A Wonderful Week of FREE Things!

Free events! Free movies! Free food! Free movies about food! Oh how I love summer...and will love it more when the rain finally ceases. I figured I'd close out the work week with some fun, free things to look forward to in the coming week.

Free Stuff Guide: Jun 13 and beyond
Big Apple Barbeque Block Party
Saturday & Sunday June 13-14
A free event in Madison Square Park, including live jazz and cooking demonstrations, the Big Apple Barbeque Block Party will feature pitmasters from across the nation united to showcase their very best barbequed delights. While the event is free, food will be offered for a minimal price. I'll be there with camera and empty stomach on Sunday. Give me a shout if you're going!

HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival
Every Monday night from June 15 - August 17
A free movie event in Bryant Park, the Summer Film Festival will showcase classic movies every Monday night, starting this coming Monday. Bring your blankets and picnic baskets and set up shop. The films typically start around dusk (8-9pm), and for a bonus you can preorder food from the 'wichcraft kiosk, super chef Tom Colicchio's Craft spinoff. The first film is The Sting, one of my favorite classics starring Robert Redford and Paul Newman (tear). Though it's no Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, who could resist the reuniting of these two quintessential Hollywood stars?

Third Annual Food Film Festival
June 13 through June 19
Could it be that two of my favorite things in this world (food and film) have come together in some sort of alternate perfect universe? And I managed to miss it for the last two years? Apparently the answer is 'yes' on both counts. Filmmakers and foodies collide in this weeklong event, where filmmakers show films they've made...about food! Titles include Mutton: The Movie, Food Cops, and Power of the Peep. (No, I did not make those up). Showing at various locations through the city, screenings will also include free themed food, like clam pie, buttermilk ice cream, and, you guessed it, Peeps. Check their site for full schedule, locations, and food offerings.

Enjoy the week ahead foodies and freebiers! Check back next week for photo, video, and commentary coverage of aforementioned events!