What is your favorite cultural activity that doesn’t cost money?
Daily | November 10th, 2008
Not necessarily fancy, and definitely free…
Carrie says: Book stores and art galleries in any city!
Danielle says: Eat a veggie dog on the steps of the Vancouver Art Gallery and watch the street performers. I also adore the Illuminaries Festival – the lantern parade – that my neighborhood has in the summer.
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November 10th, 2008 at 3:34 am
I'm with Carrie on the art gallery, but it frustrates me that in Vancouver we have to pay to visit our terrible art gallery, while cultural capitals like London have things such as the Tate Modern where there's no charge for admission!
November 10th, 2008 at 3:46 am
It's the Library for me! I can travel the world, explore new science, learn any craft or skill right from our little Town. Any one can jump on the web super highway with access to special data bases paid for by the Library.
The Library is a meeting place; a place of arts/crafts; of meeting authors and it's the first place our kids can learn how to 'be' in our community.
Libraries aren't the stuffy, hear-a-pin-drop kind of places any more. They are vibrant, engaged inclusive places.
They are communal places that are built by and for the community and reflect the community's history and taste.
November 10th, 2008 at 4:20 am
Walking around the old streets of Thission, Plaka, at the foothills of Acropolis. I live in Athens, Greece. You practically walk around history! and we have a lovely – pedestrians only – path of about 6 klm that goes all around the Acropolis hill with street performers.
November 10th, 2008 at 4:58 am
Canyon Road art gallery openings on Friday nights in Santa Fe .
Going to the Indian Pueblos and watching the ancient rain/hunting/war dances they have been doing for hundreds of years. And then being invited into their homes to eat The Feast.
November 10th, 2008 at 5:16 am
Without a doubt that has to be any museum of Art! Specifically the Dutch Old Masters, and any sculpture work by American artists during the 1910's through 1950's.
Joe
November 10th, 2008 at 5:23 am
This is perfect. When I was in my early twenties and in NYC and rather poor, I had such a hill of fun figuring out how to manage and still attend all the cultural events I possibly could.I ushered so I could see shows, worked very part-time for the opera for a few bucks and free opera tickets, I went to gallery openings, and so on. I think now that I started developing some important attributes at that time, including the confidence to go places without feeling inferior, a sense of thinking-outside-of-the-box to make things feasible that seemed otherwise, and a sense of confidence to be a little bold when needed.
November 10th, 2008 at 5:31 am
I love people watching in Central Park, free Fridays at MOMA, walking through the lower east side, and shopping in Chinatown. I guess this is more ethnographic than cultural, but it always makes me realize how lucky I am to live in New York City.
November 10th, 2008 at 5:40 am
The library. Outdoor sculpture in parks. Does perusing antique stores count? Oh– going to student exhibits. Every year my alma mater hosts the senior art shows and you get to go see hundreds of different kinds of artists' work, all in one place. amazing and doesn't cost a thing.
November 10th, 2008 at 5:52 am
I love to walk the streets of any city and appreciate/photograph the amazing architecture.
And 'people-watching' is the best free activity! NEVER a dull moment!!
November 10th, 2008 at 5:53 am
I live in Montreal, and have the joy of many free, outdoor festivals throughout the year. My two favourites are the International Jazz Festival (in July) and the Montreal Highlights Festival (in February).
November 10th, 2008 at 6:03 am
Wandering around little shops in quaint towns. Wandering around quaint towns.
November 10th, 2008 at 7:06 am
The summertime night market in Chinatown; visiting old Italian grocery stores like Tosi's on Main Street and Bosa's on Victoria Drive (not the new one); the Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival in the autumn…..
November 10th, 2008 at 7:15 am
Any place there's books – book stores, libraries, book fairs, readings, book signings (oops – I guess that would cost the price of the book) – you get the idea
November 10th, 2008 at 7:34 am
Blogging. And reading blogs.
Sitting for hours in a library with a stack of potentially great books. Or DVDs!
November 10th, 2008 at 7:38 am
Living in Toronto, we are lucky to have so many interesting/free cultural events throughout the year. The Jazz Festival, Luminato, Nuit Blanche – all of which have free, street-level activities…
November 10th, 2008 at 7:39 am
Book stores for sure.
I love going to a park in the city when they light everything up for Christmas. I'm still in university, so coffee houses are great – you just have to pay for a cup of coffee, if that, and you get to see some great acts.
November 10th, 2008 at 7:40 am
OH! And our downtown library is awesome as well.
November 10th, 2008 at 7:42 am
Read books.
November 10th, 2008 at 7:58 am
Belly dancing (Middle Eastern Dance)! It's free to practice at home and so much fun!
November 10th, 2008 at 9:16 am
Strolling through Farmer's Markets, eating the local homemade goodies and enjoying the people. It's a great family activity on Sundays, and it easy with kids.
http://www.snickerdoodles.typepad.com
November 10th, 2008 at 9:35 am
So true, it's actually cheaper for our clan to get a family membership at the Aquarium than the Art Gallery…that is sad. I do love otters but it would be wonderful to expose my boys to some art as well. I used to work at Kelowna art and admission was by donation making it an easy place for people of all incomes to enjoy.
November 10th, 2008 at 9:41 am
I'm with Carrie — book stores and art galleries! I also love parks, and people-watching in general, just sitting and watching the world go by. Oh, and in the summer — free movies in the park: Bryant Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, etc.
This question makes me realize how incredibly lucky I am to live in NYC, where there are art galleries galore (and so much art showing in non-traditional places!), free MoMA on Friday evenings and the sidewalks are like performance art and a fashion runway all at the same time!
November 10th, 2008 at 9:53 am
In early summer the local symphony has Friday evening concerts in a park 1/2 block from my house. We sit on the steps with a glass of wine, bread and cheese, and listen.
November 10th, 2008 at 10:10 am
Like Frances I am all about the local library. I love just kicking back & relaxing with all the magazines I want at my fingertips. Or browsing 101 menu ideas for my family dinners, lunches, or friendly get togethers. Craft ideas for kids, parenting tips, etc… There is so much to read & explore, and the best thing about it, is if I run out of time, I can take home whatever I didn't get to!
November 10th, 2008 at 10:11 am
Visiting old and soulful houses of worship….
November 10th, 2008 at 10:13 am
I'm with Carrie as well, but with bookstores. I think I started reading in the womb.
November 10th, 2008 at 10:19 am
I live in the middle of nowhere, so I'd have to say “reading design magazines at the drugstore” is my favorite, as in, the only.
November 10th, 2008 at 10:21 am
I dream of those days….and Tent Rocks.
November 10th, 2008 at 10:21 am
Walking the streets of my city–or of any other city. Everything is there: the diversity of style, language, attitude; the smells, the sounds, the architecture; the snippets of conversation overheard, the mini-dramas witnessed. It's instant gallery, live theater and symphony.
November 10th, 2008 at 10:22 am
I'll second that. I'll hang in just about any church for a while if the door is open.
November 10th, 2008 at 10:25 am
Bookstores. Online museums and galleries and fashion shows. My library.
November 10th, 2008 at 10:30 am
YES! i love the spirit of what you're saying. it reminds me of one of my core beliefs, which is: YOU ARE WELCOME EVERYWHERE.
November 10th, 2008 at 10:31 am
The National Gallery of Art in DC. Thank you, US Taxpayers!
And sitting in my living room on Christmas eve, sleeping children upstairs, holding hands with my husband and just looking at the Christmas tree lights. Always a magical moment.
November 10th, 2008 at 11:15 am
Have you been to New York Public library? The smell of knowledge washes over you.
November 10th, 2008 at 11:17 am
I love going to student exhibits too, such bursting talent!
November 10th, 2008 at 11:35 am
It's now on my list of places to see next trip to NYC!
November 10th, 2008 at 11:43 am
Sounds a little weird but I in addition to the solitude of churches, I also visit really old cemeteries like Toronto's Mount Pleasant Cemetery – a virtual tour in history and social comment. AND you don't want to miss then ancient, giant copper beach trees.. worthy of big hugs.
November 10th, 2008 at 11:48 am
The Toronto Reference Library – yummy
Book Stores – any kind
After Dark Walks along streets with really interesting houses, so I can see in the windows – decor, not the people (geez)
People Watching is a lesson in The Human Condition and Anthropology.. love it!
November 10th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Enjoy!
November 10th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
I buy a monthly pass for Toronto Transit, so although it's not “free” it's feels free to hop on the streetcar for no reason at all except to go for a ride and get a tour of other neighborhoods in the city.
Also, The Second City opens their doors after every nightly performance for free while they continue the show with some improv. That is a real treat!
November 10th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
Exploring the sights, sounds, and smells of Toronto's many wonderful neighbourhoods – Little Italy, Leslieville, Summerhill, The Beach…
November 10th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
I love riding on the subways and going into different neighborhoods as well. One day this fall the New Jersey PATH trains were free all day, so my boyfriend and I decided to stop at each station and walk around for a bit!
November 10th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
What a great question. And I love all the answers. It especially made me think about my city and appreciate the idea of wandering the streets and as Sid suggests taking in the smells, architecture, attitudes etc. We have the Forks where we can wander down pathways by the rivers and wander through shops. And even though I live in a small city that is often hard on itself we have our Millenium library and neighbourhoods full of flavour.
November 10th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
I agree, the donation model is a great one. The Tate also has “basic” access for free, with certain new exhibits having an admission charge. I guess that's the real-world equivalent of what us web people call “freemium”…
November 10th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
I just moved, so I haven't had a chance to find the great free places, but when in doubt, a bookstore or library will do it for me every time.
November 10th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
I agree Toronto is fantastic. I lived there a couple of years ago and Nuit Blanche was a favourite of mine, I absolutely loved that experience.
November 10th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
I live in Brisbane, Australia and we have some great stuff you can do for free. Our art gallery is free for general entry and you only pay to visit special exhibitions like Picasso or Andy Warhol. Our Performing Arts Centre has free jazz and other concerts every Friday night over winter. The Powerhouse has free stand up comedy on Sunday evenings. Then there is all the one off events like the Brisbane Festival, River Festival and not to mention all the wonderful things for the whole month leading up to Christmas along the riverfront at Southbank. The local parks have free movies in the parks during school holidays as well especially aimed at families. There is really something for everyone!
November 10th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
I would have to say local bookstores. The chain book stores are nice but I love finding a local bookstore with character. I think it goes without saying that Museums and big libraries can also be cheap entertainment.
November 10th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
the Vancouver Jazz Fest in the summer
November 10th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
That's easy. Right now it is dancing in the streets because Obama won the election! It was fabulous to dance and drum and clap and sing with thousands of my neighbors in the middle of the street. Street parties, and hanging out with neighbors in our community garden is also great. We celebrate lots of holidays together, as well as host free summer music concerts.
November 10th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
Totally agree with Danielle on Illuminares and the Parade of Lost Souls that just happened I think. We need to remember that these “free” events do rely on grants (government and private) and donations so like paying to be entertained by a busker, it's good to pay for the show even when it's free.
November 10th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
I also live in the middle of nowhere, and make time to watch the Sunday afternoon Arts Program on TV, order books from the local public library (which may take a month to arrive) and also order DVD's to treat myself regularly, otherwise life would be very barren for me.
November 10th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
… how could I forget our national public radio, the CBC. Concerts, interviews, artists galore. I ADORE the 'free' public radio and would gladly pay more tax dollars for even more content.
November 10th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
I live in the US. Texas specifically. I thought long and hard about all of the local events that are held in our area each year, all of the art and science museums and other places I like to go. I thought about which ones are free and for the life of me the only free events that I can think of are the Fourth of July Parade and fireworks. I think that's a sad commentary on the state of our community; however, I'm going to spend some time watching more closely for the free cultural opportunities. Maybe if I look harder, I will find some.
November 10th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
Other people's weddings. Ha. Ha.
But in all seriousness, I have a habit of being invited to weddings that are of mixed backgrounds, usually Western meets Eastern. It's very interesting, and usually the speeches are repeated in 2 or 3 different languages, and the food… the introductions… the colors and other symbols… Are all very amazing. Not to mention what happens when you get the in-laws together.
November 10th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Watching Red Sox games with friends! Exploring bookstores like Powell's in Portland. Free movies on summer nights in urban parks like Bryant Park in NYC or the Esplanade in Boston.
November 10th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
I still love to hike in my own back yard, Banff National Park. Never tiring of the sights, smells and sounds. Never tiring of the endless stories from our Native Americans and the first European mountaineers brave enough to climb and name our peaks… majestic, beautiful and cultural… Amen.
November 11th, 2008 at 9:46 am
before gas cost a million dollars, we used to load the car with the kids and the dogs, and just drive..drive over to a neighborhood that we don't live in and then wander around.. and check it all out.. and when the girls were young, on a summer day we'd put the top down on the convertible and then drive them where ever they wanted to go, let them pick the spot.. they loved it..
November 12th, 2008 at 6:49 am
I LOVE going through old cemeteries and looking at the statuary.
November 12th, 2008 at 6:52 am
I knew we had stuff in common from the moment I saw your name posted. My husband has a nickname for me… Weetsie! Close eh?
November 12th, 2008 at 6:58 am
I didn't get the daily Q&A today. Do I need to register again?
Linda Borland-Fitzgerald
Writer11
lrbf@rogers.com
November 12th, 2008 at 7:47 am
Very interesting post. Like many, I enjoy going to bookstores and/or the library. I can literally spend hours just browsing the collections and reading excerpts from books that appear interesting. There's just something about the environment that can't be matched.
November 12th, 2008 at 6:01 am
[...] What Is Your Favorite Cultural Activity That Doesn’t Cost Money? This is one of those articles where the article itself isn’t much but it’s generated a bunch of interesting and useful comments. My favorite? Walking the streets of a town and photographing interesting things (architecture, people, events, etc.). (@ carrie and danielle) [...]
November 12th, 2008 at 9:04 am
Hi Linda,
We just switched over to a new email system for sending out the Daily. Everyone's email address should have been moved over, but it seems that some did not. The best thing to do is to re-subscribe using the sign-up form in the right-hand column on our site. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Dan
November 12th, 2008 at 9:07 am
No problem.. thanks.
November 12th, 2008 at 9:20 am
One of my free activities in Vancouver is to go to the free Vancouver Institute lectures at UBC every Saturday night at 8 pm. From Steven Pinker speaking on his latest book, to visiting Professors speaking about their latest research, to Authors speaking on their writing, the lectures are always interesting – and always free! Here is the link to the Fall 2008 schedule: http://www.psg.com/~ted/vaninst/Vi2008Fall.html
November 12th, 2008 at 9:27 am
Thanks Daniel.. all done.
November 12th, 2008 at 10:03 am
I live in Barbados and for free cultural activity I'd have to say when I'm on a bus, even on routes I've traveled many times, I love staring out the window catching every glimpse of quirky local architecture – from little precariously perched chattel houses to sky-hogging monster hotels – there's always something new to notice. I do this wherever I go once I'm not driving and this is the first time I've realized that while I love being in the drivers seat, I think I love being able to kick back and do this just as much!
November 12th, 2008 at 10:16 am
If you're ever in Providence, RI during the summer, make sure you go to one of the WaterFires. It happens about every other Saturday during the summer months and runs from sunset to just after midnight. The city lights bonfires all along the rivers through the city. It's a great show and there are always local musicians and artists showing off their talents at outside showcases all over the city. If you don't get there early enough to get [free] street parking, park in the Providence Place Mall parking garage, which will cost you $1-$5 for the night [depending on how long you stay].
November 12th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
The college I attend has a small art gallery that anyone can go to for free. They also swap out art fairly often.
November 12th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Salsa dancing with friends by Lake Merritt in Oakland, CA.
November 13th, 2008 at 1:20 am
dancing!
November 13th, 2008 at 10:03 am
The gallery crawls I used to go to in Charlotte, back when I was at college. A whole street of nothing but art galleries, from folk-art to wood sculpture to paintings, photos, and sophisticated glasswork, punk to posh, all in one street, which for that one night each month was packed with artists, art-lovers, and other kindred spirits. There was often an impromptu drum circle at one end, and a bar at the end of the street usually had some band or other playing, and sometimes you could hear music from the bigger concerts in the city, carried on the wind.
November 14th, 2008 at 5:29 am
[...] What Is Your Favorite Cultural Activity That Doesn’t Cost Money? This is one of those articles where the article itself isn’t much but it’s generated a bunch of interesting and useful comments. My favorite? Walking the streets of a town and photographing interesting things (architecture, people, events, etc.). (@ carrie and danielle) Working from Home: What I’ve Learned in 8 Months as a Professional Blogger The stuff J.D. writes about here almost perfectly matches my own experience – and the experience of many people who find a way to work at home with their own microbusiness. (@ get rich slowly) [...]
November 17th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
I also go to the library or free art shows when I can find them.
Fashionable Fun
November 29th, 2008 at 9:38 am
When the weather is nice, I like to sit outside and listen to street musicians. I live in NYC so there are tons of people doing that here. I also like to people watch in the park.