free things to do in New York City
Free events for Sunday, 08/16/26
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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 16, 2026?

17 free events take place on Sunday, August 16 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 16 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!

17 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Sunday, August 16, 2026

All events are free unless otherwise noted.
        

Workshop | Tai Chi in the Park


Silvana Pizzuti leads a session to learn and practice Tai Chi, a slow-moving martial art with health benefits for all fitness levels. 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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8:00 am
Free
Workshops, August 16, 2026, 08/16/2026, Tai Chi in the Park

Workshop | Kayaking on the Hudson


A welcoming public kayaking experience and see New York City from the water. Guests will receive basic paddling and safety instruction, be fitted with safety gear, and paddle in a protected area with trained volunteers nearby. No experience is needed, and children are welcome with a parent or guardian. Guests must know how to swim. First-come, first-served, sign-up line often closes early due to high demand.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Workshops, August 16, 2026, 08/16/2026, Kayaking on the Hudson

Workshop | Multi-Level Community Yoga in the Park


A welcome multi-level yoga class in the park open to everyone. Bring your own mat.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Workshops, August 16, 2026, 08/16/2026, Multi-Level Community Yoga in the Park

Screening | Untangling: Short Documentary on the Art of Puppetry


A short documentary film about the art and craft of puppetry. Directors: Frances Barry, Hester Heeler-Frood
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:30 am
Free
Screenings, August 16, 2026, 08/16/2026, Untangling: Short Documentary on the Art of Puppetry

Workshop | Family 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. This program is specifically geared for kids and families, allowing younger paddlers to go solo in single kayaks! Kids aged 7 and older can paddle solo (as long as a guardian is present) thanks to additional on-water safety boaters from The Kayak Foundation who are specially trained to work with kids. 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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12:00 pm
Free
Workshops, August 16, 2026, 08/16/2026, Family Kayaking on the East River

Screening | Red Flag of the Future: Political Puppet Opera Film


Mixed media artist Gaylia Wagner created a cast of 20 puppets to enact the dream scenes in a filmed version of a new opera. The puppets are made of found and repurposed objects and trash — food containers, soap bottles, tape, paint, and more. The film presents an original opera setting and a new translation of Masse Mensch, a seven-scene play by antifascist playwright Ernst Toller, written over 100 years ago while he was a political prisoner.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
Free
Screenings, August 16, 2026, 08/16/2026, Red Flag of the Future: Political Puppet Opera Film

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 16, 2026, 08/16/2026, Kayaking in a Hudson River Cove

Workshop | Solar Gazing on the Pier with Special Equipment


The Amateur Astronomers Association and solar gazing bring solar telescopes specifically designed to safely look at the sun and see sunspots and prominences under a summer sky. Seating 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
1:00 pm
Free
Workshops, August 16, 2026, 08/16/2026, Solar Gazing on the Pier with Special Equipment

Musical | The Root of It All: A Dentist's Tale -- Surreal, Satirical Comedy Musical (Outdoors)


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 16, 2026, 08/16/2026, The Root of It All: A Dentist's Tale -- Surreal, Satirical Comedy Musical (Outdoors)

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 16, 2026, 08/16/2026, Afternoon Jam Sesh (Play Music or Just Listen)

Jazz | Let the Music Play in the Park: Local Jazz Artists


Berta Indeed presents a community jazz concert featuring an array of local musicians and vocalists. Seating 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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2:00 pm
Free
Concerts, August 16, 2026, 08/16/2026, Let the Music Play in the Park: Local Jazz Artists

Classical Music | Music on the Water: Piano Works by Robert Schumann


Works of Robert Schumann and Inna Faliks, performed by Inna Faliks, piano.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Concerts, August 16, 2026, 08/16/2026, Music on the Water: Piano Works by Robert Schumann

Tour | Exploring One of New York's Iconic Fifth Ave Institutions


Designed to inspire, building highlights include: The only free, publicly accessible rooftop terrace in Midtown A dramatic "Long Room" with 42-foot-high atrium offering five levels of open, browsable book stacks Commissioned public art celebrating creativity and curiosity
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:30 pm
Free
Tours, August 16, 2026, 08/16/2026, Exploring One of New York's Iconic Fifth Ave Institutions

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 16, 2026, 08/16/2026, Roller Dance Social In a Park with Live DJ

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


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
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:30 pm
Free
Screenings, August 16, 2026, 08/16/2026, Handmade Puppet Dreams (2005): Traveling Documentary Series on Independent Puppetry Artists

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 16, 2026, 08/16/2026, Historic Dance Festival in the Park

Play | Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale: Tony-Winning Director's Romantic Tragicomedy


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 16, 2026, 08/16/2026, Shakespeare's&nbsp;The Winter's Tale: Tony-Winning Director's Romantic Tragicomedy
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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