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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.

May 15–21

Wednesday, May 15
Mary-Kay Lambino: The Polaroid Years: Instant Photography and Experimentation
Where: New York Public Library, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
When: 6–8pm
Polaroid all but disappeared a few years ago when the company permanently ceased production of its iconic instant cameras and film. Panic quickly ensued among photographers, analog enthusiasts and young urban bohemians. Thankfully, The Impossible Project saved the day when the new company (founded by a small team of former Polaroid employees) secured the rights to the production process and Polaroid's own factory and started selling the sought-after film again. Author and curator Mary-Kay Lambino's The Polaroid Years: Instant Photography and Experimentation, the accompanying book to an exhibition of the same name, captures the distinct feeling of America's obsessive adoration of those boxy plastic cameras and the iconic, ethereal white-bordered photos they produce. The volume also includes Polaroid photos by Ansel Adams, Andy Warhol, Chuck Close, Walker Evans, Robert Mapplethorpe and many other fine-art legends. Lambino will be joined by David Levinthal and William Wegman for a discussion of Polaroid's fascinating history and will later sign copies of the book.

Thursday, May 16
Audiophile: Midnight Magic and Teengirl Fantasy
Where: Brooklyn Museum
When: 7pm
Brooklyn Museum has long supported up-and-coming musicians by presenting live performances to the public. This spring, its Audiophile series continues that tradition, with buzz-worthy local acts performing for free throughout the season. On Thursday night, Midnight Magic takes the stage, bringing their funky psychedelic disco jams for a night of chill grooves. Don't miss your chance to catch the band for free (museum admission is by suggested donation) just before they headline a show on May 18 at Music Hall of Williamsburg. Also on the bill that evening: synthpop duo Teengirl Fantasy.

Friday, May 17
Party Like It's 1999: Saved By the May Edition
Where: The Bell House
When: 11pm–3am
If you miss the '90s as much as we do (which, to be honest, might not be possible), put on your best Kelly Kapowski belly shirt or AC Slater wig, grab your giant cell phone and head to The (Saved By the) Bell House to party like it's 1999 (or should that be 1993?). It's hard to believe it was exactly 20 years ago, to the week, that Zack and the gang graduated from Bayside High and said farewell to us after years of harebrained high jinks and heartwarming moral lessons. Dress up and dance the night away to the best of '90s pop, rock and hip-hop in honor of this timeless TV classic. Go, Tigers!

Saturday, May 18
Art Museum Day 
Where: multiple locations
When: museum hours
It isn't every day that some of the most esteemed art museums in one of the cultural capitals of the world open their doors to the public free of charge. In fact, Art Museum Day, brought to you by the Association of Art Museum Directors, is taking place on May 18 in almost every state across America. In NYC, get free or discounted admission to Asia Society, The Bronx Museum of the Arts, Brooklyn Museum, The Drawing Center, The Frick Collection, Grey Art Gallery, The Jewish Museum, The Museum of Modern Art, The Morgan Library & Museum, The Noguchi Museum, The Studio Museum in Harlem and the Whitney Museum of American Art. Many of these institutions will also be offering special programming, exhibitions and deals for the celebration.

Sunday, May 19
Summer on the Hudson: 10th Annual Mamapalooza Outdoor Extravaganza
Where: Riverside Park South
When: 11am–5pm
Now in its 10th year, this shindig celebrates mamas everywhere. But don't get it confused with that other day for mothers; this raucous tribute to moms, especially those who break the mold, is basically the anti-brunch. This year, the fun festivities at Pier I include a whole lineup of rock bands featuring mothers (and some kiddos), mom comedy (or "Momedy") by Nancy Lombardo, plus poetry readings, film screenings, food and more. The rockin' festival is family friendly, but definitely not for the faint of heart.

Monday, May 20
The Pop Object: The Still Life Tradition in Pop Art
Where: Acquavella Galleries
When: 10am–5pm
This gallery show collects material objects and highlights their prominent roles in the historical canon of pop art. From Andy Warhol's famous Campbell's soup cans to Roy Lichtenstein's Still Life with Goldfish, physical objects and products from popular brands were transformed from ordinary items into fine-art icons thanks to their cameos in the works of these groundbreaking masters. The exhibition, taking place at Acquavella Galleries through May 24, includes more than 75 pieces by luminaries like Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg, Marisol, Jeff Koons, Vija Celmins, Claes Oldenburg, Marjorie Strider and, of course, Warhol and Lichtenstein.

Tuesday, May 21
Bryant Park Tai Chi
Where: Bryant Park
When: 7:30–8:30am
Start your day centered and invigorated with a gentle but powerful morning workout in Bryant Park. Members from the Tai Chi Chuan Center lead you through a series of slow movements designed to get your body's energy flowing smoothly. This Chinese martial art may date as far back as the 10th century. Tai chi has been called "meditation in motion" for its relaxing effect and has been known to reduce stress, lower blood pressure and help with a variety of other health conditions. The hour-long class takes place at the Fountain Terrace and is open to participants of all ages and experience levels.