free things to do in New York City
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The quality and quantity of
free events,
free things to do
that happen in New York City
every day of the year
is truly amazing.
So don't miss the opportunities
that only New York provides:
stop wondering what to do;
start taking advantage of
free events to go to,
free things to do in NYC
today!
The quality and quantity of
free events,
free things to do
that happen in New York City
every day of the year
is truly amazing.
So don't miss the opportunities
that only New York provides:
stop wondering what to do;
start taking advantage of
free events to go to,
free things to do in NYC
today!
40 festivals/fairs in New York City (NYC) Thu, 10/02/2025 - and on...
New York City street fairs are good reflection of the City: the offerings are sofisticated and amusing, and you always can find something that fits your budget. Please see street fairs/festivals schedule below.Festival | Food Festival with Local Vendors
New York City's favorite outdoor food market, Smorgasburg, is back. Enjoy a variety of eats and treats from local vendors.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Fri, Oct 3
11:00 am
Free
11:00 am
Free
Fair | Lively East Village Street Series - Artisanal Goods & Global Eats
Celebrate community, creativity, and culture at this vibrant street fair! There will be over 80 vendor booths featuring a wide variety of arts and crafts goods, handmade treasures, merchandise vendors, antiques, collectibles, and much more. Enjoy delicious food, live music, games, rides, and a variety of fun activities.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Sat, Oct 4
10:00 am
Free
10:00 am
Free
Festival | Hudson River Life Celebration (Fishing, Art, Nature Walk, & More)
Participate with experienced anglers for catch-and-release fishing and learn about life in the Hudson River. Learn about research groups who monitor the health of our local waters. Enjoy an art project and a nature walk. Plus: don't miss a performance from DJ Willy Wow. Schedule: 10:30AM-1PM: Catch-and-release fishing 10:30AM: Art projects and activities 11AM: Family show 12:15PM: Nature walk
New York City, NY; NYC
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Sat, Oct 4
10:30 am
Free
10:30 am
Free
Fair | Curated Pop-Up Market Featuring Local Makers
This returning favorite brings together a fresh mix of independent vendors offering handmade jewelry, skincare, apparel, home goods, artisanal treats, and more.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Sat, Oct 4
11:00 am
Free
11:00 am
Free
Festival | Explore Manhattan's Only Lighthouse
Celebrate Manhattan's only remaining lighthouse (which is over 140 years old!) with readings of the eponymous children's book, live music, and activities for all ages! The Little Red Lighthouse is beloved by New Yorkers and visitors alike. As in years past, tours will be first come, first served. To safely and comfortably accommodate visitors, organizers have reduced the total number of visitors they can accommodate. Timed tickets will be distributed beginning at noon on Saturday, October 4. It's recommended that visitors looking to tour the lighthouse earlier in the day arrive before noon. Tickets will be timed for a 40-minute window. Ticketholders are asked to arrive on time for their scheduled tour.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Sat, Oct 4
12:00 pm
Free
12:00 pm
Free
Fair | Dia de los Muertos Arts & Culture Fair
Learn how to prepare for Dia de los Muertos with this family-friendly arts and culture event. Explore the roots, meanings, and purpose of the holiday while participating in activities. Arts-n-Crafts will be facilitated by a teaching artist, enjoy the folkloric musical guest, and sign up for the poetry open mic!
New York City, NY; NYC
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Sat, Oct 4
3:00 pm
Free
3:00 pm
Free
Fair | Chelsea Street Series - Artisanal Goods & Global Eats
Celebrate community, creativity, and culture at this vibrant street fair! There will be over 80 vendor booths featuring a wide variety of arts and crafts goods, handmade treasures, merchandise vendors, antiques, collectibles, and much more. Enjoy delicious food, live music, games, rides, and a variety of fun activities.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Sun, Oct 5
10:00 am
Free
10:00 am
Free
Fair | Curated Pop-Up Market Featuring Local Makers
This returning favorite brings together a fresh mix of independent vendors offering handmade jewelry, skincare, apparel, home goods, artisanal treats, and more.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Sun, Oct 5
11:00 am
Free
11:00 am
Free
Fair | Brooklyn's Biggest Street Festival Returns
Celebrate 50 years of food, music, and culture at Brooklyn's oldest and largest street festival! Stretching over a mile, this legendary event features 300+ vendors, live performances, local eats, handmade crafts, vintage treasures, and surprises around every corner.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Sun, Oct 5
12:00 pm
Free
12:00 pm
Free
Fair | Lunch Food Fest with Local Vendors
Chow down at downtown’s fall pop-up food fair featuring some fresh additions to the neighborhood’s dining scene and offering 10 lunch boxes for 10 bucks each! Each unique lunch box from some of Lower Manhattan’s newer restaurants you may have yet to meet, contains a tasty protein and two sides. With choices so varied, you’ll want to try more than one box. Fill your belly with some delicious dishes while supporting your local businesses. Come rain or shine.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Oct 7
11:30 am
Free
11:30 am
Free
Festival | Full Moon Celebration: Meditation, Movement & Healing
Celebrate the radiant energy of the full moon at this outdoor celebration. Begin the evening with guided meditation under the moonlight, then reconnect with yourself and the earth through sound and movement in a moon circle. Experience healing, release, and renewal in this immersive journey toward higher consciousness
New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Oct 7
8:00 pm
Free
8:00 pm
Free
Fair | Midtown Street Series - Artisanal Goods & Global Eats
Celebrate community, creativity, and culture at this vibrant street fair! There will be over 80 vendor booths featuring a wide variety of arts and crafts goods, handmade treasures, merchandise vendors, antiques, collectibles, and much more. Enjoy delicious food, live music, games, rides, and a variety of fun activities.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Wed, Oct 8
10:00 am
Free
10:00 am
Free
Festival | Comic Con Art programming with Comic Book Writers & Artists
Kick off New York Comic Con with a day of art programming in collaboration with IDW comic publisher! Join some of the best artists working in comic books for one of a kind art and Q&A sessions. Featuring: Nick Bertozzi (Karmopolis), Dani Diaz (Dreamover), Patrick Horvath (Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees), Kazimir Lee (Low Orbit), Ben Wickey (More Weight), and Tracy Yardley (Sonic the Hedgehog). Schedule of Events 12:30 - 1:15: Nick Bertozzi (Karmopolis) 1:30: - 2:30: Dani Diaz (Dreamover) 2:45 - 3:45: Kazimir Lee (Low Orbit) 4:00 - 5:00: Tracy Yardley (Sonic the Hedgehog) 5:15 - 6:15: Ben Wickey (More Weight) 6:30 - 7:30: Patrick Horvath (Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees) Register for the events individually by visiting the linked web page! Please note, in order to attend you need to register for each program!
New York City, NY; NYC
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Wed, Oct 8
12:30 pm
Free
12:30 pm
Free
Festival | Food Festival with Local Vendors
New York City's favorite outdoor food market, Smorgasburg, is back. Enjoy a variety of eats and treats from local vendors.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Fri, Oct 10
11:00 am
Free
11:00 am
Free
Fair | Lively Street Series - Artisanal Goods & Global Eats
Celebrate community, creativity, and culture at this vibrant street fair! There will be over 80 vendor booths featuring a wide variety of arts and crafts goods, handmade treasures, merchandise vendors, antiques, collectibles, and much more. Enjoy delicious food, live music, games, rides, and a variety of fun activities.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Sat, Oct 11
10:00 am
Free
10:00 am
Free
Fair | Chinese Culture and Food Festival on the Upper West Side
This event features experiential activities, tastings, and market fairs showcasing the vibrant food, art and cultural traditions from China. It is a cultural platform that connects people in New York to Chinese restaurants, food vendors, artists, and local communities.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Sun, Oct 12
10:00 am
Free
10:00 am
Free
Fair | West Side Street Series - Artisanal Goods & Global Eats
Celebrate community, creativity, and culture at this vibrant street fair! There will be over 80 vendor booths featuring a wide variety of arts and crafts goods, handmade treasures, merchandise vendors, antiques, collectibles, and much more. Enjoy delicious food, live music, games, rides, and a variety of fun activities.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Sun, Oct 12
10:00 am
Free
10:00 am
Free
Festival | Celebrate Diwali in the Heart of the City (Shopping Bazaar, Food, Performances, Kid Activities, & More)
This Diwali festival features a vibrant and engaging Diwali Bazaar as well as a dedicated Kids Zone, where children can paint diyas, create colorful Rangoli art, and enjoy interactive storytelling activities. The afternoon will feature the 'Colors of India' program, exhibiting spectacular dance performances from different cultures around the world. In the evening, dignitaries will join together for a special Diya Lighting Ceremony with a countdown on the Ball Drop Tower screen, leading into the highly anticipated Light Up Times Square Concert.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Sun, Oct 12
11:00 am
Free
11:00 am
Free
Festival | Family Harvest Celebration in the Park (Pumpkin Picking, Arts & Crafts, & Live Music)
This autumnal festival packs a punch with plenty of exciting fall activities for the whole family. Visit the pumpkin patch, pick your own pumpkin, and decorate it! Enjoy arts and crafts, tattoos, and take a stroll through the Spooky Trail. Don't miss a family concert in the playground with Patrick and the Rock-a-Silly Band.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Sun, Oct 12
1:00 pm
Free
1:00 pm
Free
Festival | Outdoor Augmented Reality Art Experience
This open outdoor space becomes an immersive, multi-dimensional canvas with a series of augmented reality art installations--opening in succession and accessible through web-based technology, for free from your smartphone. The wondrous poetry of Lincoln Center Poet-in-Residence Mahogany L. Browne blooms to life across the plaza and along the facades of the halls. Each commission presented as part of the series invites the audience to expand their perception of reality and space, and offers an entry point into a hidden realm--where digital media and the real world coexist to create something refreshingly new.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Wed, Oct 15
10:00 am
Free
10:00 am
Free
Festival | Explore Behind-the-Scenes Spaces of New York City
Discover the spaces of New York City that you've never had access to before--across all five boroughs! This weekend-long festival unlocks over300 destinations across the city for special tours and activities. Enjoy visits to major new projects, explore neighborhoods in a new way, and discover why the city looks and works the way it does. Take a look at new buildings transforming the skyline, step inside infrastructure facilities keeping the city running, explore parks offering respite, discover state-of-the-art performance spaces, visit manufacturing workshops, browse private collections, and much more. Many museums, monuments, arts spaces, historical societies, architectural projects, and more are open for visitors. Many festival experiences are Drop-In—no tickets needed. Some require tickets for space or security reasons. Ticketing opens on October 3 at 12 pm.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Fri, Oct 17
9:00 am
Free
9:00 am
Free
Fair | Discover Accessibility Services, Technologies, & Communities
At the Accessible Community, Culture, and Technology Fair, you can expect:
Tablers from diverse fields: education, employment, advocacy, arts, recreation, technology demonstrations, and support organizations
A keynote speech by Disability Rights Advocate Anastasia Somoza
Interactive demos and more!
Some of the featured tablers:
3Doodler: Empowers hands-on learning and creative exploration in 3D.
A Cubed Design: Developing a refreshable braille device that is affordable, repairable by users, and offers pathways to literacy and employment.
Alice Austen House: A significant site of LGBTQ history and home of one of America's earliest and most prolific female photographers.
American Association of People with Disabilities: A national disability-led and cross-disability rights organization working to increase the political and economic power of people with disabilities.
American Museum of Natural History: One of the world’s preeminent scientific and cultural institutions.
Google: A multinational corporation and technology company.
Greater New York Council of the Blind: A self-help organization that advocates for equality of people who are blind and visually impaired, and connects us to education, resources, and each other to support our quality of life and independence.
Helen Keller National Center: Provides comprehensive vocational and vision rehabilitation services to youth, working-age adults and seniors with combined vision and hearing loss.
MTA: Safe, reliable, accessible, and fast transportation.
NYC Department for the Aging: Provides programs and services to older New Yorkers and their Caregivers.
Poster House: The only museum in the United States dedicated to the impact, design, and exhibition of posters.
ReelAbilities: The leading independent nonprofit and the premiere global exhibitor of disability-focused cinema, challenging stereotypes, celebrating authentic disability representation in movies, and expanding opportunities for disabled creators worldwide.
And many more!
New York City, NY; NYC
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Fri, Oct 17
11:00 am
Free
11:00 am
Free
Festival | Food Festival with Local Vendors
New York City's favorite outdoor food market, Smorgasburg, is back. Enjoy a variety of eats and treats from local vendors.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Fri, Oct 17
11:00 am
Free
11:00 am
Free
Festival | Explore Behind-the-Scenes Spaces of New York City
Discover the spaces of New York City that you've never had access to before--across all five boroughs! This weekend-long festival unlocks over300 destinations across the city for special tours and activities. Enjoy visits to major new projects, explore neighborhoods in a new way, and discover why the city looks and works the way it does. Take a look at new buildings transforming the skyline, step inside infrastructure facilities keeping the city running, explore parks offering respite, discover state-of-the-art performance spaces, visit manufacturing workshops, browse private collections, and much more. Many museums, monuments, arts spaces, historical societies, architectural projects, and more are open for visitors. Many festival experiences are Drop-In—no tickets needed. Some require tickets for space or security reasons. Ticketing opens on October 3 at 12 pm.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Sat, Oct 18
9:00 am
Free
9:00 am
Free
Parade | Honor Local Indigenous Culture (Ceremony + Celebration)
Enjoy the 4th Annual Parade held by Tribes from the Americas. This celebration spreads unity, pride, cultural identity, sand self-esteem for local Indegenous peoples. Schedule:
10 am: Opening Ceremony
12:00 pm: Parade Starts--March to 17th Street & Broadway
2:00 pm: End of Closing Ceremony
New York City, NY; NYC
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Sat, Oct 18
9:00 am
Free
9:00 am
Free
Fair | Block Party - Artisanal Goods & Global Eats
Celebrate community, creativity, and culture at this vibrant street fair! There will be over 80 vendor booths featuring a wide variety of arts and crafts goods, handmade treasures, merchandise vendors, antiques, collectibles, and much more. Enjoy delicious food, live music, games, rides, and a variety of fun activities.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Sat, Oct 18
10:00 am
Free
10:00 am
Free
Festival | Fall Arts Celebration at a Major NYC Museum
Kick off the season with art-making, live performances, and a look at current exhibitions, fun for all ages.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Sat, Oct 18
12:00 pm
Free
12:00 pm
Free
Festival | Explore Behind-the-Scenes Spaces of New York City
Discover the spaces of New York City that you've never had access to before--across all five boroughs! This weekend-long festival unlocks over300 destinations across the city for special tours and activities. Enjoy visits to major new projects, explore neighborhoods in a new way, and discover why the city looks and works the way it does. Take a look at new buildings transforming the skyline, step inside infrastructure facilities keeping the city running, explore parks offering respite, discover state-of-the-art performance spaces, visit manufacturing workshops, browse private collections, and much more. Many museums, monuments, arts spaces, historical societies, architectural projects, and more are open for visitors. Many festival experiences are Drop-In—no tickets needed. Some require tickets for space or security reasons. Ticketing opens on October 3 at 12 pm.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Sun, Oct 19
9:00 am
Free
9:00 am
Free
Fair | Fall Fair
Celebrate community, creativity, and culture at this vibrant street fair! There will be over 80 vendor booths featuring a wide variety of arts and crafts goods, handmade treasures, merchandise vendors, antiques, collectibles, and much more. Enjoy delicious food, live music, games, rides, and a variety of fun activities.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Sun, Oct 19
10:00 am
Free
10:00 am
Free
Fair | Halloween Dog Costume Competition
Happy Howloween! This annual dog costume event features over 200 creatively costumed pups strut their stuff before a blue-chip fashion industry coven of judges!
New York City, NY; NYC
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Sun, Oct 19
1:00 pm
Free
1:00 pm
Free
Festival | Food Festival with Local Vendors
New York City's favorite outdoor food market, Smorgasburg, is back. Enjoy a variety of eats and treats from local vendors.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Fri, Oct 24
11:00 am
Free
11:00 am
Free
Festival | Halloween Campfire Songs & Stories (Art Activity, Lawn Games, & More)
Cozy up to a campfire for stories and songs with family and friends featuring a live performance, nature activity, Halloween art project, lawn games, and so much more!
New York City, NY; NYC
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Sat, Oct 25
2:00 pm
Free
2:00 pm
Free
Festival | Freedom Melody Celebrating South African Music & Culture
South African performer and composer Steve Dyer presents a musical homage to the historic Freedom Melody Festival, commemorating the brave artists who fought to end Apartheid, and shares music from his most recent album, Multipolar, as he challenges a unipolar power dynamic world to one with many centers of decentralized spheres of influence and power. This renewed Freedom Melody celebration performance will draw on the rich heritage of South African vocal and instrumental music. Dyer, a participant in the original Festival, will perform with his sextet and a guest choir for a night of cultural confluence and celebration of progressive innovation. There are two ways to access this event: 1. General Admission, first-come first-served. Just show up! 2. Fast Track opening the Monday before the event at noon.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Sat, Oct 25
7:30 pm
Free
7:30 pm
Free
Fair | Harvest Fair
Celebrate community, creativity, and culture at this vibrant street fair! There will be over 80 vendor booths featuring a wide variety of arts and crafts goods, handmade treasures, merchandise vendors, antiques, collectibles, and much more. Enjoy delicious food, live music, games, rides, and a variety of fun activities.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Sun, Oct 26
10:00 am
Free
10:00 am
Free
Festival | Creativity, Community, & Arts Day (Circus, Community Choir, Vocal & Dance Workshops, VR Experience, & More)
Enjoy a campus-wide weekend of creativity, community, and exhilarating performances for families and audiences of all ages. The schedule includes: family-friendly theater storytimes; a mobile, gravity-defying outdoor circus, Cirque Kikasse; a Come & Sing participatory community choir curated and led by Jeanine Tesori; an operatic storytelling workshop with The Metropolitan Opera; dance workshops from School of American Ballet and New York City Ballet; an Instrument Petting Zoo with Chamber Music Society; an immersive VR experience, Collective Body; costume and puppet making; a puppet parade with IBEX Puppetry; and so much more! All are encouraged to come in costumes to celebrate the festivities. This event is General Admission, first-come first-served. Drop-in throughout the day and stay as long as you'd like! Schedule available on linked website.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Sun, Oct 26
10:30 am
Free
10:30 am
Free
Festival | Food Festival with Local Vendors
New York City's favorite outdoor food market, Smorgasburg, is back. Enjoy a variety of eats and treats from local vendors.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Fri, Oct 31
11:00 am
Free
11:00 am
Free
Parade | Family Halloween Parade in the Park
The annual Hippo Playground Halloween Parade invites costumed kids to gather and parade. Put on your favorite costume and join the fun!
New York City, NY; NYC
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Fri, Oct 31
3:30 pm
Free
3:30 pm
Free
Fair | Curated Pop-Up Market Featuring Local Makers
This returning favorite brings together a fresh mix of independent vendors offering handmade jewelry, skincare, apparel, home goods, artisanal treats, and more.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Sat, Nov 8
11:00 am
Free
11:00 am
Free
Fair | Curated Pop-Up Market Featuring Local Makers
This returning favorite brings together a fresh mix of independent vendors offering handmade jewelry, skincare, apparel, home goods, artisanal treats, and more.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Sun, Nov 9
11:00 am
Free
11:00 am
Free
Festival | Community Day of Art, Music & Celebration
Celebrate a major museum reopening with a full day of free festivities! Enjoy live performances, DJ sets, games, and giveaways outdoors, then head inside to explore brand-new exhibitions, join hands-on art-making workshops, and unwind with refreshments in the café.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Sat, Nov 15
11:00 am
Free
11:00 am
Free
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Play | Broadway Actor in a Play About a Towering Figure in Media
Regular Price: $59CFT Member Price: $0.00
Concert | Iconic Rock Band's Guitarist at a Legendary Jazz Club
Regular Price: $75CFT Member Price: $0.00
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