free things to do in New York City
Free events for Tuesday, 05/13/25
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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 May 13, 2025?

33 free events take place on Tuesday, May 13 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 May 13 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 May . 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!

33 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Tuesday, May 13, 2025

All events are free unless otherwise noted.
        

Workshop | Tai Chi in the Park: Harmonize Body & Mind


Learn how to practice this traditional system of health and self-defense out in nature. Derived from the philosphy of Taoism, Tai Chi was designed to develop the optimum degree of harmony between body and mind, as well as between the individual and the natural order of the universe. Classes are led by teachers and students who train nearby at CK Chu Tai Chi under the direction of Master Hyland Harris. Classes are rain or shine. All levels are welcomed, and no equipment is necessary. Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated, and wear comfortable, breathable clothes!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 am
Free
Workshops, May 13, 2025, 05/13/2025, Tai Chi in the Park: Harmonize Body & Mind

Workshop | Get in Shape: Bodyweight Blast


Classes to help New Yorkers get and stay fit.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 am
Free
Workshops, May 13, 2025, 05/13/2025, Get in Shape: Bodyweight Blast

Birdwatching | Morning Birding in the Park with NYC Audubon


Discover the surprising diversity of birds that call New York home during migratory season with guided tours by NYC Audubon, led by environmental educator and urban naturalist Gabriel Willow. This park is a hotspot for avian visitors and birders alike. Past sightings include warblers, tanagers, vireos, thrushes, and even a Chuck-will’s-widow!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 am
Free
Birdwatchings, May 13, 2025, 05/13/2025, Morning&nbsp;Birding in the Park&nbsp;with NYC Audubon

Workshop | Pick-Up Pickleball


An exciting fusion of badminton and tennis, pickleball has been proven to strengthen muscles, boost cardiovascular health, and enhance brain function. First come first serve basis.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:00 am
Free
Workshops, May 13, 2025, 05/13/2025, Pick-Up Pickleball

Workshop | Zumba Class for All-Levels


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, May 13, 2025, 05/13/2025, Zumba Class for All-Levels

City Walk | Annual Atlantic Avenue ArtWalk, Featuring 125+ Local Artists


This spring, Brooklyn will come alive with creativity with over 125 local artists exhibiting their work at 70 local businesses for the Annual Atlantic Avenue ArtWalk. This vibrant,self-guided, 1.5-mile art event will showcase the diverse talents of emerging and established artists at galleries, salons, boutiques, restaurants, and home decor shops. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience a diverse collection of art ranging from paintings, drawings, three-dimensional art, mixed media, and photography. While enjoying Atlantic Avenue ArtWalk, people are encouraged to take time to visit and support the local, small businesses and restaurants in the area. They can grab a cup of coffee for their stroll, sit and eat, pick up a unique gift, or a new spring outfit, and explore new services- all of which help to keep the businesses that make up the fabric of the neighborhood thriving.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free
City Walks, May 13, 2025, 05/13/2025, Annual Atlantic Avenue ArtWalk, Featuring 125+ Local Artists

Classical Music | 'Bold, Daring' Flutist Plays Bach and more


Yael Acher, a flutist who has the ability to "enrapture and illuminate our minds," plays a soundscape that ranges from Bach to contemporary works.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
Free
Concerts, May 13, 2025, 05/13/2025, 'Bold, Daring' Flutist Plays Bach and more

Concert | Piano in the Park: Ragtime, Classic Tin Pan Alley


A five, six, seven, eight… Come on down and swing along to the best ragtime, stride, and jazz the Big Apple has to offer. This performance features Todd Robbins! Ragtime, Classic Tin Pan Alley Todd Robbins is a New York City-based performer who plays ragtime and classic Tin Pan Alley, and is renowned for his work in Coney Island, off-Broadway, and as an author of several books. Whether a sideshow, magic, circus, jazz, or burlesque act, Todd is a master of popular entertainment and can be seen on YouTube, heard playing piano with Woody Allen's jazz band (he has recorded two albums with that group), or watched as host on the Investigation Discovery Channel’s new series, True Nightmares.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
Free
Concerts, May 13, 2025, 05/13/2025, Piano in the Park:&nbsp;Ragtime, Classic Tin Pan Alley

Film | Iron Man (2008): Marvel Comics Superhero Film with Robert Downey Jr.


After being held captive in an Afghan cave, billionaire engineer Tony Stark creates a unique weaponized suit of armor to fight the demons of his family's past. Director: Jon Favreau Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges, Gwyneth Paltrow Robert Downey Jr. is an American actor. His films as a leading actor have grossed over $14 billion worldwide, making him one of the highest-grossing actors of all time. In 2008, Downey was named by Time magazine among the 100 most influential people in the world, and from 2013 to 2015, he was listed by Forbes as Hollywood's highest-paid actor. Over the course of his career, he's won a Golden Globe, BAFTA Award, Academy Award, and nominations for two Primetime Emmy Awards.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Films, May 13, 2025, 05/13/2025, Iron Man (2008): Marvel Comics Superhero Film with Robert Downey Jr.

Classical Music | Organ Pieces by J. S. Bach + Virtuosic French Works


Organist Mina Marie Jelinek has studied with teachers from the acclaimed Eastman School of Music, The Juilliard School, and the National Conservatory of Paris. Her program consists of virtuosic French works and pieces by Johann Sebastian Bach.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Concerts, May 13, 2025, 05/13/2025, Organ Pieces by J. S. Bach + Virtuosic French Works

Classical Music | Organist Plays Virtuosic French Works by Bach


Organist Mina Marie Jelinek, will play virtuosic French works and pieces by J.S. Bach.  
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Concerts, May 13, 2025, 05/13/2025, Organist Plays&nbsp;Virtuosic French Works by Bach

Film | Afraid (2024): Sci-Fi Horror Film 


Curtis' family is selected to test a new home device: a digital assistant called AIA. AIA learns the family's behaviors and begins to anticipate their needs. And she can make sure nothing - and no one - gets in her family's way. Director: Chris Weitz Cast: John Cho, Lukita Maxwell, Riki Lindhome, Keith Carradine
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free
Films, May 13, 2025, 05/13/2025, Afraid (2024): Sci-Fi Horror Film&nbsp;

Staged Reading | Perreo: Perils of Stardom


When aspiring reggaetonera Vicki suddenly goes viral, she begins to see stardom before her. With her bestie Yesica and skeptical cousin Alicia along for the ride, Vicki’s journey unfolds amid the heat of a Miami summer and pulse of the infectious dembow rhythm. But who gets to claim an ever-changing and ever-blending culture? And what will Vicki have to sacrifice to claim what’s hers? Written by Valen-Marie Santos.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free
Staged Readings, May 13, 2025, 05/13/2025, Perreo: Perils of Stardom

Discussion | Congressman on Israel Relations, Antisemitism, and More (online)


With 28 years in Congress, Rep. Brad Sherman has been a key advocate for Israel and Jewish communities worldwide. He'll share insights on U.S.-Israel relations, the Middle East, and the rise of antisemitism.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free
Discussions, May 13, 2025, 05/13/2025, Congressman on Israel Relations, Antisemitism, and More (online)

Workshop | Chess in the Park


Play the popular strategy game while getting pointers and advice from an expert. Chess improves concentration, problem solving, and strategic planning — plus it’s fun! For all ages 5 and up.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:30 pm
Free
Workshops, May 13, 2025, 05/13/2025, Chess in the Park

Party | Make New Friends Playing Board Games Outdoors


Organizers bring a wider selection of board games to the Games Cart at this event, with games like Ticket to Ride, Carcassonne, Catan, King of Tokyo and more. Not sure what to play? The Games Hosts can help you find the perfect game and match up players!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Partys, May 13, 2025, 05/13/2025, Make New Friends Playing Board Games Outdoors

Jazz | American Symphony Orchestra's Jazz Ensemble Performs Louis Armstrong's Hits


Experience the music of Louis Armstrong! American Symphony Orchestra's jazz ensemble performs the greatest pieces by this iconic jazz musician. ASO's jazz ensemble has performed numerous concerts dedicated to the great jazz composers of both the past and present, including Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, Chick Corea, Count Basie, Charles Mingus, and many others. The ensemble's program will honor jazz trumpet virtuoso, innovator, and composer of more than fifty original compositions, including Cool Cart Blues, Don't Forget to Mess Around, Here Me Talkin' to Ya, If We Never Meet Again, and New Orleans Stomp, Louis Armstrong.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free
Concerts, May 13, 2025, 05/13/2025, American Symphony Orchestra's Jazz Ensemble Performs Louis Armstrong's Hits

Book Discussion | Women Architects at Work: Making American Modernism


In the interwar decades, American architecture schools enrolled increasing numbers of women. But as architectural historians Mary Anne Hunting and Kevin D. Murphy recount in their book, professional success did not come easily. Focusing on the Cambridge School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture in Massachusetts and several coeducational architecture schools, Hunting and Murphy profile women designers who pursued careers in architecture, describing how these innovative practitioners leveraged social, educational, and professional ties to achieve success and address social concerns. Some joined women-led architectural firms, while others partnered with men or contributed to Modernism as retailers of household furnishings, writers and educators, photographers and designers, or fine artists.  With stunning illustrations, Women Architects at Work offers new histories of recognized figures, while recovering the stories of previously unsung women, all of whom contributed to the modernization of American architecture and design.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Book Discussions, May 13, 2025, 05/13/2025, Women Architects at Work: Making American Modernism

Lecture | Art Historian Explores Muralist Francis Davis Millet 's Influence on the American Renaissance


Art historian and Millet scholar Gina M. D’Angelo discusses the American artist Francis Davis Millet (1846-1912). Gina presents an overview of Millet’s career while concentrating on one of his signature achievements: his mural decorations and supervision of the mural program at the 1893 World’s Fair, which revitalized the American mural movement and enhanced the stature of mural painting in the United States.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Lectures, May 13, 2025, 05/13/2025, Art Historian&nbsp;Explores Muralist Francis Davis Millet 's Influence on the American Renaissance

Author Reading | Award-Winning Journalist/Author Launches New Book on Key Resistance Spy in WWII


Michelle Young launches her riveting riveting biography of Rose Valland, a key Resistance spy in the heart of the Nazi’s art looting headquarters in Paris. A riveting and stylish saga set in Paris during World War II, The Art Spy uncovers how an unlikely heroine infiltrated the Nazi leadership to save the world's most treasured masterpieces. The author will be in conversation with Sarah Maslin Nir, followed by a signing. Seating is limited and will be first come, first served. Doors open at 5:30 pm.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Author Readings, May 13, 2025, 05/13/2025, Award-Winning Journalist/Author Launches New Book on Key Resistance Spy in WWII

Park Walk | Discover the History & Design of One of New York's Most Unique Park


Hear the story behind New York City's park in the sky: an insider's perspective on the park's history, design, and landscape.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Park Walks, May 13, 2025, 05/13/2025, Discover the History & Design of One of New York's Most Unique Park

Book Discussion | How New York Rose: Skyscrapers, Subways, and the Workers Who Built a City (Online)


Historian of American architecture and urbanism Alexander Wood, author of Building the Metropolis: Architecture, Construction, and Labor in New York City, 1880-1935, brings to life the era that transformed New York into a global metropolis. A former Helen and Robert Appel Fellow at the New York Historical Society and a Ph.D. graduate from Columbia, Wood examines the period that saw the rise of the skyscraper, the birth of the subway, and the unification of the five boroughs. Drawing on archives, firm records, and labor union documents, Wood explores how visionaries, tradespeople, and communities together shaped the city's jagged skyline and bustling infrastructure. His research highlights the often-overlooked labor and ingenuity behind nearly a million buildings, landmark bridges, and miles of city streets--all constructed during a time of breathtaking urban ambition.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Book Discussions, May 13, 2025, 05/13/2025, How New York Rose: Skyscrapers, Subways, and the Workers Who Built a City (Online)

Workshop | Mat Pilates for Movement and Flexibility


A strengthening and lengthening exercise that focuses on conditioning your core muscles while also training your arms and legs. This class incorporates key Pilates principles such as postural alignment, breathing, strength, controlled movement and flexibility. This class is perfect for beginners but intermediate and advanced movers will also benefit. Bring your own mat.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Workshops, May 13, 2025, 05/13/2025, Mat Pilates for Movement and Flexibility

Party | Play Bridge in a Stress-Free Environment


The card game of Bridge requires four people to play: two teams of two people. Join the group with your bridge partner, or you will be matched with someone to play as a pair. If you would like to learn how to play bridge, organizers can offer some instruction, and you can observe others.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Partys, May 13, 2025, 05/13/2025, Play Bridge in a Stress-Free Environment

Book Signing | Rare Photographs of a Hidden Queer History


Spanning from the 1930s to the early 1960s, Physique presents over 250 rare physique photography prints from Aletti’s private collection, chronicling a coded world of homoerotic imagery. Originally distributed through discreet mail-order catalogs and underground magazines, these photographs capture an emergent queer sensibility and offer a vital glimpse into a hidden history. Accompanied by a personal essay from Aletti, Physique honors the photographers, models, and studios that shaped this forgotten chapter of American gay culture, revealing how photography provided solace, connection, and empowerment during a time of widespread oppression.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Book Signings, May 13, 2025, 05/13/2025, Rare Photographs of a Hidden Queer History

Book Club | Reading Rhythms Party: Socialize with Other Bookworms


Unplug and unwind at Reading Rhythms, a unique outdoor reading party designed to build community through books. With live music, structured reading time, and guided discussions, this mindful gathering blends solo reflection with social connection. Bring your own book and a mat or blanket for added comfort.
   New York City, NY; NYC
6:00 pm
Free
Book Clubs, May 13, 2025, 05/13/2025, Reading Rhythms Party: Socialize with Other Bookworms

Talk | History's Lessons for Today with Writers and Editors for The New Yorker


What are history’s lessons for today? Writers from The New Yorker make sense of the backlash against immigrants, the war on "wokeism," and other aspects of the second Trump presidency by looking back. Michael Luo is an executive editor at The New Yorker and writes regularly for the magazine on politics, religion, and Asian American issues. He joined The New Yorker in 2016. Before that, he spent thirteen years at the New York Times, as a metro reporter, national correspondent, and investigative reporter and editor. He is a recipient of a George Polk Award and a Livingston Award for Young Journalists. His new book, Strangers in the Land, is a masterful narrative history of the Chinese in America, tracing their more than century-long struggle to belong. Jelani Cobb joined the Columbia Journalism School faculty in 2016 and became Dean in 2022. He has been a staff writer at The New Yorker since 2015 and was a finalist for the 2018 Pulitzer Prize in Commentary. Dr. Cobb has a B.A. in English from Howard University and completed his M.A. and doctorate in American History at Rutgers University in 2003. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the American Journalism Project and the Board of Trustees of the New York Public Library. In 2023, he was elected to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences. Geraldo Cadava, PhD, is a historian of the United States. He focuses on Latinos in the United States, the U.S.-Mexico borderlands, and Latin American immigration. Cadava is the author of two books. Most recently, he wrote The Hispanic Republican: The Shaping of An American Political Identity, from Nixon to Trump. He is a Contributing Writer for The New Yorker, Co-Editor-in-Chief of Public Books, and author of the Substack newsletter Latinos in Depth. David Remnick was named the editor of The New Yorker in 1998. He is the author of seven books, including King of the World, Resurrection, and Lenin’s Tomb, for which he received both the Pulitzer Prize for nonfiction and a George Polk Award for excellence in journalism. Remnick has written hundreds of pieces for the magazine and, in 2015, became the host of “The New Yorker Radio Hour,” a national radio program and podcast. In 2016, Remnick was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
$5 per RSVP
Talks, May 13, 2025, 05/13/2025, History's Lessons for Today with Writers and Editors&nbsp;for&nbsp;The New Yorker

Jazz | Lincoln Center-Featured Musician Showcases Bold, Modern Jazz


Experience the vibrant pulse of modern jazz as Alan Bartus New York Trio takes the stage. Featuring Alan Bartus, piano, Dezron Douglas, bass, and Martin Valihora, drums, this performance showcases a bold fusion of innovation and tradition. The trio's upcoming album was composed during Bartus's time in New York, where he has been living, studying, and making his mark on the jazz scene. This music reflects the journey of a young artist carving his path in one of the world's most dynamic musical landscapes. A semi-finalist in the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz International Piano Competition 2023, Bartus is recognized as one of the most exciting jazz pianists of his generation. His compositions were first presented at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall, where he performed alongside jazz legends Jeff "Tain" Watts and Robert Hurst.
   New York City, NY; NYC
6:30 pm
Free
Concerts, May 13, 2025, 05/13/2025, Lincoln Center-Featured Musician Showcases Bold, Modern Jazz

Workshop | Origami Group Meet-Up


This event is for people to come together and share in the beautiful art of Origami--an ancient art of folding various mediums, most commonly paper. The word comes from the combination of the Japanese verb oru (to fold) and the noun kami (paper). Other materials often folded are fabric, wire mesh, sheet metal, tissue, thin plastic, cardboard, and straws.This group meets to teach each other new models and share paper, books, and tips. This meeting is free and open to all level of folders from beginner to advanced. There will be free paper available to share. You may choose to bring your own paper and books and just show up and fold! If you have models you would like to learn, or teach, let the organizers know, and they will try our best to accommodate.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Workshops, May 13, 2025, 05/13/2025, Origami Group Meet-Up

Staged Reading | Perreo: Perils of Stardom


When aspiring reggaetonera Vicki suddenly goes viral, she begins to see stardom before her. With her bestie Yesica and skeptical cousin Alicia along for the ride, Vicki's journey unfolds amid the heat of a Miami summer and pulse of the infectious dembow rhythm. But who gets to claim an ever-changing and ever-blending culture? And what will Vicki have to sacrifice to claim what's hers? Written by Valen-Marie Santos.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:00 pm
Free
Staged Readings, May 13, 2025, 05/13/2025, Perreo: Perils of Stardom

Author Reading | A Moving Memoir of Trees, Science, and Hope A Moving Memoir of Trees, Science, and Hope


Marguerite Y. Holloway celebrates the release of Take to the Trees: A Story of Hope, Science, and Self-Discovery in America's Imperiled Forests. Named one of Heatmap's Climate Books to Read in 2025, Take to the Trees blends personal memoir with science reporting, chronicling Holloway's journey from novice climber to passionate advocate for America's threatened forests. Through encounters with towering hemlocks, aspens, and oaks--and the people striving to save them--Holloway offers an inspiring vision of resilience and community in the face of environmental crisis.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Author Readings, May 13, 2025, 05/13/2025, A Moving Memoir of Trees, Science, and Hope A Moving Memoir of Trees, Science, and Hope

Talk | MoMA-Featured Artist & Photographer Discusses His New Book


This event is a talk with Tim Soter. Soter is an artist, photographer, book designer, and publisher operating under the imprint The Ship Escaped. A common underlying thread in his work is the act of mythologizing—whether it’s an already famous photographer, a decades-old music scene, or even an artistic process. His most recent book, DFA Records: The Early Years, documents the raw energy, underground spirit, and formative moments of New York’s DFA music scene from 2003 to 2007. His work is held in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MoMA, the International Center of Photography, and Tate Modern.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Talks, May 13, 2025, 05/13/2025, MoMA-Featured Artist & Photographer Discusses His New Book

Workshop | Stargazing in the Park


Immerse yourself in the wonders of the night sky. The friendly team from the Amateur Astronomers Association will be there with high-powered telescopes, ready to reveal the secrets of the cosmos.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:15 pm
Free
Workshops, May 13, 2025, 05/13/2025, Stargazing in the Park
Complimentary Tickets

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

Classical Music | Sacred Choral Works at a Landmark Venue

Regular Price: $50
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Musical | Hit Show Musical Parody

Regular Price: $58.50
CFT Member Price: $0.00
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