free things to do in New York City
Free events for Friday, 04/03/26
<

April 2026

>
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
   1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
2627282930  
Free Events, Free Things to Do in New York City!  Read More

Are you looking for free things to do in New York City (NYC) on April 3, 2026?

35 free events take place on Friday, April 3 in New York City. Don't miss the opportunities that only New York provides! Exciting, high quality, unique and off the beaten path free events and free things to do take place in New York today, tonight, tomorrow and each day of the year, any time of the day: whether it's a weekday or a weekend, day or night, morning or evening or afternoon, December or July, April or November! These events will take your breath away!

New York City (NYC) never ceases to amaze you with quantity and quality of its free culture and free entertainment. Check out April 3 and see for yourself. Summer or Winter, Spring or Fall! Just click on any day of the calendar above and you'll find most inspiring and entertaining free events to go to and free things to do on each day of April . Don't miss the opportunities that only New York provides!

Some events take place all year long: same day of the week, same time there are there for you to take advantage of. One of the oldest free weekly events in Manhattan is Dixieland Jazz with the Gotham Jazzmen, which happen at noon every Tuesday. Another example of an event that you can attend all year round on weekdays is Federal Reserve Bank Tour, which takes place every week day at 1 pm (but advanced reservations are required). You can take at least 13 free tours every day of the year, except the New Year Day, July 4th, and the Christmas Day. If you are classical music afficionado, you can spend whole day in New York going from one free classical concert to another. If you love theater, then New York gives you an option to attend plays and musicals free of charge, or at deep discount. You just need to have information about it. And we are here to make that information available to you.
Join the Club!
Go!
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!

35 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Friday, April 3, 2026

All events are free unless otherwise noted.
        

Museums | Design Museum and Sculpture Garden


The museum was designed and created in 1980's by one of the twentieth century's most important landscape architects and designers. It serves to preserve the legacy of the artist by showcasing his creations: sculptures, furniture pieces, lighting designs, ceramics, architecture, and more.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
10:00 am
Free
Museumss, April 03, 2026, 04/03/2026, Design Museum and Sculpture Garden

Museums | Friday at Pop Culture/Art Museum


Through temporary exhibitions, a growing permanent collection, and educational events, this museum examines the significant influence of posters on society and culture, and how they are adapted for modern use. As the first poster museum in the United States, it offers a space for inquiry for anyone interested in design, advertising, and public interventions, with the goal of enhancing design literacy among the general public. Works explore: mass communication and persuasion the intersection of art and commerce control of the public domain
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
10:00 am
Free
Museumss, April 03, 2026, 04/03/2026, Friday at Pop Culture/Art Museum

Museums | Asian Art and Culture Museum


The museum features a diverse collection of artworks, including traditional and contemporary pieces from various Asian cultures. 2 pm: guided tour.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
11:00 am
Free
Museumss, April 03, 2026, 04/03/2026, Asian Art and Culture Museum

Classical Music | Chamber Music (on Period Instruments) in a Famous Museum


Experience live performances by Juilliard scholars on period instruments, exploring historical music in dialogue with the museum's collection. This series offers a rare chance to hear early music brought to life in the gallery setting.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
11:00 am
Free
Concerts, April 03, 2026, 04/03/2026, Chamber Music (on Period Instruments) in a Famous Museum

Museums | Design Museum and Sculpture Garden


The museum was designed and created in 1980's by one of the twentieth century's most important landscape architects and designers. It serves to preserve the legacy of the artist by showcasing his creations: sculptures, furniture pieces, lighting designs, ceramics, architecture, and more.
   New York City, NY; NYC
11:00 am
Free
Museumss, April 03, 2026, 04/03/2026, Design Museum and Sculpture Garden

Lecture | Expert Shares Her Research on "Precarious Employment"


At this talk, Dr. Wen-Jui Han will present research related to precarious employment that points to a trap impacting low-income and marginalized communities. Since the 1980s, the global labor market -- including the U.S. -- has shifted toward precarious employment, characterized by instability, volatility, and unpredictability. Although such work is often portrayed as a temporary "stepping stone," longitudinal research spanning three decades reveals a different reality: for many workers, precarious employment becomes a permanent trap with serious health consequences that emerge in midlife and persist into later adulthood.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
11:00 am
Free
Lectures, April 03, 2026, 04/03/2026, Expert Shares Her Research on "Precarious Employment"

Workshop | Mat Pilates (Beginners Welcome!)


Sweet Water Dance & Yoga leads a session of mat pilates, a strengthening and lengthening exercise that focuses on conditioning your core muscles while also training your arms and legs. This class incorporates key Pilates principles such as postural alignment, breathing, strength, controlled movement, and flexibility. This class is perfect for beginners but intermediate and advanced movers will also benefit. Bring your own mat.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
11:00 am
Free
Workshops, April 03, 2026, 04/03/2026, Mat Pilates (Beginners Welcome!)

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
Join the Club!
Go!
12:20 pm
Free
Concerts, April 03, 2026, 04/03/2026, Afternoon Bach

Film | Jesus Christ Superstar (1973): Musical Biblical Drama Film


Film version of the musical stage play, presenting the last few weeks of Christ's life told in an anachronistic manner. Director: Norman Jewison Cast: Ted Neeley, Carl Anderson, Yvonne Elliman, Barry Dennen
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
1:00 pm
Free
Films, April 03, 2026, 04/03/2026, Jesus Christ Superstar (1973): Musical Biblical Drama Film

Jazz | Lunchtime Tunes


Featuring Columbia students playing jazz music.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
1:00 pm
Free
Concerts, April 03, 2026, 04/03/2026, Lunchtime Tunes

Workshop | Crafting Community: Work on Personal Projects & Make New Friends


Freeform crafting and conversation! Bring your own project or choose something from the collection to work on. The organizers have materials for sewing, knitting, crochet, coloring, and paper crafts. All programs are subject to change or cancellation.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
1:30 pm
Free
Workshops, April 03, 2026, 04/03/2026, Crafting Community: Work on Personal Projects & Make New Friends

Film | The Blue Caftan (2022): Moroccan Drama Film


Halim and Mina run a traditional caftan store in one of Morocco's oldest medinas. In order to keep up with demanding customers, they hire a talented young man as an apprentice. Mina slowly realizes just how much her husband is moved by his presence. Director: Maryam Touzani Cast: Lubna Azabal, Saleh Bakri, Ayoub Missioui In Arabic with English subtitles.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
2:00 pm
Free
Films, April 03, 2026, 04/03/2026, The Blue Caftan (2022): Moroccan Drama Film

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
Join the Club!
Go!
2:00 pm
Free
Concerts, April 03, 2026, 04/03/2026, Afternoon Jam Sesh (Play Music or Just Listen)

Workshop | Play Chess


Sharpen your mind, meet new people, and enjoy this timeless game. Chess sets and timers are provided. Adults only.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
3:00 pm
Free
Workshops, April 03, 2026, 04/03/2026, Play Chess

Museums | American History and Artifact Collections


Enjoy a stroll through galleries of an extensive collection of American art, learn about the history of New York and the USA. Last admission is at 7 pm.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
5:00 pm
Pay-what-you-wish, reservation required
Museumss, April 03, 2026, 04/03/2026, American History and Artifact Collections

Museums | Friday Evening at the Art/History Museum


This museum is an assemblage of illuminated, literary, and historical manuscripts, early printed books, and old master drawings and prints inside a historic building. Registration opens 7 days in advance & does sell out.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
5:00 pm
Free
Museumss, April 03, 2026, 04/03/2026, Friday Evening at the Art/History Museum

Museums | Friday Night Function at an Iconic Art Museum


Enjoy art, drinks, special programming, music, city views, and more! Throughout the night, there will be a few "15-minute tours," highlighting different parts of the collection.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
5:00 pm
Free
Museumss, April 03, 2026, 04/03/2026, Friday Night Function at an Iconic Art Museum

Museums | Japanese Art and Culture


The gallery showcases both traditional and contemporary Japanese art, including amine designs and theatrical production elements that evolved in the 17th century.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
5:00 pm
Free
Museumss, April 03, 2026, 04/03/2026, Japanese Art and Culture

Author Reading | Literary Journal Launch: West 10th


Readings by student contributors to the 2025–2026 edition of West 10th, the NYU Creative Writing Program’s undergraduate literary journal.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
5:00 pm
Free
Author Readings, April 03, 2026, 04/03/2026, Literary Journal Launch:&nbsp;West 10th

Birdwatching | Woodcock Evening Birdwatching


The American woodcock is a regular visitor to NYC in March and early April; enjoy an off-season birding tour to celebrate these unique birds. Attend an after-work walk with guide Gabriel Willow, and learn about the wonderful worm-eaters who make the park their springtime home-away-from-home.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
5:00 pm
Free
Birdwatchings, April 03, 2026, 04/03/2026, Woodcock Evening Birdwatching

Museums | Art & Jazz After Hours at a Premier Museum


Enjoy an evening of art and jaz!. Explore galleries and special exhibitions after hours, grab a drink at the cafe or coffee bar, and enjoy exciting talks, live Jazz, and more. Internationally recognized as a premier museum and research center, this institution is known for its distinguished Old Master paintings and outstanding examples of European sculpture and decorative arts. Experience the collections in a relaxed, social atmosphere unlike any other time of day.
   New York City, NY; NYC
5:30 pm
Free
Museumss, April 03, 2026, 04/03/2026, Art & Jazz After Hours at a Premier Museum

Museums | Friday Evening at the Famous Art Museum


This special, all-ages evening celebrates the art and the city. Explore in the galleries, get creative with drop-in drawing sessions, and see a film in the theaters. Museum stores and cafe will be open, too, so you can grab a bite, get drinks, or shop for unique design objects. Free for New York State residents but must be reserved in advance (up to two adults), and are subject to availability and proof of residency. Tickets are released one week in advance.
   New York City, NY; NYC
5:30 pm
Free
Museumss, April 03, 2026, 04/03/2026, Friday Evening at the Famous Art Museum

Gallery Talk | Exploring Belonging Between Canvas and the Page 


Artist Robin F. Williams and novelist Ottessa Moshfegh come together for a discussion on displacement, memory, and the boundaries of language. Williams’ paintings delve into raw psychological states, while Moshfegh’s fiction, inspired by her family’s migration from Europe and Iran to the U.S., examines alienation and the silence of inherited trauma. Their conversation connects visual and literary approaches to expressing fear and seeking belonging.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
6:00 pm
Free
Gallery Talks, April 03, 2026, 04/03/2026, Exploring Belonging Between Canvas and the Page&nbsp;

Jazz | Prize-Winning Vocal Artist Julia Danielle Takes the Stage


Hear music performed by Julia Danielle, a dynamic vocalist, arranger, and educator. Winner of the 2022 International Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition, Julia has performed at notable venues and festivals, including Blues Alley Jazz Club, Chris’ Jazz Café, Winter’s Jazz Club, and The Jazz Showcase. Her debut album, released in November 2024, has been praised for its fresh sound and unique interpretation. Currently pursuing a Master of Music in Jazz Studies at The Juilliard School, she continues to refine her artistry while collaborating with celebrated jazz artists such as Gerald Cannon, Kenny Washington, Marc Cary, Isaiah J. Thompson, and Charanee Wade.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
6:00 pm
Free
Concerts, April 03, 2026, 04/03/2026, Prize-Winning Vocal Artist Julia Danielle Takes the Stage

Performance | South Indian Poetry with Classical Carnatic Ragas


Enjoy this multimodal performance pairing iconic South Indian poetry with classical Carnatic ragas to evoke in the listener the "rasa" or emotive essence of the poems. Serving as the essential framework of Indian classical music, ragas create a vivid emotional journey for listeners. In this performance, Vignesh Ravichandran and ensemble pair iconic South Indian poetry with classical Carnatic ragas to evoke in the listener the rasa or emotive essence of the poems. Compositions that are tuned to poetry span a vast tapestry of experience, from sacred chants and vibrant folk melodies to love poetry, poetry with a philosophical message, community anthems, and oppari, the poignant songs that celebrate a life after it has passed. The repertoire will include a varied selection, including traditional *Keerthanais, stanzas from the spiritual treatise of Tiruppavai, more emotive genres like *Padams & Javalis and playful folk melodies.  Experience poetry and music infusing and transforming one another.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
6:00 pm
Free
Performances, April 03, 2026, 04/03/2026, South Indian Poetry with Classical Carnatic Ragas

Concert | World-Renowned Multi-Instrumentalists & Vocalists


Jerron Paxton (formerly "Blind Boy" Paxton) and Dennis Lichtman are world-renowned multi-instrumentalists and vocalists whose musical friendship has grown organically in New York City for more than a decade. Their mutual love of the history, stories, and significance behind the music they play is apparent as they romp through an energetic and engaging set of acoustic blues, ragtime, Tin Pan Alley pop songs, 1920s jazz, twin fiddle hoe-downs, and original songs and compositions.
   New York City, NY; NYC
6:30 pm
Free
Concerts, April 03, 2026, 04/03/2026, World-Renowned Multi-Instrumentalists & Vocalists

Book Discussion | Celebrate the Release of Chinatown Basketball Club's Floater: Blurring Basketball Lines


Enjoy a book talk and signing with Herb Tan in conversation with Eugene Kim on Floater: Blurring Basketball Lines. In this book, Chinatown Basketball Club celebrates its past 5 years (2019-2024) unique blend of competitive basketball and aesthetic experimentation, with essays contributed by Herb Tam, Lu Zhang, Reef (Harith Liew), Sean Catangui, Alex Zhang, Chiarina Chen and Dustin Lin.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
7:00 pm
Free
Book Discussions, April 03, 2026, 04/03/2026, Celebrate the Release of&nbsp;Chinatown Basketball Club's&nbsp;Floater: Blurring Basketball Lines

Classical Music | Choral Works by J.S. Bach & More (In Person AND Online!)


Holy Trinity Music Director Austin Philemon conducts the intimate St. John Passion by Heinrich Schutz in a dramatic service featuring an octet of a cappella voices from the Bach Vespers Choir. Program: J.S. Bach (1685-1750) Furchte dich nicht, BWV 227 Heinrich Schutz (1585-1672) St. John Passion
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:00 pm
Free
Concerts, April 03, 2026, 04/03/2026, Choral Works by J.S. Bach & More (In Person AND Online!)

Classical Music | New York Classical Players Perform Works of Musical Dialogue by Mozart & More


The New York Classical Players perform a program exploring the evolution of musical dialogue from raw intimacy to symphonic exuberance. The journey begins with Erwin Schulhoff's Duo for Violin and Cello, where folk energy meets the edgy defiance of 1920s modernism, followed by the timeless clarity and lyrical poise of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Kegelstatt Trio. The evening culminates in Erno Dohnanyi's Sextet in C Major, a "mini-orchestral" masterwork that masterfully bridges late-Romantic passion with the witty, jazz-inflected spirit of a new era.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:00 pm
Free
Concerts, April 03, 2026, 04/03/2026, New York Classical Players Perform Works of Musical Dialogue by Mozart & More

Musical | Into the Woods: Fairytale Musical from Stephen Sondheim


What begins as a familiar journey through the tales of Cinderella, Jack, Little Red Riding Hood, and the Baker and his Wife soon unravels into something deeper: an examination of choice, responsibility, and the fragile truth behind “happily ever after.” As decisions are made and consequences collide, Into the Woods reveals the true cost of getting what you wish. Book: James Lapine Music & Lyrics: Stephen Sondheim Director: Brennan Urbi Cast: Sean Sekino, Jules Alati, Paula Figueroa Caunedo, Chris Tucker, Anabella Oddo, Alice Conroy, Nora Hurley, Ma (Amanda) C. Gomes, Emmett Pryor, Ry Albinus, Lance Avery Brown, Matte Kranz
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
7:30 pm
Free
Musicals, April 03, 2026, 04/03/2026, Into the Woods: Fairytale Musical from Stephen Sondheim

Jazz | Jazz Orchestra Evening


Manhattan School of Music's Jazz Orchestra performs A Banquet for the Birds and other works composed and arranged by Darcy James Argue.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:30 pm
Free
Concerts, April 03, 2026, 04/03/2026, Jazz Orchestra Evening

Jazz | Original Jazz Orchestra by Prize-Winning Composer & Performer


Enjoy a performance by Seulah Noh (2015 CJ-Berklee Talent Scholarship and 2019 CJ Music Scholarship for Post-Graduates recipient), a pianist, composer, and conductor whose artistic journey spans classical training, musical theater, and the world of large-ensemble jazz.  The program draws primarily from her critically acclaimed debut album, NohMAD, performed by the Seulah Noh Jazz Orchestra. The program moves fluidly between composition and improvisation, weaving together classical influences and the rich tradition of big band jazz into a sound that is sophisticated, emotionally vivid, and entirely her own.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
7:30 pm
Free
Concerts, April 03, 2026, 04/03/2026, Original&nbsp;Jazz Orchestra by Prize-Winning Composer & Performer

Concert | Ring Shout with the McIntosh County Shouters


Hear a concert from the McIntosh County Shouters, principal exponents--and one of the last active practitioners--of the ring shout, one of the oldest African American performance traditions surviving in America. Their performances weave call-and-response singing, hand clapping, a stick beat on the floor, and a signature counterclockwise dance.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
7:30 pm
Free
Concerts, April 03, 2026, 04/03/2026, Ring Shout with the McIntosh County Shouters

Dance Performance | Well-Known NYC Dance Company


Second Avenue Dance Company members perform their April concert.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:30 pm
Free
Dance Performances, April 03, 2026, 04/03/2026, Well-Known NYC Dance Company
8:00 pm
Regular: $39
Member: $0
Join the Club!
Go!
Plays, April 03, 2026, 04/03/2026, Gripping Drama - Revival of a Broadway Play
Join the Club!
Go!
Complimentary Tickets

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

Concert | Multi-Grammy Nominee and The Great American Songbook

Regular Price: $67
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Concert | Spirituals, Broadway Tunes and More at a Landmark Venue

Regular Price: $65
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Performance | 5-Star, One-of-a-Kind High-Energy Show!

Regular Price: $69
CFT Member Price: $0.00