through Little Italy and on to SoHo.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

Tour | New York One-Day Tour


Don't have enough time to take all of the tours? Prefer to experience Manhattan with a smaller group, but a private booking is out of reach? Then consider our All-in-One New York Tour. This tour utilizes your feet and the New York City Subway to transport you from Lower Manhattan, the birthplace of New York, through Wall St and the Financial District, the World Trade Center, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Chinatown, Little Italy, Chelsea Market and the Highline Park. Tour takes place Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

Tour | SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown Tour


You've seen the iconic skyscrapers, attended a Broadway show, visited Lady Liberty and relaxed in Central Park. Looking for a little more of the Big Apple? Maybe it's time to visit some of Manhattan's oldest and most enchanting historic districts. Take a relaxing stroll through SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

Festival | 18th Annual Tribeca Art Walk


Experience a behind-the-scenes look at artists and their workspaces. Since 1995, some of Manhattan’s finest artists have opened their work spaces to the public to take a free, self-guided tour. TriBeCa Open Artist Studio Tour attendees are able to visit the artists, view their work and buy art directly from the source. This is a rare insight into the inner working of the artist studio. TOAST is a celebration of the creative community of TriBeCa. Takes place May 13-16.
   New York City, NY; NYC
1:00 pm
Free

Festival | 20th Annual Tribeca Art Walk


Experience a behind-the-scenes look at artists and their workspaces. Since 1995, some of Manhattan’s finest artists have opened their work spaces to the public to take a free, self-guided tour. TriBeCa Open Artist Studio Tour attendees are able to visit the artists, view their work and buy art directly from the source. This is a rare insight into the inner working of the artist studio. TOAST is a celebration of the creative community of TriBeCa.
   New York City, NY; NYC
1:00 pm
Free

Tour | Federal Reserve Bank Tour


Learn about central banking functions that Federal Reserve System performs and see Bank's vault of international monetary gold on bedrock of Manhattan Island, five stories below street level. Learn why Federal Reserve has "Federal" in its name, while it's a private bank, not Federal at all. Tour times: 1:00pm, 2:00pm. This tour takes place Mondays through Fridays, except bank holidays.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Tour | Greenwich Village Neighborhood Tour


Greenwich Village is among Manhattan's most desirable and expensive residential neighborhoods. It's history, however, betrays it's monied status. The Village, with it's quiet, shaded streets, lined with lovely brick and brownstone townhouses, was once the incubating ground of artistic, social and political movements that have helped shape US history. From the Beats to the Folk Movement, from workers rights to gay rights, the Village has often been the center of it all.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Tour | Harlem Tour


Although world famous, Harlem may be New York's best kept secret with some of the city's best architecture, food, music and people. Harlem's history is also one of the city's most dramatic, having gone through many ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic changes over the past roughly 400 years, which have resulted in a diverse array of places of worship, theaters, homes and eating establishments. This tour takes place Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays at 2pm, and Saturdays at 10am.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Other | Nature Sanctuary Open Hours


During these limited hours, visitors can explore the normally closed sanctuary at their own pace along the rustic trail. See how the conservancy has restored this native woodland garden for birds and other wildlife. The wood-chipped trail is uneven; please wear appropriate shoes. This ecosystem is a protected area and home to many flora and fauna. No groups, dogs, bikes, or strollers. Free and self-guided. Space is limited.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Tour | SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown Tour


You've seen the iconic skyscrapers, attended a Broadway show, visited Lady Liberty and relaxed in Central Park. Looking for a little more of the Big Apple? Maybe it's time to visit some of Manhattan's oldest and most enchanting historic districts. Take a relaxing stroll through SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Screening | Talks on Film: Patti Smith, Rock Veteran


Patti Smith is the author of Just Kids, which won the National Book Award in 2010, and of five collections of poetry. Her seminal album Horses has been hailed as one of the top 100 albums of all time. In 2005, the French Ministry of Culture awarded Smith the title of Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres; she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Discussion | The Internet as Art and Politics


A debate on the politics and art of the Web, as two literary stars of Net-thinking, Virginia Heffernan and Scott Malcolmson, unveil much-anticipated books: Heffernan's Magic and Loss: The Internet as Art and Malcomson's Splinternet: How Geopolitics and Commerce Are Fragmenting the World Wide Web.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free

Author Reading | Anthony Abeson discusses his book Acting 2.0: Doing Work That Gets Work in a High-Tech World


Abeson will discuss and sign copies of his new book, in addition to a mini-workshop. The event will be followed by a launch party.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free

Concert | Inevitable Music: A Soundscape by the French Composer Sébastien Roux


This soundscape, created by translating Sol LeWitt’s instructions for wall drawings into a layered electronic score, will highlight the link between drawing and musical notation that is visible in a number of works collected by LeWitt.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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4:30 pm
Free

Symposium | Lillian Wald Symposium: Can We End Homelessness?


Steven Banks, New York City Commissioner of the Human Resources Administration, will deliver the keynote address. Panelists include Stephen Levin, New York City Council Member and chair of the General Welfare Committee; Christine Quinn, President and CEO of WIN; and Ethan Sribnick, Ph.D., co-author of The Poor Among Us: A History of Family Poverty and Homelessness in New York City.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free

Concert | Student Recitals


Amy Wang, clarinet 5:00 pm Jihwon Na, cello 7:00 pm Jessica Tsang, percussion 8:00 pm
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free

Author Reading | Åsne Seierstad discusses her book One of Us: The Story of Anders Breivik and the Massacre in Norway


On July 22, 2011, Anders Behring Breivik detonated a bomb outside the Norwegian prime minister’s office in central Oslo, killing eight people. He then moved to a youth camp on the wooded island of Utøya, where he killed 69 more, most of them teenage members of the country’s governing Labour Party. Åsne Seierstad examines violent extremism and how a society copes with homegrown evil in this definitive story of the terrible day and its reverberations, still felt today.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Lecture | Astrology: guidance to wellness


Astrological coach Lisa Karmen will inform your mind, vitalize your body and empower your spirit. The symbolism and language of astrology is a powerful tool on the journey of wellness.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Screening | Concert on Film: The Villalobos Brothers


Masterfully blending the indigenous rhythms and melodies of their native Veracruz, Mexico with the intricate harmonies of jazz and classical music, The Villalobos Brothers deliver an intoxicating brew of musical brilliance, cadence and virtuosity that awakens the senses as it redefines the notions behind Latin music. After the screening, special guests: members of the Villalobos Brothers will talk about their music and giving back to the community.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Gallery Talk | Curator's Tour: Odessa: Babel, Ladyzhensky and the Soul of a City


Tour the museum’s newest exhibition, exploring the vital creative character and dramatic social context of pre- and post-revolutionary Odessa, Ukraine (formerly Russia) through the work of two of the city’s most important artists - the writer Isaac Babel and the painter Yefim Ladyzhensky.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Tour | High Line Tour


The area around the High Line Park was a vital business district of New York City, supplying fresh fruits, French Cheeses and Russian caviar as well as fresh meats to City markets. The hustle and bustle of the streets induced the City to elevate the railroad trains delivering goods to the commercial buildings. When interstate truck traffic made the railway outdated, it fell into ruin, only to be regenerated as a park.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Film | Ingmar Bergman's The Magic Flute (1975): Oscar-Nominated Mozart Adaptation


Stars: Ulrik Cold, Josef Köstlinger, Irma Urrila. The Queen of the Night offers her daughter Pamina to Tamino, but he has to bring her back from her father and priest Sarastro. She gives a magic flute to Tamino and magic bells to the bird hunter Papageno, who follows Tamino and wants to find a wife. The duo travels in a journey of love and knowledge. 135 min. In Swedish with English subtitles.
   New York City, NY; NYC
6:00 pm
Free

Concert | Michael Nicolas, Cellist


Program: Mario Davidovsky Synchronisms No. 3 (1964) Annie Gosfield Four Roses ...and a Five-Spot (1997/2015) David Fulmer Speak of the Spring (2015) Jaime E. Oliver flexura (2015) John Zorn Bagatelles (2015) Cellist Michael Nicolas enlists some of his longtime collaborators, including composer Annie Gosfield, to bring this repertoire to Miller audiences. This Pop-Up explores the cello in relation to electronics and computer music, pairing one of the most traditionally classical instruments with its singularly contemporary counterpoint.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Reading | Rx: Literature - A Reading to Celebrate Bellevue Literary Review’s 30th Issue


Four contributing authors from the issue will read their work in one of the most unique venues for great literature in New York City. The readers: Sonni Aun, Katy Lederer, Susanna Nguy, Adam Young.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Park Walk | The High Line Tour


The area around the High Line Park was a vital business district of New York City, supplying fresh fruits, French Cheeses and Russian caviar as well as fresh meats to City markets. The hustle and bustle of the streets induced the City to elevate the railroad trains delivering goods to the commercial buildings. When interstate truck traffic made the railway outdated, it fell into ruin, only to be regenerated as a park. Join the High Line Tours and discover New York’s most exciting new park and learn about the history of the Meatpacking District as well as Chelsea and it’s wonderful market. They’ll show you the unique architecture and cutting edge art that is a part of and surrounds the High Line, but you really should come for the awesome views. Tour takes place Mondays.
   New York City, NY; NYC
6:00 pm
Free

Author Reading | Ilija Trojanow reads from his book The Lamentations of Zeno


German-Bulgarian novelist and travel writer Ilija Trojanow talks about and reads from his novel, a gripping story about climate disaster and a scientist imploding on a journey to the Antarctic.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free

Workshop | Trivia Night


Come and test your knowledge in a challenging though entertaining 30 question trivia quiz. There are questions and categories for all comers, spanning subjects from Music and Movies to New York History, Sports, Literature and others in between. Individuals and teams welcome. Bring your friends and be prepared to have a good time. Trivia Master Chris Vaccari is a New York-based trivia host with the answers to (almost) all of your questions. He has hosted fun-filled trivia events in the Tri-State area since 2007.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free

Talk | An evening with Natan Sharansky, one of the greatest Jewish voices of his generation


As chairman of the Jewish Agency, he speaks with great authority on a panoply of issues and Israel-related topics, including religious pluralism, the unity of the Jewish people and the challenges of being chairman of the largest Jewish global organization in the world. Mr. Sharansky is also Deputy PM in several Israeli governments, founder of the political party Yisra’el B’Aliya, recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal and Presidential Medal of Freedom, and a human rights activist.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Author Reading | Angie Martinez reads from her book My Voice


Angie Martinez is the “Voice of New York.” Now, for the first time, she candidly recounts the story of her rise to become an internationally celebrated hip hop radio icon.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Author Reading | Barbara Brecht-Donsky reads from her book Veronica's Grave: A Daughter's Memoir


Confronted with the mysterious disappearance of her mother, this captivating coming of age memoir recounts a young woman's journey of self discovery while confronting dark family secrets. Eliciting the sights and sounds of a bygone era growing up in the Bronx, Veronica's Grave offers a nostalgic portrait of an extraordinary life.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Author Reading | Mark Green reads from his book Bright, Infinite Future: A Generational Memoir on the Rise of Progressive Patriotism


Blending historical, biographical and political, multifaceted author Mark Green shows how a rising tide of minority and millennial voters and the contrast between recent presidencies are leading to a new era of "Progressive Patriotism" built on four cornerstones: an Economy-for-All, Democracy-for-All, Compact on Race and Justice, and Sustainable Climate.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Performance | The People Speak: Ireland - Featuring Ciarán Hinds, Stephen Rea, Amber Tamblyn, and Others


The People Speak: Ireland will bring to life, through words and song, the dramatic history of political struggle and protest in Ireland and beyond, from its earliest history to the present day. Featuring actors Stephen Rea, Saoirse Ronan, Steve Earle, Ciarán Hinds, Amber Tamblyn, Brian Jones, Geoffrey Arend, Geraldine Hughes, Griffin Dunne, Marin Ireland, Mercedes Ruehl, Williams Rossa Cole and musicians Ivan Goff, Susan McKeown, Isabelle O'Connell and Old Hannah, with other guests to be announced.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:00 pm
Free

Discussion | Transgression: Writing On the Edge of the Acceptable


An author panel featuring Eloisa James, Damon Suede, CS Pacat, Ellen Kushner, Sarah Rees Brennan, and Marie Rutkoski speak on crossing expected boundaries of genre.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Talk | Cynthia Nixon, Tony- and Emmy-Winning Actress


Sarah Steele (The Good Wife, Broadway’s The Humans) sits down with th Sex and the City actress for an illuminating conversation on craft, creativity, and career.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:30 pm
Free

Concert | ECCO Orchestra performs works by Mozart, Elgar, Britten


Program: Mozart Adagio and Fugue in C minor, K. 546 Pierre Jalbert (b. 1967) new work Elgar Serenade for Strings Britten String Quartet No. 2, op. 36 The season closes with the ever-elevating ECCO, an "exciting conductor-less band of strings" made up of top soloists, orchestra principals, and ensemble performers from around the country (New Yorker). Their unique blend of "tonal radiance" and total "commitment" (New York Times) is unforgettable. Hear why this "passionate and refined" ensemble (Washington Post) always brings audiences to their feet.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free

Tour | Ghosts on Broadway Tour


For some performers, the show must go on… even after death! The Ghosts on Broadway Tour, led by a veteran New York City talent agent, will introduce you to these notorious theater legends who appear after the lights go dim. You’ll hear about the Broadway impresario who haunts the theater that bears his name. His apparition shows up on opening nights to congratulate the cast or “pinch” the leading ladies’ bottom. Jazz age parties are heard almost nightly from his long abandoned apartment over his theater.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free

Dance Performance | Senior Dance Production


Senior Dance Production is the culmination of a year-long creative and educational process focused on self-producing a showcase of original work.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free

Dance Performance | Dance Works-in-Progress


A high visibility, low-tech forum on Monday nights. Movement Research at the Judson Church supports experiments in performance rather than finished products. Artists are selected by a rotating committee of peer artists. With: Alex Escalante, Ainesh Madan, Mor Mendel, Nami Yamamoto
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free

Performance | Nicky Sunshine's 'Time to Shine Monday' Comedy/Variety Show


Actress/standup comic Nicky Sunshine ("Platanos and Collard Greens," Black Women In Comedy showcase at Tribeca PAC) brings an awesome lineup of performers to her ongoing weekly comedy/variety show.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
No cover...

Comedy Club | Cthulhu Comedy Show


Lineup: Russell Hamilton, Ray Kump, Bryan Yang, Missy Baker, Noah Savage, Evan Williams Host: Travis Carl
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:00 pm
No cover...

Concert | Singers Space


Hosted by D'Ambrose Boyd with David Pearl at the piano. Where New York's finest professional and aspiring singers come to sing their favorites and hear their peers perform before an intimate audience.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:00 pm
Free
Complimentary Tickets

to shows, concerts ... (CFT Deals!)

Classical Music | Choral Work by Haydn and More at a Landmark Venue

Regular Price: $59
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Play | A Play About a Famous Artist

Regular Price: $35
CFT Member Price: $0.00
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