Fun, From Free to Cheap

(Photo: Courtesy of BAM)

COMEDY
Semi-recognizable faces (Aziz Ansari, Todd Berry, Chelsea Pereti) deliver $5 laughs at Rififi (Mon.–Fri. 8 p.m.; 332 E. 11th St., nr. Second Ave.; 212-677-1027).

ART
MoMA’s free Fridays are appallingly crowded. But right next door, the equally free American Folk Art Museum is comparably deserted (45 W. 53rd St., nr. Fifth Ave.; 212-265-1040). Same with the International Center for Photography, a five-minute stroll away (1133 Sixth Ave., at 43rd St.; 212-857-0000).

THEATER
Monday brings the start of the Public Lab at the Public Theater, a series of seven new works by an eclectic group of playwrights, all worthy of sampling for just $10 a seat (425 Lafayette St., nr. Astor Pl.; 212-340-0849).

DANCE
Now through March 1, the “Inbound” dance festival at Joyce Soho features nine companies, two world premieres, and $12 to $20 tickets (155 Mercer St., nr. Houston St.; 212-431-9233).

MUSIC
The BAMcafé stages free live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Drinks could be cheaper, but the strong acts and supper-club ambience are worth it (30 Lafayette Ave., at Ashland Pl., Ft. Greene; 718-636-4139).

Related:

• Archive: “Cover Story”
• Table of Contents: Feb 11, 2008 issue of New York | Subscribe!