Free & Cheap in New York: Wed., Apri...

Free & Cheap in New York: Wed., Apri...

AARDMAN ANIMATIONS/SONY PICTURES/PR NEWSWIRE

Get a sneak peek at 'The Pirates! Band of Misfits,' led by its Captain (voiced by Hugh Grant). 

AVAST CONSPIRACY.

Dont walk the plank, visit the Museum of the Moving Image for a first preview at The Pirates! Band of Misfits. The animated film, which officially opens Friday, tells the tale of a captain who seeks to win the Pirate of the Year Award. With a mix of Claymation and 3-D computer graphics, it features the voices of Hugh Grant, Salma Hayek and Jeremy Piven. 6:30 p.m. $ 15. 36-01 35th Ave., Queens. (718) 777-6888.

MEET MY SHORTS.

If you havent had time to check out the Tribeca Film Festivals longer screenings, head to Focus Forward: Short Films, Big Ideas. The 30-minute screening includes nine short films and will be followed by a Q&A with some of the directors. 3 p.m. Free. Tribeca Cinemas, 54 Varick St. (212) 941-2001.

ROCK N RALPH.

We Are Scientists, the indie rock band best-known for their With Love and Squalor album, will be headlinging at Brooklyn Bowl. Presented by Ralph Lauren, the event will celebrate the launch of its new Denim & Supply line. 8 p.m. $ 5. 61 Wythe Ave., Brooklyn. (718) 963-3369.

SQUAWK WITH THE ANIMALS.

< p> Go on safari without leaving the city at Wild @ The Library. Teens can meet Andrew Simmons and his traveling zoo of snakes, alligators, eagles and owls. 4 p.m. Free. West Farms Library, 2085 Honeywell Ave., Bronx. (718) 367-5376.

SALSA AND HIPS.

Get down with salsa band Johnny Colon and His Orchestra at Le Poisson Rouge. Proceeds from the Boogaloo pioneers concert will benefit the East Harlem Music School Fund. 7 p.m. $ 20. 158 Bleecker St. (212) 505-3474.

PASS OVER THE MIC.

Join Jewish rappers for Hip-Hop Reflections at the Museum of Jewish Heritage. Its a night of music and poetry in honor of the traditional seven-week period of contemplation that follows Passover. 7 p.m. $ 10; students and seniors, $ 7. 36 Battery Place. (646) 437-4202.

HOT POTATO.

Journalist and food aficionado Laura Silver will offer the dish on Knish History at the Brooklyn Historical Society. Plus, sample some of these Eastern European treats. 7 p. m. $ 10. 128 Pierrepont St., Brooklyn. (718) 222-4111.

THE WONDERS FROM DOWN UNDER.

Caravan of Comics, a collection of Australias most colorful cartoonists, are touring across America, and will make a local stop at Comic Book Jones on Staten Island. Among them will be Sarah Howell, Ben Hutchings, Gregory Mackay and Matt Taylor. 4-9 p.m. Free. 2220 Forest Ave. (718) 448-1234.

CLOSE-TO-HOME RUN.

Baseball in Brooklyn, a discussion with author Andrew Mele, will cover all the bases of the sports history in the borough, including the Parade Grounds and the Dodgers. 7 p.m. Free. The Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn. (718) 230-2100.

COMIC RELIEF.

Every Wednesday, the Laughing Devil Comedy Club hosts The Octagon, a showcase followed by an after Party for comics and their fans. 8 p.m. $ 5. 4738 Vernon Blvd., Queens. (347) 913-3845.