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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.

November 18–24

Wednesday, November 18
American Beauty: Aesthetics and Innovation in Fashion
Couldn't score a pass to the tents at Bryant Park this fall? Fear not, for the Museum at FIT caters to couture lovers year-round with free exhibits showcasing fashion, textiles and the history of fashion design. Check out the museum's latest exhibition, American Beauty: Aesthetics and Innovation in Fashion, for a look at how the fundamental techniques of dressmaking inspire designers to create wearable works of art. The exhibit, which runs through April 10, features dresses from 25 American designers—ranging from the obscure to the renowned—and spans 100 years of American design.

Thursday, November 19
This Is My Life (Shirley Bassey)
Catch the opening reception for Conrad Ventur's new gallery exhibit. He mounts an audiovisual cacophony featuring Shirley Bassey—overlaying YouTube videos of the singer performing her hit "This Is My Life" at different points in time—creating a poignant tribute to her extensive career. Ventur projects the videos through spinning prisms for a kaleidoscopic effect, telescoping decades of Bassey performances into one unified, rhythmic collision of concert footage. The exhibit runs through December 20.

Friday, November 20
Greek Night at Ammos Estiatorio
Start your weekend with a big fat Greek party at Ammos Estiatorio. Friday nights at 10pm, this high-end restaurant pushes its tables aside, turning the dining room into a dance floor. Patrons—sated by authentic Greek delicacies and cocktails—get funky to the sounds of Olympia and the Mylos All-Star Band. With a set list ranging from traditional Greek folk tunes and classic dance songs to top-40 Greek chart toppers, expect a night filled with resounding cries of "Opa!" from the reveling crowd.

Saturday, November 21
Brooklyn Brewery Tour
You know it's called Brooklyn Brewery, but if you've ever wondered where that tasty lager, India Pale Ale or pilsner actually comes from, just head straight to the source. The brewery, located in Williamsburg since 1996, offers free tours every Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4pm on the hour. Spend about 30 minutes in the brewhouse, discovering the ins and outs of beer production, and wash it all down with a few rounds of your favorite Brooklyn beer at a picnic table in the tasting room.

Sunday, November 22
Boys Night at El Morocco
If you're wondering where the boys are these days, look no further than Harlem hotspot El Morocco, which hosts Boys Night—the weekly party-of-the-moment for uptowners and downtowners alike—every Sunday at 10pm. Boys Night at El Morocco attracts a crowd of fabulous scenesters with its thumping Latin beats, exotic dancers and strong drinks. Though it takes place on Sundays, the party never gets going before midnight—but once you start sweating it out with the boys on the packed dance floor, you'll soon realize that it's worth it to call in sick on Monday.

Monday, November 23
The Half King Reading Series
The Half King—a favorite neighborhood bar and restaurant in Chelsea—hosts a free weekly reading series Monday nights, welcoming celebrated authors, journalists, editors and poets to share their latest works. This week, don't miss William Langewiesche read from his new book, Fly by Wire, an in-depth account of the modern advances to aviation that helped Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger safely land US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River back in January. Langewiesche, Vanity Fair's international correspondent and a National Magazine Award winner, is a pilot himself.

Tuesday, November 24
Free PBR at Lazy Catfish
Tuesday nights, head out to Williamsburg to see for yourself why Milwaukee's gift to beer drinkers deserves that blue ribbon. From 8:30 to 10pm every Tuesday, Lazy Catfish's decidedly un-lazy bartenders dole out free (no, seriously, it's free), unlimited cans and cups of everyone's favorite college brew to thirsty patrons who know that PBR simply tastes better when it's on the house (just don't forget to tip your bartender). After a few rounds, take your quarters to the back room to play some Pac-Man and Big Buck Hunter.