free things to do in New York City
Free events for Wednesday, 05/13/26
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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 13, 2026?

35 free events take place on Wednesday, 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!

35 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Wednesday, May 13, 2026

All events are free unless otherwise noted.
        

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 13, 2026, 05/13/2026, Outdoor Tai Chi

Workshop | Learn To Ribbon Dance


Combine cardio with artistry as you wave long ribbons in the air to create rainbows, waterfalls, dragons and ocean waves. Ribbon Dancing is as visually stunning as it is fun and easy to learn! All ages and skill levels are welcome. Ribbons will be available to borrow, but participants may also bring their own.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:30 am
Free
Workshops, May 13, 2026, 05/13/2026, Learn To Ribbon Dance

Workshop | Morning Yoga (All Levels Welcome)


Yoga instructor Meg SantaMaria leads a morning practice. Suitable for all fitness levels. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring your own mat.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:30 am
Free
Workshops, May 13, 2026, 05/13/2026, Morning Yoga (All Levels Welcome)

Workshop | Artist-Led Figure Drawing in the Park


Placed in a unique setting, a model will strike short and long poses for participants to sketch and draw. An artist/ educator will offer constructive suggestions and critique. Drawing materials provided, or bring your own.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Workshops, May 13, 2026, 05/13/2026, Artist-Led Figure Drawing in the Park

Museums | New York City: History, Architecture, Social Movements, Cultural Diversity


This museum holds over 1,5 million artifacts, including photographs, paintings, decorative arts, costumes, and documents that tell the story of New York's development and its inhabitants. Explore the galleries and discover the rich history and vibrant culture of New York City!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Museumss, May 13, 2026, 05/13/2026, New York City: History, Architecture, Social Movements, Cultural Diversity

Museums | Celebrate Chinese American Heritage & History


Step into a space dedicated to preserving, illuminating, and celebrating the rich history and contributions of Chinese in America. Connect with stories that inspire and bridge communities, honoring the legacy of generations who shaped the American narrative. Walk through galleries showcasing art, artifacts, and personal histories that reflect resilience, innovation, and cultural heritage.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
pay-what-you-wish for New...
Museumss, May 13, 2026, 05/13/2026, Celebrate Chinese American Heritage & History

Workshop | Design Your Own Coaster


Come and paint your very own coaster! Decorate a coaster with whatever design you wish and use it for your drinks! All materials provided, limited to 10 participants.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Workshops, May 13, 2026, 05/13/2026, Design Your Own Coaster

Museums | Wednesday at a Unique Art Museum


Candid, genuine, and unexpected, this is New York City's only museum dedicated to folk & self-taught artists. The Museum celebrates the creativity of individuals whose singular talents have been refined largely through personal experience rather than formal artistic training. The museum's collection includes more than seven thousand works of art from four centuries and nearly every continent--from compelling portraits and dazzling quilts to powerful works by living artists in a variety of mediums. From critically acclaimed exhibitions and publications to inspiring educational programs and robust community outreach, the museum's mission is to be the leading forum shaping the understanding and appreciation of folk and self-taught art across time and place.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:30 am
Free
Museumss, May 13, 2026, 05/13/2026, Wednesday at a Unique Art Museum

Museums | If Fashion is of Interest to You... An Exhibit of Elegance Awaits!


Best known for its innovation and award-winning exhibitions, the museum has a permanent collection of more than 50,000 garments and accessories dating from the eighteenth century to the present.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free
Museumss, May 13, 2026, 05/13/2026, If Fashion is of Interest to You... An Exhibit of Elegance Awaits!

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 13, 2026, 05/13/2026, Learn to Juggle, All Skill Levels Welcome

Tour | New York City Hall Guided Tour


One of the oldest continuously used city halls in the nation that still houses its original governmental functions, New York's City Hall is considered one of the finest architectural achievements of its period. Constructed from 1803 to 1812, the building was an early expression of the City's cosmopolitanism. City Hall is a designated New York City landmark, and its rotunda is also a designated interior landmark. Note: When registering, choose the "Individual Tour" option.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free
Tours, May 13, 2026, 05/13/2026, New York City Hall Guided Tour

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 13, 2026, 05/13/2026, Afternoon Bach

Concert | Piano in the Park: Ragtime & Tin Pan Alley Tunes


Come on down and swing along to the best ragtime and Tin Pan Alley music the Big Apple has to offer, with musician Todd Robbins. "Todd Robbins plays like a house on fire!" - New York Post 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).
   New York City, NY; NYC
12:30 pm
Free
Concerts, May 13, 2026, 05/13/2026, Piano in the Park: Ragtime & Tin Pan Alley Tunes

Workshop | Adult Chorus Session Open to All


Directed by Church Street School of Music, the Downtown Beats adult chorus is open to all who love to sing! Learn contemporary and classic songs and perform at community events throughout the year.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Workshops, May 13, 2026, 05/13/2026, Adult Chorus Session Open to All

Classical Music | Celebratory Work by Handel for Choir & Orchestra


Hear George Frideric Handel’s Ode to St. Cecilia’s Day, a colorful and dramatic homage to the spiritually transformative power of music, performed by Trinity Choir and Trinity Baroque Orchestra. Written for an annual celebration of music’s patron saint, the radiant work leads listeners through the full spectrum of human emotion, from quiet contemplation to boundless joy.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Concerts, May 13, 2026, 05/13/2026, Celebratory Work by Handel for Choir & Orchestra

Museums | Afternoon in a Magnificent Small Museum


Internationally recognized as a premier museum and research center, this museum is known for its distinguished Old Master paintings and outstanding examples of European sculpture and decorative arts.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:30 pm
pay-what-you-wish, reservation required
Museumss, May 13, 2026, 05/13/2026, Afternoon in a Magnificent Small Museum

Workshop | Free-Form Creative Writing Session


This event is an afternoon of live, free-form creative writing. No formal writing experience is required - just enthusiasm and curiosity to see where writing takes you. Participants are provided with suggested prompts at the start of the session, approximately 30 minutes to free write, and the remainder of the hour to share and listen to others' pieces. This is a relaxed forum to experiment with and strengthen your writing. There is the option, but not the requirement, to share your work in each session. Come write freely and meet other people who love writing for the sake of writing!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:30 pm
Free
Workshops, May 13, 2026, 05/13/2026, Free-Form Creative Writing Session

Film | A Beautiful Mind (2001): Biographical Drama Film with Russell Crowe


A mathematical genius, John Nash made an astonishing discovery early in his career and stood on the brink of international acclaim. But the handsome and arrogant Nash soon found himself on a harrowing journey of self-discovery. Director: Ron Howard Cast: Russell Crowe, Ed Harris, Jennifer Connelly, Paul Bettany, Adam Goldberg, Judd Hirsch Russell Crowe is an actor who has won an Academy Award, two Golden Globe Awards, and a British Academy Film Award. Crowe rose to stardom after playing the title role in the period film Gladiator (2000), winning the Academy Award for Best Actor.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Films, May 13, 2026, 05/13/2026, A Beautiful Mind (2001): Biographical Drama Film with Russell Crowe

Workshop | Outdoor Landscape Art Class


Artists of all skill levels can be inspired by park surroundings to create with drawing materials, pastels, and watercolors. Embolden your artwork amidst the flower-filled and seasonally evolving palette of verdant gardens. An artist/educator will provide ideas and instruction. Materials provided, and artists are encouraged to bring their own favorite media.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Workshops, May 13, 2026, 05/13/2026, Outdoor Landscape Art Class

Workshop | Explore Lighting in Portrait Photography for Drama & Dimension


In this class, New York-based portrait photographer Pete Coco will demonstrate how to create stunning, cinematic portraits using continuous lighting, building a three-light setup one light at a time. Starting with a beauty dish as key, he will show the class how versatile the modifier is and how he uses the dish for softer or harder light with very different results. By adding additional fill and background lights, attendees will learn how manipulating each of these sources will affect the drama and dimension of the image. This class is for photographers of any level who want to learn more about using continuous light to craft images that all kinds of clients will love.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free
Workshops, May 13, 2026, 05/13/2026, Explore Lighting in Portrait Photography for Drama & Dimension

Gallery Talk | Learn How a Historic Mansion Turned into a Museum


Join a museum educator for a brief gallery talk tracing how a Gilded Age mansion was transformed into a world-class art museum.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free
Gallery Talks, May 13, 2026, 05/13/2026, Learn How a Historic Mansion Turned into a Museum

Concert | Music on the Plaza: Folk Singer-Songwriter


Enjoy an outdoor pop-up performance with folk singer-songwriter Niall Connolly, 
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:30 pm
Free
Concerts, May 13, 2026, 05/13/2026, Music on the Plaza: Folk Singer-Songwriter

Book Discussion | Analyze & Discuss National Book Award Finalist Poetry Book, Stay Dead


Read and analyze Natalie Shapero's 2025 poetry collection, Stay Dead. Please bring your copy to the discussion! The group will be doing close reading and analysis of the poems.  Synopsis: Shapero's unflinching poems explore theories of acting, discourses of survival, privacy and publicity, power and punchlines, and the language of despair. This work explores how "your death place / is the birthplace you choose." With appearances by Claude Monet, Mark Rothko, Chris Burden, Studs Terkel, Anthony Bourdain, Gene Kelly, and others, Shapero investigates themes of method acting, abstract expressionism, and the production and commodification of intense expression and raw interiority.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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4:30 pm
Free
Book Discussions, May 13, 2026, 05/13/2026, Analyze & Discuss National Book Award Finalist Poetry Book,&nbsp;Stay Dead

Film | Before Sunset (2004): Romantic Drama Starring Ethan Hawke


Nine years after Jesse and Celine first encountered each other on a train in Austria, they meet again at a bookstore in Paris. Director: Richard Linklater Cast: Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy Ethan Hawke is an American actor, author, and film director. He made his film debut in Explorers (1985), before making a breakthrough performance in Dead Poets Society (1989). Hawke received two nominations for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Training Day (2001) and Boyhood (2014) and two for Best Adapted Screenplay for co-writing Before Sunset (2004) and Before Midnight (2013).
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Films, May 13, 2026, 05/13/2026, Before Sunset (2004): Romantic Drama Starring Ethan Hawke

Gallery Talk | Drawing, History, and Abstract Slavery


Join artist Tony Lewis and curator Ellen Tani for a focused conversation on Lewis’s first New York solo exhibition. They will discuss key series and how they examine the Atlantic slave trade through experimental drawing methods. The talk will also touch on Lewis’s immersive pieces, created through the physical process of rubbing graphite across large surfaces.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Gallery Talks, May 13, 2026, 05/13/2026, Drawing, History, and Abstract Slavery

Party | Play Settlers of Catan: All Levels Welcome


Play one of the most popular board games in the world. Organizers welcome players of all levels to this social! These socials are limited to 16 players, with 2 rounds. Organizers ask that participants arrive 15 minutes early to sign up.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Partys, May 13, 2026, 05/13/2026, Play Settlers of Catan: All Levels Welcome

Party | Board Games Meet-Up


Play a variety of board games, including Scrabble, Chess, Boggle, Bananagrams, Scattergories, and more! Bring a friend or join on your own--all levels are welcome. Studies have shown that playing board games can have positive effects on your mental, emotional, and physical health, including: o Improving memory and focus o Enhancing critical thinking skills o Making connections o Reducing stress (and screen time!)
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Partys, May 13, 2026, 05/13/2026, Board Games Meet-Up

Dancing | Dance Instruction & Live Music in the Park: Bachata


Bachata tradicional and contemporánea dance instruction and party in the park, with live music from Tropical musician duo Liza + Willie. 6pm: Bachata instruction 7pm: Live dance music with Liza + Willie Liza + Willie are a NYC-based duo redefining the Tropical genre with their heartfelt songwriting and sophisticated sound. Meeting as teengaers in music class during high school in Queens, New York, the two became fast friends and creative partners. Their early work as part of local groups like Juventud and MW (Many Ways) led to a record deal with RFG Records/J&N Records and the release of Changing The World (2005). After pursuing individual paths for several years, Liza + Willie reunited in 2014 with a renewed commitment to their craft. They quickly gained traction with singles like “Culpables” and “Siempre,” followed by the hit “Perdón,” which has now surpassed 1M Spotify streams. Their collaboration with Grammy-nominated producer SP Polanco on “Catálogo De Amor” cemented their place as emerging voices in bachata, earning over 10M Spotify streams.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Dancings, May 13, 2026, 05/13/2026, Dance Instruction & Live Music in the Park: Bachata

Book Discussion | Frida Kahlo's Family Discusses the New Book, Casa Kahlo: Frida Kahlo's Home and Sanctuary (+ Signing)


Mara Romeo P. Kahlo, grandniece of Frida Kahlo, is joined in conversation by her daughters, Mara de Anda Romeo and Frida Hentschel Romeo, to celebrate their new book, Casa Kahlo: Frida Kahlo's Home and Sanctuary. This new book is an unprecedented and deeply personal look into Frida Kahlo's family home and artistic refuge. The conversation will be moderated by Isabel Venero, followed by a signing.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Book Discussions, May 13, 2026, 05/13/2026, Frida Kahlo's Family Discusses the New Book,&nbsp;Casa Kahlo: Frida Kahlo's Home and Sanctuary (+ Signing)

Workshop | Outdoor Evening Yoga (All Levels Welcome)


Strengthen the body and cultivate awareness in a relaxed environment as your instructor guides you through alignments and poses. All levels are welcome. Bring your own mat, as provided accessories are first come first serve. For adults 18+.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Workshops, May 13, 2026, 05/13/2026, Outdoor Evening Yoga (All Levels Welcome)

Book Discussion | Quiet Reading Meet Up


Bring a book or check one out of the library to read to yourself for one hour. After that, spend an hour socializing with those around you!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Book Discussions, May 13, 2026, 05/13/2026, Quiet Reading Meet Up

City Walk | Stories That Shaped a Storied Manhattan Neighborhood - tour


Walk through a historic stretch of Manhattan that traces the people, places, and stories that helped define the neighborhood's cultural legacy. Led by a longtime local historian, the walk reveals where notable figures lived and worked, sharing little-known anecdotes that illuminate why this area remains such a vital part of the city's history.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
City Walks, May 13, 2026, 05/13/2026, Stories That Shaped a Storied Manhattan Neighborhood - tour

Lecture | Inside The Tragedy of Julius Caesar (Online!) 


Professor Sid Ray, an experienced dramaturg, offers a deep dive into Julius Caesar ahead of the summer production. Expect a scholarly yet accessible exploration of the play’s political tensions, moral dilemmas, and timeless questions about public life. Ideal for newcomers and seasoned Shakespeare fans alike.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Lectures, May 13, 2026, 05/13/2026, Inside The Tragedy of Julius Caesar (Online!)&nbsp;

Classical Music | New York Philharmonic Performs Beethoven & More in a Historic Cathedral


Enjoy a concert as two outstanding artists — conductor Enluis Montes Olivar and trumpeter Pacho Flores — make their New York Philharmonic debuts.  Program: Edward Elgar (1857-1934) Serenade for Strings Johann Baptist Neruda (1711-1776) Trumpet Concerto Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770-1827) Symphony No. 2
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Concerts, May 13, 2026, 05/13/2026, New York Philharmonic Performs Beethoven & More in a Historic Cathedral
7:30 pm
Regular: $30
Member: $0
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Concerts, May 13, 2026, 05/13/2026, Humorous Songs and More
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Complimentary Tickets

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

Classical Music | Highly-Acclaimed Orchestra Performs Tchaikovsky & More

Regular Price: $55
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Staged Reading | Absurdist Comedy - Vacation Goes Wrong

Regular Price: $By invitation only.
CFT Member Price: $0.00