free things to do in New York City
Free events for Wednesday, 08/19/26
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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 19, 2026?

21 free events take place on Wednesday, August 19 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 19 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 Wednesday, August 19, 2026

All events are free unless otherwise noted.
        

Workshop | Tai Chi (Outdoors)


Improve balance, strength, and focus through gentle exercises. The sights and sounds of the harbor provide a serene background for the ancient flowing postures.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:30 am
Free
Workshops, August 19, 2026, 08/19/2026, Tai Chi (Outdoors)

Workshop | Artist-Led Figure Drawing in the Park


Placed in a unique setting, a model will strike short and long poses for participants to sketch and draw. An artist/ educator will offer constructive suggestions and critique. Drawing materials provided, or bring your own.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Workshops, August 19, 2026, 08/19/2026, Artist-Led Figure Drawing in the Park

Dance Lesson | Creative Movement Class


Dances for a Variable Population leads creative movement classes for adults of all ages and abilities, with a focus on seniors. 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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11:00 am
Free
Dance Lessons, August 19, 2026, 08/19/2026, Creative Movement Class

Workshop | French Petanque-Playing in the Park


Members of NYC’s oldest-running Petanque club guide a Petanque-playing session. This French lawn bowling game from the early 20th century is easy to learn, and the boules will be provided. Just bring yourself!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free
Workshops, August 19, 2026, 08/19/2026, French&nbsp;Petanque-Playing in the Park

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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12:00 pm
Free
Workshops, August 19, 2026, 08/19/2026, Learn to Juggle in the Park

Classical Music | An Afternoon of Organ Works by J.S. Bach in a Beautiful Church


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
Concerts, August 19, 2026, 08/19/2026, An Afternoon of Organ Works by J.S. Bach in a Beautiful Church

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
Workshops, August 19, 2026, 08/19/2026, Adult Chorus Session Open to All

Workshop | Learning to Knit in the Park


This beginner class is taught by Knitty City. Volunteers are available to teach you how to cast, knit, purl, and more! Yarn and needles are provided.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:30 pm
Free
Workshops, August 19, 2026, 08/19/2026, Learning to Knit in the Park

Film | 80 for Brady (2023): Sports Comedy with Star-Studded Cast


A group of friends made it their life-long mission to go to the Super Bowl and meet NFL superstar Tom Brady. Director: Kyle Marvin Cast: Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno, Sally Field, Tom Brady
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Films, August 19, 2026, 08/19/2026, 80 for Brady (2023): Sports Comedy with Star-Studded Cast

Jazz | NPR-Featured Ragtime & Stride Entertainer in the Park


Hit your stride with ragtime, stride, and jazz veteran Terry Waldo and his Gotham City Band. The protege of the late Eubie Blake, he has produced over 40 albums and written the definitive book on ragtime, This is Ragtime - republished recently by Jazz At Lincoln Center.
   New York City, NY; NYC
3:30 pm
Free
Concerts, August 19, 2026, 08/19/2026, NPR-Featured Ragtime & Stride Entertainer 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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5:00 pm
Free
Workshops, August 19, 2026, 08/19/2026, Kayaking on the East River

Party | Play Settlers of Catan: All Levels Welcome


Play one of the most popular board games in the world. Organizers welcome players of all levels to this social! These socials are limited to 16 players, with 2 rounds. Organizers ask that participants arrive 15 minutes early to sign up.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Partys, August 19, 2026, 08/19/2026, Play Settlers of Catan: All Levels Welcome

Party | Board Games Meet-Up


This event features 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
Partys, August 19, 2026, 08/19/2026, Board Games Meet-Up

Dancing | Salsa Dancing on the Plaza (Lesson + Open Dance Floor)


Teachers with Mi Salsa Dura Baile lead an evening of Latin rhythm and dancing! Each class starts off with a lesson followed by an open dance floor.
   New York City, NY; NYC
6:00 pm
Free
Dancings, August 19, 2026, 08/19/2026, Salsa Dancing on the Plaza (Lesson + Open Dance Floor)

Workshop | Yoga on the Green: Yoga Therapist-Led Class (All Levels Welcome)


An evening workshop led by Dana Slamp. Slamp is a yoga therapist, teacher, and author living in New York City. Her mind/body school, Prema Yoga Institute, was founded in 2012, and has become the premier IAYT-accredited yoga therapy school in New York City.  Bring your own mat (the park does not provide mats). Organizers also recommend bringing water and a towel. This yoga class is appropriate for all levels.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Workshops, August 19, 2026, 08/19/2026, Yoga on the Green: Yoga Therapist-Led Class (All Levels Welcome)

Workshop | Learn the Art of Ballroom Dancing in the Park


Fitness, fun, and fancy footwork! Ballroom Basix provides physical, social, emotional, and multicultural engagement through the etiquette and education of non-competitive Ballroom & Latin partner dancing. This class energizes, entertains, and educates teachers, students, their families, and communities while emphasizing the poise and politeness this program promotes.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Workshops, August 19, 2026, 08/19/2026, Learn the Art of Ballroom Dancing in the Park

Workshop | Sunset Yoga on the Water


End your day with yoga in a beautiful sunset setting, led by Meg SantaMaria of Roadside Yogi. Suitable for all fitness levels. Please wear comfortable and bring your own mat. 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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6:30 pm
Free
Workshops, August 19, 2026, 08/19/2026, Sunset Yoga on the Water

Book Discussion | Award-Winning Filmmaker & Public Speaker Shares Her New Nonfiction Book, What Will They Say?


Denise Soler Cox discusses her new book, What Will They Say?: Confront Cultural Taboos and Discover Your Inner Power, which exposes nine common Latin cultural taboos no one dares discuss and shares her road-tested advice to blast through them and reclaim your power. Through raw personal stories and unflinching honesty, Cox reveals the cultural taboos that have been quietly sabotaging Latina success, drawing from thousands of one-on-one conversations with Latinas after her keynotes who recognize these unspoken patterns but never had language for what was holding them back. Each chapter exposes a taboo through Cox's own vulnerability, creating space for readers to break through their own.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Book Discussions, August 19, 2026, 08/19/2026, Award-Winning Filmmaker & Public Speaker Shares Her New Nonfiction Book, What Will They Say?

Jazz | Lincoln Center-Featured musicians Play Snazzy Tunes on the Plaza


World-class live music as part of New York State's longest-running jazz concert series. This event features saxophonist and singer Camille Thurman and Darrell Green Quartet.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:00 pm
Free
Concerts, August 19, 2026, 08/19/2026, Lincoln Center-Featured musicians Play Snazzy Tunes on the Plaza

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


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 19, 2026, 08/19/2026, Shakespeare's&nbsp;The Winter's Tale: Tony-Winning Director's Romantic Tragicomedy (Open Caption)

Movie in a Park | National Treasure (2004): Action-Adventure Heist Film Starring Nicolas Cage on the Pier


Benjamin Franklin Gates, a historian, along with computer expert Riley Poole and archivist Abigail Chase, search for a massive lost Freemason treasure, which includes a map hidden on the back of the United States Declaration of Independence. Director: Jon Turteltaub Cast: Nicolas Cage, Harvey Keitel, Jon Voight, Diane Kruger, Sean Bean, Justin Bartha, Christopher Plummer Nicolas Cage is an American actor and film producer. Born into the Coppola family, he is the recipient of various accolades, including an Academy Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a Golden Globe Award. Pack a picnic, bring a friend, and settle in for a night of premier movies on the Pier. Film begins at dusk. Open Captioned.
   New York City, NY; NYC
8:30 pm
Free
Movie in a Parks, August 19, 2026, 08/19/2026, National Treasure (2004): Action-Adventure Heist Film Starring Nicolas Cage on the Pier
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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