Free classes

Introduction to Bird-Watching
The National Audubon Society classifies Prospect Park as an Important Birding Area, for the many species, like warblers and robins, that migrate through. Learn how to spot them on these open walks; binoculars are provided. Prospect Park Audubon Center, Ocean Ave at Lincoln Rd, Prospect–Lefferts Gardens, Brooklyn (718-287-3400, ext 114; prospectpark.org/audubon). Sat noon–1:30pm.

Jazz for Curious Listeners
Know your Satchmo from your Bird after attending these walk-in lectures, which teach both new and serious fans how to listen to the genre. Jazz Museum in Harlem, 104 E 126th St between Park and Lexington Aves, suite 2C (212-348-8300, jazzmuseuminharlem.org). Tue 7–8:30pm.

Capoeira in the Park
Wear sweats and prepare to get almost kicked while learning this beautiful Brazilian dance, which conceals martial-arts techniques in acrobatic movements. Socrates Sculpture Park, 32-01 Vernon Blvd at Broadway, Long Island City, Queens (718-956-1819, socratessculpturepark.org). Sat noon–1:30pm, Through Sept 19.

Writing classes
Taught by practicing writers, the Gotham Writers’ Workshop’s hour-and-a-half-long minilectures and writing exercises can help jump-start your memoir or screenplay. A series of outdoor classes will be held in Bryant Park later this summer. Gotham Writers’ Workshop (212-974-8377, writingclasses.com).

Big City Fishing
Environmental educators answer questions about the Hudson’s history and ecology (pollution yes, monsters no), while anglers of all sizes catch (and release) eels, bluefish and plastic bags. Reels and bait are provided; bring your own patience. Hudson River Park: Pier 46, Charles St at the Hudson River; Pier 84, W 44th St at the Hudson River (212-627-2020, hudsonriverpark.org). Tue-Fri (starting in July), Sat, Sun 10am-4:30pm. Through Labor Day.

Self-defense
Emphasizing street smarts, these open beginner classes teach the chokes, holds and headlocks to use when you can’t avoid trouble. Mkekado School of Karate Kickboxing & Self-Defense, 33-50 82nd St between Northern Blvd and 34th Ave, second floor, Jackson Heights, Queens (646-335-6465, mkdkarate.com). Wed 7:30–8:30pm.

Biking and bike commuting
Whether you need to learn to balance or how to cruise Broadway safely, Bike New York can show you the way. The group’s course roster (including Savvy Cyclist and Learn to Ride for both kids and adults) will make you confident on two wheels. 212-932-2453, bikenewyork.org.

Crafts
Etsy Labs hosts weekly Craft Nights for designy types of all skill levels. Project demos are held throughout the evening and materials are provided, so you can drop in anytime (or if you’re really lazy, stay home and watch online). The last Monday of every month is an open craft night for working on personal projects or starting a new one with Etsy’s tools and spare materials. Upcoming themes: paper puppets (Monday 8) and crochet (June 15). Etsy Labs, 325 Gold St at Johnson St, third floor, Downtown Brooklyn (718-855-7955, etsy.com/storque/search/title/etsy-labs-craft-night). Mon 4–8pm.

Composting
Under the banner of the Department of Sanitation, these workshops teach waste management and how to set up and apply compost to your garden, at venues around the city, including the New York Botanical Garden and Staten Island’s Snug Harbor Cultural Center. 718-817-8026, nyccompost.org or nyc.gov/wasteless/calendar.

MoMA Lecture Series
These lectures and Q&As at various branches of the Brooklyn Public Library aim to demystify modern and contemporary art. One way they do that is by making it cheaper: The talks don’t cost a thing, and each attendee receives a free ticket to MoMA. Catch “Introduction to Contemporary Art” at the Central Library (Saturday 6 at 4:30pm), and “Art in NY: Jackson Pollock to Andy Warhol” (June 18 at 4:30pm) at the Saratoga branch. brooklynpubliclibrary.org

Drawing in the Park
Sketch the Hudson and its gardens with artist Larry Dobens in these casual walk-up lessons; colored pencils and paper are provided. South Cove, Battery Park off South End Ave (212-267-9700, bpcparks.org). Sat 10:30 am-noon. Through October (except July 4, Sept 5, all of August and Oct 10).

Art classes
Laid off and bored? Turn off Judge Hatchett and let Queens designer Ciara Elend fill your day with a crash course in art history or block printing. If you can prove you were sacked because of the economy (email ciara@ciaracouture.com for an application), she’ll waive the fee for your choice of the many one-day art workshops she leads in her Long Island City studio. Just reserve the space with a credit card and save up for supply fees, which cost $5 to $20 and are not included with the freebie. 10-31 Jackson Ave between 50th and 51st Aves, Long Island City, Queens (queensartclasses.com)

Haircuts
In addition to the ones offered at Bumble and Bumble, free snips are also available at Stoll Salon, formerly the beloved Rumor (same staff, same location, new owner). Call for a Tuesday appointment with junior stylist and rising star Anjan, and don’t wait until you’re too shaggy—he’s booked up through mid-June. 15 E 12th St between Fifth Ave and University Pl, second floor (212-414-0195, stollsalon.com)

—Rebecca Dalzell

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