free things to do in New York City
Free events for Thursday, 07/16/26
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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 July 16, 2026?

15 free events take place on Thursday, July 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 July 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 July . 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!

15 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Thursday, July 16, 2026

All events are free unless otherwise noted.
        

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, July 16, 2026, 07/16/2026, Learn to Juggle in the Park

Jazz | Piano in the Park: "Masterful" Musician & Composer


Come on down and swing along to the best ragtime, stride, and jazz the Big Apple has to offer, with musician Armen Donelian. “Those who still believe that jazz is a down-and-dirty genre of music must cast their ears toward Armen Donelian, who, with his original music and arrangements of the scores of others, brings a serene sense of dignity and elegance to every measure.”  - The Berkshire Eagle An eclectic musician of Armenian origin,  Armen Donelian has appeared internationally as a pianist, composer, and bandleader since 1975. His piano playing reveals a masterful command rooted in classical and jazz studies, clean articulation, a deft swinging touch, access to a broad dynamic spectrum, a virtuosic harmonic vocabulary, and a boundless source of creative ideas.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
Free
Concerts, July 16, 2026, 07/16/2026, Piano in the Park: "Masterful" Musician & Composer

Film | Smurfs (2025): Live-Action/Animated Musical Fantasy Comedy with Star-Studded Cast (Family Movie)


When Papa Smurf is taken by evil wizards Razamel and Gargamel, Smurfette leads the Smurfs on a mission to the real world to save him. Director: Chris Miller Cast: Rihanna, James Corden, Nick Offerman, JP Karliak, Daniel Levy, Amy Sedaris, Natasha Lyonne, Sandra Oh, Jimmy Kimmel, Octavia Spencer, Nick Kroll
   New York City, NY; NYC
2:00 pm
Free
Films, July 16, 2026, 07/16/2026, Smurfs (2025): Live-Action/Animated Musical Fantasy Comedy with Star-Studded Cast (Family Movie)

Workshop | Play Mah Jongg on the Plaza


Play Mah Jongg with players of all skill levels! Socials are hosted and organized by Linda Fisher, and players play the National Mah Jongg League style.  Participants are welcome to borrow equipment, or bring their own Mah Jongg sets. Mah Jongg lessons are currently unavailable at this time.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free
Workshops, July 16, 2026, 07/16/2026, Play Mah Jongg on the Plaza

Workshop | Jump into the World of Double Dutch with the National Double Dutch League


The National Double Dutch League (NDDL) and NewYork-Presbyterian lead an energizing event that spotlights the health benefits and joy of Double Dutch! Learn foundational steps from Lauren Walker and her team, and cheer on athletes as they showcase thrilling routines. This is your opportunity to step into the world of Double Dutch, an art form and workout style that’s proven to boost heart health, endurance, and overall fitness, and has supported decades of healthy movement since 1973. Founded by David A. Walker, Double Dutch has grown from a beloved street activity into a global fitness phenomenon with citywide, national, and world competitions inspiring people to move. Jump ropes will be provided. 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 for all.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free
Workshops, July 16, 2026, 07/16/2026, Jump into the World of Double Dutch with the National Double Dutch League

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, July 16, 2026, 07/16/2026, Poetry Open Mic: Share Your Work or Listen to Emerging Writers

Film | A Man Escaped (1956): Classic French Prison Film 


Based on the memoir of André Devigny. A captured French Resistance fighter during World War II engineers a daunting escape from a German prison in France. Director: Robert Bresson Cast: François Leterrier, Charles Le Clainche, Maurice Beerblock, Roland Monod In French with English subtitles.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Films, July 16, 2026, 07/16/2026, A Man Escaped (1956): Classic French Prison Film&nbsp;

Workshop | Muay Thai Lessons: Hands-On Instruction To Improve Your Fitness


This summer, learn the fundamentals of Thai Boxing and kickboxing with Patrick Stout; starting with: stance, footwork, then moving on to offense, defense, and techniques. This is a great opportunity to receive hands-on instruction and hone your craft. Whether you’re looking to learn the fundamentals, improve your fitness, or challenge yourself with something new, the instructors will guide you every step of the way. Expect a dynamic mix of drills, conditioning, and technique. No experience is required.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Workshops, July 16, 2026, 07/16/2026, Muay Thai Lessons: Hands-On Instruction To Improve Your Fitness

Screening | Short Athletic Dance Film Cinematic Showcase on the Plaza


In celebration of the global soccer community and the extraordinary grace of the athletes, there will be a screening of international short-form dance films, including Carmen, a street performance by flamenco artist Carmen Avilés with fast footwork to rival any soccer player; Yeah the Boys, a choreographic observation of Australian masculine identity and its relationship with sports culture; the world premiere of WITH LOVE by EICHTERLING, volleying dance moves across a tennis court; the U.S. premiere of Manège, 3,000 still images of sports-inspired choreography; and BOLERO.S, a hyper-athletic display honoring diversity of bodies and choreographic aesthetics. 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 for all.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Screenings, July 16, 2026, 07/16/2026, Short Athletic Dance Film Cinematic Showcase on the Plaza

Book Club | Luddite Book Club -- More Than Words: How to Think About Writing in the Age of AI by John Warner


This offline book club is a space for in-person conversation about the role technology plays in the world, where the group will be discussing More Than Words: How to Think About Writing in the Age of AI by John Warner. Synopsis: What is writing when large language models can generate text that provides an instant facsimile of thought? Calls for us to view this moment as an opportunity to reckon with how we work with words, and rethink our relationship with writing.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Book Clubs, July 16, 2026, 07/16/2026, Luddite Book Club -- More Than Words: How to Think About Writing in the Age of AI by John Warner

Poetry Reading | Poetry Salon: Decolonial & Ecofeminist Poet Cecilia Vicuña (+ Live Music& Poet Interview) (In Person AND Online!)


This World Poetry Salon event encourages attendees to experience words and music from around the globe. Each event features readings by a celebrated poet set to live music by a musician of the same cultural background. This salon will feature a reading by poet Cecilia Vicuña accompanied by musician Ricardo Gallo. A printout will be available for attendees to follow along with Vicuña's poetry during the reading. Following the reading, Vicuña will be interviewed by event host Patricio Ferrari.  Cecilia Vicuña's poetic work in space, performance, and visual arts is considered a decolonizing vision that anticipates ecofeminism. She created the autonomous concept of "Precarious Art" in the mid-1960s in Chile to name what disappears. “Arte Precario” stands as a new independent and non-colonized category for her precarious works composed of structures that disappear in the landscape, which include her quipus (knot in Quechua), envisioned as poems in space. Vicuña has re-invented the ancient Pre-Columbian quipu system of non-writing with knots through ritual acts that weave the urban landscape, rivers and oceans, as well as people, to re-construct a sense of unity and awareness of interconnectivity. These works bridge art and poetry as a way of “hearing an ancient silence waiting to be heard.” Born in Bogotá, Colombia and based in New York, composer Ricardo Gallo has written for acoustic and electro-acoustic formats, for short films, videos, dance, installations, and multimedia stage productions, and has performed and written for improvisatory groups.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Poetry Readings, July 16, 2026, 07/16/2026, Poetry Salon: Decolonial & Ecofeminist Poet Cecilia Vicu&ntilde;a (+ Live Music& Poet Interview) (In Person AND Online!)

Workshop | Sunset Yoga in the Park


Sweet Water Dance & Yoga instructors lead a multi-level sunset yoga practice. Suitable for all fitness levels. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing 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, July 16, 2026, 07/16/2026, Sunset Yoga in the Park

Play | Shakespeare's As You Like It: Pastoral Comedy (Outdoors)


As You Like It follows heroine Rosalind as she flees persecution in her uncle's court, accompanied by her cousin Celia to find safety and, eventually, love, in the Forest of Arden. In the forest, they encounter a variety of memorable characters, notably the melancholy traveller Jaques. Written by William Shakespeare. Directed by Hamilton Clancy. Cast: Christopher Martel, David Marantz, Aria Martinelli, Adama Joy Sall, Bob Arcaro, Lizabeth Allen, Marion Stenfort, Lia Bonfilio, Emmanuel Elpenord, Andy Rowell, Patrick Hart.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free
Plays, July 16, 2026, 07/16/2026, Shakespeare's&nbsp;As You Like It: Pastoral Comedy (Outdoors)

Workshop | Soccer-Inspired Freestyle Footwork Performance


The NYC freestyle football community presents a performance that blends athleticism, rhythm, imagination, and gravity-defying precision with just a soccer ball. This outdoor pop-up event features a mix of highly choreographed footwork and improvisation from international stars and local freestyle legends like Nick Seyda, Laura Biondo, Pat Shaw, Spinny Vinny, and Gabe Luzbet. Keep your head up and you may even find yourself in on the action.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:30 pm
Free
Workshops, July 16, 2026, 07/16/2026, Soccer-Inspired Freestyle Footwork Performance

Play | Skakespeare's Othello: Tragedy of Betrayal


Shakespeare's searing tragedy of love, jealousy, power, and betrayal. Set in Venice and Cyprus, Othello follows the Moorish military commander Othello as he is manipulated by his ensign, Iago, into suspecting his wife Desdemona of infidelity. Written by William Shakespeare. Directed by Carl Cofield.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:30 pm
Free
Plays, July 16, 2026, 07/16/2026, Skakespeare's Othello: Tragedy of Betrayal
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Complimentary Tickets

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

Performance | "Epic" True Story with Broadway Actor

Regular Price: $69
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Theater | Storytelling at its Best from Far Away

Regular Price: $51
CFT Member Price: $0.00