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There's always something exciting to do and see around the five boroughs that doesn't cost a dime. See our weekly picks below, and visit our calendar and special offers section for more free events.

February 20–26

Wednesday, February 20
Jean-Michel Basquiat
Where: Gagosian Gallery
When: 10am–6pm
Jean-Michel Basquiat is considered one of the most important artists to emerge from the Neo-Expressionist movement. Basquiat's vibrant works typically combined drawing and painting, often utilizing words and bright colors. The human body was among his favorite subjects. Created with a multitude of materials, his work is complex, expressive and layered. A collection of more than 50 creations spanning Basquiat's short career are on view at the Gagosian Gallery on West 24th Street. The exhibition features paintings from public and private collections, including Cassius Clay, a nod to Muhammad Ali, in acrylic and oil stick; and Riding with Death, one of the artist's final and more modest works. Basquiat's paintings will be on display through April 6.

Thursday, February 21
Pete Wentz: Gray
Where: Barnes & Noble – TriBeCa
When: 6pm
On the heels of Fall Out Boy's recent reunion tour announcement, bassist and lyricist Pete Wentz has released a novel, Gray (coauthored by MTV senior writer James Montgomery). Based heavily on Wentz's life and using his writings from the road, Gray addresses the dark side of rock 'n' roll stardom in a narrative that's riddled with trials, tribulations and personal sacrifice. Wentz will be at the Barnes & Noble in TriBeCa to discuss and sign the book. 

Friday, February 22
Winter in the Wild
Where: Prospect Park Audubon Center 
When: 1–3pm
Not all birds fly south for the winter; in fact, those living in Prospect Park find warm shelter during the cold season right here in New York City. Winter in the Wild gives visitors insight into the seasonal happenings and survival tactics of the park's indigenous animals. The outdoor event includes fun games and activities on nature and science topics as well as a guided tour—so be sure to dress appropriately.

Saturday, February 23 
Washington's Birthday Celebration
Where: Morris-Jumel Mansion 
When: 11am–4pm
Bring the whole family to Morris-Jumel Mansion for a day of fun feting George Washington, the first president of the United States, on his birthday. Kids can create cards for Washington, who would be turning 281 years old; participate in a scavenger hunt; and try on colonial-period costumes. If you're interested in eating like the founding father might have, an on-site garden instructor will discuss 18th-century recipes. 

Sunday, February 24 
Photography: Architecture
Where: Fort Totten Park
When: 11am
Fort Totten was built to protect New York City's harbor from Southern insurgency during the Civil War, but was never used for that purpose. Boasting several batteries and a sprawling fortress that spans the coastline, there's much to see and photograph at the historic site. This event gives visitors access to this abandoned fort and its architectural gems, including columns, blue-gray sandstone and granite walls and miles of archways. Bundle up, bring your camera and click away. 

Monday, February 25
Multiples, McSweeney's Quarterly Issue 42 Launch Party
Where: McNally Jackson Books 
When: 7pm
It used to be a little easier to get your work published in McSweeney's Quarterly—when it first began in 1998, the literary journal only accepted work that had been turned down by other publications. That rule has since fallen by the wayside at the journal, which is known for smart, humorous works from fresh, novel voices. Its latest issue, Multiples, features 12 obscure stories from authors including Søren Kierkegaard, Franz Kafka and Daniil Kharms, translated into English by novelists and (naturally) translators who then convert the text into as many as six languages, giving the original text new, strange meaning. McNally Jackson Books is celebrating the release of the issue with a launch party. McSweeney's contributors such as Álvaro Enrigue, Sheila Heti and Julie Orringer will be on hand to read from the issue. 

Tuesday, February 26
Shoe Obsession
Where: Museum at The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)
When: noon–8pm
For some women, shoes are more than just a necessary article of clothing; they are an item to collect, cherish and keep forever. Shoe Obsession features dazzling shoes from designer collections, as well as collectible footwear from shoe lovers like Daphne Guinness and Baroness Monica von Neumann. The exhibition showcases more than 150 contemporary styles from the likes of Azzedine Alaïa, Alexander McQueen, Roger Vivier and Nicholas Kirkwood, plus even more avant-garde designers like Kei Kagami and Noritaka Tatehana. You can look, but please don't touch (or try on). The exhibition runs through April 13.