free things to do in New York City
Free events for Friday, 01/30/26
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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 January 30, 2026?

19 free events take place on Friday, January 30 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 January 30 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 January . 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 Friday, January 30, 2026

All events are free unless otherwise noted.
        

Workshop | Morning Tai Chi


Improve balance, strength and focus through gentle exercises. The sights and sounds of the river provide a serene background for the ancient flowing postures.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:30 am
Free
Workshops, January 30, 2026, 01/30/2026, Morning Tai Chi

Workshop | Zumba: Latin-Inspired Dance Fitness


Get your heart pumping with Zumba, a dynamic workout set to Latin, international, and popular music. This fun, easy-to-follow class combines fast and slow rhythms for aerobic interval training that challenges both heart and muscles. Perfect for all fitness levels.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:00 am
Free
Workshops, January 30, 2026, 01/30/2026, Zumba: Latin-Inspired Dance Fitness

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
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10:00 am
Free
Museumss, January 30, 2026, 01/30/2026, Friday at Pop Culture/Art Museum

Workshop | Adult Zumba


Featuring easy-to-follow Latin dance choreography. Work on your balance, coordination and range of motion.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:30 am
Free
Workshops, January 30, 2026, 01/30/2026, Adult Zumba

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
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11:00 am
Free
Museumss, January 30, 2026, 01/30/2026, Asian Art and Culture Museum

Workshop | Sculpture-Making (Part 2)


Attend the second of a two-part sculpture workshop designed for adults interested in exploring sculpting with air dry clay. Join us for part two of this sculpture workshop where we will decorate our sculptures with paint. Come roll up your sleeves and let your imagination run wild as you glaze (paint) your creations from the firstsession to bring them to life! No prior experience necessary, just bring your imagination! Do not register if you did not attend the first session.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free
Workshops, January 30, 2026, 01/30/2026, Sculpture-Making (Part 2)

Film | Priscilla (2023): American Biographical Drama Film about Priscilla Presley


When teenage Priscilla Beaulieu meets Elvis Presley at a party, the man who is already a meteoric rock 'n' roll superstar becomes someone entirely unexpected in private moments: a thrilling crush, an ally in loneliness and a vulnerable best friend. Director: Sofia Coppola Cast: Cailee Spaeny, Jacob Elordi, Dagmara Dominczyk
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Films, January 30, 2026, 01/30/2026, Priscilla (2023): American Biographical Drama Film about Priscilla Presley

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
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1:30 pm
Free
Workshops, January 30, 2026, 01/30/2026, Crafting Community: Work on Personal Projects & Make New Friends

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, January 30, 2026, 01/30/2026, Afternoon Jam Sesh (Play Music or Just Listen)

Gallery Talk | Expert Insights: Marriage in Medieval Art


Examine how medieval art depicted marriage, from everyday devotion to mystical visions of divine love. Experts lead small groups through select objects, offering fresh insights, untold stories, and close-up perspectives on the symbolism and context of the works.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free
Gallery Talks, January 30, 2026, 01/30/2026, Expert Insights:&nbsp;Marriage in Medieval Art

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
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3:00 pm
Free
Workshops, January 30, 2026, 01/30/2026, Play Chess

Museums | A Night of Live Music, Drinks & 5,000 Years of Art


Enjoy a stylish evening of art, live music, and engaging talks every Friday and Saturday night. From 5-9 PM, sip on drink specials, sample light fare, and take in the museum's vast collection spanning millennia. Grab a friend, a partner, or come solo--this after-hours experience offers something for everyone.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Museumss, January 30, 2026, 01/30/2026, A Night of Live Music, Drinks & 5,000 Years of Art

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
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5:00 pm
Pay-what-you-wish, reservation required
Museumss, January 30, 2026, 01/30/2026, 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
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5:00 pm
Free
Museumss, January 30, 2026, 01/30/2026, 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
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5:00 pm
Free
Museumss, January 30, 2026, 01/30/2026, Friday Night Function at an Iconic Art 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, January 30, 2026, 01/30/2026, Friday Evening at the Famous Art Museum

Poetry Reading | Poetry Open Mic: Share Your Work or Listen to Emerging Writers


Participants can share their original work for up to five minutes. Space is limited to 15 readers; show up on time to get a slot!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free
Poetry Readings, January 30, 2026, 01/30/2026, Poetry Open Mic: Share Your Work or Listen to Emerging Writers

Book Discussion | Fashion Journalist & Author Shares His New Book, Mirrorball: Reflections of Dance & Fashion 


Attend an event with J. Joseph Pastrana, author of Mirrorball: Reflections of Dance & Fashion, for a spin through the ages with the iconic designers, dancers, choreographers, music stars, and DJs who shaped history on stage, film, television, and clubs. From Nureyev to Graham, Saint Laurent to Halston, the Ballets Russes to Les Ballets Trocadero de Monte Carlo, from A Chorus Line to Saturday Night Fever, Studio 54 to Roxy, from Strauss to Madonna, Pastrana will take us behind the scenes of Broadway triumphs, Hollywood bombs, and haute couture’s finest moments. Hear the revealing stories of people who lived and suffered for their art in New York lofts, Manchester warehouses, South Beach hotels, Australian suburbs, German forests, and the avenidas of Argentina. J. Joseph Pastrana is a New York-based author, fashion journalist, and public relations consultant. In his role as fashion director of a trade publication he covered seasonal Fashion Weeks in New York, Paris, and Milan, profiling designers including Calvin Klein, Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, and Louis Vuitton. Books will be available for purchase. Dance Style is highly encouraged!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Book Discussions, January 30, 2026, 01/30/2026, Fashion Journalist & Author Shares His New Book,&nbsp;Mirrorball: Reflections of Dance & Fashion&nbsp;

Concert | Indie Rock with Wild Pink


Over the past nine years, the New York-based band Wild Pink has established itself as one of the most consistently versatile and engaging groups in indie rock. Wild Pink’s recent 2024 LP Dulling the Horns has attracted critical acclaim for frontman and lead songwriter John Ross's introspective lyrics, which draw from deeply personal experience and a sea of pop culture curiosities from J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Jordan. The album's bold and unexpected storytelling is supported by what Stereogum defines as a "heavy sonic palette with huge, reverberating distorted chords" and what Pitchfork calls "simultaneously weirder and more fun than anything else in Wild Pink's discography." Ross’s storytelling process, exploring how he reflects his truth through music. There are two ways to access this event: 1. General Admission, first-come first-served. Just show up! 2. Fast Track opening the Monday before the event at noon
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free
Concerts, January 30, 2026, 01/30/2026, Indie Rock with Wild Pink
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Complimentary Tickets

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

Play | Broadway Stars in a Play About Lifelong Friendship

Regular Price: $77
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Classical Music | Music by One of The Most-Performed Living Classical Composers at a Landmark Venue

Regular Price: $40
CFT Member Price: $0.00