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, February 28, 2026!
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
February 28, 2026. 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, February 28, 2026!
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, February 28, 2026!
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 (February 28, 2026) 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).
40 free things to do in New York City (NYC) today:
Saturday, February 28, 2026
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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8:00 am
Free
Free
Workshop | Community Park 5K Run with New York Road Runners
New york Road Runners host a 5K community-led run,open to runners and walkers of all ages, abilities, and experience levels. Evidence of Inwood Hill Park’s formation exists as caves, valleys, and ridges left as the result of shifting glaciers. Evidence of its uninhabited state afterward remains as its forest and salt marsh (the last natural one in Manhattan), and evidence of its use by Native Americans continues to be discovered. Most of the park was largely untouched by wars and development. The park features a hiking trail and the Hudson River Bike Trail, and is one of the best places in NYC to spot a bald eagle. It also includes athletic fields, playgrounds, dog runs, and a barbecue area. The course is three loops on hilly trails and walkways through woods and along a salt marsh.
New York City, NY; NYC
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8:45 am
Free
Free
Museums | Jewish History: Centuries of Art
As one of the largest collections of art in Jewish culture globally, the venue features an extensive array of historical Jewish artifacts as well as modern and contemporary art.
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Free
Symposium | Understanding the Art and Legacy of Renowned Artist Iba Ndiaye
Explore the work of Senegalese artist Iba Ndiaye (1928-2008) with international scholars. Delve into his contributions to Modernism, the influences behind his practice, and the political and cultural forces that shaped his art.
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Free
Tour | Explore One of New York's Iconic Buildings
Designed to inspire, building highlights include:
The only free, publicly accessible rooftop terrace in Midtown
A dramatic "Long Room" with 42-foot-high atrium offering five levels of open, browsable book stacks
Commissioned public art celebrating creativity and curiosity
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:30 am
Free
Free
Opening Reception | Collage Installation
Experience Mullican’s immersive ‘‘book’’‑like installation, composed of 9,519 hand‑numbered collage sheets, with roughly 6,700 arranged to fill the space. The work divides visual knowledge into two sections, Colorpedia and Alphapedia, creating a vast visual lexicon that explores the symbols shaping both the artist’s universe and our daily lives. Refreshments provided.
New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free
Free
Book Club | Echoes Beneath the Waves
Join an engaging discussion of Tara Roberts’s Written in the Waters—a memoir that combines Black sea-wreck archaeology with personal history. Dive into a story of exploration, rekindling, and recognition.
New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free
Free
Festival | Lunar New Year Celebration with Live Lion Dance
Kick off a Lunar New Year celebration with a live lion dance and festive procession through the. The event wraps with a performance, with celebrations continuing throughout Chinatown.
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Sketch Session in an Art Gallery
Participate in a program that responds to works from the exhibition Lotty Rosenfeld: Disobedient Spaces. With a focus on line, participants will be invited to produce gesture drawings inspired by the exhibition's video works. This program is geared toward adults. No previous drawing experience is needed and all materials will be provided. Feel free to join as many sessions as you wish.
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Free
Open Mic | Afternoon of Showcasing Creativity: Artists, Poets, Musicians, & More
Enjoy an afternoon of creativity and talent as local artists, poets, musicians, and performers and more take the stage. Whether you want to showcase your own skills or simply enjoy the show, this is the place to be. Let your voice be heard and your talent shine in a welcoming and supportive environment. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with fellow creatives and entertain a friendly audience. This event will include an open call for performers on a first come, first serve basis as time permits. Participants can share their original work in a time to be announced based off total amount of performers. Space and seating is limited; show up on time!
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:30 pm
Free
Free
Film | Bob Marley: One Love (2024), Reggae Biopic
The story of how reggae icon Bob Marley overcame adversity, and the journey behind his revolutionary music. Director: Reinaldo Marcus Green Cast: Robert Teitel, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Ziggy Marley, Rita Marley, Cedella Marley
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
Film | Lady Bird (2017): Coming-of-Age Comedy-Drama with Saoirse Ronan & Timothée Chalamet
In this coming-of-age tale set in 2002 Sacramento, an eccentric teenager attending a Catholic high school deals with the pangs of first love and clashes with her mother over her plans for the furture. Director: Greta Gerwig Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Tracy Letts, Lucas Hedges, Timothée Chalamet, Beanie Feldstein, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Lois Smith Saoirse Ronan is an American-born Irish actress. Primarily known for her work in period dramas since adolescence, she has received various accolades, including a Golden Globe Award, in addition to nominations for four Academy Awards and five British Academy Film Awards. American and French actor Timothee Chalamet has received a Screen Actors Guild Award, and been nominated for two Academy Awards, four British Academy Film Awards, and four Golden Globes. He's the third-youngest nominee for Best Actor in Oscar history and the youngest winner of the SAG Award for Best Actor.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
Staged Reading | Operation Saffron: Comedy on Immigration, Family, & More
An Iranian American woman is trying to live quietly in Queens, NY with American surveillance, survive her cousin’s cozy ties to the Iranian regime, and still somehow maintain belief that both countries will one day have no corruption. It's a comedy! Written by Monna Sabouri. Directed by Gregory Jafari Van Acker. Cast: Olivia Khoshatefeh, Mershad Torabi, Ari Derambakhsh, Sina Pooresmaeil, Rawya El Chab
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
pay-what-you wish (free...
pay-what-you wish (free...
Jazz | Afternoon Jam Sesh (Play Music or Just Listen)
This jam session is open to all musicians. Come and play or just listen to some jazzy tunes.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
2:00 pm
Regular: $40
Member: $0
Regular: $40
Member: $0
Join the Club!
Tour | Explore Collection Which Features Goya, Velazquez, El Greco, and More
Join these guided tours every Friday and Saturday at 2 PM to explore a museum's history, special collections, and landmarked spaces. Led by educators, the tours last 45-60 minutes and provide an engaging introduction to the artworks and archives on view.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
Dance Performance | Explore Flamenco History in NYC & See a Live Performance
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Flamenco Festival New York, enjoy a lecture by Jose Javier Leon on La Argentinita and the intersections of flamenco, Lorca, and Spanish cultural identity. The lecture will be followed by a live performance with artists who are also participating in the 25th anniversary of Flamenco Festival New York, bringing La Argentinita's legacy to life through the very art form she helped transform. In February 1930, three friends converged in New York City: the singer and bailaora Encarnacion Lopez Julvez--known as La Argentinita, one of the most influential Spanish artists of the 20th century; her partner, the bullfighter, writer, and impresario Ignacio Sanchez Mejias; and the poet Federico Garcia Lorca, who had been living at Columbia University since June 1929. During those days, Encarna performed in several of the city's theaters, Ignacio lectured on bullfighting, and Lorca on poetry. But more importantly, in New York, they conceived ideas and collaborations that would reshape the future of flamenco, expanding its expressive possibilities and projecting it onto international stages. The city became, through them, a catalyst for new forms--bridging flamenco with ballet, Spanish song, and modern artistic experimentation.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
Gallery Talk | Post‑War Reflections on Body, Landscape, and Memory
Lebanese artist Ali Cherri discusses his work with writer Aruna D'Souza, marking the end of his first solo exhibition with the gallery and providing insight into his creative process. His work explores violence in Lebanon and surrounding areas, utilizing film, performance, sculpture in clay and bronze, drawing, and installation. Cherri's art examines how political violence impacts people's bodies and the physical and cultural landscapes. Influenced by the vibrant postwar Beirut art scene of the 1990s, he investigates the sensory co-creation of reality through images of conflict, urban settings, and his own body.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
Poetry Reading | Recently Published Poets Community Showcase
Enjoy this Community Reading, in which poets who have published a book of poetry in 2024-2025 will be randomly selected to read a single poem over the course of the afternoon. The Showcase is a literary exhibition and reading series dedicated to the art and joy of published poetry all in one room. Collecting every type of poetry from every type of publisher, from hand-threaded zines to books from large commercial houses, this winter’s exhibition includes poetry works from 2024 and 2025, including a wide range of chapbooks, broadsides, translated works, and multilingual volumes.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
Concert | Guitar Music Festival
Enjoy this annual Guitar Festival! Masterclass and student/faculty/guest artist concert. 2:45pm Masterclass 4:30pm Student Concert 6:00pm Faculty & Guest Artist Concert
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:45 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Try Creative Writing (All Levels Welcome)
This workshop is designed to help attendees unlock their creative potential. Engage in fun idea generating exercises and work together to get results and find joy in the writing process. All writers of any experience level are welcome. If you're curious, come check it out! This workshop, the 35th in an ongoing series, will continue to explore foundational writing techniques and best practices. Prior attendance is not required. Attendees will investigate alternative, non-traditional narrative forms, as well as read and discuss short stories and poetry.
New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free
Free
Staged Reading | Twilight on the Q Train
Katryna Alexis presents SUNSET, a vivid tableau of Shaniqua and Bartholomew, who are two seemingly happy partners stranded on the Q train as dusk falls. After the reading, a talkback with the three playwrights will explore the themes of connection, timing, and urban life that shape the narrative.
New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
reservation required, minimum...
reservation required, minimum...
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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4:00 pm
Free
Free
Classical Music | A Chamber Concert Honoring Black American Composers
This intimate chamber concert celebrates the resilience and creative legacy of Black American composers. The evening brings together live music and spoken word, with writer and poet Angela Decker performing alongside a flute and string trio. Through sound and text, the program reflects on endurance, memory, and presence.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Concert | Carnegie Hall-Featured Musicians Perform Cross-Cultural Violin Dialogue (Jazz, Folk, & Improv)
Arun Ramamurthy and Trina Basu bring a dazzling, cross-cultural violin dialogue to the stage. Rooted in South Indian Carnatic music and shaped by jazz, folk, and improvisation, their performances blur genre lines with virtuosity and heart. Ramamurthy is a Brooklyn-based violinist, composer, and co-founder of Brooklyn Raga Massive, known for projects like the Arun Ramamurthy Trio and expansive collaborations from Carnegie Hall to the Kennedy Center. Basu is a New York City-based violinist, improviser, and music therapist whose "globe-spanning" sound has been praised by The New Yorker, and whose work carries a deep belief in music as a healing force. Together, they create an immersive set that moves from raga to improvised flights, connecting tradition and innovation in real time.
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Free
7:00 pm
Regular: $20
Member: $0
Regular: $20
Member: $0
Join the Club!
Staged Reading | Entangled in Paris
Dhari Noel's Paris delves into the tangled emotions of Jean and Stone. Desire, rage, and heartbreak collide in a story that embraces the intensity of what they truly want. Come witness the raw energy of the reading and get a feel for contemporary theater.
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
reservation required, minimum...
reservation required, minimum...
Performance | Rituals of Resistance: SIte-Specific Showcase
Raquel Almazan presents a haunting site-specific Butoh ritual followed by a works-in-progress reading. The piece explores cycles of violence, colonial myths, and the resilience of women’s communities through visceral movement, soundscapes by Sinuhe Padilla, and evocative visual design. Audience members move from the fourth-floor performance space into an immersive, mythic landscape that blurs the boundaries between ritual and theater.
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Free
Concert | Contemporary Opera Compositions with American Modern Opera Company
The creator-driven American Modern Opera Company performs an Up Close series of one-night-only contemporary compositions. The opening program presents the premieres of The Inner Core, from AMOC* co-founder and MacArthur Fellow Matthew Aucoin, and Camino Songs, by composer-instrumentalist-poet Doug Balliett. Aucoin's Inner Core song cycle features the composer on piano, accompanied by acclaimed baritone vocalist William Socolof (Boston Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic). Together, the duo limn the arc of an imagined romantic relationship from adolescence through the couple's parting in early adulthood. Balliett's Camino Songs was conceived while on pilgrimage to the Galician municipality of Santiago de Compostela. Supported with projections of the composer's original photography, Camino Songs is a journey of self-reflection, local Spanish lore, and deep devotion. 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
Performance | Waiting for Pangea: Verbatim Theater Project
What happens when we live between worlds and dare to tell the truth from that place? This devised therapeutic verbatim performance explores displacement in all its forms: migration and exile; living between cultures, identities, homes, relationships, and parts of the self. Drawing from real stories and lived experience, the piece weaves together literal, remembered, and imagined journeys. Bridging verbatim theater with a therapeutic framework, the project invites the audience to witness where stories are held in the in-between, carried together, and allowed to unfold.
New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free
Free
8:00 pm
Regular: $20
Member: $0
Regular: $20
Member: $0
Join the Club!
8:00 pm
Regular: $40
Member: $0
Regular: $40
Member: $0
Join the Club!
8:00 pm
Regular: $25
Member: $0
Regular: $25
Member: $0
Join the Club!
8:00 pm
Regular: $50.00
Member: $0
Regular: $50.00
Member: $0
Join the Club!
8:30 pm
Regular: $40
Member: $0
Regular: $40
Member: $0
Join the Club!
10:00 pm
Regular: $20
Member: $0
Regular: $20
Member: $0
Join the Club!
Join the Club!
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Classical Music | Masterpieces by Mozart, Haydn and more
Regular Price: $50.00CFT Member Price: $0.00
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