free things to do in New York City
Free events for Thursday, 05/21/26
<

May 2026

>
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
     12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31      
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 21, 2026?

6 free events take place on Thursday, May 21 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 21 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!
Go!
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!

6 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Thursday, May 21, 2026

All events are free unless otherwise noted.
        

Workshop | Learn How To Play Mah-Jongg


Mah-Jongg is a four-person tile game of skill, strategy, and luck! Learn the rules and mechanics of American Mah-Jongg. Attend a two hour group lesson with instructor Susan Richards. Sets and a few cards provided, but you are encouraged to bring your own cards.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
10:00 am
Free
Workshops, May 21, 2026, 05/21/2026, Learn How To Play Mah-Jongg

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
Join the Club!
Go!
12:00 pm
Free
Workshops, May 21, 2026, 05/21/2026, Learn to Juggle, All Skill Levels Welcome

Classical Music | Telemann's Ensemble Works Reflecting Eastern European Folk Traditions (In Person AND Online!)


An ensemble (Jimmy Drancsak, violin, Lydia Becker, violin, Nathan Francisco, cello, Morgan Davison, bassoon, Hanbyeol Lee, harpsichord) explores the intersections of Georg Philipp Telemann’s works with Eastern European folk traditions. Featuring pieces from the Uhrovska Collection (1730), alongside his trio sonatas and chamber music, this program reveals Telemann’s fascination with the vibrant energy and rhythmic vitality of Eastern European music, blending sophisticated Baroque structures with spirited folk influences.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
1:15 pm
Free
Concerts, May 21, 2026, 05/21/2026, Telemann's Ensemble Works Reflecting&nbsp;Eastern European Folk Traditions (In Person AND Online!)

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
Join the Club!
Go!
5:00 pm
Free
Birdwatchings, May 21, 2026, 05/21/2026, Evening Birding Tour

Concert | Karaoke Competition with Korean & Filipino Broadway Performers


Attend a spectacular karaoke competition, passing the mic to Korean and Filipino Broadway superstars representing Team Korea and Team Philippines--two cultures that have passionately embraced and defined the art form. Karaoke has emerged in the past half-century as a ritual of connection, a vehicle for personal storytelling, and a grand equalizer that makes music accessible to everyone. Pull up a chair and get ready to witness Asian-American musical excellence! Cheer and applaud as your favorite Broadway idols belt their hearts out in musical battles and unforgettable duets, with direction by Teddy Bergman (KPOP on Broadway). At the end of the night, a panel of star judges will determine the singular team to be crowned the VERSUS champions! Full lineup to be announced shortly. 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
Concerts, May 21, 2026, 05/21/2026, Karaoke Competition with Korean & Filipino Broadway Performers

Comedy Club | Standup Show


Catch some of the best comedians at this free weekly stand-up show, featuring a lineup of rising stars and seasoned favorites. Past performers include Sheng Wang, Mark Normand, Dan Soder, Annie Lederman, and more.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
8:00 pm
Free
Comedy Clubs, May 21, 2026, 05/21/2026, Standup Show
Join the Club!
Go!
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