free things to do in New York City
Free events for Tuesday, 05/05/26
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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 May 5, 2026?

18 free events take place on Tuesday, May 5 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 5 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!

18 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Tuesday, May 5, 2026

All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Editor's Picks

free events nyc Mother's Day Photo Session
More Editor's Picks for 05/05/26
        

Workshop | Cardio & Strength Workout (All Levels Welcome)


Instructor Natalie Hahn leads 45 minutes of bodyweight exercises, combining cardio and strength for a full-body workout. This class is high-energy with programming options for all levels!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 am
Free
Workshops, May 05, 2026, 05/05/2026, Cardio & Strength Workout (All Levels Welcome)

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 05, 2026, 05/05/2026, Morning&nbsp;Birding in the Park&nbsp;with NYC Audubon

Workshop | Zumba Workout


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
Workshops, May 05, 2026, 05/05/2026, Zumba Workout

Discussion | Collective Power: Art & Climate in Conversation


Join artists for an intimate salon exploring vision, resilience, and community action through creative practice. Engage in discussions on current climate-focused works, participate in an audience Q&A, and reflect on the connections among art, environmental justice, and the future we can shape together.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free
Discussions, May 05, 2026, 05/05/2026, Collective Power: Art & Climate in Conversation

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
Workshops, May 05, 2026, 05/05/2026, Learn to Juggle, All Skill Levels Welcome

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
12:20 pm
Free
Concerts, May 05, 2026, 05/05/2026, Afternoon Bach

Film | Wag the Dog (1997): Political Satire Black Comedy with Star-Studded Cast


Shortly before an election, a spin-doctor and a Hollywood producer join efforts to fabricate a war in order to cover up a Presidential sex scandal. Political mayhem ensues. Director: Barry Levinson Cast: Dustin Hoffman, Robert De Niro, Anne Heche, Denis Leary, Willie Nelson, Andrea Martin, Kirsten Dunst
   New York City, NY; NYC
1:00 pm
Free
Films, May 05, 2026, 05/05/2026, Wag the Dog (1997): Political Satire Black Comedy with Star-Studded Cast

Open Studios | Mother's Day Photo Session


In this Mother's Day Photos event, organizers will be focusing on how to take beautiful Mother's Day photos. Whether you want to learn, or even want to bring Mom and have them take a photo of you with her, the studio is open! They will have a lovely backdrop to set the mood, so come practice, learn, or step in front of the camera and leave with a memory for Mom's special day!
   New York City, NY; NYC
1:00 pm
Free
Open Studioss, May 05, 2026, 05/05/2026, Mother's Day Photo Session

Film | Song Sung Blue (2025): Biographical Musical Drama with Hugh Jackman & Kate Hudson


Based on a true story, two down-on-their-luck musicians form a joyous Neil Diamond tribute band, proving it’s never too late to find love and follow your dreams. Director: Craig Brewer Cast: Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson, Michael Imperioli, Ella Anderson, King Princess, Mustafa Shakir 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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4:45 pm
Free
Films, May 05, 2026, 05/05/2026, Song Sung Blue (2025): Biographical Musical Drama with Hugh Jackman & Kate Hudson

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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5:30 pm
Free
Workshops, May 05, 2026, 05/05/2026, Learn to Juggle, All Skill Levels Welcome

Book Discussion | Journalist Stephanie Fairyington Shares Her New Book, Ugly: A Letter to My Daughter (+ Signing)


Enjoy a conversation with Stephanie Fairyington to celebrate her newest book, Ugly, a moving account of queer motherhood and an insightful interrogation of what it means to wrestle with "self-described ugliness." She will be in conversation with Svetlana Kitto, followed by a signing.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Book Discussions, May 05, 2026, 05/05/2026, Journalist&nbsp;Stephanie Fairyington Shares Her New Book, Ugly: A Letter to My Daughter&nbsp;(+ Signing)

Workshop | Make Your Own Financial Vision Board & Speak with Financial Professionals (+ Networking)


Attend a financial vision board building workshop, where you'll use the visual power of collaging to map out your financial future, including savings goals, financial priorities, and more. Through cutting, layering, and building your vision, you'll clarify what matters most in a welcoming, supportive space, and learn directly from JPMorganChase professionals who will provide practical guidance tailored to your goals. Afterward, stay for a networking mixer designed to spark connection--between neighbors, professionals, and community members invested in Harlem's future. Ages 18+.
   New York City, NY; NYC
6:00 pm
Free
Workshops, May 05, 2026, 05/05/2026, Make Your Own Financial Vision Board & Speak with Financial Professionals (+ Networking)

Screening | Losing Ground (1982): Semiautobiographical Drama Film (+ Short Film & Discussion)


Losing Ground offers a radical vision of Black intellectual and emotional life with layered interior storytelling. The film follows Sara, a philosophy professor navigating love, intellect, and creative awakening during a summer upstate. Director: Kathleen Collins Cast: Seret Scott, Bill Gunn, Duane Jones The program opens with Madeleine Hunt Ehrlich's short film Cleopatra at the Mall (2024) that drifts through contemporary spaces of spectacle and consumption, reimagining mythic power within the everyday landscape of the shopping mall. Together, the films establish a dialogue across time about performance, interiority, and artistic self-definition, highlighting the enduring brilliance of Black women filmmakers as they shape their own cinematic worlds. Following the screening, Alfreda’s Cinema founder, Melissa Lyde will moderate a conversation with Nina Collins, and Madeleine Hunt Ehrlich.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Screenings, May 05, 2026, 05/05/2026, Losing Ground (1982): Semiautobiographical Drama Film (+ Short Film & Discussion)

Workshop | Dance Aerobics Class: Low Stakes & All Fun


Find your inner dancer and get your body moving with pure joy at this cathartic dance aerobics class! Low stakes, all fun, and open to all levels. 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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6:30 pm
Free
Workshops, May 05, 2026, 05/05/2026, Dance Aerobics Class: Low Stakes & All Fun

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 05, 2026, 05/05/2026, Origami Group Meet-Up

Book Discussion | Acclaimed Author Siri Hustvedt Shares Her New Memoir on Life with Paul Auster, Ghost Stories (In Person AND Online!)


Acclaimed novelist Siri Hustvedt reflects on the loss of her husband, Paul Auster, and her searing memoir of love and grief. In Ghost Stories, Siri Hustvedt reflects on the 43 years she shared with her husband, writer Paul Auster, tracing their life together from their early days in 1980s New York to his death in 2024. The memoir gathers memories of their daily rituals alongside Auster’s final writings, including letters and an unfinished work addressed to his grandson. Moving between personal recollection and philosophical inquiry, Ghost Stories is a meditation on memory, love, and the lives we continue to carry. The Library is proud to hold the papers of Paul Auster, which date from 1963 to 2022 and contain all aspects of his professional work, including typescript and holograph drafts, notebooks, correspondence, audio and moving image recordings, clippings, and ephemera. Hustvedt speaks with physician and literary scholar Rita Charon about how grief reshapes time and the self, and how a loved one’s presence lingers even after they’re gone.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Book Discussions, May 05, 2026, 05/05/2026, Acclaimed Author Siri Hustvedt Shares Her New Memoir on Life with Paul Auster, Ghost Stories (In Person AND Online!)

Poetry Reading | National Book Award-Winner Shares Her New Book of Sonnets, Transitions


Enjoy a reading and discussion with poet, translator, and critic Marilyn Hacker for her newest book, Transitions. Over the course of her celebrated fifty-year career, Marilyn Hacker has continuously proven to be a timely, fearless, and lauded poet highly skilled in a wide variety of forms—most famously, the sonnet. Transitions is her first volume, consisting entirely of the beloved form.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Poetry Readings, May 05, 2026, 05/05/2026, National Book Award-Winner Shares Her New Book of Sonnets,&nbsp;Transitions

Dance Performance | Open Performance Showcase


A program of non-curated shared showings of experimentation and work-in-process, for artists at all stages of their development, selected through a randomized lottery. The events are centered around a moderated discussion between the artists and audience, providing an opportunity to experiment with different feedback methods to support and inform the artists’ process.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Dance Performances, May 05, 2026, 05/05/2026, Open Performance Showcase
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Complimentary Tickets

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

Performance | Piercing, Tender, and Hopeful Story

Regular Price: $59
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Classical Music | Highly-Acclaimed Orchestra Performs Tchaikovsky & More

Regular Price: $55
CFT Member Price: $0.00