free things to do in New York City
Free events for Tuesday, 08/12/25
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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 August 12, 2025?

30 free events take place on Tuesday, August 12 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 August 12 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 August . 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!

30 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Tuesday, August 12, 2025

All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Editor's Picks

free events nyc Make New Friends Playing Board Games Outdoors
free events nyc Waterfront Blues With Jeremiah Lockwood & Ricky Gordon
free events nyc Historic Dance Festival in the Park
free events nyc Mariachi, Salsa & Latin Fusion with Grammy-winning Vocalist and Violinist Mireya Ramos (outdoors)
free events nyc Stargazing in the Park
        

Workshop | Tai Chi in the Park: Harmonize Body & Mind


Learn how to practice this traditional system of health and self-defense out in nature. Derived from the philosphy of Taoism, Tai Chi was designed to develop the optimum degree of harmony between body and mind, as well as between the individual and the natural order of the universe. Classes are led by teachers and students who train nearby at CK Chu Tai Chi under the direction of Master Hyland Harris. Classes are rain or shine. All levels are welcomed, and no equipment is necessary. Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated, and wear comfortable, breathable clothes!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 am
Free
Workshops, August 12, 2025, 08/12/2025, Tai Chi in the Park: Harmonize Body & Mind

Workshop | Get in Shape: Bodyweight Blast


Classes to help New Yorkers get and stay fit.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 am
Free
Workshops, August 12, 2025, 08/12/2025, Get in Shape: Bodyweight Blast

Workshop | Pick-Up Pickleball


An exciting fusion of badminton and tennis, pickleball has been proven to strengthen muscles, boost cardiovascular health, and enhance brain function. First come first serve basis.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:00 am
Free
Workshops, August 12, 2025, 08/12/2025, Pick-Up Pickleball

Workshop | Yoga in the Park with Expert Instructors


This yoga class is appropriate for all levels. It's taught by Mona Anand, co-owner of ISHTA Yoga and a Yogiraj or yoga master in the ISHTA lineage. Mona oversees ISHTA’s flagship studio in New York where she teaches group classes and leads ISHTA’s world renowned 200 hour and 300 hour international teacher trainings. She is passionate about yoga nidra. Mona created a nine-step system of yoga nidra with ISHTA founder, Alan Finger called ‘Mona Anand’s ISHTA Yoga Nidra, “and has gone on to develop numerous yoga nidra trainings that she teaches around the globe. She has created yoga nidra recordings for a variety of purposes. Mona is also passionate about restorative yoga and co-leads restorative trainings. Her love of both restorative yoga and yoga nidra led her to develop her signature Restorative/Yoga Nidra Workshops over fifteen years ago, a style being emulated by teachers around the globe.  Please bring your own mat (the park does not provide yoga mats). Organizers also recommend bringing water and a towel.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Workshops, August 12, 2025, 08/12/2025, Yoga in the Park with Expert Instructors

Workshop | Zumba Class for All-Levels


Featuring easy-to-follow Latin dance choreography. Work on your balance, coordination and range of motion.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:30 am
Free
Workshops, August 12, 2025, 08/12/2025, Zumba Class for All-Levels

Workshop | Portrait Sketching Class


Gain a better understanding of face proportion, head structure, and the construction of facial features, then learn to construct an accurate portrait drawing from sight. You'll also play with the application of different lighting, angles, and perspective. Open to students of all ages and levels!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:30 am
Free
Workshops, August 12, 2025, 08/12/2025, Portrait Sketching Class

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, August 12, 2025, 08/12/2025, Learn to Juggle, All Skill Levels Welcome

Lecture | Origins of the Capital Markets (Online Series)


Dive into the history of the U.S. financial system with MoAF President David Cowen. This session uses rare original documents to explore Alexander Hamilton’s vision and the foundations of American capital markets.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free
Lectures, August 12, 2025, 08/12/2025, Origins of the Capital Markets (Online Series)

Jazz | Piano in the Park: "Audacious and Exquisite" Jazz Musician


Come on down and swing along to the best ragtime, stride, and jazz the Big Apple has to offer. "Audacious and exquisite." - The Village Voice Since coming to New York City in 1981, Pete Malinverni has performed locally at Carnegie Hall, Symphony Space, and the Village Vanguard to name but a few, as well as traveled the world giving proof to the statement "passionate music is indeed the universal language". He is listed in Leonard Feather's Encyclopedia of Jazz and has 16 critically acclaimed recordings to his name as a leader in piano solo, trio, quartet, quintet, big band, and choir formats.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
Free
Concerts, August 12, 2025, 08/12/2025, Piano in the Park: "Audacious and Exquisite" Jazz Musician

Workshop | Figure Drawing Class with Live Model


Learn how to use the 8-head proportion guideline to determine the model's actual proportion and identify unique features. You'll also learn how to create a stick figure using skeletal structure, add muscles and thickness to the skeleton using simple geometric shapes, and finally, add shading to give it three-dimensional volume. Open to students of all ages and levels!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:30 pm
Free
Workshops, August 12, 2025, 08/12/2025, Figure Drawing Class with Live Model

Workshop | Chess in the Park


Play the popular strategy game while getting pointers and advice from an expert. Chess improves concentration, problem solving, and strategic planning -- plus it's fun! For all ages 5 and up.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:30 pm
Free
Workshops, August 12, 2025, 08/12/2025, Chess in the Park

Movie in a Park | The Secret Life of Pets (2016) & Rent (2005): Family fun, ‘00s tunes, and creative pet art


4 pm: The Secret Life of Pets (2016) Max’s quiet life is turned upside down when his owner brings home Duke, a rambunctious stray. This animated family favorite explores the secret adventures of pets when their humans aren’t home. Bonus Activity: During The Secret Life of Pets, join A Rosie Day to imagine and create your perfect pet using colorful recycled materials, collage cutouts, and more. Personalize your pet with a handmade collar and a unique name in this playful, hands-on workshop. 6 pm: '00s tunes by DJ Honey Cafe 7 pm: Rent (2005) This rock opera follows a group of East Village bohemians as they navigate love, loss, and survival amidst poverty and the AIDS crisis. A powerful musical story of community and resilience. Refreshments from Other Half Brewing and snacks by Roni-Sue’s. Bring a blanket, snacks, and friends. Please help keep the park clean by following Leave No Trace guidelines.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free
Movie in a Parks, August 12, 2025, 08/12/2025, The Secret Life of Pets (2016) & Rent (2005): Family fun, &lsquo;00s tunes, and creative pet art

Party | Make New Friends Playing Board Games Outdoors


Organizers bring a wider selection of board games to the Games Cart at this event, with games like Ticket to Ride, Carcassonne, Catan, King of Tokyo and more. Not sure what to play? The Games Hosts can help you find the perfect game and match up players!
   New York City, NY; NYC
5:00 pm
Free
Partys, August 12, 2025, 08/12/2025, Make New Friends Playing Board Games Outdoors

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, August 12, 2025, 08/12/2025, Learn to Juggle, All Skill Levels Welcome

Party | Play Bridge in a Stress-Free Environment


The card game of Bridge requires four people to play: two teams of two people. Join the group with your bridge partner, or you will be matched with someone to play as a pair. If you would like to learn how to play bridge, organizers can offer some instruction, and you can observe others.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Partys, August 12, 2025, 08/12/2025, Play Bridge in a Stress-Free Environment

Poetry Reading | Poetry in the Park: Contemporary Writers


Award-winning poetry by established and emerging poets throughout the summer. Featuring: Francisco Delgado, Didi Jackson, Rachel Trousdale, Marion Wrenn
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Poetry Readings, August 12, 2025, 08/12/2025, Poetry in the Park:&nbsp;Contemporary&nbsp;Writers

Workshop | Sunset Yoga


Escape the city bustle and find your flow with these weekly sunset sessions. Each class blends postures, breathwork, relaxation, and meditation. All levels welcome. Waiver required.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Workshops, August 12, 2025, 08/12/2025, Sunset Yoga

Other | Antiques and Inventions in the Park


Witness this traveling interactive exhibition of antiques and inventions. Come meet Denny, the Museum's curator, who inspires kids and adults to explore their curiosities. Offerings and objects will change throughout the season, so swing by each week to see what's on display!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Others, August 12, 2025, 08/12/2025, Antiques and Inventions in the Park

Author Reading | Author Discusses & Signs Her New Book, Dog


P&T Knitwear is pleased to welcome C. Mallon to celebrate and discuss her new book, Dogs: a singular, devastating debut novel, that traces the fallout of one catastrophic night in the lives of five high school wrestlers, asking what can survive in the blast radius of latent trauma and violence. C. will be joined in conversation by Alexander Sammartino, author Last Acts. Along with a discussion and audience Q&A, C. will also sign copies of Dogs purchased at this bookstore. Cost of a $5 general admission ticket can be applied towards the purchase of the featured event book or any product in the bookstore café the night of an event.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
$5, tickets required
Author Readings, August 12, 2025, 08/12/2025, Author Discusses & Signs Her New Book,&nbsp;Dog

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, August 12, 2025, 08/12/2025, Origami Group Meet-Up

Workshop | Outdoor Mat Pilates for Movement and Flexibility


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 all levels. Bring your own mat.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Workshops, August 12, 2025, 08/12/2025, Outdoor Mat Pilates for Movement and Flexibility

Workshop | Outdoor Workout with Chelsea Piers Fitness


Get moving this summer with a free 60-minute workout led by top trainers from Chelsea Piers Fitness, known for world-class sports facilities and dynamic programming. This energizing class offers a taste of what Chelsea Piers offers, tailored to all fitness levels. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or new to fitness, join a welcoming community and break a sweat by the water. No experience necessary--just bring your energy and enjoy the fresh air! A water bottle is recommended.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Workshops, August 12, 2025, 08/12/2025, Outdoor Workout with Chelsea Piers Fitness

Jazz | Waterfront Blues With Jeremiah Lockwood & Ricky Gordon


Longtime collaborators Jeremiah Lockwood and Ricky Gordon bring a vibrant blend of old-time blues and fresh rhythms to the riverfront. With roots in the Piedmont Blues tradition and a shared musical history stretching over two decades, their duo performance channels deep groove and lyrical soul. Expect guitar-driven ballads, dynamic percussion, and genre-crossing soundscapes from two artists who've worked with icons from Wynton Marsalis to Khaira Arby.
   New York City, NY; NYC
6:30 pm
Free
Concerts, August 12, 2025, 08/12/2025, Waterfront Blues With Jeremiah Lockwood & Ricky Gordon

Dance Performance | Global Companies, Live Music & Premieres


Enjoy an evening of outdoor performances during this annual summer dance festival. Each night presents a unique lineup of dance companies from around the world, alongside acclaimed NYC-based ensembles, featuring a mix of contemporary, classical, and experimental works, many with live music, and several world premieres. A dynamic celebration of movement, culture, and creativity.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Dance Performances, August 12, 2025, 08/12/2025, Global Companies, Live Music & Premieres

Dance Performance | Historic Dance Festival in the Park


This event is New York City's longest-running free public dance festival. The Battery Dance Festival brings together spectacular international and local dance companies, each evening ending with "Everybody Dance Now!"
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:00 pm
Free
Dance Performances, August 12, 2025, 08/12/2025, Historic Dance Festival in the Park

Concert | Mariachi, Salsa & Latin Fusion with Grammy-winning Vocalist and Violinist Mireya Ramos (outdoors)


Celebrate the lively sounds of Latin America with Latin Grammy-winning violinist and vocalist Mireya Ramos. An energetic Afro-Latina artist of Dominican and Mexican descent, Ramos blends mariachi, salsa, merengue, hip-hop, and classical influences into a powerful, genre-crossing sound. Founder of the all-women mariachi group Flor de Toloache, she delivers fierce energy, deep soul, and bold musical storytelling on stage.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:00 pm
Free
Concerts, August 12, 2025, 08/12/2025, Mariachi, Salsa & Latin Fusion with Grammy-winning Vocalist and Violinist Mireya Ramos (outdoors)

Film | Barbie (2023): Golden Globe Winner about a playful journey of self-discovery with Margo Robbie & Ryan Gosling


Synopsis: Living in a perfect world isn't all it's cracked up to be. Barbie sets out on a real-world adventure that challenges everything she knows about herself and the world around her. Witty, colorful, and unexpectedly profound. Rated PG-13 Director: Greta Gerwig Cast: Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon Movies begin at sundown, but arrive early to grab a bite, sip a beverage, and soak in the waterfront views.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free
Films, August 12, 2025, 08/12/2025, Barbie (2023): Golden Globe Winner about a playful journey of self-discovery with Margo Robbie & Ryan Gosling

Movie in a Park | The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2023): Dystopian prequel thriller starring EGOT winner Viola Davis


Synopsis: Set 64 years before the original Hunger Games trilogy, this gripping prequel follows a young Coriolanus Snow as he mentors a District 12 tribute during the 10th Hunger Games—a dark origin story of power, politics, and survival. Director: Francis Lawrence Cast: Tom Blyth, Rachel Zegler, Hunter Schafer, Peter Dinklage, Viola Davis Catch this blockbuster under the stars! Adirondack seating and concessions available by Paradis in the Park
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free
Movie in a Parks, August 12, 2025, 08/12/2025, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2023): Dystopian prequel thriller starring EGOT winner Viola Davis

Play | Shakespeare's Twelfth Night Outdoors with Lupita Nyong'o, Sandra Oh, Peter Dinklage, & Jesse Tyler Ferguson


Revel in the midsummer madness as twins Sebastian and Viola survive shipwreck, revenge plots, and the trick doors of love. Written by William Shakespeare Directed by Tony Award nominee Saheem Ali Cast: Lupita Nyong'o, Khris Davis, Sandra Oh, Junior Nyong'o, Peter Dinklage, Moses Sumney, John Ellison Conlee, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, b, Joe Tapper, Kapil Talwalkar, and more.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free
Plays, August 12, 2025, 08/12/2025, Shakespeare's Twelfth Night Outdoors with Lupita Nyong'o, Sandra Oh, Peter Dinklage, & Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Workshop | Stargazing in the Park


Immerse yourself in the wonders of the night sky. The friendly team from the Amateur Astronomers Association will be there with high-powered telescopes, ready to reveal the secrets of the cosmos. From sunset to 30 minutes before park closure. Every Tuesday night from April to October!
   New York City, NY; NYC
8:15 pm
Free
Workshops, August 12, 2025, 08/12/2025, Stargazing in the Park
Complimentary Tickets

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

Dance Performance | High-Energy Dance Show

Regular Price: $59
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Performance | Edge-of-Your-Seat Spectacular Show

Regular Price: $91
CFT Member Price: $0.00
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