New York's "NYC: The Real Deal" campaign promises major savings for tourists (and locals who don't mind putting on their tourist disguises) this fall. It's such an embarrassment of riches, you could feel a bit paralyzed looking at all the deals—but there are four we're definitely checking out:

Comix Comedy Club (353 W. 14th St.):
Apply your 15 percent ticket discount to "The Daily Show And Friends" October 28 (featuring your favorite correspondents trying out their too hot for TV stuff) or Craig Robinson of "The Office" (Nov. 19-21). ]]> egw 2009-10-13T12:53:36-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/10/13/23855/004

Gleeks and other theater nerds will be thrilled to know that they can catch complimentary shows in more than 120 cities across the country on October 15, the designated Free Night of Theater. But theater newbies benefit, too. They get a chance to dip their feet in the theater pool instead of having to dive right in and become full-fledged patrons of the arts.

The fifth annual Free Night aims to expose theater to the masses, especially those demographics that are typically underrepresented in theater audiences. It's the perfect time to try out a new company that you've been meaning to see or one that you've never even heard of. Offerings include everything from experimental companies to musical-theater troupes, and ballet companies to classical music concerts.]]> Jennifer Kester 2009-10-13T10:33:37-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/8/13/13563/6550

'Tis the season for stadium shows, reunion tours, and outdoor festivals, but with ticket prices sometimes looming in the hundred-dollar range, even the prospect our seeing some of our all-time favorite acts isn't enough to coax out our credit cards. In these lean times, we're in search of the best deals, not the best laser light extravaganzas, so it's that splendid word—"free"—that chimes like music to our ears.

Zero-dollar entertainment can be found from coast-to-coast, from classy classical to celebrated jazz and blues artists. Below, we take you from West to East in search of worthwhile free music experiences. We can't promise synchronized dancing, but you will get a heavy dose of culture.

Jaunted's Nationwide Guide to Free Music Events:]]> Heidi Atwal 2009-08-14T12:24:34-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/7/1/173258/6173

Think of it as your own personal culture oasis: New York's Museum of Modern Art becomes a Brazilian celebração Thursday nights in July starting today.

The museum opens occasionally at night for us non-major donors, but "MoMA Thursday Nights" will add live musical performances and a cash bar to Thursdays between 5:30 and 8:45 for the same price as a regular entrance. August's musical guests will focus on China in conjunction with a special multimedia exhibit on the second floor.

Given New York's recent ark-building-motivating weather, outdoor concerts are a bit dicey, but you can always flood back into the museum and wile away the hours in the galleries—you'll just have to leave that cocktail behind.

Resident tip: If you live in New York and dream of going to all four parties, shell out for a membership; $75 will get you in free those four nights and the rest of the year. Dual members, defined as "two people receiving mail at the same address," will make it up even faster, earning back a $120 membership in just three Thursday trips. That card will come in handy for the colder nights, too, since it gets you into MoMA's movies for free.

Related Stories:
· What Not To Do: Paris Loses a Picasso [Jaunted]
· Computer-Chair Travel: Taking In Museums Through the Flickr Commons [Jaunted]
· Museums coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: ogil] ]]> egw 2009-07-02T09:02:21-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/6/16/92053/3254

As far as New York City tourism goes, we're starting to think this whole outer-boroughs-are-the-new-inner-borough thing might be for real, because even one of Manhattan's stodgiest tourist attractions is getting in on the Brooklyn and Queens love.

Circle Line, the iconic green-white-and-red cruise line that has been shuttling visitors on circumnavigations of Manhattan since 1945, is adding two new ships to their fleet this week: Circle Line Brooklyn and Circle Line Queens. The ships will still take the same route—no full circles of Long Island or anything—but the company is acknowledging that visitors are now just as excited about seeing Brooklyn and Queens from the outdoor deck as they are for the Manhattan skyline.

On Saturday, June 20, Circle Line is welcoming the new ships by throwing a block party on the river. Starting at 10:30am, Circle Line will transform Pier 81 (at West 41st street) into a 1940s-style carnival, complete with jugglers, stilt-walkers, a dunk tank, and—most enticing to us—free cruises to the Statue of Liberty.

When they launch a Circle Line Staten Island, then we'll know Manhattan is really in trouble.

Related Stories:
· Circle Line [Official Site]
· Race You To The Top: Statue of Liberty's Crown Tickets Available Saturday [Jaunted]
· The Simple Pleasures of Life: Pedal Boating in Prospect Park [Jaunted]

[Photo: lemoncat1] ]]> BS 2009-06-16T11:57:12-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/6/14/213618/530

New York City may not be the first location that comes to mind when you think "tropical vacation," but for those who don't mind sandy strolls lacking the exotic, the Big Apple is fast becoming the worldwide leader in faux beaches.

Already featuring three locations of Water Taxi Beach, NYC will be trucking in yet another sandy lot this Sunday for the one-time-only Tel Aviv Beach in NYC event.

As part of the city of Tel Aviv's 100th anniversary celebration, organizers will bring a slice of the Mediterranean to Manhattan, putting together a 1,300-square-foot beachfront by the bandshell in Central Park. The beach vibe will come complete with backgammon and paddle ball (omnipresent activities along the Tel Aviv shore), while sunbathers will be serenaded with live Israeli music and a midday DJ set pumping out Euro club hits.

And for those who aren't quite sated by Israel-on-NY, representative of El Al will be on hand offering special airfare deals. L'chaim!

Related Stories:
· The Tel Aviv Beach in NYC [Official Site]
· Marathon on the Mediterranean [Jaunted]
· Where Does Bar Refaeli Dine When She's Home in Tel Aviv? [Jaunted]

[Photo: shyb] ]]> BS 2009-06-15T09:02:11-05:00 40.7826810 -73.964770 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/6/10/154045/188

Crack your knuckles and get your typing fingers at the ready for this Saturday, when reservations for the soon-to-reopen State of Liberty crown become available. This will be the first time the public will be allowed back up in Lady Liberty's head since 9/11, and the park service isn't taking this lightly. There are some major limitations and stipulations if you're game to go.

Only about 254 people will be able to climb her everyday, meaning groups of 10 about three times an hour. On top of that, the crown is opening on July 4, meaning that its first few months of visitors will just love the fact that the interior of the statue can be up to 20 degrees warmer than the outside. ]]> JetSetCD 2009-06-10T15:58:47-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/