free things to do in New York City
Free events for Saturday, 05/16/26
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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 16, 2026?

15 free events take place on Saturday, May 16 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 16 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!

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

All events are free unless otherwise noted.
        

Workshop | Drawing in Nature


Paint in watercolor or use pastels and other drawing materials to capture the magical vistas of the Hudson River and the unique landscape of the park. An artist/educator will help participants of all levels with instruction and critique. Materials provided or bring your own.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Workshops, May 16, 2026, 05/16/2026, Drawing in Nature

Workshop | Get in Shape: Dance Fitness Class for All Ages


Colorful outfits encouraged at this creative workout that fuses dance and aerobics! 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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11:00 am
Free
Workshops, May 16, 2026, 05/16/2026, Get in Shape: Dance Fitness Class for All Ages

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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11:00 am
Free
Workshops, May 16, 2026, 05/16/2026, Learn to Juggle, All Skill Levels Welcome

Workshop | Origami 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 iopen 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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11:30 am
Free
Workshops, May 16, 2026, 05/16/2026, Origami Meet-Up

Festival | Nuyorican Life: Art, Community, and Everyday Photography


Enjoy a family-friendly afternoon celebrating art and everyday life through the innovative photography of Sophie Rivera. Visitors of all ages can explore Rivera's portraits, documentary photos, and images of New York City's subway and graffiti scenes from the late 1970s through interactive, participatory activities. These include guided gallery discussions, drop-in portrait photography, art-making workshops, movement exercises, and storytelling. 
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free
Festivals, May 16, 2026, 05/16/2026, Nuyorican Life: Art, Community, and Everyday Photography

City Walk | Curator-Led Brooklyn Art Tour


This energetic, expert-led experience features visits to galleries, live art presentations, and special exhibitions, with chances to meet artists and explore participating spaces. The tour spans about a mile; comfortable shoes are advised. 
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
City Walks, May 16, 2026, 05/16/2026, Curator-Led Brooklyn Art Tour

Film | The Housemaid (2025): Erotic Psychological Thriller with Amanda Seyfried


Millie is a struggling woman who is relieved to get a fresh start as a housemaid to Nina and Andrew, an upscale, wealthy couple. She soon learns that the family's secrets are far more dangerous than her own. Director: Paul Feig Cast: Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, Brandon Sklenar Amanda Seyfried is an actress whose accolades include a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award, as well as a nomination for an Academy Award. Named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time in 2022, her films as a leading actress have grossed over $2.4 billion worldwide.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Films, May 16, 2026, 05/16/2026, The Housemaid (2025): Erotic Psychological Thriller with Amanda Seyfried

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 16, 2026, 05/16/2026, Afternoon Jam Sesh (Play Music or Just Listen)

Classical Music | Music on the Water: String Ensemble Works by Mozart and Beethoven


Mark Peskanov, violin, and the Semplice Players (Katya Moeller, violin, Beatrice Chen, viola, Margo Shohl, viola, and Noah Chen, cello) perform selections from Mozart String Quintets and Beethoven Opus 18 String Quartets.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Concerts, May 16, 2026, 05/16/2026, Music on the Water: String Ensemble Works by Mozart and Beethoven

Book Discussion | Naturalist Shares Her New Book, River: A Hudson Memoir


New York City naturalist and author Leslie Day discusses her book River: A Hudson Memoir. Learn about her almost 40 years of living in a houseboat on the Hudson River at the 79th Street Boat Basin and the natural history of the river itself—from its geological birth as an estuary with thriving wildlife to polluted years and subsequent clean-up. Leslie highlights the resilience of the houseboat community, who survived hurricanes, Nor’easters, giant icefields, fires, and sinkings. Despite it all, the community thrived together through uplifting celebrations and a shared joy of living on the river.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Book Discussions, May 16, 2026, 05/16/2026, Naturalist Shares Her New Book,&nbsp;River: A Hudson Memoir

Party | Roller Rink Party with Live DJ


Get ready to roll into the excitement at an outdoor skate circle. With live DJs spinning the tunes, is as much fun to watch as it is to join! Whether you're a seasoned skater or just starting out, bring your own skates and get ready to groove with roller dancing. All skill levels are welcome. This is a family-friendly atmosphere perfect for all ages. Children under 14 must wear helmets for safety.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:45 pm
Free
Partys, May 16, 2026, 05/16/2026, Roller Rink Party with Live DJ

Classical Music | Serene Organ Meditations in Intimate Venue (In Person AND Online!)


Enjoy a program of hymns, anthems, and voluntaries for the organ.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free
Concerts, May 16, 2026, 05/16/2026, Serene Organ Meditations in Intimate Venue (In Person AND Online!)

Concert | Reimagining Latin Jazz With Two Influential Musical Groups


Experience a groundbreaking concert that reimagines the Latin jazz tradition with unprecedented orchestrations of Chico O'Farrill and new works by Arturo O'Farrill. Merging the rhythm section with string textures, the performance signals the beginning of a multi-year collaboration centered on cultural innovation. Presented in partnership with Carnegie Hall, this event underscores a shared dedication to community-focused programming and artistic expression across the Americas.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Concerts, May 16, 2026, 05/16/2026, Reimagining Latin Jazz With Two Influential Musical Groups

Poetry Reading | Major Poets & Emerging Voices Share Their Work


Lincoln Center's inaugural Poet-in-Residence, Mahogany L. Browne curates thought-provoking evenings of spoken word, spirited conversation, poetry, and presentations of new work, presenting major poets and emerging voices on the New York literary scene. Featured artists to be announced soon! 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
7:30 pm
Free
Poetry Readings, May 16, 2026, 05/16/2026, Major Poets & Emerging Voices Share Their Work

Classical Music | New York Repertory Orchestra Performs Works by William Grant Still & More


William Grant Still Jr. (1895 - 1978) was an American composer of nearly two hundred works, including five symphonies, four ballets, nine operas, and more than thirty choral works, art songs, chamber music, and solo works. Still was the first American composer to have an opera produced by the New York City Opera. Still often is referred to as the "Dean of Afro-American Composers". He was able to become a leading figure in the field of American classical music as the first African-American to conduct a major American symphony orchestra, have a symphony performed by a leading orchestra, have an opera performed by a major opera company, and have an opera performed on national television. Program: William Grant Still (1895-1978) Poem for Orchestra Mieczyslaw Weinberg (1919-1996) Fantasy for Cello Arvo Part (1935-) Symphony No. 3
   New York City, NY; NYC
8:00 pm
Free
Concerts, May 16, 2026, 05/16/2026, New York Repertory Orchestra Performs Works by William Grant Still & More
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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