free things to do in New York City
Free events for Thursday, 10/16/25
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Free Events, Free Things to Do in New York City!  Read More

October 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, October 16, 2025!

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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 16, 2025!

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Club Free Time is your perfect guide to Free Entertainment and Free Culture in the City That Never Sleeps.

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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 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!

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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!

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Get a taste of free culture and free entertainment in New York City (NYC)!

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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
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The quality and quantity of
free events,
free things to do
that happen in New York City
every day of the year
is truly amazing.

So don't miss the opportunities
that only New York provides:
stop wondering what to do;
start taking advantage of
free events to go to,
free things to do in NYC
today!
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

free events nyc Sunset Salsa on the Pier
free events nyc Multi-Choreographer Autumn Dance Concert
free events nyc Unique Multisensory Art & Music Celebration
free events nyc Friday Night Function at an Iconic Art Museum
free events nyc Explore One of New York's Iconic Buildings
All Editor's Picks ...
        

63 free  things to do in New York City (NYC) today:
Thursday, October 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
Workshops, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Central Park Running&nbsp;Session (All Levels Welcome)

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
Workshops, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Pick-Up Pickleball

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
Workshops, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Gentle Dance Workout

Screening | Most Watched International Sporting Events on the Big (30-foot!) Screen Outdoors: Tennis & Football


Today's Schedule: 10:00am - 7:30pm Center Court Multi City ATP Marches 7:30pm - 10:30pm NCAA Football Tulsa vs East Carolina *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
Screenings, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Most Watched International Sporting Events on the Big (30-foot!) Screen Outdoors:&nbsp;Tennis & Football

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
Tours, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, New York City Hall Guided Tour

Dance Lesson | Learn about Technique Approaches & Background: Trisha Brown's Kinetic Awareness


In these dance classes teachers guide participants through technique and movement while informing about technique and historical background based on the teachings of renowned choreographers Elaine Summers and Trisha Brown. These classes will be on a first come, first served basis. Anyone can attend--no dance experience necessary. Wear comfortable loose clothing and bring a blanket. Balls will be available to use.
   New York City, NY; NYC
10:30 am
Free
Dance Lessons, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Learn about Technique Approaches & Background: Trisha Brown's Kinetic Awareness

Film | In The Heat of The Night (1967): Mystery Drama with Sidney Poitier


Police detective Virgil Tibbs is arrested on suspicion of murder by Bill Gillespie, a racist police chief. After Tibbs proves his innocence, he joins forces with Gillespie to track down the real killer. Director: Norman Jewison Cast: Sidney Poitier, Rod Steiger, Warren Oates, Lee Grant Sidney Poitier was a Bahamian and American actor, film director, and diplomat. In 1964, he was the first Black actor and first Bahamian to win the Academy Award for Best Actor. He received two competitive Golden Globe Awards and a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album. Poitier was one of the last major stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood cinema.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Films, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, In The Heat of The Night (1967): Mystery Drama with&nbsp;Sidney Poitier

Galleries | Art Celebrating Korean Tradition in Dialogue


This event is a curated showcasing that explores the beauty and creative potential of Korean traditional craftsmanship through a contemporary lens. This exhibition brings together artists and designers who reinterpret the essence of Korean tradition in dialogue with modern forms and materials. Visitors are invited to experience how timeless aesthetics rooted in heritage continue to inspire new expressions today. Set within the cultural and artistic landscape of New York City, this program creates a space where Korea’s artisanal traditions encounter the city’s dynamic creative energy.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Galleriess, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Art Celebrating Korean Tradition in Dialogue

Festival | Food Festival with Local Vendors


New York City's favorite outdoor food market, Smorgasburg, is back. Enjoy a variety of eats and treats from local vendors.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Festivals, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Food Festival with Local Vendors

Fair | Midtown Food Fair 


Celebrate community, creativity, and fall at this vibrant street fair! There will be an array of local vendor booths. Enjoy delicious food, live music, games,  and a variety of fun activities. 
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Fairs, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Midtown Food Fair&nbsp;

Fair | Market With 35+ Local Food Vendors


Celebrate NYC with these bold bites and vibrant flavors at this lively night market! Featuring over 35 rotating local food vendors, the market presents a delicious mix of cuisines and festive energy.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free
Fairs, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Market With 35+ Local Food Vendors

Opening Reception | Multi-Artist Exhibition Exploring American Identity & Cultural Landscape


Whose America? is an exhibition that examines the United States' relationship to the history of 'America' in all of its pluralities. Drawing upon a varied and eclectic roster of artists and designers, those with vastly different experiences of diaspora from throughout the Americas, Whose America? deconstructs the many regional, political and social influences that have shaped the United States' cultural landscape today. Organized around a series of fundamental yet seldom asked questions--who is America?, who does it belong to? and who writes its history?--the exhibition brings together a wide and multidisciplinary range of works that mount a collective challenge to the idea that 'America' has ever truly been synonymous with the United States. In place of such a totalizing perspective, Whose America? draws upon the pluralistic wellspring of experience by artists hailing from countries throughout North America, Central and South America and the Caribbean, all of which are underpinned by Indigenous people's historic ties to the land that precede the founding of this country. The exhibition will feature work by dozens of artists from countries including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico and Puerto Rico.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free
Opening Receptions, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Multi-Artist Exhibition Exploring American Identity & Cultural Landscape

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
Concerts, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Serene Organ Meditations in Intimate Venue

Master Class | National Symphony Orchestra & Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Pianist Teaches the Craft


Anthony Hewitt is regarded as one of Britain's finest pianists, and since winning the prestigious William Kapell Competition in Washington D.C., has enjoyed a prolific career spanning two decades, including concerto appearances with the National Symphony Orchestra in the U.S.A. and in the U.K with the English Chamber and Royal Philharmonic Orchestras. He has performed at most of the UK's major concerts halls, including concerto appearances at Royal Festival Hall in London and Symphony Hall in Birmingham.
   New York City, NY; NYC
1:00 pm
Free
Concerts, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, National Symphony Orchestra & Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Pianist Teaches the Craft

Classical Music | "Irresistible" Early Music Improv Collective Performs Works of the Middle Ages & Renaissance (In Person AND Online!)


Hesperus celebrates its reincarnation as an early music improv collective with a program of twelve medieval improvisations inspired by a dozen manuscript illuminations from Les Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry. Tina Chancey, vielle, rebec, kamenj, percussion, and Mark Rimple, lute, gittern, vocals, present a varied program spanning the high Middle Ages through the dawn of the Renaissance.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:15 pm
Free
Concerts, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, "Irresistible" Early Music Improv Collective Performs Works of the Middle Ages & Renaissance (In Person AND Online!)

Screening | Malni: Towards the Ocean, Towards the Shore (2020): Documentary about Pacific Northwest Indigenous Peoples (+ Filmmaker Talk)


A poetic, experimental feature circling the origin of the death myth from the Chinookan people in the Pacific Northwest, the film follows two people as they wander through their surrounding nature, the spirit world, and something much deeper inside. Director: Sky Hopinka Conversation follows screening with Sky Hopinka (Ho-Chunk Nation/Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians) and Iñupiaq filmmaker, Andrew Okpeaha MacLean (Chair, NYU Graduate Film).
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Screenings, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Malni: Towards the Ocean, Towards the Shore&nbsp;(2020): Documentary about Pacific Northwest Indigenous Peoples (+ Filmmaker Talk)

Film | Novocaine (2025): Action Comedy Film


When the girl of his dreams is kidnapped, a man incapable of feeling physical pain turns his rare condition into an unexpected advantage in the fight to rescue her. Director: Dan Berk & Robert Olsen Cast: Jack Quaid, Amber Midthunder, Ray Nicholson, Betty Gabriel, Matt Walsh, Jacob Batalon
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Films, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Novocaine (2025): Action Comedy Film
2:30 pm
Regular: $50
Member: $0
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Plays, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Broadway Actors in a Play About Groundbreaking TV Show

Workshop | Photo-Based Creative Writing Session


This event is an afternoon of creative writing inspired by photographs. No formal writing experience is required - just enthusiasm and curiosity to see where writing takes you. Come write freely and meet other people who love writing for the sake of writing!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:30 pm
Free
Workshops, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Photo-Based Creative Writing Session

City Walk | Roosevelt Island Photowalk Workshop


The photography group will explore Roosevelt Island's unique blend of urban and suburban life, historical architecture, and golden hour. This not-so-hidden gem, Roosevelt Island, has a rich lore, from once being used for hospitals and prisons to now being a residential community popular for its iconic tram and stunning views of Manhattan's East Side. This is for photographers of all levels and is a great opportunity to practice in a comfortable, encouraging environment. Gear will not be provided, but bringing a camera is optional. Please arrive early, as we will be starting promptly at 3pm and there will not be a set route. Travel note: Due to popularity, traveling to Roosevelt Island via the tram may cause delays. If you plan to take the tram rather than the subway, please allow for extra time.
   New York City, NY; NYC
3:00 pm
Free
City Walks, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Roosevelt Island Photowalk Workshop

Discussion | Panel Conversation on Institutional Racism


Enjoy a panel discussion and reception on anti-racism in leadership; this conversation will feature What Might Be: Confronting Racism to Transform Our Institutions author Susan Sturm, CUNY chancellor Félix Matos Rodriguez, and Bruce Western, President of the Russell Sage Foundation, discussing how current leaders move beyond the paradoxes when leading complex organizations.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free
Discussions, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Panel Conversation on Institutional Racism

Screening | Ecuadorian LGBTQ+ Film Fest: Short & Mid-Length Works


This festival aims to recognize the accomplishments of Ecuadorian queer filmmaking by featuring a line-up of short and medium-length films covering variety of genres such as documentary, narrative and experimental films. As in much of Latin America, queer visibility in cinema in Ecuador was mostly negligible during the 20th century. As the new century rolled in, a small but growing number of Ecuadorian filmmakers began weaving in stories where queer characters were the main focus. Often self-financed on micro-budgets under the sphere of stigma, the emergence of queer cinema in Ecuador became a transgressive cry for visibility as much as an artistic expression.  
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Screenings, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Ecuadorian LGBTQ+ Film Fest: Short & Mid-Length Works

Opening Reception | Innovative Latin American Art from Artes Visuales


This exhibition highlights artists featured in the influential magazine Artes Visuales (Mexico, 1973–1981), showcasing a generation of experimental creators who shaped an international art community. These works illustrate the periodical’s impact on painting, photography, performance, and page art. The accompanying catalog includes essays and interviews that trace the magazine’s role in fostering dialogue and innovation across Latin American art.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Opening Receptions, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Innovative Latin American Art from Artes Visuales

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
Museumss, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Thursday Evening Exploring the Photography Museum

Classical Music | Piano Sonatas by Beethoven & Janacek


Pianist Fangzhou Ye performs two significant sonatasof the Classical and Modern musical eras. Program: Leos Janacek (1854-1928) Piano Sonata I. X. 1905, "From the Street" Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770-1827) Piano Sonata No. 32 in C Minor, Op. 111
   New York City, NY; NYC
5:30 pm
Free
Concerts, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Piano Sonatas by Beethoven & Janacek

Opening Reception | Black Performance and Visibility


Through photography, film, and performance, artist Rawls explores how Black movement and language resist containment. Using stop-motion animation projected onto suspended green screens, this work blurs the lines between motion and stillness, presence and erasure. The exhibition reflects on visibility, identity, and the power of expression that defies correction.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Opening Receptions, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Black Performance and Visibility

Poetry Reading | Book Launch Celebration: Poetry Is Not a Luxury Poetry Anthology


Participate in a launch party and reading by poets featured in the new anthology Poetry Is Not A Luxury  curated by the creator of the @PoetryIsNotaLuxury Instagram account. Featuring Dorothea Lasky, J. Mae Barizo, Jason Schneiderman, Wendy Xu, Jose Olivarez, Thomas Dooley, Noelle Kocot, Elizabeth Metzger, and Nour Al Ghraowi.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Poetry Readings, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Book Launch Celebration:&nbsp;Poetry Is Not a Luxury&nbsp;Poetry Anthology

Author Reading | Chiara Marchelli Shares Her New Novel, La Figlia di Lui (+ signing)


Enjoy conversation with Chiara Marchelli to celebrate her newest novel, La figlia di lui, which is a story of explosive minimalism that explores the complexity of contemporary relationships with dry elegance and an intimate gaze. She will be in conversation with Arianna Farinelli, followed by a signing.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Author Readings, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Chiara Marchelli Shares Her New Novel,&nbsp;La Figlia di Lui (+ signing)

Discussion | Exploring the Term "Intermedia" & Performance


Elaine Summers was the first artist to incorporate media in performance, calling her work "Intermedia." The panel will discuss the exact meaning of this term, how Ms. Summers used film in her performances and pioneered unusual venues stretching the boundaries of her art in many ways.
   New York City, NY; NYC
6:00 pm
Free
Discussions, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Exploring the Term "Intermedia" & Performance

Author Reading | Internationally Bestselling Author Discusses Her New Novel, The Missing Pages


Author Alyson Richman (The Lost Wife) will be in conversation with author Lauren Belfer (City of Light) about Richman's new book, The Missing Pages. This book follows Harry Widener boards the Titanic holding tight to a priceless book–and his last known words are that he must return to his cabin for his treasure. Neither the young man nor the book will ever be seen again. In his honor, his mother builds the Harry Widener Memorial Library at Harvard to memorialize her son and house his extensive book collection. Decades later, Violet Hutchins, a Harvard sophomore recovering from her own great loss, is working as a page at the Widener Library. When strange things begin happening at the library, Violet wonders if Harry Widener’s ghost is trying to communicate the missing pieces of his story from beyond the grave.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Author Readings, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Internationally Bestselling Author&nbsp;Discusses Her New Novel,&nbsp;The Missing Pages

Classical Music | Modern "Masterpiece" for Violin & Piano (In Person AND Online!)


Magpie Duo (Lauren Conroy, violin; Matthew Schultheis, piano) perform Morton Feldman's vulnerable, exquisite evening-length minimalist masterpiece, For John Cage.
   New York City, NY; NYC
6:00 pm
Free
Concerts, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Modern "Masterpiece" for Violin & Piano (In Person AND Online!)

Opening Reception | Multi-Artist Exhibition Exploring Time as a Medium & Constraint in Creativity


Making Time showcases the remarkable talent of Parsons’ staff and celebrates the creative practices and perspectives of people who support the learning community every day. This show highlights how time acts as both a medium and a constraint—shaping processes of memory, play, transformation, and personal narrative. Featuring works across a range of disciplines and materials, Making Time invites viewers to reflect on how artistic practice can serve as an antidote to the demands of institutional life and how staff continue to make space for experimentation, imagination, and connection in their daily work.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Opening Receptions, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Multi-Artist Exhibition Exploring Time as a Medium & Constraint in Creativity

Opening Reception | Paintings and Ceramic Vessels Exploring Reflection and Identity


This exhibition presents new works by Patty Horing that capture intimate, introspective moments within urban interiors. Through layered portrayals of figures mirrored in glass, screens, and ceramic forms, Horing examines self-perception, connection, and the subtle distances of contemporary life. Her painted vases extend these themes with playful depictions of women in quiet, reflective scenes.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Opening Receptions, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Paintings and Ceramic Vessels Exploring Reflection and Identity

Book Discussion | The Rise and Fall of Public Housing in America (In Person AND Online!)


Explore the history of public housing in the U.S. with Howard A. Husock, author of The Projects. Husock examines how early 20th-century initiatives aimed at addressing urban blight led to the creation and decline of public housing, transforming communities and shaping modern debates over affordable housing. Following the talk, Husock will discuss these issues with urban policy scholar Nicholas Dagen Bloom. Note: limited in-person seating.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Book Discussions, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, The Rise and Fall of Public Housing in America (In Person AND Online!)

Screening | Leila and the Wolves (1984): Levantine Hybrid Cinematic Essay (+ Discussion)


"This film is based on actual events which are part of the collective memory of the Lebanese and Palestinian people." So begins Leila and the Wolves, Lebanese filmmaker Heiny Srour's only narrative feature--a bold, lyrical homage to the often-erased legacy of Arab women in the liberation struggle. At its center is Leila, a Lebanese woman living in London, who uncovers the overlooked contributions of women--fighters, nurturers, strategists--to the broader revolutionary movement. Drawing on the Arab heritage of oral tradition and mosaic pattern, Leila and the Wolves blends reenactment, archival footage, folklore in a visually and narratively hybrid cinematic essay and feminist counter narrative. It was banned in the Arab World for 45 years--and still is in many Arab countries. The film has been rarely shown and was restored in 2024. Director: Heiny Srour In Arabic with English subtitles. Screening followed by a Q&A with the director Heiny Srour and Professor of French and Comparative Literature at Columbia Madeleine Dobie.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Screenings, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Leila and the Wolves (1984): Levantine Hybrid Cinematic Essay (+ Discussion)

Film | The Mercy of the Jungle (2018): Survival and humanity in wartime Congo


Synopsis: At the outbreak of the Second Congo War, Sergeant Xavier and young private Faustin are accidentally left behind in the jungle. With only each other to count on, they embark on an odyssey across the most violent forest on earth, facing the depths of their own war-torn souls. Director: Joël Karekezi Cast: Abby Mukiibi Nkaaga, Cédrick Mbongo Mbulu, Nsereko Mazinga Henry Doors open at 6:30 pm and the film starts at 7:00 pm 
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Films, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, The Mercy of the Jungle (2018): Survival and humanity in wartime Congo

Screening | Brazilian Short Films Explore Landscape, Memory, and Identity


A screening and discussion featuring two Brazilian short films with English subtitles: Encontro das águas (2024), which reflects on generational change and environmental tension in rural Goiás, and Casca de Baobá (2017), which follows a young woman balancing life between her quilombola roots and the city.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Screenings, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Brazilian Short Films Explore Landscape, Memory, and Identity

Workshop | Jump into Double Dutch with the Pros


Learn to double dutch! Coach Kyra Lee and The Double Dutch Aunties will teach you the fundamentals of street-style and competitive jump rope.
   New York City, NY; NYC
6:30 pm
Free
Workshops, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Jump into Double Dutch with the Pros

Author Reading | Nonfiction Author Discusses His Book Explioring English Linguistics and Spelling, Enough Is Enuf


Author Gabe Henry as discusses his new book, Enough Is Enuf: Our Failed Attempts to Make English Easier to Spell. Synopsis: A brief and humorous 500-year history of the Simplified Spelling Movement from advocates like Ben Franklin, C. S. Lewis, and Mark Twain to texts and Twitter. If our system of writing words is so tragically inconsistent, why haven't we standardized it, phoneticized it, brought it into line? How many brave linguists have ever had the courage to state, in a declaration of phonetic revolt: "Enough is enuf"? The answer: many. In the comic annals of linguistic history, legions of rebel wordsmiths have died on the hill of spelling reform, risking their reputations to bring English into the realm of the rational. This book is about them. Henry takes his humorous and informative chronicle right up to today as the language seems to naturally be simplifying to fit the needs of our changing world thanks to technology--from texting to Twitter and emojis, the Simplified Spelling Movement may finally be having its day. Gabe's work has appeared in TIME, The New Yorker, New York Magazine, US News & World Report, and more. i
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Author Readings, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Nonfiction Author Discusses His Book Explioring English Linguistics and Spelling, Enough Is Enuf

Book Discussion | Remembering Sugihara: A Story of Courage and Survival


Join author Zofia Hartman and scholar Agi Legutko for a conversation about Sugihara’s List. This book uncovers the remarkable story of Chiune Sugihara, the Japanese Vice-Consul in Lithuania who saved thousands of Jewish refugees during World War II. In 1940, Sugihara issued thousands of transit visas that allowed desperate families to flee through Japan to safety. This discussion explores the historical complexities, diplomatic risks, and enduring questions surrounding Sugihara’s extraordinary actions. Hartman will also reflect on her research process, the refugees’ stories, and how this little-known act of rescue continues to challenge and inspire our understanding of history.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Book Discussions, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Remembering Sugihara: A Story of Courage and Survival

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
6:30 pm
Free
Dancings, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Sunset Salsa on the Pier

Discussion | Writer/Director Seline Song (Materialists, Past Lives) in Conversation


Celine Song, the celebrated writer and director of films such as Materialists and Past Lives, participates in a conversation about her creative practice with her former teacher, Professor Anne Bogart. Celine Song is an Academy Award-nominated screenwriter and filmmaker whose signature blend of emotional depth, intelligence, and humor has established her as an essential voice in today's entertainment landscape. As a playwright, Song is best known for Endlings, which premiered in 2019 at American Repertory Theater and had its New York debut in 2020 at New York Theatre Workshop. She has been a finalist for the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize and a semifinalist for the American Playwriting Foundation's Relentless Award. Song also wrote on the first season of Amazon series The Wheel of Time.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Discussions, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Writer/Director Seline Song (Materialists, Past Lives) in Conversation

Author Reading | NYT-Featured Writer Celebrates Her New Memoir, Where Every Ghost Has a Name (In Person AND Online!)


Enjoy for a celebration of Where Every Ghost Has A Name by Kim Liao, featuring Anru Lee and Jimin Han! Kim Liao is the author of Where Every Ghost Has a Name: A Memoir of Taiwanese Independence. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian, Electric Literature, Lit Hub, The Rumpus, McSweeney’s, The Millions, and others. A cultural anthropologist, Anru Lee‘s research focuses on the Asian Pacific region and issues of capitalism, modernity, gender and sexuality, and urban anthropology. Jimin Han is the author of A Small Revolution and the Apology,;named a best audiobook of the year by Booklist, a best book of the summer by the LA Times, Vanity Fair, Shondaland, Apple Books and more.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Author Readings, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, NYT-Featured Writer Celebrates Her New Memoir, Where Every Ghost Has a Name&nbsp;(In Person AND Online!)

Author Reading | Debut Author Launches Her New Book, A Retelling of The Great Gatsby


Enjoy a conversation between KM Fajardo, Christine Li, and Kathryn Budig to launch Fajardo's debut novel, Local Heavens, a retelling of The Great Gatsby. A corporate hacker. An elusive billionaire. A society trying to survive the American Nightmare. The book is a brilliant reimagining of Fitzgerald’s classic tale of glamour, desire, and desperation, Local Heavens examines the guardrails of morality . . . and the price of desire.  Arttendees can also pre-order a signed copy of the book.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Author Readings, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Debut Author Launches Her New Book, A Retelling of&nbsp;The Great Gatsby

Talk | Dr. Circe Henestrosa on Curating Frida Kahlo’s Personal Archive (Online!) 


Fashion curator Dr. Circe Henestrosa joins Chennie Huang for a conversation about her work curating and interpreting Frida Kahlo’s personal archive. The discussion explores how Kahlo’s clothing and personal objects, locked away for fifty years after her death, reveal the intersections of disability, ethnicity, politics, and gender identity in shaping her life, art, and iconic style.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Talks, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Dr. Circe Henestrosa on Curating Frida Kahlo&rsquo;s Personal Archive (Online!)&nbsp;
7:00 pm
Regular: $37
Member: $0
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Discussions, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Highly-Acclaimed Author Discusses his #1 New York Times Bestseller

Author Reading | Lit Mag Issue Launch


Readings by contributors to the latest issue of Washington Square Review, the NYU Graduate Creative Writing Program’s award-winning literary journal. The reading will be followed by a reception.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Author Readings, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Lit Mag Issue&nbsp;Launch
7:00 pm
Regular: $30
Member: $0
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Performances, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Modern Reimagining of Shakespeare's Comedies
7:00 pm
Regular: $40
Member: $0
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Plays, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Shakespeare's Whimsical Comedy

Lecture | The Fight To Preserve Yiddish Culture & History (In Person AND Online!) 


In this talk, Jewish history scholar Sandra Fox will discuss how the founders and leaders of Camp Hemshekh embraced the sleepaway camp as a potential cure for Yiddish cultural and linguistic decline, and how the generations at the camp created a new purpose for and style of Yiddishism for the post-war moment. In the decades directly following the Holocaust, Jewish leaders anxiously debated how to preserve and produce what they considered authentic Jewish culture, fearful that upward mobility and suburbanization threatened the integrity of Jewish life in America. In their searches for solutions to the problem of cultural decline, post-war Jews came to see residential summer camps as panaceas to their communal ills, constructing deeply educational and ideological camp programs with an eye towards collective transformation. Yiddishists — Jews who dedicated their efforts to the future of Yiddish culture and speech in America — not only set the groundwork for Jewish educational camping to take off, but also participated in this wider phenomenon of anxiety over the state of post-war Jewry. And yet despite their vital roles, Yiddishists are often left out of the story of Jewish camping, education, and identity-building in post-war America.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Lectures, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, The Fight To Preserve&nbsp;Yiddish Culture & History&nbsp;(In Person AND Online!)&nbsp;

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
Tours, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Thursday Night Bike Ride

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
7:30 pm
Free
Screenings, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, "Daring" Korean Short FIlms with Filmmaker Q&A

Staged Reading | Measure for Measure: Shakespeare's Tale of Justice and Desire


Set in Vienna, this compelling play explores love, justice, deception, and morality as a corrupt deputy abuses his newfound power, and a novice nun faces an impossible choice. Experience Shakespeare's Measure for Measure through a live staged reading featuring a talented cast that brings Shakespeare's timeless words to life in an evening of intense drama and profound humanity.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:30 pm
Free
Staged Readings, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Measure for Measure: Shakespeare's Tale of Justice and Desire
7:30 pm
Regular: $59
Member: $0
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Plays, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Broadway Actor in a Play About a Towering Figure in Media

Classical Music | Experience Art Songs & Arias in Variety of Languages (In Person AND Online!)


Manhattan School of Music's Vocal Arts students perform a variety of art songs in various languages.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free
Concerts, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Experience Art Songs & Arias in Variety of Languages (In Person AND Online!)
7:30 pm
Regular: $30
Member: $0
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Concerts, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Genre-Bending Chamber Opera Based on Historical Events

Dance Performance | Multi-Choreographer Autumn Dance Concert


Enjoy a the October Concert performed by NYU's Second Avenue Dance Company. THis performance features choreography by Company Choreographers Nyah Arne, Jasmine Born, Clara Gough, Aidan Gresock, and Olivya Sessing; Guest Choreographers Kayla Farrish and Yasmeen Godder.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:30 pm
Free
Dance Performances, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Multi-Choreographer Autumn Dance Concert

Party | Unique Multisensory Art & Music Celebration


Praised for its "multisensory celebration" (Creativo), Art Bath brings its signature spirit of artistic exploration to the audience for one night only. Known for fusing disciplines, Art Bath founders Mara Driscoll and Liz Yilmaz curate unexpected pairings of dance, opera, music, theater, puppetry, and visual art. Expect a unique blend of world-class performers, DJ sets, cocktails, and immersive moments--all in a space transformed to invite connection and creative surprise. There are two ways to access this event: 1. General Admission, first-come first-served. Just show up! 2. Fast Track opening the Tuesday before the event at noon.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:30 pm
Free
Partys, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Unique Multisensory Art & Music Celebration

Play | The Striker: Drama that Blends Fairy Tale, Psychological Tension, and Political Allegory


The Skriker is a bold, surreal, and poetic play that dives deep into themes of transformation, motherhood, and the fractured relationship between humans and the natural world. At its center is the Skriker--an ancient, shape-shifting demon who lures two young women into her uncanny realm. Blending fairy tale, psychological drama, and political allegory, Churchill's visionary work unsettles and enchants through her signature language and fearless theatrical experimentation. Written by Caryl Churchill. Directed by Delia Dumont. Cast: India Shea, Pauline Lara, Katie Parkinson, Sophia Parker, Henry Sirota, Chloe Clark, Jordan Ward, and Amiere Bell. Please be advised that this production includes the following content: Mental illness & psychiatric hospitalization; Violence & threat of violence; Supernatural horror & psychological terror; Death & references to death ; Infanticide & child endangerment; Self-harm & suicidal ideation; Implied sexual violence; Abuse & manipulation; and Strong language.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free
Plays, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, The Striker: Drama that Blends Fairy Tale, Psychological Tension, and Political Allegory
8:00 pm
Regular: $20
Member: $0
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Plays, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Defiant, Humorous, and Mysterious Play

Author Reading | Explore Jane Austen's Legacy with Contemporary Authors & Writers


Enjoy a conversation and book reading of Jane Austen: The Original Romance Novelist by its author Janet Lewis Saidi with Katherine J. Chen (Joan: A Novel of Joan of Arc), Tabrizia Jones (librarian and book blogger), and Sarah Rose Kearns (playwright). Take a trip back in time to the Regency-era life of Jane Austen, one of literature’s most beloved novelists, with this captivating exploration of her works and the timeless themes of romance, family, and society. Saidi takes the reader through the moments of Jane Austen’s life—some well-known and some which may be unexpected. These are the moments that shaped her six published novels, which draw deeply on themes of family, agency, philosophy, and love. From excerpts of her swoon-worthy tales like Pride and Prejudice and Emma to insight into Austen’s social commentary and why her works still leave their mark on contemporary pop culture, this book paints a vivid portrait of the complicated woman behind the quill.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
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Author Readings, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Explore Jane Austen's Legacy with Contemporary Authors & Writers

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
Open Mics, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Poetry, Music, and Comedy Showcase (Online!)
9:00 pm
Regular: $15
Member: $0
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Comedy Clubs, October 16, 2025, 10/16/2025, Stand Up Comedy
Complimentary Tickets

to shows, concerts ... (CFT Deals!)

Play | Broadway Actor in a Play About a Towering Figure in Media

Regular Price: $59
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Play | Love, War, and Hope - Farcical Drama

Regular Price: $55
CFT Member Price: $0.00
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