Expose yourself to the world of art on Sundays and at a bargain rate -- free. The Studio Museum in Harlem offers free admission on Sundays. Spend the day exploring works created and designed by artists of African descent. The museum’s permanent collection includes more than 1,700 pieces, including paintings, sculptures, photographs and videos. Make your way to the Upper East Side for a visit to the Frick Collection where, on Sundays, the museum adopts a pay-what-you-can admission policy. Housed inside a sprawling mansion, the museum showcases European sculptures and paintings from the Old Masters, including such heralded artists as Rembrandt, Goya and Vermeer.
Comedy unexpectedly comes alive at the Knitting Factory, the iconic concert venue in Brooklyn. While the venue typically hosts live musical acts on Sunday afternoons, in the evening, the stage showcases stand-up comedians. Big name acts often drop by to test out their material. The show is free to the public. For more laughs, head to the renowned Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre with locations in Chelsea and Brooklyn. Watch up-and-coming comedians participate in fast-paced improv games and skits. The theater hosts multiple shows each night and, while many charge a nominal fee, late-night Sunday shows are free.
While Habana Outpost serves up healthy Cuban and Mexican cuisine, the Brooklyn-based restaurant also provides entertainment. From early May through late October, on Sunday nights, you can grab a chair in the cafe’s courtyard and watch a flick under the stars. The cafe projects popular films onto a nearby wall as diners munch on menu items. If you’re in the mood for live music with your meal, head to B.B. King Blues Club and Grill, just steps from Times Square. Every Sunday afternoon, the restaurant hosts a gospel brunch featuring the famed Harlem Gospel Choir. Sway to the sounds of spirituals as you chow down on hearty Southern cuisine.
Live theater dominates the artistic makeup of New York City, including pricey Broadway shows that run on Sunday nights. Soho Rep, however, provides affordable options with select Sunday performances costing less than a dollar. The experimental theater mounts three shows each season, with an emphasis on original works. Live performances can also be found at the Cake Shop in the Lower East Side. The record store, bar and cafe all rolled into one hosts live musical performances throughout the year, but one Sunday every month, the space also showcases poets who read their work aloud.
