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free things to do in New York City
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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 1, 2026?
38 free events take place on Friday, May 1 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 1 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.
Are you looking for free things to do in New York City (NYC) on May 1, 2026?
38 free events take place on Friday, May 1 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 1 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.
Join the Club!
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!
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!
38 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Friday, May 1, 2026
All events are free unless otherwise noted.Festival | Puppet Procession for Workers, Waterways, and Climate Futures
This participatory event celebrates labor, artmaking, and aquatic ecosystems through performance, a puppet procession, and workshops. Participants will engage with large-scale aquatic puppetry inspired by resilient oyster-reef ecologies and create personal regalia honoring International Workers’ Day. The program features live music, food, and community gatherings with artists and Arts Center Residents. Note: See the website for transportation details
New York City, NY; NYC
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9:15 am
Free
Free
Conference | Exploring the Future of Creative Work in the Age of AI
This day-long convening brings together practitioners, legal scholars, social scientists, and students to investigate the present and future of creative work in an age of AI. We aim to bring together disparate conversations from the domains of design and fashion, film and philosophy, creative writing, and critical thought to create a platform from which to agitate for a future that creative workers want to see when it comes to emerging, powerful technologies. Organizers' ambition is to build toward a regional, NYC-based network of creative workers and scholars who share a stake in governing the future of AI and creative labor.
New York City, NY; NYC
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9:30 am
Free
Free
Workshop | Zumba Workout for All
Enthusiastic instruction and easy-to-follow Latin dance choreography working on balance, coordination, and range of motion.
New York City, NY; NYC
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10:30 am
Free
Free
Museums | Asian Art and Culture Museum
The museum features a diverse collection of artworks, including traditional and contemporary pieces from various Asian cultures. They typically have guided tours at 2 pm.
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Free
Museums | Design Museum and Sculpture Garden
The museum was designed and created in 1980's by one of the twentieth century's most important landscape architects and designers. It serves to preserve the legacy of the artist by showcasing his creations: sculptures, furniture pieces, lighting designs, ceramics, architecture, and more.
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Free
Workshop | Mat Pilates Session (Beginners Welcome!)
Sweet Water Dance & Yoga leads a session of mat pilates, 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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11:00 am
Free
Free
Workshop | Learn to Juggle, All Skill Levels Welcome
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
Free
Classical Music | Afternoon Bach
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
Free
Concert | Piano in the Park: Ragtime with Protege of Eubie Blake & His Band
Come on down and swing along to the best ragtime, stride, and jazz the Big Apple has to offer. At this performance, Terry Waldo plays lively music. "Mr. Waldo is worth the price of a ticket." - The New York Times Ragtime expert & stride pianist, Terry Waldo is the protege of the late Eubie Blake. He has produced over 40 albums and written the definitive book on ragtime, This Is Ragtime. His 26-part radio series with the same title, produced for National Public Radio, fueled the 1970's ragtime revival. He may currently be heard on his new podcast, This Is Ragtime. Terry Waldo's Gotham City Band will be performing at this event!
New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
Free
Free
Book Discussion | Art, Espionage, and Resistance: A New Book by Award Winning Author (Online!)
Author Michelle Young discusses her latest book, The Art Spy: The Extraordinary Untold Tale of World War II Resistance Hero Rose Valland. Drawing on newly uncovered documents, the book reveals the story of Rose Valland, a French museum curator who secretly documented Nazi art looting in Paris and passed critical intelligence to the Resistance, risking her life to help preserve cultural heritage. Praised as “a thrilling saga” by Publisher’s Weekly, this talk explores a powerful intersection of art, history, and wartime espionage.
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Free
Book Discussion | A Look into the Mempir that Inspired Netflix's Boots
A conversation with author, screenwriter, and producer Greg Cope White about identity, service, and what it means to find belonging in unexpected places. White wrote the memoir The Pink Marine about his time as a closeted gay man in the American Military over 30 years ago. It was adapted into the Netflix show Boots. When Greg’s best friend joined the Marines, Greg thought he was signing up for "summer camp." Instead, he found himself at Parris Island—underweight, out of shape, and keeping a secret that was illegal in the military at the time: he was gay. As fate would have it, the "Few and the Proud" turned out to be a bunch of oddballs and eccentrics—and a brotherhood was born. The Pink Marine takes a hard—and humorous—look at masculinity and what it really means to belong when you are different from everyone else around you.
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:30 pm
Free
Free
Classical Music | Diverse Choral Works Performed in a Beautiful Cathedral
AC Reynolds High School Chorale from Asheville, NC. Program: Michael McGLynn (1964-) Media Vita Carlo Gesualdo di Venosa (1566-1613) O vos omnes Ola Gjeilo (1978-) Ubi Caritas Alfred Schnittke (1934-1998) Drei geistiche Gesange Daniel Gawthrop (1949-) Sing Me to Heaven Ronald Staheli How Can I Keep from Singing Moses Hogan (1957-2003) Elijah Rock
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:45 pm
Free
Free
Film | Homebound (2025): Hindi-Language Drama Film
Two childhood friends from a small North Indian village chase a police job that promises them the dignity they've long been denied. However, as they inch closer to their dream, mounting desperation threatens the bond that holds them together. Director: Neeraj Ghaywan Cast: Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, Janhvi Kapoor
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
Film | Song Sung Blue (2025): Biographical Musical Drama with Hugh Jackman & Kate Hudson
Lightning and Thunder, a Milwaukee husband and wife Neil Diamond tribute act, experience soaring success and devastating heartbreak in their musical journey together. Director: Craig Brewer Cast: Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson Hugh Jackman is an Australian actor who landed his breakthrough role as Wolverine in the X-Men film franchise and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Prominent on both screen and stage, he has received various accolades, including a Primetime Emmy Award, a Grammy Award, and two Tony Awards, along with nominations for an Academy Award and a British Academy Film Award. Kate Hudson is an actress who has received several accolades, including a Golden Globe Award and a nomination for an Academy Award. Hudson made her film debut in the 1998 drama Desert Blue. She rose to prominence with her portrayal of Penny Lane in Almost Famous, for which she won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress and received an Oscar nomination in the same category. Throughout the 2000s, Hudson starred in a succession of romantic comedies.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
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
Free
Performance | FEMM: Feminist Drama by Emerging Playwright
A museum for its patrons and a prison for its relics, FEMM is a place where women who behave outside of the patriarchal status quo are kept for their own safety. When Char is admitted to the “hysterics exhibition,” she meets four women who have been kept there for longer than they can remember—Ginny, an emotionally volatile recluse who touts complacency but is secretly manipulating her way to escape; Zee, an excitable harpy prone to fits of ecstasy; Via, an apathetic lover of morbidity; and Opi, who often gets lost in familiar places and speaks in strange hallucinogenic riddles. As Char enters their realm, she begins to discover a community among the madwomen, but pushes them to begin exposing the injustices of the emporium. Written by Zoe Stanton-Savitz.
New York City, NY; NYC
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3:03 pm
Free
Free
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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3:15 pm
Free
Free
Symposium | Sophie Rivera: Nuyorican Photography, Feminism, and Self-Representation
A two-panel symposium convenes artists, scholars, and historians to examine the life, work, and enduring legacy of pioneering photographer Sophie Rivera. The program explores Rivera’s vital contributions to Nuyorican visual culture, feminist photography, and the politics of self-representation in New York from the 1970s through the 1990s. The event aims to contextualize her practice within the broader landscape of American photography and identity.
New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free
Free
Screening | Annie (2014): Broadway Musical Comedy-Drama Adaptation Sing-A-Long (+ Pre-Show Fun & Movie Snacks)
Experience comfy seating, complimentary popcorn, and entertaining pre-show fun before the lights get dim. Enjoy free sweet movie snacks featuring SmartSweets and more! Annie is a young, happy foster kid who’s also tough enough to make her way on the streets of New York in 2014. Originally left by her parents as a baby with the promise that they’d be back for her someday, it’s been a hard knock life ever since with her mean foster mom, Miss Hannigan. But everything’s about to change when the hard-nosed tycoon and New York mayoral candidate Will Stacks—advised by his brilliant VP and his shrewd and scheming campaign advisor—makes a thinly-veiled campaign move and takes her in. Stacks believes he’s her guardian angel, but Annie’s self-assured nature and bright, sun-will-come-out-tomorrow outlook on life just might mean it’s the other way around. Director: Will Gluck Cast: Jamie Foxx, Quvenzhané Wallis, Rose Byrne, Bobby Cannavale, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, David Zayas, Cameron Diaz Your whole party must enter the seating area at once. Please note that seating is limited, and guests will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. Once capacity is reached, the seating area will be closed.
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Free
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
Pay-what-you-wish, reservation required
Birdwatching | Evening Birding Tour
Discover the surprising diversity of birds that call the park home during migratory season, with guided tours led by environmental educator and urban naturalist Gabriel Willow. The 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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5:00 pm
Free
Free
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
Free
Museums | Japanese Art and Culture
The gallery showcases both traditional and contemporary Japanese art, including amine designs and theatrical production elements that evolved in the 17th century.
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Free
Museums | Art & Jazz After Hours at a Magnificent Museum
Enjoy an evening of art and jaz!. Explore galleries and special exhibitions after hours, grab a drink at the cafe or coffee bar, and enjoy exciting talks, live Jazz, and more. Internationally recognized as a premier museum and research center, this institution is known for its distinguished Old Master paintings and outstanding examples of European sculpture and decorative arts. Experience the collections in a relaxed, social atmosphere unlike any other time of day.
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free
Free
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
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5:30 pm
Free
Free
Book Discussion | Photographer Shares His New Book, East Village: Then and Now (+ Signing)
Enjoy a conversation with photographer Daniel Root to celebrate his book, East Village: Then and Now, which includes photography of iconic East Village locations, captured in the 1980s and now. He will be in conversation with Bob Krasner, followed by a signing.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Discussion | Experts Discuss Recovery of Art Looted in the Armenian Genocide
Dr. Taner Akçam and Law Professor Michael Bazyler will explore efforts to identify and recover Armenian art looted during the Armenian Genocide, drawing parallels with Nazi-looted art restitution. The program will touch on UCLA's Armenian Genocide Looted Art Research Project (AGLARP), which brings together law students and art students—many of them Armenian-Americans—to search museum and institutional collections for Armenian art objects, aiming to create a comprehensive list of all Armenian art in the United States and their provenances.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Free
Classical Music | 16th-Century Guatemalan Sacred Music
Agentinian duo, Jonatan Alvarado and Ariel Abramovich, explores the rich repertoire of 16th-century sacred music from Guatemala. Jonatan Alvarado is an Argentine singer and guitarist specializing in early music and currently living in the Netherlands. Guitarist Ariel Abramovich is an expert in vihuela music. Together, they explore a beautiful, mysterious musical manuscript compiled in northwest Guatemala in the late sixteenth century. The music was used in religious services in the churches of Santa Eulalia, San Juan Ixcoi, and San Mateo Ixtatan in the department of Huehuetenango.
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Free
Screening | Some Came Running (1958): Drama Film Starring Frank Sinatra
Based on the novel by James Jones, Some Came Running is a sweeping, emotionally charged drama about a troubled WWII veteran returning home to confront family wounds, love, and his own restless soul. Starring Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Shirley MacLaine, the film explores the tension between passion and respectability, loyalty and ambition, in a town obsessed with appearances. Director: Vincente Minnelli Cast: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Shirley MacLaine, Martha Hyer, Arthur Kennedy, Nancy Gates, Leora Dana Frank Sinatra was an American singer and actor. Nicknamed the "Chairman of the Board" and later called "Ol' Blue Eyes," he is regarded as one of the most popular entertainers of the mid-20th century. Sinatra is among the world's best-selling music artists with an estimated 150 million record sales. Sinatra forged a highly successful career as a film actor. He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for From Here to Eternity (1953). Sinatra also appeared in musicals such as On the Town (1949), Guys and Dolls (1955), High Society (1956), and more.
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Free
Concert | Sunset Singing Circle
Singer/songwriter Terre Roche leads this singing program with the beautiful backdrop of the setting sun over the Hudson. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned crooner, the singing circle is perfect for mellow melodies and healthy harmonizing.
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Free
7:30 pm
Regular: $30
Member: $0
Regular: $30
Member: $0
Join the Club!
Play | UNSUPERVISED AND UNRULY: Comedy on Adolescence & Mental Health
"Welcome to Kinesthetic Youth Solutions (K.Y.S. for short), a spiritually enlightened, emotionally immersive camp for young women - and Derrick. Using kinesiotherapy, tactile art therapy, and, most importantly, puppet play, our methodology hopes to help these children achieve total internal awareness and balance. Over the course of our two-week program, six children and three teenage counselors will experience the highs and lows of adolescence. Will these teens and tweens learn to work through their issues with themselves and each other, or succumb to their demons and destroy each other?" Devised by: Dune Streeter, Iona McKidd, Isabella Graziadei, Lebron Kenney, Mckenna Flekman, Pinhsien Chen, Sadie Redmond, Sariya Sealey, and Tess Johnstadt. Director: Ana Margineanu Cast: Dune Streeter, Iona Mckidd, Isabella Graziadei, Lebron Kenney, McKenna Flekman, Pinhsien Chen, Sadie Redmond, Sariya Sealey, Tess Johnstadt
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free
Free
Dancing | Acclaimed Trombonist Oscar Dudamel & Salsa Orchestra Play Craibbean Rhythms (In Person AND Online!)
Acclaimed Venezuelan trombonist and bandleader Oscar Dudamel—father of the New York Philharmonic's Music & Artistic Director, Gustavo Dudamel—takes the stage with his Orchestra for a concert and social dance event. A musical prodigy, Oscar Dudamel was enraptured in his youth by the magic of salsa when he first heard the sounds of Willie Colón. Dudamel received classical training within his hometown's highly regarded El Sistema Music Education program and went on to play in classical orchestras, but his fascination with the Caribbean rhythms of salsa never left him. His Caracas-based salsa orchestra has shared the stage with Rubén Blades, Hector Lavoe, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Luis Enrique, and many others. 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
Free
7:30 pm
Regular: $55
Member: $0
Regular: $55
Member: $0
Join the Club!
Concert | Motown Tribute with Music from the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, the Supremes, & More
Experience a unique collaboration as the School of Jazz and Contemporary Music Motown Ensemble, directed by Marlon Saunders, joins forces with the New School Studio Orchestra for an unforgettable celebration of Motown. This concert features music of the Temptations, The Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, Martha and the Vandellas, the Supremes, and many more.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
7:30 pm
Free
Free
Performance | FEMM: Feminist Drama by Emerging Playwright
A museum for its patrons and a prison for its relics, FEMM is a place where women who behave outside of the patriarchal status quo are kept for their own safety. When Char is admitted to the “hysterics exhibition,” she meets four women who have been kept there for longer than they can remember—Ginny, an emotionally volatile recluse who touts complacency but is secretly manipulating her way to escape; Zee, an excitable harpy prone to fits of ecstasy; Via, an apathetic lover of morbidity; and Opi, who often gets lost in familiar places and speaks in strange hallucinogenic riddles. As Char enters their realm, she begins to discover a community among the madwomen, but pushes them to begin exposing the injustices of the emporium. Written by Zoe Stanton-Savitz.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
8:00 pm
Free
Free
8:30 pm
Regular: $By invitation only.
Member: $0
Regular: $By invitation only.
Member: $0
Join the Club!
Join the Club!
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