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How to experience Art Basel for free

You’ve heard the expression ‘‘Art is free,’’ but much of the time, it really isn’t. By now, everyone who hasn’t been living under a rock knows that Art Basel Miami Beach is taking over this weekend at the Miami Beach Convention Center. It’s a great event, for sure, but its $35 daily ticket is a little steep when you’re looking to take the family. But there are plenty of ways to participate in Baselmania without breaking the bank: Actually, you can spend the whole weekend seeing art from around the world without spending a penny.

There are so many freebies that a comprehensive list is impossible, but here are some good bets in the Miami Beach and Wynwood areas. And while you’re in Wynwood, be sure to stop at the area’s galleries, most of which have free exhibitions specially set up for Basel.

-- SARA FREDERICK

What can you see at Art Basel for free?

You've heard the expression ``Art is free,'' but much of the time, it really isn't. By now, everyone who hasn't been living under a rock knows that Art Basel Miami Beach is taking over this weekend at the Miami Beach Convention Center. It's a great event, for sure, but its $35 daily ticket is a little steep when you're looking to take the family. But there are plenty of ways to participate in Baselmania without breaking the bank: Actually, you can spend the whole weekend seeing art from around the world without spending a penny.

There are so many freebies that a comprehensive list is impossible, but here are some good bets in the Miami Beach and Wynwood areas. And while you're in Wynwood, be sure to stop at the area's galleries, most of which have free exhibitions specially set up for Basel.

-- SARA FREDERICK

Museums, collections, co-ops, galleries and other venues

MUSEUMS, COLLECTIONS & CO-OPS

ArtCenter/South Florida

800 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach. 305-674-8278 or artcentersf.org:

Beyond Basel -- and in the thick of it all

F or those looking to escape the frenzy of Art Basel, consider Giralda Under the Stars , a new monthly event kicking off from 6 p.m. to midnight Friday. Ten Coral Gables bars and restaurants will extend their seating into the street on the 100 block of Giralda Avenue, which will be closed to traffic. Streetside dining and drinking will be offered by Archie's Gourmet Pizza, Bangkok Bangkok II, Castelluccio Ristorante, La Dorada, Las Vegas Restaurant, Miss Saigon Bistro, The Bar, Talavera, Pasion del Cielo and Il Grissino. There will be live music and entertainers.

Also in Coral Gables Friday: the holiday's city tree lighting at City Hall, and Art in the Park at Ponce Circle Park , 2810 Ponce de Leon, which will also have a main stage with musical performances starting at 7 p.m.

Let's skip Basel a bit longer and look ahead to Hanukkah. The Open Tent and Birthright Israel NEXT presents a night of music and spoken word for Hanukkah at Burger & Beer Joint Lounge at 9 p.m. Thursday. Performers

Satellite fairs

Aqua Art Miami

Features more than 50 artists from Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco and other West Coast cities.