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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, March 18, 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
March 18, 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, March 18, 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, March 18, 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 (March 18, 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).
Editor's Picks
34 free things to do in New York City (NYC) today:
Wednesday, March 18, 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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6:30 am
Free
Free
Workshop | Chess Open
Make your move at a chess event featuring strategy, fun, and friendly competition for players of all ages and skill levels. Explore the game through open play. Grab a friend or co-worker and play the game on our giant indoor chess board underneath the palm trees. Whether you're making your first move or mastering your endgame, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Free
Museums | New York City: History, Architecture, Social Movements, Cultural Diversity
This museum holds over 1,5 million artifacts, including photographs, paintings, decorative arts, costumes, and documents that tell the story of New York's development and its inhabitants. Explore the galleries and discover the rich history and vibrant culture of New York City!
New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Free
Museums | Celebrate Chinese American Heritage & History
Step into a space dedicated to preserving, illuminating, and celebrating the rich history and contributions of Chinese in America. Connect with stories that inspire and bridge communities, honoring the legacy of generations who shaped the American narrative. Walk through galleries showcasing art, artifacts, and personal histories that reflect resilience, innovation, and cultural heritage.
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
pay-what-you-wish for New...
pay-what-you-wish for New...
Tour | Her Streets, Her Stories: Exploring the Women’s History
Join a guided walk exploring the neighborhood’s influence on New York City’s women pioneers. Discover trailblazers like Frances Perkins, the nation’s first female Secretary of Labor; Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman physician; and Sarah Smith Garnet, the first African-American female principal in NYC. The walk ends at the historic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory site, honoring the immigrant women who fought for workplace rights.
New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free
Free
Museums | If Fashion is of Interest to You...
Best known for its innovation and award-winning exhibitions, the museum has a permanent collection of more than 50,000 garments and accessories dating from the eighteenth century to the present.
New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 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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12:00 pm
Free
Free
Tour | New York City Hall Guided Tour
One of the oldest continuously used city halls in the nation that still houses its original governmental functions, New York's City Hall is considered one of the finest architectural achievements of its period. Constructed from 1803 to 1812, the building was an early expression of the City's cosmopolitanism. City Hall is a designated New York City landmark, and its rotunda is also a designated interior landmark. Note: When registering, choose the "Individual Tour" option.
New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free
Free
Classical Music | Afternoon Bach
Take a momentary respite from a busy day to enjoy a selection of organ works by Johann Sebastian Bach in an intimate venue.
New York City, NY; NYC
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12:20 pm
Free
Free
Concert | Outdoor A Capella Showtunes
Enjoy classic New York and Broadway themed tunes in a cappella fashion. Sing a long to your favorite tunes.
New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Adult Chorus Session Open to All
Directed by Church Street School of Music, the Downtown Beats adult chorus is open to all who love to sing! Learn contemporary and classic songs and perform at community events throughout the year.
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Free
Concert | Weekly Outdoor Bagpipe Tribute: Honoring 9/11 Lives and Legacies
A moving weekly bagpipe tribute honors those who lost their lives on 9/11, as well as individuals affected by the lasting health impacts of that day. The tribute begins with a performance near a symbolic column preserved from the site, followed by a second performance in a nearby outdoor space.
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Free
Museums | Afternoon in a Magnificent Small Museum
Internationally recognized as a premier museum and research center, this museum is known for its distinguished Old Master paintings and outstanding examples of European sculpture and decorative arts.
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:30 pm
pay-what-you-wish, reservation required
pay-what-you-wish, reservation required
Master Class | Learn the Ins & Outs of Great Chamber Music Performance
Carissa Klopoushak, violinist with the National Arts Centre Orchestra, imparts skills and techniques for chamber music mastery (via distance learning).
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:30 pm
Free
Free
Film | The Devil Is a Woman (1935): Old Hollywood Romantic Drama with Marlene Dietrich
A young man is warned by a captain about a temptress, nonetheless, he finds himself falling in love with her. Director: Josef von Sternberg Cast: Marlene Dietrich, Lionel Atwill, Cesar Romero Marlene Dietrich was a German-American actress and singer whose career spanned nearly seven decades. In 1920s Berlin, she performed on the stage and in silent films. Her performance as Lola Lola in Josef von Sternberg's The Blue Angel (1930) brought her international acclaim and a contract with Paramount Pictures. Dietrich starred in many Hollywood films. Throughout World War II, she was a high-profile entertainer in the United States. Although she delivered notable performances in several post-war films, she spent most of the 1950s to the 1970s touring the world as a marquee live-show performer.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
Talk | Beyond Family Trees: Hidden Archives & Jewish Life (Online!)
Genealogists can uncover much more than just family trees and vital records in archives. Join Michael Simonson for a talk exploring lesser-known collections that shed light on the lives of ancestors, including art, objects, photographs, newspapers, books, and other materials.
The presentation features 1930s glass slides of Winnie-the-Pooh that might have been created in Theresienstadt, along with artifacts from the Shanghai Ghetto, providing a vivid glimpse into Jewish life under extraordinary circumstances. The strategies shared can be applied to research in archives around the world.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Draw the Human Figure
Challenge your artistic skills by drawing the human figure. Each week a model will strike short and long poses for participants to draw. Artists/ educators will offer constructive suggestions and critique. Materials provided, and artists are encouraged to bring their own favorite media.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
Concert | Contemporary & Original Material Showcase: Monologue Slam
Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC/CUNY) is proud to present performances from their music, speech, communication, and theater arts departments . Performances will feature the college’s extraordinarily talented students showcasing a wide variety of contemporary and original material.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:30 pm
Free
Free
Gallery Talk | Learn How a Historic Mansion Turned into a Museum
Join a museum educator for a brief gallery talk tracing how a Gilded Age mansion was transformed into a world-class art museum.
New York City, NY; NYC
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3:30 pm
Free
Free
Book Club | Discuss Pedro Páramo Novella with Likeminded Readers
Read and discuss Juan Rulfo’s 1955 book, Pedro Páramo, recently translated from the Spanish by Douglas J Weatherford. A landmark 1955 novel that follows Juan Preciado's journey to the ghost town of Comala to find his father, Pedro Páramo, only to discover the town is haunted by the voices and memories of the dead, revealing the tragic and tyrannical life of his father. A masterpiece of surrealism and magical realism, the novella is famous for its fragmented, non-linear narrative.
New York City, NY; NYC
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4:30 pm
Free
Free
Opening Reception | Radiating Inward: Large-Scale Oil Paintings
Artist Jugeli's work begins at the edges rather than the center. Working directly in oil without preparatory sketches, she lets compositions emerge from initial gestures, leaving the edges of the canvas open to suggest continuity beyond the frame. Recurring forms appear not as fixed motifs but as "muscle memory," gently shifting across the two suites.
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Free
Jazz | Jazz Trio Plays Thelonius Monk, Gershwin, & More
Beckett Miles, drums, John Murray, bass, and William Schwartzman, piano. Program: Jerome Kern (1885-1945) The Way You Look Tonight George Gershwin (1898-1937) Embraceable You Thelonius Monk (1917-1982) Bemsha Swing Irving Berlin (1888-1989) Cheek to Cheek Bill Evans (1929-1980) Peace Piece Burton Lane (1912-1997) On a Clear Day (You Can See Forever)
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free
Free
Tour | Aboriginal Art Exhibit Walkthrough
Tyler C. Spencer, Graduate Curatorial Assistant at the Grey Art Museum and Ph.D. candidate at the Institute of Fine Arts, NYU, will give a guided walkthrough of the current exhibition, Irriṯitja Kuwarri Tjungu: Contemporary Aboriginal Painting from the Australian Desert.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Party | Board Games Meet-Up
Play a variety of board games, including Scrabble, Chess, Boggle, Bananagrams, Scattergories, and more! Bring a friend or join on your own--all levels are welcome. Studies have shown that playing board games can have positive effects on your mental, emotional, and physical health, including: o Improving memory and focus o Enhancing critical thinking skills o Making connections o Reducing stress (and screen time!)
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Gallery Talk | Fabric and Form: A Conversation on Challenging Categorization
A conversation between Fred Moten, Melvin Edwards, and David Max Horowitz explores Sam Gilliam's innovative approach to painting. The discussion focuses on vibrant fabric works from the 1990s that blur the line between painting and sculpture. Led by Oliver Shultz, the panel investigates how Gilliam's 1960s innovations relate to his later work.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Book Discussion | Filmmakers Share Their New Book, LAIKA: The Magic Behind the Stop Motion Dream Factory
Experience a conversation with LAIKA Studios' very own Deborah Cook and Nelson Lowry to celebrate the launch of LAIKA: The Magic Behind the Stop Motion Dream Factory, an unprecedented, behind-the-scenes glimpse at the preeminent stop-motion studio. The conversation will be followed by a signing.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Book Discussion | Quiet Reading Meet Up
Bring a book or check one out of the library to read to yourself for one hour. After that, spend an hour socializing with those around you!
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Poetry Reading | Book Launch: Dear Letters in the Red Box
Celebrate the launch of Dear Letters in the Red Box by Sarah Stern. Stern describes her collection, saying: “Through recently discovered letters and writings, I explore my parents’ years in Paris between 1946 and 1951. My parents met in New York City, eloped, and shortly thereafter moved to Paris. My mother, a refugee from Germany, returned to Europe. My father, an American, began medical school at the Sorbonne. Neither knew French, but they learned quickly. Many of the poems in this collection respond to the reverberations of those seminal years. Others speak to the present. In the eight sections, the poems talk to each other through time.”
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Free
Discussion | Fashion Expert Discusses Her Book, Fashion under Fascism (In Person AND Online!)
A discussion of themes from this landmark work on the intersection of politics and fashion under a fascist regime. Eugenia Paulicelli's pioneering work Fashion Under Fascism: Beyond the Black Shirt -- now in an updated edition -- explores the complexity of the cultural, political, and economic background that saw the beginning of the institutionalization of fashion during Italian Fascism. In her conversation with Rebecca Bauman, professor of Italian at the Fashion Institute of Technology, SUNY, she examines the relationship between fashion and national identity and the subtle and sinister changes to the seemingly innocuous practices of everyday dress imposed by the regime. Newsreels of 1930s fashion shows, archival materials, and rare photographs accompany the discussion. Paulicelli is professor emerita of Italian, Comparative Literature, Film and Media Culture, and Women's Studies at Queens College and the CUNY Graduate Center, where she co-directs the Fashion Futures initiative.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Free
Discussion | Experts Discuss the Economy of Philanthropy & Arts Patronage in American Culture
Experts explore the economy of philanthropy and patronage in American culture, and how they shape the performing arts and cultural institutions. They will refer to The Wealth of Nations, Adam Smith's seminal text on economics and value, as well as the oratorio of the same name that the NY Phil is premiering that week by David Lang, a winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Music as well as The Marie-Josee Kravis Prize for New Music at the New York Philharmonic. Moderated by renowned ethnomusicologist, historian, and Juilliard faculty member Fredara Hadley, this discussion is scheduled to last one hour and will be followed by an audience Q&A. 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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7:00 pm
Free
Free
Book Discussion | Legacy of Love Against Hate (Online!)
Authors Aron Hirt-Manheimer and Marty Yura join Dr. Michael Berenbaum for a conversation about their dual memoir, Sons of Survivors, Making Peace with Inherited Trauma. The book traces the growing-up experiences of two sons of Holocaust survivors through fast-paced alternating passages.
Though the Holocaust served as the backdrop of their lives, it was only as they became older that they began to piece together what happened to their families during the war. Aron discovered revelations in a nearly forgotten memoir written by his uncle fifty years earlier in Argentina. Marty's breakthrough came after participating in a Zen Peacemakers immersion retreat on the killing fields of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Navigating this haunted terrain together, the friends realized that the love they inherited from their parents transcends the trauma. Their joint memoir attests to a legacy of love amid hate.
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Free
Talk | Women in the Neutral Ground: Survival During the American Revolution (Online)
During the American Revolution, the area between British-controlled New York City and American forces became known as the Neutral Ground. For eight years, it was a zone of intense military battles, vigilante violence, and forced "foraging" from civilians.
This talk explores the lives of women caught in the middle: struggling to keep households together while men went off to fight, protecting themselves and their children from military and vigilante violence, and defending their properties from barn burnings, cattle rustlers, and marauding foragers. Some women held strong political beliefs; others just tried to survive.
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Free
Classical Music | Art Songs & Arias
Juilliard Vocal Arts students selected by industry adjudicators performs a shared recital.
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free
Free
Classical Music | Diverse Ensemble Works Celebrating Latin Identity (In Person AND Online!)
Enjoy a performance from Quinteto Latino, which exists to celebrate, empower, and amplify Latina/o/e identity in classical music, creating a more inclusive and equitable future through performances, education, and mentoring.
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free
Free
Join the Club!
Complimentary Tickets
to shows, concerts ... (CFT Deals!)
Concert | Multi-Grammy Nominee and The Great American Songbook
Regular Price: $67CFT Member Price: $0.00
Concert | Spirituals, Broadway Tunes and More at a Landmark Venue
Regular Price: $65CFT Member Price: $0.00
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