Free Friday Five

Nothing's cheaper than free.
This weekend we bring you...

1. The National, Friday, 8/17, 8:00PM
Seaport Music Festival (South Street Seaport, Pier 17)
Expect crowds at this free Friday night concert -- The National, after a slew of sold-out early summer concerts, doesn't have another show booked until December. Music starts at 6:00PM with Takka Takka, followed at 7:00PM by The Forms.

2. Free Yoga Class, Saturday-Sunday, 8/18-8/19, 8:15AM-10:00AM (times vary)
in various parks throughout the city
What better way to kick off the weekend than with a relaxing outdoor yoga session? Sure, it's not easy to wake up before 9AM on a Saturday morning, but treat yourself to some inner peace, and you'll be blissed out all day. Check Naam Yoga's web site for exact times and locations.

3. Picnic for Peace, Saturday, 8/18, 11:00AM-6:00PM
at Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx
According to the Pelham Bay Peace Association, nearly 70% of Americans oppose the war in Iraq. The group's Picnic for Peace aims to bring together like minds for a peaceful day of food, music and anti-war discussion.

4. Free Music at Rockwood Music Hall, Ongoing
196 Allen Street (between E. Houston and Stanton)
The music at Rockwood is always free -- and almost always -- very good. This bar is small and gets crowded, though, so arrive early in the evening, settle down at a table, and listen all night long.

5. Summergarden at the MOMA, Sunday 8/19, 7:00PM
in the MOMA Sculpture Garden (11 West 53rd Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues
The dog days of August are generally when I start panicking because I haven't taken advantage of all of the amazing shows and movies and events that NYC offers for free in the summer. Case in point: I still haven't been to the MOMA's Sunday night Summergarden, which is ongoing through August 26. Every Sunday night, the museum opens its sculpture garden to the public and hosts live music (this weekend's guests hail from Juilliard).