free things to do in New York City
Free events for Saturday, 08/15/26
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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 August 15, 2026?

21 free events take place on Saturday, August 15 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 August 15 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 August . 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.
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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!

21 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Saturday, August 15, 2026

All events are free unless otherwise noted.
        

Workshop | Drawing in Nature


Paint in watercolor or use pastels and other drawing materials to capture the magical vistas of the Hudson River and the unique landscape of the park. An artist/educator will help participants of all levels with instruction and critique. Materials provided or bring your own.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Workshops, August 15, 2026, 08/15/2026, Drawing in Nature

Workshop | Famous Limon Dance Company Teaches Rhythm, Balance, & Recovery in the Park


Move to live accompaniment and experience the joy of dance with dancers from the Limón Dance Company. Open to all levels and ages - no experience required! Bring friends, family, water on hot days, and enjoy dancing on the grass.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Workshops, August 15, 2026, 08/15/2026, Famous Limon Dance Company Teaches Rhythm, Balance, & Recovery in the Park

Workshop | Kayaking on the East River


Glide along the water this summer in an East River embayment with a kayaking session! All levels are welcome including first-time kayakers -- life vests and all equipment provided, as well as instruction. Children under 18 must have an adult guardian present. Register for a 20-minute time slot. Please note this event is subject to change due to weather or other extenuating circumstances
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Workshops, August 15, 2026, 08/15/2026, Kayaking on the East River

Workshop | Accessible, Grounding, & Restorative Yoga in the Park


Participants flow together and celebrate community through mindful movement with Yoga Sangraha. This is not a new style of yoga, but a gathering of timeless practices — accessible, grounding, and deeply restorative. Led with science and tradition at the heart, this class will guide you through a sequence of postures designed to balance, stabilize, and calm the body and mind. The word Sangraha means “a collection,” and this practice brings together postures and breathwork that activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping you leave feeling focused, connected, and at ease. No prior experience needed — come as you are! Bring a bottled water. Organizers will provide the yoga mats. Weather permitting.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:30 am
Free
Workshops, August 15, 2026, 08/15/2026, Accessible, Grounding, & Restorative Yoga in the Park

Workshop | Get in Shape: Dance Fitness Class for All Ages


Colorful outfits encouraged at this creative workout that fuses dance and aerobics! Space is limited, unreserved, and available on a first-come, first-served basis. If there is heavy rain at the time of the event, the event will be canceled.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Workshops, August 15, 2026, 08/15/2026, Get in Shape: Dance Fitness Class for All Ages

Workshop | Learn to Juggle in the Park


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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11:00 am
Free
Workshops, August 15, 2026, 08/15/2026, Learn to Juggle in the Park

Concert | Upbeat Music Inspired by Global Festivities for the Whole Family


Inspired by the lively spirit of parades and street celebrations, this concert features bright melodies, playful rhythms, and music that makes you want to move. From festive marches to joyful tunes that capture the excitement of a musical procession, families will experience how music brings people together in celebration. With interactive moments throughout, audiences of all ages are invited to clap along, march in place, and feel the energy of music that’s meant to be shared.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Concerts, August 15, 2026, 08/15/2026, Upbeat Music Inspired by Global Festivities for the Whole Family

Workshop | Origami Meet-Up


This event is for people to come together and share in the beautiful art of Origami--an ancient art of folding various mediums, most commonly paper. The word comes from the combination of the Japanese verb oru (to fold) and the noun kami (paper). Other materials often folded are fabric, wire mesh, sheet metal, tissue, thin plastic, cardboard, and straws.This group meets to teach each other new models and share paper, books, and tips. This meeting iopen to all level of folders from beginner to advanced. There will be free paper available to share. You may choose to bring your own paper and books and just show up and fold! If you have models you would like to learn, or teach, let the organizers know, and they will try our best to accommodate.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:30 am
Free
Workshops, August 15, 2026, 08/15/2026, Origami Meet-Up

Festival | Kite-Flying Celebration on the Pier


Music and kites fill the air at this festival for all ages celebrating simple fun. Make-your-own kite kits are provided free for kids (while supplies last), or bring your own favorite kite from home.
   New York City, NY; NYC
12:00 pm
Free
Festivals, August 15, 2026, 08/15/2026, Kite-Flying Celebration on the Pier

Workshop | Kayaking in a Hudson River Cove


This event provides the equipment, instruction, and oversight you need to experience a safe and fun afternoon of kayaking on the Hudson River. The program is beginner-friendly, and no prior experience is required. Participants must be at least 18 years old (or accompanied by a parent or guardian) and know how to swim. Come dressed to get wet! Lockers and locks will be provided to keep valuables dry, and on-site changing rooms will be available for use. To save time, you can also sign a waiver before arriving to save time, available at the link provided. Be sure to allow time for waiting in line when planning your visit. You may not get a chance to kayak if you arrive less than an hour before the boathouse closes.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Workshops, August 15, 2026, 08/15/2026, Kayaking in a Hudson River Cove

Party | Play New Games & Make New Friends


Play your favorite contemporary board games! Featured games include but are not limited to Chameleon, Wavelength, Avalon, Parade, Splendor, Century Spice Road, Mountain Goats, No Thanks, Codenames, Werewords, Spyfall, Azul, Letter Jam, Dixit, In Kahootz, and Captain Sonar. A new game will be selected each week.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Partys, August 15, 2026, 08/15/2026, Play New Games & Make New Friends

Film | Chicken Run (2000): Stop-Motion Adventure Comedy


Animated hit about a plucky group of chickens who try to escape from a farm. Directors: Peter Lord, Nick Park Cast: Phil Daniels, Lynn Ferguson, Mel Gibson, Tony Haygarth, Jane Horrocks
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Films, August 15, 2026, 08/15/2026, Chicken Run (2000): Stop-Motion Adventure Comedy

Musical | The Root of It All: A Dentist’s Tale -- Surreal, Satirical Comedy Musical


In a fantastical dream, the dentist enters a surreal world where dancing teeth, an activist Tooth Fairy, and a chorus of very “patient” patients battle the moral decay threatening America’s ideals. With ICE agents emerging from giant cavities as symbols of fear and division, the dentist envisions a quest to “root out” hatred instead of people. A brigade of unlikely heroes invokes the nation’s immigrant heritage–from its earliest settlers to generations of newcomers–celebrating America’s diversity, compassion, and shared humanity. The historic wisdom of the United States promises a future in which the cavities of war are filled with hope and the promise of cooperation and peace. The community awakens from its nightmare inspired and unites to protect its neighbors and secure the child’s release. The music will vary in style from Bossa Nova to Hip Hop to Musical Comedy to classical Cantata. The play is a bouncy joyride through the undulations of the body politic, with astute commentary couched in satire, song, and slapstick. Book, lyrics, and direction by Crystal Field. Music composed and arranged by Peter Dizozza.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Musicals, August 15, 2026, 08/15/2026, The Root of It All: A Dentist&rsquo;s Tale -- Surreal, Satirical Comedy Musical

Jazz | Afternoon Jam Sesh (Play Music or Just Listen)


This jam session is open to all musicians. Come and play or just listen to some jazzy tunes.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Concerts, August 15, 2026, 08/15/2026, Afternoon Jam Sesh (Play Music or Just Listen)

Classical Music | Music on the Water: Piano Works by Schubert & Glass


Vivien Schweitzer, piano, performs music by Philip Glass and Franz Schubert.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Concerts, August 15, 2026, 08/15/2026, Music on the Water: Piano Works by Schubert & Glass

Party | Roller Dance Social In a Park with Live DJ


Get ready to roll into the excitement at an outdoor skate circle. With live DJs spinning the tunes, is as much fun to watch as it is to join! Whether you're a seasoned skater or just starting out, bring your own skates and get ready to groove with roller dancing. All skill levels are welcome. This is a family-friendly atmosphere perfect for all ages. Children under 14 must wear helmets for safety.
   New York City, NY; NYC
2:45 pm
Free
Partys, August 15, 2026, 08/15/2026, Roller Dance Social In a Park with Live DJ

Screening | Handmade Puppet Dreams (2005): Traveling Documentary Series on Independent Puppetry Artists (+ Q&A)


A traveling film series that promotes independent artists exploring their handmade craft specifically for the screen. These films all focus on real-time puppetry, and allow artists to build their vision, and then breathe life into their dreams. Directors: Heather Henson, Alex U. Griffin Q&A to follow the screening.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free
Screenings, August 15, 2026, 08/15/2026, Handmade Puppet Dreams (2005): Traveling Documentary Series on Independent Puppetry Artists (+ Q&A)

Jazz | Jazzy Tunes on the Plaza


A warm summer evening with jazz from standout local artists. You're welcome to bring your whole family to enjoy music under the open sky.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Concerts, August 15, 2026, 08/15/2026, Jazzy Tunes on the Plaza

Dancing | Tango Dancing in the Park, All Levels Welcome


Local and international dancers and spectators meet for an unforgettable evening. The atmosphere is casual, inviting everyone to enjoy the music, the dance, and the romantic setting of the park at sunset. It's an experience you won't want to miss! Beginner lessons start around 7:00 PM, open to all. All levels welcome, from beginners to experts. No partner needed. The dance floor is paved with stones, so wear comfortable shoes. Chalk is provided to make shoes more slippery for easier dancing. In case of rain, the event is moved to a location available at the link provided.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Dancings, August 15, 2026, 08/15/2026, Tango Dancing in the Park, All Levels Welcome

Dance Performance | Historic Dance Festival in the Park


This event is New York City's longest-running free public dance festival. The Battery Dance Festival brings together spectacular international and local dance companies, each evening ending with "Everybody Dance Now!"
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:00 pm
Free
Dance Performances, August 15, 2026, 08/15/2026, Historic Dance Festival in the Park

Play | Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale: Tony-Winning Director's Romantic Tragicomedy (Audio Described)


When the King of Sicilia becomes convinced his pregnant wife has been unfaithful, the royal baby is smuggled to the coast of Bohemia where an old shepherd finds her and renames her Perdita. Sixteen years later, Perdita falls in love with another young shepherd, Doricles, who turns out to be a prince in disguise. Honesty is a fool and true love the only answer in this mysterious, romantic tale of defiance and destiny. Written by William Shakespeare. Choreography by Mimi Lieber. Directed by Daniel Sullivan. Cast: Heschel Bay, Marsha Stephanie Blake, Teagle F. Bougere, Chuck Cooper, Peter Douskalis, Matthew Eby, Raúl Esparza, Isabela Ferrer, Katie Griffith, Alex Hernandez,
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free
Plays, August 15, 2026, 08/15/2026, Shakespeare's&nbsp;The Winter's Tale: Tony-Winning Director's Romantic Tragicomedy (Audio Described)
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Complimentary Tickets

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

Performance | Erotic Burlesque Show

Regular Price: $135
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Staged Reading | Broadway Performer in a Story of Courage, Faith, and Survival

Regular Price: $By invitation only
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Performance | "Epic" True Story with Broadway Actor

Regular Price: $69
CFT Member Price: $0.00