free things to do in New York City
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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, October 2, 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
October 2, 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, October 2, 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, October 2, 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 (October 2, 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
32 free things to do in New York City (NYC) today:
Thursday, October 2, 2025
All events are free unless otherwise noted.Workshop | Central Park Running Session (All Levels Welcome)
If you prefer not to run alone or are looking to improve your running performance, you can run with a club! Open to runners of all levels. Weekly changed routes through the park. Coaches, training, running company and inspiration!
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 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
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9:00 am
Free
Free
Workshop | Gentle Dance Workout
Enjoy a gentle workout that begins with breathing exercises, then moves into active aerobic dancing that strengthens body awareness.
New York City, NY; NYC
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9:30 am
Free
Free
Screening | Most Watched International Sporting Events on the Big (30-foot!) Screen Outdoors: Tennis, Baseball
Today's Schedule:
10:00am - 11:00am Tennis Courtside Beijing Final, Shanghai 1st Round
11:00am - 5:00pm Tennis Courtside -Tokyo, Beijing
TBD MLB Wild Card Playoffs Yankees vs Red Sox
TBD MLB Wild Card Playoffs Mets vs Dodgers
*Scheduled programming subject to change. Seating is open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis. Wells Fargo customers receive priority seating.
New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Free
Tour | New York City Hall Guided Tour
One of the oldest continuously used city halls in the nation that still houses its original governmental functions, New York's City Hall is considered one of the finest architectural achievements of its period. Constructed from 1803 to 1812, the building was an early expression of the City's cosmopolitanism. City Hall is a designated New York City landmark, and its rotunda is also a designated interior landmark. Note: When registering, choose the "Individual Tour" option.
New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Free
Film | CANCELLED!! Alfred Hitchcock's Notorious (1946): Spy Film Noir with Cary Grant CANCELLED!!
The daughter of a convicted German spy is asked by American agents to gather information on a ring of German scientists in South America. How far will she have to go to ingratiate herself with them? Director: Alfred Hitchcock Cast: Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman, Claude Rains, Louis Calhern, Leopoldine Konstantin 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 famous 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. A well-known figure of Classic Hollywood, Cary Grant was nominated twice for the Academy Award, received an Academy Honorary Award, and received the Kennedy Center Honor. In 1999, Grant was named the second greatest male star of the Golden Age of Hollywood by the American Film Institute.
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Free
Classical Music | Serene Organ Meditations in Intimate Venue
Enjoy a program of hymns, anthems, and voluntaries for the organ.
New York City, NY; NYC
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12:20 pm
Free
Free
Jazz | Piano in the Park: Ragtime, Jazz, & Blues - Last Concert of the Season
Come on down and swing along to the best ragtime, stride, and jazz the Big Apple has to offer. "Charlie Judkins is the best performer of classic ragtime in the country!" - Terry Waldo, Ragtime Connoisseur Charlie Judkins is a practitioner of ragtime, jazz and blues piano. His piano playing has been in demand at various public and private events in the New York City area since debuting as a professional bar-room pianist in 2010. Currently, he works most often with singer and multi-instrumentalist Lauren Sansaricq (Miss Maybell) as a duo and in various trio combinations.
New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Learn Pickleball Stategy (All Skill Levels)
Check out what the buzz is all about! Learn the basic rules, strokes, and strategy at this instructor-led clinic followed by open play. Equipment is provided or bring your own. All skill levels are welcome.
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Free
Classical Music | Critically Acclaimed Violinist Performs Works by J.S. Bach (In Person AND Online!)
"Virtuoso violinist" (The Boston Globe) Edson Scheid performs the complete J.S. Bach Sonatas and Partitas, BWV 1001-1006 for unaccompanied violin. After performing the complete 24 Paganini Caprices and the complete 6 Ernst Polyphonic Studies at Midtown Concerts, this is the second in a series of three concerts over three seasons by Edson, performing the complete J.S. Bach Sonatas and Partitas, BWV 1001-1006 for unaccompanied violin. This concert will feature Sonata No. 1 in G minor, BWV 1001 and Partita No. 1 in B minor, BWV 1002.
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:15 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Cardio Boxing Workout
Enjoy a full-body workout incorporating boxing techniques, cardio, and strength training and various coordination exercises. No gloves necessary. For Adults 18+
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Free
Birdwatching | Evening Birding in the Park with NYC Audubon
Discover the surprising diversity of birds that call New York home during migratory season with guided tours by NYC Audubon, led by environmental educator and urban naturalist Gabriel Willow. This park is a hotspot for avian visitors and birders alike. Past sightings include warblers, tanagers, vireos, thrushes, and even a Chuck-will's-widow!
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Free
Opening Reception | Mexican Surrealism through Photography
Surrealism is an art movement which emerged in the ashes of WWI. This exhibit celebrates the foreign and national artists that reflect enduring influence of Surrealism on photography in Mexico. Each piece in the collection reveals a distinctive point of view in dealing with unexpected and irrational life experiences. Surrealism is seen as a mechanism to celebrate mysteries in theb subconscious, dreams, fantasy and n sexual desire that ultimatley explored the irrational and unexpected in life. This exhibition celebrates exactly that. Additionally, expect pieces which have a common threat of the serous and unifying subject of Mexican nationalism and its people. Ancient civilization is juxtaposed to the modern hustle-and-bustle; indigenous to foreign and frustrating to sad.
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Free
Museums | Thursday Evening Exploring the Photography Museum
This museum is the world’s leading institution dedicated to photography and visual culture. It was founded in 1974 to champion “concerned photography”—socially and politically minded images that can educate and change the world. Through its exhibitions, education programs, community outreach, and public programs, the museum offers an open forum for dialogue about the power of the image.
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
$5, tickets required
$5, tickets required
Film | Rosemary's Baby (1968): Classic Psychological Horror Film with Mia Farrow & John Cassavetes
A young couple trying for a baby moves into an aging, ornate apartment building on Central Park West, where they find themselves surrounded by peculiar neighbors. Director: Roman Polanski Cast: Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes, Ruth Gordon, Sidney Blackmer, Maurice Evans, Ralph Bellamy Mia Farrow is an award-winning American actress, singer, and humanitarian. Farrow has appeared in nearly 50 films, and has won a Golden Globe and been nominated for multiple BAFTAs and a Tony. She's also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador who advocates for children in conflict zones. John Cassavetes was an American filmmaker and actor. He began as an actor in film and television before helping to pioneer modern American independent cinema as a writer and director, often self-financing, producing, and distributing his own films. He received nominations for three Academy Awards, two BAFTA Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, and an Emmy Award.
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free
Free
Classical Music | Piano Quartet Performs Robert Schumann
Schumann Piano Quartet (Tianyou Ma, violin, Ria Honda, violin, Stephen "Adam" Savage, viola, Sara Scanlon, cello, and Elliot Wuu, piano) performs a piece by a major composer of the Classical period. Program: Robert Schumann (1810-1856) Piano Quintet in E-flat Major, Op. 44
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Share the Spotlight with Professional Dancers
Experience a playful, community-powered dance event where participants of all ages and abilities explore movement through games, improvisation, and choreography, no prior dance experience required. Celebrate creativity and the joy of moving together as you dance alongside professional performers.
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free
Free
Concert | Bossa Nova/Trip Hop Fusion Artist
Brazilian-American artist Alici melds the serene sounds of her birth country's Bossa Nova with the New York-influenced grit of Trip Hop, creating a uniquely timeless style that's all her own.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Performance | Stories and Ceremony Honoring the Land, Water, and Air of Lenapehoking
This event centers Indigenous protocol and knowledge through a ceremonial fire, stories, and performances offered by guest artists and organizers. The gathering honors and protects the land, water, and air of Lenapehoking. Note: Space is limited; RSVPs will be honored on a first-come, first-served basis and do not guarantee entry.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Opening Reception | The Ultimate Tango of Life: Endangered Species and the Human
Artist Elizabeth Myers Castonguay has spent her lifetime researchng and observng preservation of nature and human diversity, ultimately making it a topic of forefront in her artwork. Castonguay's pieces depct humanity often monochromatically while endangered species are depicted in full color, demonstrating how every species is vital for balance and harmony in nature. Her pieces are often divised into sections or grids to represent how DNA is a common denominator to all life forms and that there is constant evolution as scientists continue to discover.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Open Studios | Thread Drawings and Felt Cutouts: Minimalistically Freezing Snippets of Dynamics
Artist Heidi Kumao's newest pieces are set for exhibition. The American artist's art mirrors the form of the New Yorker Cartoons, distilling emotional and psychological tenor of an interacton to a singular moment. Kumao combines thread drawings and fabric cutouts on industrial felt which create minimalist images of relationships and conversatons. Her animated and textile work captures moments of vulnerability and draw on the unspoken power of dynamics in domestic relatonships and the workplace.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Outdoor Yoga with Chelsea Piers Fitness
Take your practice outside this summer with Chelsea Piers Fitness during a free 60-minute yoga class open to all levels. This energizing session is led by expert instructors, invites you to stretch, strengthen, and reset in a scenic outdoor setting. Participants should bring their own mat and water bottle.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Outdoor Zumba Workout
Enjoy enthusiastic instruction and fun, easy-to-follow Latin dance choreography while working on balance, coordination, and range of motion. Ages 18+
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Free
Dancing | Sunset Salsa on the Pier
Get ready to dance the night away! Sunset Salsa returns for summer rhythm, hosted by acclaimed dancer and choreographer Talia Castro-Pozo, hailed by Latina Magazine as "The Woman of Salsa." Each evening begins with a beginner-friendly salsa lesson and a vibrant open dance party under the setting sun. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a curious first-timer, all are welcome to join this joyful, high-energy celebration of Latin dance. 6:30 PM: Beginner Lessons 7:15 PM: Open Dance
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Free
Opening Reception | From Your Point of View
Join creator Trevor Shimizu in celebration of his newest solo exhibition and art residency. Shimzu's semi-autobiographical videos explore self-representation of nature and varous personas. He steps into the mind and the bodies of different muses and produces their vantage point creatively. As of late, he has integragted increasingly more video work into his pieces.
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Free
Author Reading | Ocean Vuong Talks about His New Book, The Emperor of Gladness, + Reception/Sighning
Ocean Vuong (On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous), internationally acclaimed author and NYU Creative Writing Program Professor, reads from his latest novel, The Emperor of Gladness. Reading followed by a conversation with NYU Creative Writing Program Director Deborah Landau. The event will conclude with a signing/reception in the ower lobby, with books for sale.
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Free
Tour | Thursday Night Bike Ride
Get rolling with this weekly Thursday Night Bike Ride! Join fellow cyclists for a fun, social-paced loop through Central Park. All levels welcome--just bring your bike and good energy.
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Free
Screening | "Daring" Korean Short FIlms with Filmmaker Q&A
This event will showcase three outstanding short films that have achieved remarkable results at domestic and international film festivals. Following the screenings, audiences are invited to a Q&A session with the directors. "Bold Talk: Beyond Genre," introduces three daring works that push the boundaries of short cinema. You Know, There Are Ghosts Under the Tree blurs reality and memory with an unsettling yet poetic sensibility, while The Sea on the Day When the Magic Returns--directed by HAN Jiwon, whose upcoming feature, Lost in Starlight, will premiere on Netflix--offers a lyrical animated meditation on imagination and wonder. Rounding out the program, The Daughter delivers a gripping exploration of family, inheritance, and unspoken ties. All films featuring Korean dialogue will have English subtitles available.
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free
Free
Performance | Adult Puppet Musical
Nuyorican playwright, actor, and puppeteer La Daniella presents the delightful, cartoonishly-twisted origin story of Gooey, an orphaned sorta mermaid making the best of the sewage-filled creek she calls home. With the help of G'wond'rLand radio, Gooey spends each day escaping her putrid reality into a world of her own creation: a world in which she's perfect, beautiful and loved. But when her radio sends her on a journey to G'wond'rLand Theme Park, Gooey comes face-to-face with a dozen oddball puppets who confront her with the truth about her dreams and how she came to be. Watch Gooey, a streetwise rat named Scabby, an animated suitcase, and many more gorgeously grotesque creations perform a wacky puppet musical about finding belonging and community. For ages 12+. 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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7:30 pm
Free
Free
Poetry Reading | Live Poetry Night: Five-Minute Features from NYC Poets
Experience an evening of spoken word and performance at this monthly poetry series, curated by local poet and playwright Galinsky. A dozen poets of all styles take the stage, each presenting a five-minute feature in a lively, community-driven salon.
New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free
Free
Play | Modern Retelling of Shakespeare's Measure for Measure
Inspired by the modern-day nightclubs of Berlin and Brooklyn, this production of Measure for Measure asks us to confront our own definition of morality and what values we choose to uphold, especially when everything we stand for is threatened to be taken away by an authoritarian leader. Written by William Shakespeare. Directed by Dennis Oliviera. Cast: James Kay, Ethan Williams, Diana Maldonado, J.T. Thorne, Seth Retzlaff, Natasha Conti, Louis Bose, Cameron Schmitt, Isabel Sheehan, and Desmond Jackson. This production will include a 15-minute intermission. This show contains depictions of sexual assault and harassment, sexual themes/imagery, violence towards women, and self-harm. The lighting design of the show will also feature strobing effects and lights shining directly into the audience.
New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free
Free
Open Mic | Poetry, Music, and Comedy Showcase (Online!)
Join a weekly online showcase featuring poems, songs, and comedy. Performers can sign up for a 4-minute spot by reserving one of 20 Artist-RSVP tickets, available starting Wednesdays at 8:00 PM ET. If all spots are filled, performers may join the “good-luck round” at the end of the session. Audience members are welcome to watch live via Zoom.
New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free
Free
Complimentary Tickets
to shows, concerts ... (CFT Deals!)
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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