free things to do in New York City
| < | August 2025 |
> | ||||
| Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | |||||
| 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
| 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 |
| 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
| 31 | ||||||
Free Events, Free Things to Do in New York City! Read More
Where else but in New York City can you listen to a world-class musician, discuss a book with a famous author, take a part in poetry reading, have a glass of wine at an art exhibition opening, and all that on the same day, and all that free of charge, and all of that on any day of the year, whether it's December or July, April or November!
The trick is to know about those free events, free things to do BEFORE they happen, not after the fact. That's where Club Free Time comes in handy! Become a Club Free Time member and start using these unique New York City (NYC) opportunities today, August 12, 2025!
Join the Club!
Club Free Time is your perfect guide to Free Entertainment and Free Culture in the City That Never Sleeps.
Join the Club!
In addition to providing information about free events, free things to do in New York, Club Free Time offers its members complimentary tickets to classical music concerts, dance performances and theater: when a producer wants that special buzz of the 'full house' - Club Free Time members are welcomed for their enthusiasm and sophistication!
Join the Club!
Get a taste of free culture and free entertainment in New York City (NYC)!
Join the Club!
Experience an entirely new perspective on New York. 'Open up a whole new cultural world... in one of the most vibrant capital cities in the world, sampling cultural delights beyond anyone's wildest dream.' Rupert Parker, journalist, photographer, cameraman, and TV producer
August 12, 2025. Free shows, concerts, movies, tours are New York (NYC) best kept secret! New York City never ceases to amaze you with quantity and quality of its free culture and free entertainment whether it's day or night, weekday or weekend, summer or winter, spring or fall, January or June, May or September. If you are looking for inexpensive things to do and where to go in Manhattan today, tonight, tomorrow, or any other time, or any other day of any week - you came to the right place: just click on any day on the calendar dispayed on the every page of our site and you will see how many events you can attend in Manhattan free of charge on that very day.
New York's cultural scene is at its busiest in October and March (and the same goes for free events, free things to do), but other months of the year still offer incredible amount of high quality, off the beaten path, unique free events, free things to do which will take your breath away! So if you looking for something to do in April or November, December or February, you will find tons of free things to do, free events to go to. (In June, July and August lots of those free events take place outdoors, of course).
So do not wot till tomorrow, start using these unique New York City opportunities today, August 12, 2025!
Where else but in New York City can you listen to a world-class musician, discuss a book with a famous author, take a part in poetry reading, have a glass of wine at an art exhibition opening, and all that on the same day, and all that free of charge, and all of that on any day of the year, whether it's December or July, April or November!
The trick is to know about those free events, free things to do BEFORE they happen, not after the fact. That's where Club Free Time comes in handy! Become a Club Free Time member and start using these unique New York City (NYC) opportunities today, August 12, 2025!
Join the Club!
Club Free Time is your perfect guide to Free Entertainment and Free Culture in the City That Never Sleeps.
Join the Club!
Free things to do, free events that take place in the City every day of the year are truly amazing. So if you're looking for something interesting to do today (August 12, 2025) or on any other day of the year don't miss those free-of-charge opportunities that only New York provides! You can find lots of high quality, off the beaten path, unique free events, free things to do which will take your breath away!
In addition to providing information about free events, free things to do in New York, Club Free Time offers its members complimentary tickets to classical music concerts, dance performances and theater: when a producer wants that special buzz of the 'full house' - Club Free Time members are welcomed for their enthusiasm and sophistication!
Join the Club!
Get a taste of free culture and free entertainment in New York City (NYC)!
Join the Club!
Experience an entirely new perspective on New York. 'Open up a whole new cultural world... in one of the most vibrant capital cities in the world, sampling cultural delights beyond anyone's wildest dream.' Rupert Parker, journalist, photographer, cameraman, and TV producer
Join the Club!
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!
Let New York City surprise, stimulate, entertain and excite you! Read More
Don't miss the opportunities that only New York provides:
- free concerts in NYC
- free movies in NYC
- free jazz in NYC
- free poetry readings in NYC
- free tours/hikes in NYC
- free city walks in NYC
- free Yoga /Tai Chi in NYC
- fairs and parades in NYC
- free theater in NYC
- free tickets to concerts, theater and dance performances in NYC
'New York is abuzz with so much culture that they're giving it away.' (The New York Times article about Club Free Time).
Editor's Picks
39 free things to do in New York City (NYC) today:
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
All events are free unless otherwise noted.Workshop | Tai Chi in the Park: Harmonize Body & Mind
Learn how to practice this traditional system of health and self-defense out in nature. Derived from the philosophy of Taoism, Tai Chi was designed to develop the optimum degree of harmony between body and mind, as well as between the individual and the natural order of the universe. Classes are led by teachers and students who train nearby at CK Chu Tai Chi under the direction of Master Hyland Harris. Classes are rain or shine. All levels are welcomed, and no equipment is necessary. Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated, and wear comfortable, breathable clothes!
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
7:30 am
Free
Free
Workshop | Get in Shape: Bodyweight Blast
Classes to help New Yorkers get and stay fit.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
8:00 am
Free
Free
Workshop | Pick-Up Pickleball
An exciting fusion of badminton and tennis, pickleball has been proven to strengthen muscles, boost cardiovascular health, and enhance brain function. First come first serve basis.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
9:00 am
Free
Free
Workshop | Yoga in the Park with Expert Instructors
This yoga class is appropriate for all levels. It's taught by Mona Anand, co-owner of ISHTA Yoga and a Yogiraj or yoga master in the ISHTA lineage. Mona oversees ISHTA’s flagship studio in New York where she teaches group classes and leads ISHTA’s world renowned 200 hour and 300 hour international teacher trainings. She is passionate about yoga nidra. Mona created a nine-step system of yoga nidra with ISHTA founder, Alan Finger called ‘Mona Anand’s ISHTA Yoga Nidra, “and has gone on to develop numerous yoga nidra trainings that she teaches around the globe. She has created yoga nidra recordings for a variety of purposes. Mona is also passionate about restorative yoga and co-leads restorative trainings. Her love of both restorative yoga and yoga nidra led her to develop her signature Restorative/Yoga Nidra Workshops over fifteen years ago, a style being emulated by teachers around the globe. Please bring your own mat (the park does not provide yoga mats). Organizers also recommend bringing water and a towel.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
10:00 am
Free
Free
Workshop | Zumba Class for All-Levels
Featuring easy-to-follow Latin dance choreography. Work on your balance, coordination and range of motion.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
10:30 am
Free
Free
Workshop | Portrait Sketching Class
Gain a better understanding of face proportion, head structure, and the construction of facial features, then learn to construct an accurate portrait drawing from sight. You'll also play with the application of different lighting, angles, and perspective. Open to students of all ages and levels!
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
11:30 am
Free
Free
Workshop | Learn to Juggle, All Skill Levels Welcome
This juggling class is ideal for a quick lesson, an extended practice session, or just enjoy watching jugglers put their skills to the test. They’re a friendly group and open to drop-ins, even if you catch them outside of the regular juggling lessons.
All skill levels welcome. Equipment is provided.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
12:00 pm
Free
Free
Lecture | Origins of the Capital Markets (Online Series)
Dive into the history of the U.S. financial system with MoAF President David Cowen. This session uses rare original documents to explore Alexander Hamilton’s vision and the foundations of American capital markets.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
12:00 pm
Free
Free
Jazz | Piano in the Park: "Audacious and Exquisite" Jazz Musician
Come on down and swing along to the best ragtime, stride, and jazz the Big Apple has to offer. "Audacious and exquisite." - The Village Voice Since coming to New York City in 1981, Pete Malinverni has performed locally at Carnegie Hall, Symphony Space, and the Village Vanguard to name but a few, as well as traveled the world giving proof to the statement "passionate music is indeed the universal language". He is listed in Leonard Feather's Encyclopedia of Jazz and has 16 critically acclaimed recordings to his name as a leader in piano solo, trio, quartet, quintet, big band, and choir formats.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
12:30 pm
Free
Free
Film | Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window (1954): Mystery Thriller Starring James Stewart and Grace Kelly
A recuperating news photographer who has been confined to a wheelchair after an accident spends his days watching his neighbors through a telephoto lens and binoculars. While spying one day, he believes he has witnessed a murder. Director: Alfred Hitchcock Cast: James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Wendell Corey, Thelma Ritter, Raymond Burr Alfred Hitchcock was an English filmmaker who is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of cinema. In a career spanning six decades, he directed over 50 feature films, many of which are still widely watched and studied today. Known as the "Master of Suspense," he became as well known as any of his actors thanks to his many interviews, his cameo roles in most of his films, and his hosting and producing the television anthology Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955-65). His films garnered 46 Academy Award nominations, including six wins, although he never won the award for Best Director despite five nominations. James Stewart was an American actor known for his distinctive drawl and everyman screen persona. Stewart's film career spanned 80 films from 1935 to 1991. With the strong morality, which he portrayed both on and off the screen, he epitomized the "American ideal" in the mid-twentieth century. In 1999, the American Film Institute (AFI) ranked him third on its list of the greatest American male actors. He received numerous honors including the AFI Life Achievement Award in 1980, the Kennedy Center Honor in 1983, as well as the Academy Honorary Award and Presidential Medal of Freedom, both in 1985. Grace Kelly, also known as Grace of Monaco, was an American actress and Princess of Monaco as the wife of Prince Rainier III from their marriage on April 18, 1956, until her death in 1982. Prior to her marriage, she starred in several significant films in the early to mid-1950s. She received an Academy Award, three Golden Globe Awards and was ranked 13th on the American Film Institute's 25 Greatest Female Stars list.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
1:00 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Figure Drawing Class with Live Model
Learn how to use the 8-head proportion guideline to determine the model's actual proportion and identify unique features. You'll also learn how to create a stick figure using skeletal structure, add muscles and thickness to the skeleton using simple geometric shapes, and finally, add shading to give it three-dimensional volume. Open to students of all ages and levels!
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
2:30 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Chess in the Park
Play the popular strategy game while getting pointers and advice from an expert. Chess improves concentration, problem solving, and strategic planning -- plus it's fun! For all ages 5 and up.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
3:30 pm
Free
Free
Movie in a Park | The Secret Life of Pets (2016) & Rent (2005): Family fun, ‘00s tunes, and creative pet art
4 pm: The Secret Life of Pets (2016) Max’s quiet life is turned upside down when his owner brings home Duke, a rambunctious stray. This animated family favorite explores the secret adventures of pets when their humans aren’t home.
Bonus Activity: During The Secret Life of Pets, join A Rosie Day to imagine and create your perfect pet using colorful recycled materials, collage cutouts, and more. Personalize your pet with a handmade collar and a unique name in this playful, hands-on workshop.
6 pm: '00s tunes by DJ Honey Cafe
7 pm: Rent (2005) This rock opera follows a group of East Village bohemians as they navigate love, loss, and survival amidst poverty and the AIDS crisis. A powerful musical story of community and resilience. Refreshments from Other Half Brewing and snacks by Roni-Sue’s. Bring a blanket, snacks, and friends. Please help keep the park clean by following Leave No Trace guidelines.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
4:00 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Photowalk through Manhattan
Enjoy a photowalk heading east through midtown with street photographer Derek Fahsbender. Learn how to think on the fly to create interesting compositions as we capture the madness and movement of one of NYC's busiest areas. This event is perfect for photographers of all levels, and all types of cameras (including mobile phones!). Gear will not be provided, but is not necessary. There will be no route map, so please arrive early as the tour will leave promptly at 4pm.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
4:00 pm
Free
Free
Party | Make New Friends Playing Board Games Outdoors
Organizers bring a wider selection of board games to the Games Cart at this event, with games like Ticket to Ride, Carcassonne, Catan, King of Tokyo and more. Not sure what to play? The Games Hosts can help you find the perfect game and match up players!
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
5:00 pm
Free
Free
5:00 pm
Regular: $15
Member: $0
Regular: $15
Member: $0
Join the Club!
Workshop | Barre Sweat Sesh
Barre3 is a full-body balanced workout that combines strength conditioning, cardio, and mindfulness to help you feel balanced in your body and empowered from within.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
5:30 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Learn to Juggle, All Skill Levels Welcome
This juggling class is ideal for a quick lesson, an extended practice session, or just enjoy watching jugglers put their skills to the test. They’re a friendly group and open to drop-ins, even if you catch them outside of the regular juggling lessons.
All skill levels welcome. Equipment is provided.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
5:30 pm
Free
Free
6:00 pm
Regular: $15
Member: $0
Regular: $15
Member: $0
Join the Club!
Party | Play Bridge in a Stress-Free Environment
The card game of Bridge requires four people to play: two teams of two people. Join the group with your bridge partner, or you will be matched with someone to play as a pair. If you would like to learn how to play bridge, organizers can offer some instruction, and you can observe others.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
6:00 pm
Free
Free
Poetry Reading | Poetry in the Park: Contemporary Writers
Award-winning poetry by established and emerging poets throughout the summer. Featuring: Francisco Delgado, Didi Jackson, Rachel Trousdale, Marion Wrenn
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
6:00 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Sunset Yoga
Escape the city bustle and find your flow with these weekly sunset sessions. Each class blends postures, breathwork, relaxation, and meditation. All levels welcome. Waiver required.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
6:00 pm
Free
Free
Other | Antiques and Inventions in the Park
Witness this traveling interactive exhibition of antiques and inventions. Come meet Denny, the Museum's curator, who inspires kids and adults to explore their curiosities. Offerings and objects will change throughout the season, so swing by each week to see what's on display!
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
6:30 pm
Free
Free
Author Reading | Author Discusses & Signs Her New Book, Dog
P&T Knitwear is pleased to welcome C. Mallon to celebrate and discuss her new book, Dogs: a singular, devastating debut novel, that traces the fallout of one catastrophic night in the lives of five high school wrestlers, asking what can survive in the blast radius of latent trauma and violence. C. will be joined in conversation by Alexander Sammartino, author Last Acts. Along with a discussion and audience Q&A, C. will also sign copies of Dogs purchased at this bookstore. Cost of a $5 general admission ticket can be applied towards the purchase of the featured event book or any product in the bookstore café the night of an event.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
6:30 pm
$5, tickets required
$5, tickets required
Jazz | Blues Hall of Famer on the Banks of Hudson
Spend a summer evening by the water as powerhouse vocalist and Blues Hall of Famer Beareather Reddy brings her rich, soulful sound to the riverfront. With a four-decade career spanning international festivals, acclaimed venues, and collaborations with jazz and blues legends, Reddy's performance promises depth and joy. Bring a blanket and enjoy
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
6:30 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Cardio Party Sweat Sesh
This event is a non-stop cardio party featuring sports drills, conditioning exercises, and high-intensity interval training. About halfway through each class, the instructor will lead a sculpting section, targeting different body parts each class, followed by a 5-minute “sprint” of interval training. The class ends with more dancing, a cool down, and a stretch.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
6:30 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Origami Group Meet-Up
This event is for people to come together and share in the beautiful art of Origami--an ancient art of folding various mediums, most commonly paper. The word comes from the combination of the Japanese verb oru (to fold) and the noun kami (paper). Other materials often folded are fabric, wire mesh, sheet metal, tissue, thin plastic, cardboard, and straws.This group meets to teach each other new models and share paper, books, and tips. This meeting is free and open to all level of folders from beginner to advanced. There will be free paper available to share. You may choose to bring your own paper and books and just show up and fold! If you have models you would like to learn, or teach, let the organizers know, and they will try our best to accommodate.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
6:30 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Outdoor Mat Pilates for Movement and Flexibility
A strengthening and lengthening exercise that focuses on conditioning your core muscles while also training your arms and legs. This class incorporates key Pilates principles such as postural alignment, breathing, strength, controlled movement and flexibility. This class is perfect for all levels. Bring your own mat.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
6:30 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Outdoor Workout with Chelsea Piers Fitness
Get moving this summer with a free 60-minute workout led by top trainers from Chelsea Piers Fitness, known for world-class sports facilities and dynamic programming. This energizing class offers a taste of what Chelsea Piers offers, tailored to all fitness levels. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or new to fitness, join a welcoming community and break a sweat by the water. No experience necessary--just bring your energy and enjoy the fresh air! A water bottle is recommended.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
6:30 pm
Free
Free
Dance Performance | Historic Dance Festival in the Park
This event is New York City's longest-running free public dance festival. The Battery Dance Festival brings together spectacular international and local dance companies, each evening ending with "Everybody Dance Now!"
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
7:00 pm
Free
Free
7:00 pm
Regular: $15
Member: $0
Regular: $15
Member: $0
Join the Club!
Concert | Latin Grammy-winning violinist and vocalist: Salsa, Mariachi, & Latin Fusion (outdoors)
Celebrate the lively sounds of Latin America with Latin Grammy-winning violinist and vocalist Mireya Ramos. An energetic Afro-Latina artist of Dominican and Mexican descent, Ramos blends mariachi, salsa, merengue, hip-hop, and classical influences into a powerful, genre-crossing sound. Founder of the all-women mariachi group Flor de Toloache, she delivers fierce energy, deep soul, and bold musical storytelling on stage.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
7:00 pm
Free
Free
Staged Reading | VENGEANCE: Celebrating Women's Voices in Theater
VENGEANCE is part of a theater festival featuring original plays that explore "Agency," this year's theme. It examines power and autonomy across personal, professional, and political spheres, while celebrating women's voices in theater. A Q&A will follow the performance. Written by Abigail Duclos Directed by Britt Berke
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
7:00 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Mat Pilates Sweat Sesh
This core-driven class uses breath, alignment, and precision to activate your powerhouse and build full-body control. Expect small movements, big burn, and feel-good flows that meet you where you are—no equipment needed, just you and your mat. It’s energizing, fun, and designed to leave you a little stronger and a lot more uplifted.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
7:30 pm
Free
Free
Film | Barbie (2023): Golden Globe Winner about a playful journey of self-discovery with Margo Robbie & Ryan Gosling
Synopsis: Living in a perfect world isn't all it's cracked up to be. Barbie sets out on a real-world adventure that challenges everything she knows about herself and the world around her. Witty, colorful, and unexpectedly profound. Rated PG-13 Director: Greta Gerwig Cast: Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon Movies begin at sundown, but arrive early to grab a bite, sip a beverage, and soak in the waterfront views.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
8:00 pm
Free
Free
Movie in a Park | The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2023): Dystopian prequel thriller starring EGOT winner Viola Davis
Synopsis: Set 64 years before the original Hunger Games trilogy, this gripping prequel follows a young Coriolanus Snow as he mentors a District 12 tribute during the 10th Hunger Games—a dark origin story of power, politics, and survival. Director: Francis Lawrence Cast: Tom Blyth, Rachel Zegler, Hunter Schafer, Peter Dinklage, Viola Davis Catch this blockbuster under the stars! Adirondack seating and concessions available by Paradis in the Park
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
8:00 pm
Free
Free
Play | Shakespeare's Twelfth Night Outdoors with Lupita Nyong'o, Sandra Oh, Peter Dinklage, & Jesse Tyler Ferguson
Revel in the midsummer madness as twins Sebastian and Viola survive shipwreck, revenge plots, and the trick doors of love. Written by William Shakespeare Directed by Tony Award nominee Saheem Ali Cast: Lupita Nyong'o, Khris Davis, Sandra Oh, Junior Nyong'o, Peter Dinklage, Moses Sumney, John Ellison Conlee, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, b, Joe Tapper, Kapil Talwalkar, and more.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
8:00 pm
Free
Free
8:00 pm
Regular: $15
Member: $0
Regular: $15
Member: $0
Join the Club!
Workshop | Stargazing in the Park
Immerse yourself in the wonders of the night sky. The friendly team from the Amateur Astronomers Association will be there with high-powered telescopes, ready to reveal the secrets of the cosmos.
From sunset to 30 minutes before park closure. Every Tuesday night from April to October!
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
8:15 pm
Free
Free
Join the Club!
Today's Events
All 900 Events
Events This Week
Events This Weekend
Contact FAQ Reviews About Terms of Use Privacy Policy
All events are free unless otherwise stated. All programs subject to change. Please confirm before going.Contact FAQ Reviews About Terms of Use Privacy Policy
© Copyright Club Free Time. All rights reserved.