August 31, 2010
We Tried It: Hiptix

Our team at Postabon enjoys seeing different musicals and plays both on-and-off Broadway, but what we don’t enjoy is spending a ridiculous amount of money on a show.  Since we’re all pretty young, luckily we can take advantage of Hiptix.

The Deal: If you are under 35, you can get discounted theater tickets to different Roundabout Theater Shows through a program called Hiptix.  Postabon member colantoni tells us that you can see Mrs. Warren’s Profession for only $20, thanks to Hiptix. Simply call the box office, ask to join Hiptix and then you can get tickets at a discounted rate.  To prove your age, you must present an ID at the box office when picking up your tickets.

Is It Truly A Deal?:  If I purchased tickets directly from the theater to see Mrs. Warren’s Profession, tickets were priced from $67-$117.  Just because I’m under 35, I’m able to get a seat for $20 - so I’ll be saving at least $47.  

Pros:  Sometimes you can get additional savings.  Around holiday weekends such as Thanksgiving, Hiptix will discount ticket prices even more, so you can catch a show for only $10.  For the foodies reading this blog, when purchasing tickets, you may want to buy tickets to a performance that is having a post-show reception (see the Special Events tab on Hiptix’s site).  Not only will you be able to meet the cast, but you’ll also get free food and drinks.

Cons:  Forget about seeing a show in a big group.  Hiptix allows you to bring only one other guest with you, and that guest will need to show his or her ID too to get the $20 rate.  Let’s just say my dad was bummed he couldn’t be a plus one. Also, keep in mind you can’t pick your seats so you most likely won’t get the best seat in the house.  The venues are usually small though, so you’ll still get a good view of the stage. 

From our experience, we had difficulty joining the Hiptix email subscription list when we tried signing up by email.  Therefore, if interested in joining, you may want to call and request to be on the list so you can start seeing show offers in your inbox. Alternatively, you can just log on to Hiptix from time to time to see what shows are available.

Our 2 Cents:  If you enjoy theater, Hiptix is a great way to see different plays and musicals without breaking the bank.  If the show you pick isn’t your cup of tea, at least you can smile at the fact that you spent $47 less than the guy sitting next to you.  Who said being cultured had to cost a fortune?

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Filed under: Entertainment Musicals Performances Plays 
July 28, 2010
Escape from NYC

New York City, especially in the summer, can feel a bit claustrophobic with yellow taxis littering the streets and high-rises on every corner.  Let’s face it - sometimes you yearn for an escape.  As magnificent as these getaways are, costs can add up quickly and really put a dent in your wallet.  Don’t fear though - we’ve sifted through this concrete jungle to find awesome activities where (wo)man and nature are able to meet up again. 

Remember when you were little and slept in a tent in your backyard?  You can relive those memories again and camp here in the city.  Every Friday and Saturday in August, you can camp in the city parks for free with the Urban Park Rangers.  Registration is required, and throughout the night there is a cookout and planned activities, like a night hike and stargazing.  Don’t have a tent?  Don’t worry!  Everything is included, according to Postabon member lilys189!

Your rooftop garden not cutting it out for you?  Walk around the Brooklyn Botanical Garden and see more than 10,000 types of plants, from cherry trees to roses.  Better yet, admission is free on Tuesdays, according to Postabon member dc1421. 

If you find yourself more comfortable on the water than on land, visit the Downtown Boathouse.  This boathouse has three locations, at 59th Street, Houston and 72 Street, all on the Hudson.  Visit the boathouse on weekends and evenings to enjoy free kayaking, according to Postabon member ecolnon. 

Sometimes all it takes is a trip to another city to remind you the reason you love New York.  If looking to visit another city on the East Coast, consider taking Bolt Bus.  According to Postabon member Yaelleah, Bolt bus offers great deals on bus tickets and if you purchase in advanced, tickets are as low as $1. Take your pick of visiting Boston, DC or Philly!  

How do you escape from the hustle and bustle of NYC?  Share your tips with us!

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Filed under: Etc. Etc. Outdoors Entertainment 
July 19, 2010
Watch the Big Screen at Half the Cost

With the temperature sky rocketing, sometimes during the summer one of the best ways to cool off is a trip to the movie theater.  You can be entertained by your favorite actors and actresses while the AC is pumping at such a frigid temperature for about 2 hours. 

We joke that to see a movie in New York it costs $12, but honestly, you may not be visiting the theater at the right time.  If you are dying to see Inception or Toy Story 3, you may want to check those films out at these theaters.

Cobble Hill Cinemas in Brooklyn offers bargain prices on both Tuesdays and Thursdays. Whether you visit during the day or at night, all tickets are just $7, except on holidays or special engagements.  These prices may make you feel like you’ve taken a trip back to 1995, but Postabon member Nelsonkcheng tells us this deal is certainly true.

According to Postabon member QuePasaNYC, go for a late brunch and hit the movies up first.  At AMC Theaters, every movie before noon is $6.  If you’d prefer to see a 3-D or an IMAX movie, tickets are only $12, a savings of about $6. 

If you don’t care about new releases and just prefer to see any movie while sitting in AC, consider heading to the movies on Tuesday at 10 am this summer.  AMC Cinemas is running a promotion where you can see a family movie for $1 this summer on Tuesdays at 10am.  Titles include Kung Fu Panda, Hotel for Dogs and more.  Thanks to Postabon member evienyc for sharing this deal with us!

Know of any other theater promotions going on this summer?  Share them with us at Postabon! 

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Filed under: Movies Entertainment 
July 16, 2010
Boogie Woogie

We can all bop around and dance whether we’re at a bar or a wedding, but most likely, we would fail miserably on a season of Dancing with the Stars.  If you’ve wanted to learn the proper way to salsa or tango, you may want to check out some of these dance lessons - for free. 

Every Sunday until August 8, you can participate in free swing, salsa and tango lessons.  Where you may ask? According to Postabon member pear724, classes are taught at Pier 54. Classes will begin at 6:30 PM, and the live music begins around 7PM. You don’t want to miss this.

If you couldn’t make it to the first set of free salsa lessons, don’t worry! Come to the gorgeous High Line Park for an evening of elevated salsa and mambo. Get there no later than 6:00 PM on August 12th and make sure your feet are ready to get loose! There will be live music provided by the Orlando Marin Orchestra and dance lessons by Lori Brizzi, according to Postabon member smash188. Once again this is FREE and there is no need for RSVP.

If Sundays or Thursdays don’t work for you, check out Dance Manhattan Studio on July 23 for a night of free dancing lessons. The free lessons will start at 8:00 PM, followed by a party at 9:30 PM and a free show at 10:30PM. According to Postabon member amogha1, all ages are welcome. Come out and find a new hobby in your life!

Know of any other free dancing lessons? Share them with us on Postabon!

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Filed under: Entertainment NYC Dancing 
July 6, 2010
Free Summer Movies!

One of the best parts of being in New York during the summer time is free movies. These free screenings are the perfect free treat for everyone.  Whether you use the free screenings as a date night excuse with your significant other, a place to entertain your children or just a reason for your friends to get together, there are plenty of movies to choose from over the next few weeks.  

The Hangover: Last summer’s hit movie is back! Enjoy watching one of the wildest nights in Vegas for free on Wednesday, July 7.  The movie will start around dusk (8:30 pm) at Hudson River Park, but we recommend getting there early to get a great spot. Free popcorn will be available and other snacks and beverages can be purchased. Remember The Hangover is rated R, so while this may be a great place to gather for a relaxing night with friends, you may want to leave the little ones at home.

Bolt: This July 15th event sounds more like a seven-year-old’s birthday party rather than a movie screening!  Grab your children or nieces and nephews, head to Brooklyn’s East River State Park and start off the night with free arts and crafts at 6 pm, presented by the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. The night continues with a live performance by the “Click Clack Boom”. Once sunset comes around, the big screen turns on and John Travolta and Miley Cyrus take over with the screening of Bolt at dusk.

Dream Girls: For all the ladies out there (or those who love musicals), this one goes out to you. Come watch your favorite divas from Dream Girls (for free!) at the Brooklyn Bridge Park on August 12th. There will be a DJ spinning from 6 till sunset, and then the movie will start. So put on your boogie shoes, come dance and then relax and watch a great movie.

Ice Age Dawn of the Dinosaurs: River Flicks for kids presents Ice Age Dawn of the Dinosaurs on August 13th.  Grab the little ones, head to this free screening and explain how this screening reminds you of something from your childhood - drive-in movies! Screening begins around 8:30 pm at the Hudson River Park.

The Proposal: A romantic comedy is great for two groups of people.  Ladies, grab your girlfriends and head to Hudson River Park on July 21 for this free screening of The Proposal.  Guys, this is an inexpensive date night activity, so ask your leading lady if she’d like to go.  You may want to bring some tissues in case those romantic scenes tear at the heartstrings.

For more free screenings this summer or to post some movie deals of your own, visit Postabon!

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Filed under: Entertainment Free NYC 
June 30, 2010
Attention: New York Newbies!

New to New York?  Postabon provides suggestions for not only different deals and discounts, but events and things to do. With New York City dubbed as the most expensive city in America this year, many might feel that they are living on a much tighter budget, but New York can surprisingly offer some great discounts.  Here are some suggestions of things to do if you don’t want to dish out a whole lot of cash.

Museums! The Museum of Modern Art, often referred to as the MOMA, is one of NYC’s most well-known museums.  Admission can be pricey at $20, but head there on Fridays from 4-8 pm to enjoy free admission.  Don’t want to have your plan your week around a museum’s free admission hours?  Check out the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology.  Enjoy the fashion and textile history gallery at any time, since admission to the museum is always free!

Concerts!  If you want to head to a concert this summer but can’t afford the ticket prices at Madison Square Garden, head to Governor’s Island instead.  There are free concerts on the beach every weekend, featuring acts like She & Him, Dr. Dog and Lucero.  If you’d prefer to stay in Manhattan, consider waking up early on Friday morning.  Every Friday, there are free concerts at Rockefeller Plaza, where the Today Show is filmed.  Performances occur between 7-10am, but you may want to get there in advance because access is first come, first serve.  If you like John Mayer, the upcoming July 23 free concert is one not to miss!

Shows! From Broadway to Comedy, there are dozens of shows to see in New York.  If you are looking to check out a musical, you may want to see one of the longest running shows of all-time, Phantom of the Opera. If you care more about price than where you sit, consider getting seats on the last two rows of the rear mezzanine - tickets are only $26.50.  Prefer to enjoy a night of comedy?  Then head to Comedy Cellar! Your admission fee is waived if you make your reservation online.  The real laugh then will be on those who actually paid!

Looking for more deals and discounts for museums, shows and concerts?  Find them on Postabon!

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Filed under: Entertainment 
June 15, 2010
Tony-Nominated Shows at a Discount

If you checked out the Tony Awards on Sunday night, you may have thought you were watching the Oscars, rather than the Tonys.  Catherine Zeta-Jones, Denzel Washington and Scarlett Johansson were just some of the night’s big winners.  Even Jay-Z was seated with Beyonce in one of the front rows.  Still, the night’s big musical numbers reminded viewers why we were watching the show - to celebrate Broadway and the theater.

In New York, you should be able to check out a Tony-nominated show without selling your first-born. Wondering where to snag tickets at a discount?  That’s where Postabon comes in.

First, start by checking out TKTS in either Times Square, South Street Seaport or Downtown Brooklyn to get tickets for up to 50% off.  If you like to plan ahead, you may want to try the South Street Seaport or Downtown Brooklyn location, since these TKTS booths sell show tickets for matinee tickets the day before, as well as day of performances.  If you are more of a risk-taker, consider waiting in line at TKTS Times Square and have a couple show ideas in mind.  This way if the show you want to see gets sold-out before you get to the front of the line, you have a back-up plan.  Tony Winner for Best Musical, Memphis, and Tony Winner for Best Play, Red, are both at the TKTS Booth.  Musical nominees La Cage aux Folles, Fela!, and Million Dollar Quartet, as well as play nominee Next Fall are often at TKTS.

If you prefer to order tickets in advance,  Postabon member Streetforce1 suggested using Broadway Box to save on tickets to see Next Fall.  These discount codes allow you to save up to 45% on tickets, with prices starting at $59.50.

How many times have we told you not to throw out your student ID? Many theaters offer discounted tickets for students with a valid ID (or 25-year-olds, who have kept their ID since graduating three years ago, i.e. me).  Postabon member Yaelleah shared with us some tips on how to get discounted tickets to Tony award winner Memphis.  The Shubert Theater, home to Memphis, offers a limited number of tickets for the performances of the day for $26.50.  To get the tickets, show up at the box office at 10am Monday - Saturday, or noon on Sunday.  Have your valid ID with you and keep in mind you only get two tickets per ID, so don’t drag all your friends with you.

If you don’t have your ID, don’t worry - American Idiot just so happens to offer lottery rush tickets.  To get tickets in the first two rows for $27, head to the St. James Theater two hours prior to show time and put your name in a drawing. A half-hour later, names will be drawn and according to Postabon member Yaelleah, winners must be present.  Each winner will receive two tickets.  Our advice?  Enter the lottery when it is raining or really hot and no one wants to stand outside, waiting to see if they are a winner.

Know of any other ways to snag Broadway tickets without breaking the bank?  Share them with us at Postabon!

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Filed under: Broadway Entertainment Theater 
June 14, 2010
Music Please!

With summer comes great concerts, especially at outdoor venues, as well as the search for the perfect playlist to make any roadtrip bearable. Here are some great deals for all of you music junkies. Get ready to get your jam on! 

Come out Tuesday night to Sullivan Hall to watch Andrew Wotman headline with his full band. He is one of NYC’s up and coming artists, so make sure your ear buds are ready for his rock, funk and pop style.  Show starts at 10PM, admission is free, 18+ to enter, 21+ to booze!

Not so much into the band scene?  Then check out Baaba Maal + Playing For Change. The Vampire Weekends of the world owe a giant debt to this man, who has made a career of bringing his Senegalese guitar pop to the international stage. Maal’s distinctive palette, which fuses traditional African rhythm and song structure with elements of Western pop and R&B will be showcased tonight from 7:00- 10:00PM at Central Park’s Center Stage.

ABC’s Good Morning America, will have a free summer concert series. So far P.Diddy and The Jonas Brothers have performed. The next big headliner is Miley Cyrus on June 18th  from 7:00-9:00AM. For all of their summer concerts click here.

If you’re feeling like a couch potato and would rather listen to music through some sweet technology, we have got a few websites for you guys!                          

Bee MP3 is a search engine based website that works like Google, Bing etc. Instead of finding you different websites, it finds you different MP3’s. Sweet, right?

NosserJammer is a new blog that features music, as well as original words and random pictures. The music posted on the site is mostly mash ups, house music and hip-hop. The best part is you can stream it before you download it! Check it out! 

Know of any other concerts or websites? Share them with the community and post them on Postabon.com!

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Filed under: Music Entertainment 
June 8, 2010
Museum Mile Festival = Free Admission

Tonight is the Museum Mile Festival.  If you haven’t been before, basically the 9 museums along 5th Avenue between 82nd and 105th Street are offering free admission from 6-9pm.  While walking 5th Avenue, you’ll also experience art work and music on the street (thanks to Postabon member yaelleah for sharing this deal with us!).

If you can’t make it tonight or can’t even think about waiting in line to get in the Guggenheim, don’t worry - many of these museums offer deals at a later date.  Below you’ll find a list of tonight’s participating museums, as well as alternate times you can check them out to beat the crowds and still get a good deal!

El Museo del Barrio (at 104th Street):  According to Postabon member Carrcavender, El Museo del Barrio has free admission on the third Saturday every month.  Pencil a visit in to this museum on June 19.  Keep in mind this museum has a “suggested” admission price of $6, so if you want to pay less than that year-round, feel free.

Jewish Museum (at 92nd Street):  If you can’t make it to the Jewish Museum during the Museum Mile Festival, check it out on Saturdays.  According to Postabon member Samshrate, admission is free from 11am - 5:45pm.  Typically, admission is $12.

Cooper-Hewitt National Museum of Design (at 91st Street):  The Cooper-Hewitt only offers free admission tonight.  If you are going to Museum Mile, put this first on your priority list.  Otherwise, admission is $15.

National Academy Museum and School of Fine Arts (at 89th Street): Similar to Cooper-Hewitt, tonight is the night to get into the National Academy Museum and School of Fine Arts for free.  If you visit any other time, expect to pay $10.

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (at 88th Street): Admission to the Guggenheim can be pricey at $18 a ticket, but visit on Saturdays from 5:45 - 7:45pm and pay-what-you-wish, according to Postabon member edog.

Neue Galerie (at 86th Street): This museum, dedicated to German and Austrian art, offers free admission from 6-8 pm on the first Friday of every month.  We’ll see you there on July 2.

Metropolitan Museum of Art (at 82nd to 86th Streets): Postabon member Knox reminds us that the Met offers suggested admission.  So as long as you don’t feel too guilty, don’t pay the suggested $20 admission price, and pay whatever you’d like instead.

Goethe House German Cultural Center (at 82nd Street):  This gallery is across the street from the Met and is always free, so if you are heading to Museum Mile, you may want to skip this attraction.

Are you planning on checking out Museum Mile tonight?


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Filed under: Museums NYC Free Entertainment