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, December 16, 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
December 16, 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, December 16, 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, December 16, 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 (December 16, 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).
35 free things to do in New York City (NYC) today:
Tuesday, December 16, 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 | Adult Zumba
Featuring easy-to-follow Latin dance choreography. Work on your balance, coordination and range of motion.
New York City, NY; NYC
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10:30 am
Free
Free
Tour | All About the Garment District: Fashion, History, Immigrants
Join born and raised New Yorker, Mike, in exploring the Garment District of New York. Learn about the apparel industry developed in New York and how it came to be located in its current district. Expect to hear about iconic designers Ralph, Oscar, and Calvin, as well as the Gangsters and Labor Unions that shaped New York and this District. Tour Guide Mike has spent the greater portion of his life working in the Garment industry himself -- expect first-hand anecdotes and wisdom
New York City, NY; NYC
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10:30 am
Free
Free
Fair | Holiday Market Featuring Local Artisans and Seasonal Gifts
Explore a festive holiday market known for its inviting atmosphere and curated selection of local makers. Visitors can browse aisles filled with handcrafted art, jewelry, home goods, and seasonal treats, offering a lively destination for gift shopping and winter strolling.
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Free
Museums | Tuesday at a Unique Art Museum
Candid, genuine, and unexpected, this is New York City's only museum dedicated to folk & self-taught artists. The Museum celebrates the creativity of individuals whose singular talents have been refined largely through personal experience rather than formal artistic training. The museum's collection includes more than seven thousand works of art from four centuries and nearly every continent--from compelling portraits and dazzling quilts to powerful works by living artists in a variety of mediums. From critically acclaimed exhibitions and publications to inspiring educational programs and robust community outreach, the museum's mission is to be the leading forum shaping the understanding and appreciation of folk and self-taught art across time and place.
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:30 am
Free
Free
Concert | Familiar Seasonal Tunes with a Klezmer Twist
Celebrate the holiday season with this concert featuring the Brooklyn Klezmer Trio performing a variety of seasonal favorites. Led by Ilya Sneiveiss, Brooklyn Klezmer Trio is a New York ensemble of musicians specializes in presenting the very best of Klezmer music. Sneiveiss is a freelance musician, player of accordion and various other instruments (percussion, guitar, keys, winds), bandleader, conductor, teacher, arranger, composer and producer of creative content in the field of Yiddish music, traditional and contemporary.
New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Learn How To Take Professional Headshots
If you’re interested in offering headshots for actors, this class is for you. Jeff Carpenter from Readylight Media gives a real-time look at how he creates acting headshots from the first frame to the final capture. Working with actor Sarah Pribis, Jeff will take you through the session in real time and show how every adjustment helps shape headshots that will grab the attention of casting directors. You’ll see how Jeff uses Profoto lighting and light shapers to highlight character traits, build different looks, and create images that speak to a range of roles. The class follows the entire shoot as it unfolds, showing how subtle shifts in light, expression, and direction can completely change the story behind an image.
New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free
Free
Classical Music | Piano Works by Prokofiev, Rachmaninoff, and Schubert
Chinese pianist Wynona Wang has captured the attention of audiences around the world. Praised for her "concentrated intensity...commanding sweep, power, and cohesion" (International Piano), PROGRAM Prokofiev Sonata No. 7 in B-flat major, Op. 83 Rachmaninoff Romance, Op. 21, No. 5, "Lilacs" Rachmaninoff Romance, Op. 38, No. 3, "Daisies" Schubert/Liszt Auf dem Wasser zu Singen Schubert/Liszt Gretchen am Spinnrade Schubert Fantasy in C major, D. 760, "Wanderer"
New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free
Free
Book Discussion | Pulitzer Prize Finalist John Cassidy on Capitalism and Its Critics (Online!)
Join Pulitzer Prize finalist John Cassidy for a discussion of his sweeping new history, Capitalism and Its Critics. Examining global capitalism through the voices of its detractors, Cassidy traces a lineage from early industrial resistance movements to contemporary debates on inequality, ecological crisis, technological change, and authoritarianism. Blending biography, historical analysis, and economic theory, the talk offers an expansive look at the thinkers and movements that have challenged capitalism across centuries.
New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
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
Film | Violent Night (2022): Christmas Action Comedy
Fed up ex-Viking Santa Claus becomes embroiled in a violent hostage situation when mercenaries attack the estate of a wealthy family on Christmas Eve. Copious cartoonish Christmas carnage ensues. Director: Tommy Wirkola Cast: David Harbour, John Leguizamo, Alex Hassell, Alexis Louder
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Free
Jazz | An Afternoon Celebrating Mary Lou WIlliams (Concert + Screening)
This afternoon program begins with an intimate performance by pianist and composer, Camila Cortina Bello. Bello will perform next to Aaron Douglas’s rousing four-panel mural, “Aspects of Negro Life” (1937) currently installed in the gallery as part of the exhibition,100: A Century of Collections, Community, and Creativity. The performance will be followed by a screening of an interview with the late Jazz pianist, Mary Lou Williams. Mary Lou Williams (1910-1981) was not only the First Lady of jazz; she has a place at the very top echelon of the jazz pantheon. Ms. Williams wrote over 350 compositions throughout her rich and highly eclectic musical career. She also helped spawn an entire generation of young musicians during the 1940s that would precipitate the birth of one of the world’s most influential musical styles, known as bebop.
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Free
Poetry Reading | Holiday Poetry Discussion
Attend with fellow poetry enthusiasts to unpack the layered meanings of poetry through an informal group discussion. This December, celebrate the season with heartwarming poems about gathering, holidays, and community. Please note that contemporary poetry deals frankly with contemporary issues and all works discussed are artistic expressions selected for an adult audience.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:30 pm
Free
Free
Film | Broke (2025): Western Drama with Dennis Quaid
You work all week, yet struggle to make ends meet during a cost of living crisis. Broke tells the story of the people behind the headlines, doing their best to survive at a time of rising food, energy, and housing costs. Director: Carlyle Eubank Cast: Wyatt Russell, Dennis Quaid, Auden Thornton, Mary McDonnell
New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | How To Pack for Travel Photography
When traveling it's always best to have a compact and mobile kit that works for your personal style of image making, a skill you will learn through this workshop. Award-winning photographer Ira Block has travelled the world carrying way too much gear, and over the years has come up with ways to work quicker and lighter. At this event he will also show you how to add small portable light to your subject that will give you a distinct look when doing travel portraits and will help you when you are shooting in great 'moody' environments. He will discuss what lenses seem to work the best for him when photographing subjects that are shy about having their photo taken. Besides camera and lighting gear organizers will discuss and show various accessories that will make your travel photography easier and help you produce unique looking images.
New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free
Free
Gallery Talk | Inside the Exhibition: A Curator’s Perspective
Explore select works in the exhibition with museum experts, including curators, conservators, scientists, and scholars. Gain fresh insights and uncover lesser-known stories behind the objects on view, with time for close looking and conversation. Participants are invited to ask questions throughout this focused, insider-led session.
New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free
Free
Book Club | Discuss I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
Enjoy a discussion over the heartbreaking and hilarious memoir by iCarly and Sam & Cat star Jennette McCurdy. It's about her struggles as a former child actor—including eating disorders, addiction, and a complicated relationship with her overbearing mother—and how she retook control of her life. Told with refreshing candor and dark humor, I’m Glad My Mom Died, is an inspiring story of resilience, independence, and the joy of shampooing your own hair.
New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free
Free
Film | Emma (2020): Period Romantic Comedy, Jane Austen Adaptation with Anya Taylor-Joy
A well-meaning but self-centered young woman interferes in her friends' love lives. Director: Autumn de Wilde Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Johnny Flynn, Josh O'Connor, Callum Turner, Mia Goth, Miranda Hart, Bill Nighy Anya Taylor-Joy is an actress who has won several accolades, including a Golden Globe Award and a nomination for a Primetime Emmy. She's known for her roles in The Witch (2015), Split (2016), Thoroughbreds (2017), Peaky Blinders (2019-2022), The Queen's Gambit (2020), Last Night in Soho (2021), The Northman (2022), The Gorge (2025), The Menu (2022), The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023), and Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024).
New York City, NY; NYC
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4:45 pm
Free
Free
Classical Music | Piano Works by J.S. Bach, Scriabin, Rachmaninoff, & More (In Person AND Online!)
Pianist Nabeel Hayek performs a series of pieces by composers from various musical eras. Program: Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943) (arr. Earl Wild) In the Silent Night, Op. 4, No. 3 Alexander Scriabin (1872-1915) Désir, Op. 57, No. 1 Alexander Scriabin (1872-1915) Sonata No. 7, Op. 64 "White Mass" Enrique Granados (1867-1916) Goyescas: IV. Quejas, O La Maja y el Ruiseñor (The Maiden and the Nightingale) Isaac Albéniz (1860-1909) Iberia, T. 105 / Book IV: No. 10, Málaga J.S. Bach (1685-1750) Keyboard Concerto in E Major, BWV 1053
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Free
Classical Music | Contemporary Works by Emerging Composer (In Person AND Online!)
Juilliard musicians perform works by emerging composer Emre Şener. All Emre Şener (2001-) Program: Traumbild Tear Tragedya (I) Tragedya (II) Tragedya (III) Traummaler
New York City, NY; NYC
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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
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5:30 pm
Free
Free
Festival | Live Menorah Lighting
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with a live Menorah lighting.
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free
Free
Author Reading | Chanukah Folktales from the Village of Chelm (Online!)
Celebrate Chanukah with author and storyteller Izzy Abrahmson, who shares humorous and heartwarming tales from his fictional Jewish village of Chelm, where wisdom and foolishness often look the same. Drawing from his book Winter Blessings, a finalist for the National Jewish Book Awards, Abrahmson offers an hour of original stories inspired by classic Yiddish folklore, filled with laughter, community, and holiday spirit.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
pay-what-you-wish, registration required
pay-what-you-wish, registration required
Book Discussion | Historian & Journalist Shares His New Book: The Devil Reached Toward the Sky
Marking the 80th anniversary of the year of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, bestselling historian and journalist Garrett Graff speaks about his new book, The Devil Reached Toward the Sky: An Oral History of the Making and Unleashing of the Atomic Bomb. Comprehensive and engrossing, the book delivers the remarkable—and terrifying—story of the atomic bomb’s creation and deployment, woven from the voices of hundreds of scientists, generals, soldiers, and civilians. The author will be in conversation with Jonathan F. Fanton Director of Roosevelt House Harold Holzer. The development of the atomic bomb, Graff writes, was the most audacious undertaking in human history—beginning with a small group of scientists and engineers rushing in complete secrecy to unlock “the most fundamental power of the universe.” Even today, says Graff, the Manhattan Project evokes boldness, daring, and the grand dream of bringing an end to World War II in the Pacific. A panoramic narrative of how ordinary people grapple with extraordinary wartime risks and sacrifices, this book traces the breakthroughs and the breakneck pace of atomic development in the years leading up to 1945. Then, the book takes readers inside the B-29 bombers carrying Little Boy and Fat Man, and finally to ground zero at Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Book Discussion | Inside the Legacy of NYC's Iconic Music Club
Join award-winning music journalist Billy Altman for a conversation about Positively Fourth and Mercer: The Inside Story of New York's Iconic Music Club, The Bottom Line. Altman will discuss the club's unexpected rise from a quiet industrial pocket of the city to a cultural landmark that shaped New York's musical identity for three decades. Hear how two childhood friends built a venue that became beloved for its intimate setting, artist-centered vision, and unforgettable performances.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
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
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Conversations around Public Space: Community Resiliance & Architecture
In this lecture and workshop facilitated by Helsinki-based architect and urban designer Arvind Ramachandran, leaders and attendees will share thoughts and experiences about the immense potential public spaces hold not just as places for people to relax and socialize, but also as platforms for building community resilience. The event will begin with a short presentation about the importance of thriving local public spaces. Using examples from his work in Helsinki and his residency in New York, Arvind will highlight key issues affecting how we create and sustain these spaces. The presentation will be followed by an exhibition and collective test of the Field Kit for Public Space Imagination, a tool Arvind hopes will lower barriers for designers of public spaces to engage in conversations with users and local communities. Participation in this event requires no prior familiarity with public space design. Participants are free to join in ways that feel best to them, whether as a listener or as an active participant in the conversation.
New York City, NY; NYC
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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
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6:30 pm
Free
Free
6:30 pm
Regular: $45
Member: $0
Regular: $45
Member: $0
Join the Club!
Performance | Comedy, Music & Open Stage Variety Night
Enjoy an evening featuring a rotating lineup of comedians, storytellers, and musicians, followed by an open stage where anyone can perform. The program welcomes a wide range of acts and creative formats.
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Free
Screening | Jazz Legends on Film: A Rare Archival Showcase
Experience an exceptional mix of rare filmed performances featuring some of the most iconic figures in jazz history. This eclectic program highlights unforgettable moments from artists including John Coltrane, Billie Holiday, Miles Davis, Lennie Tristano, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Abbey Lincoln, Mary Lou Williams, and even John Cage. This screening offers a chance to see jazz greats captured on camera.
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Free
Classical Music | Modern & Contemporary Chamber Pieces (In Person AND Online!)
Manhattan School of Music's champer players perform a series of Modern and Contemporary pieces. Program: Anton Webern (1883-1945) Concerto for Nine Instruments, Op. 24 Christian Kriegeskotte Threnody: For Fritz Chamber Concerto for Piano, Percussion, and 13 Instruments Alban Berg (1885-1935) Chamber Concerto for Piano and Violin with 13 Wind Instruments
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free
Free
Classical Music | Percussion Works by J.S. Bach & More (In Person AND Online!)
Percussion Chaerim Park performs a series of pieces by composers from various musical periods. Program: Alejandro Viñao (1951-) Burritt Variations Iannis Xenakis (1922-2001) Rebonds A Philippe Hurel (1955-) Tombeau in Memoriam Gérard Grisey J.S. Bach (1685-1750) Partita for Violin No. 2 in D Minor, BWV 1004
New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free
Free
Classical Music | Romantic & Modern French Horn Works (In Person AND Online!)
Colby Kleven, French horn, performs a series of Romantic, Modern, and Contemporary pieces. Program: Paul Dukas (1865-1935) Villanelle Ruth Gipps (1921-1999) (arr. Colby Kleven) Horn Concerto, Op. 58 Colby Kleven Sonata for Horn and Piano Valerie Coleman (1970-) Afro-Cuban Concerto
New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free
Free
9:30 pm
Regular: $35
Member: $0
Regular: $35
Member: $0
Join the Club!
Join the Club!
Complimentary Tickets
to shows, concerts ... (CFT Deals!)
Performance | Award-Winning Poet's Tales Based on True Events
Regular Price: $50CFT Member Price: $0.00
Play | Romantic Comedy: Joy, Heartbreak and Everything in Between
Regular Price: $60CFT Member Price: $0.00
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