free things to do in New York City
Free events for Friday, 05/08/26
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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 8, 2026?

16 free events take place on Friday, May 8 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 8 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!

16 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Friday, May 8, 2026

All events are free unless otherwise noted.
        

Tour | Explore One of New York's Iconic Buildings


Designed to inspire, building highlights include: The only free, publicly accessible rooftop terrace in Midtown A dramatic "Long Room" with 42-foot-high atrium offering five levels of open, browsable book stacks Commissioned public art celebrating creativity and curiosity
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:30 am
Free
Tours, May 08, 2026, 05/08/2026, Explore One of New York's Iconic Buildings

Workshop | Outdoor Tai Chi


Improve balance, strength, and focus through gentle exercises. The sights and sounds of the harbor provide a serene background for the ancient flowing postures.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:30 am
Free
Workshops, May 08, 2026, 05/08/2026, Outdoor Tai Chi

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
Workshops, May 08, 2026, 05/08/2026, Zumba Workout for All

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
Workshops, May 08, 2026, 05/08/2026, Mat Pilates Session (Beginners Welcome!)

Workshop | Clay Sculpture Lesson (Part 1)


Participants will have the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and start hand-building their own unique sculptures using all sorts of fun tools and techniques. Whether you follow our playful prompts or go totally freestyle, you'll leave with something truly one-of-a-kind. In the first session, the group will work on hand-building sculptures using a variety of tools. All materials will be provided, including clay, wood tools, paints and brushes. No prior experience necessary, just bring your imagination!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free
Workshops, May 08, 2026, 05/08/2026, Clay Sculpture Lesson (Part 1)

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 08, 2026, 05/08/2026, 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
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12:20 pm
Free
Concerts, May 08, 2026, 05/08/2026, Afternoon Bach

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
2:00 pm
Free
Concerts, May 08, 2026, 05/08/2026, Afternoon Jam Sesh (Play Music or Just Listen)

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, May 08, 2026, 05/08/2026, Play Chess

Play | Alala & The Scarman: Political Drama by Emerging Playwright


In an unnamed nation that bankrolls American power, a radical student activist leads a campaign demanding her university divest from the United States. At home, her boyfriend—an immortal man who once survived a lynching—keeps himself safe by offering spiritual readings, turning the scar that could not kill him into currency to avoid deportation. As protests rage outside their apartment, the performances that keep them alive begin to erode their intimacy. When survival becomes spectacle, what remains between them that isn’t an act? Written by Silma Sierra Berrada.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:30 pm
Free
Plays, May 08, 2026, 05/08/2026, Alala & The Scarman: Political Drama by Emerging Playwright

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
Birdwatchings, May 08, 2026, 05/08/2026, Evening Birding Tour

Concert | Open Session: Traditional Irish Music


Enjoy vibrant evenings filled with traditional Irish music. There is a slow session for beginners from 6 pm to 8 pm, followed by a traditional session for experienced players from 8 pm to 11 pm Audience members are encouraged to join the music at any time. 
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Concerts, May 08, 2026, 05/08/2026, Open Session: Traditional Irish Music

Lecture | Ancient Art Curator Explores Celtic Art through the Ages


This lecture introduces Celtic Art through the ages, the first major American exhibition on this topic, on view at the Harvard Art Museums.  Susanne Ebbinghaus, the George M.A. Hanfmann Curator of Ancient Art and Head of the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at Harvard, discusses examples of exquisitely decorated weaponry, jewelry, as well as horse and chariot trappings. She further explains how imagery was transformed under Roman rule, highlighting notable instances of reception, reinterpretation, and the revival of Celtic art in the modern era. 
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Lectures, May 08, 2026, 05/08/2026, Ancient Art Curator Explores Celtic Art through the Ages

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
Concerts, May 08, 2026, 05/08/2026, Sunset Singing Circle

Play | Alala & The Scarman: Political Drama by Emerging Playwright


In an unnamed nation that bankrolls American power, a radical student activist leads a campaign demanding her university divest from the United States. At home, her boyfriend—an immortal man who once survived a lynching—keeps himself safe by offering spiritual readings, turning the scar that could not kill him into currency to avoid deportation. As protests rage outside their apartment, the performances that keep them alive begin to erode their intimacy. When survival becomes spectacle, what remains between them that isn’t an act? Written by Silma Sierra Berrada.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free
Plays, May 08, 2026, 05/08/2026, Alala & The Scarman: Political Drama by Emerging Playwright

Cabaret | Singer-Songwriter/Comedian Tamara Jade Brings Storytelling & Shenanigans to the Stage


Hear music from Tamara Jade, a multi-talented singer-songwriter and arranger who has shared the stage with Jon Batiste, John Legend, Doja Cat, and Lizzo. Jade has also made her mark as a comedian and actor as a series regular on HBO’s A Black Lady Sketch Show, and on tour with vlogger KevOnStage. Backed by a full live band, Soulstice is Jade’s signature blend of soul-soaked singing, laugh-out-loud storytelling, and joyfully unpredictable shenanigans. In this intimate, cabaret-meets-cookout revival, she weaves original music, reimagined covers, and character-driven anecdotes from her life on the road, in the industry, and the church pews that raised her. Soulstice is a concert, a good hang, a testimony service where the spirit is high, the laughter is loud, and the connection is real. Expect powerhouse vocals, humor that hits home, and stories that move from tender to turn-up without warning. 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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8:00 pm
Free
Concerts, May 08, 2026, 05/08/2026, Singer-Songwriter/Comedian&nbsp;Tamara Jade&nbsp;Brings Storytelling & Shenanigans to the Stage
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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