8. Along with its world-renowned high-priced performances, LC offers world-renowned free and low-priced performances.

Quebe Sisters Band at Lincoln Center OutofDoorsQuebe Sisters Band at Lincoln Center OutofDoors

Having just closed its 45th season, Lincoln Center OutofDoors offered three weeks of extraordinary music and dance by the most celebrated musicians on the planet, and all for free, no tickets necessary.

All three Lincoln Center theatres participate in LincTix, which makes tickets available at $32 to 21-35 year olds. The Claire Tow Theater, also called LCT3, produces shows by new playwrights, directors, and designers, and is dedicated to attracting new, young audiences. It has had several hits, including Preludes and Disgraced, and is offering tickets at $30 for its next production, Kill Floor. The New York City Ballet offers $29 day-of tickets to anyone 29 years or younger, starting the week of September 22.

Dancers by Revson Fountain Lincoln Center

And, then, of course there are the ongoing, often thrilling free performances of young dancers and musicians practicing for themselves and one another, indifferent to but tolerant of their admiring public.

Dancers stretching on west wall of Metropolitan OperaDancers stretching on west wall of Metropolitan Opera