free things to do in New York City
Free events for Saturday, 08/22/26
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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 22, 2026?

19 free events take place on Saturday, August 22 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 22 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!

19 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Saturday, August 22, 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 22, 2026, 08/22/2026, 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 22, 2026, 08/22/2026, 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 22, 2026, 08/22/2026, Kayaking on the East River

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 22, 2026, 08/22/2026, Kayaking on the Hudson

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 22, 2026, 08/22/2026, 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 22, 2026, 08/22/2026, 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 22, 2026, 08/22/2026, Learn to Juggle in the Park

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
11:30 am
Free
Tours, August 22, 2026, 08/22/2026, Exploring One of New York's Iconic Fifth Ave Institutions

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 22, 2026, 08/22/2026, 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 22, 2026, 08/22/2026, Play New Games & Make New Friends

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 22, 2026, 08/22/2026, 80 for Brady (2023): Sports Comedy with Star-Studded Cast

Film | American Fiction (2023): Comedy-Drama with Jeffrey Wright


Thelonious "Monk" Ellison's writing career has stalled because his work isn't deemed "Black enough." Monk, a writer and English professor, writes a satiricial novel under a pseudonym, aiming to expose the publishing world's hypocrisies. The book's immediates success forces him to get deeper enmeshed in his assumed identity and challenges his closely-held worldviews. Director: Cord Jefferson Cast: Jeffrey Wright, Tracee Ellis Ross, John Ortiz, Erika Alexander, Leslie Uggams, Adam Brody, Issa Rae, Sterling K. Brown Jeffrey Wright is an actor whose accolades include a Primetime Emmy Award, a Tony Award, and a Golden Globe Award, in addition to a nomination for an Academy Award.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Films, August 22, 2026, 08/22/2026, American Fiction (2023): Comedy-Drama with Jeffrey Wright

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
2:00 pm
Free
Musicals, August 22, 2026, 08/22/2026, 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 22, 2026, 08/22/2026, Afternoon Jam Sesh (Play Music or Just Listen)

Classical Music | Music on the Water: Works by Prokofiev, Beethoven, & Richard Strauss for Violin & Piano


Mark Peskanov, violin, and Asiya Korepanova, piano. Program: Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) Sonata No. 1 in F minor, Op. 80 Richard Strauss (1864-1949) Sonata in E-flat Major, Op. 18 Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770-1827) Sonata No. 9 in A Major , Op. 47 (“Kreutzer”)
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Concerts, August 22, 2026, 08/22/2026, Music on the Water: Works by Prokofiev, Beethoven, & Richard Strauss for Violin & Piano

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 22, 2026, 08/22/2026, Roller Dance Social In a Park with Live DJ

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 22, 2026, 08/22/2026, Tango Dancing in the Park, All Levels Welcome

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 22, 2026, 08/22/2026, Shakespeare's&nbsp;The Winter's Tale: Tony-Winning Director's Romantic Tragicomedy

Workshop | Stargazing on the Pier


Expert stargazers from the Amateur Astronomers Association lead an exploration to observe stars and planets. 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 pm
Free
Workshops, August 22, 2026, 08/22/2026, Stargazing 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