free things to do in New York City
Free events for Sunday, 08/17/25
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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 17, 2025?

25 free events take place on Sunday, August 17 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 17 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!

25 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Sunday, August 17, 2025

All events are free unless otherwise noted.
        

Workshop | Tai Chi in the Park for All Fitness Levels


Join Silvana Pizzuti to learn and practice Tai Chi, a slow moving martial art with health benefits for all fitness levels. 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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8:00 am
Free
Workshops, August 17, 2025, 08/17/2025, Tai Chi in the Park for All Fitness Levels

Workshop | Take Vinyasa Yoga Class Aboard a Historical Ship


Start your Sunday with a free 60-minute vinyasa yoga class held outdoors on the deck of a historic tall ship. Open to all skill levels, each session blends breath and movement with curated playlists that reflect the season, from Father’s Day tributes to summery maritime vibes. Participants are encouraged to bring a yoga mat and a water bottle. 
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:30 am
Free
Workshops, August 17, 2025, 08/17/2025, Take Vinyasa Yoga Class Aboard a Historical Ship

Fair | Lively Summer Street Fair


Celebrate community, creativity, and culture at this vibrant street fair! There will be an array of vendor booths featuring a wide variety of food, arts and crafts, handmade treasures, merchandise, antiques, collectibles, and much more. Enjoy delicious food, live music, games, rides, and a variety of fun activities. 
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Fairs, August 17, 2025, 08/17/2025, Lively Summer Street Fair

Museums | Sunday at Pop Culture/Art Museum


Through temporary exhibitions, a growing permanent collection, and educational events, this museum explores the enormous impact of posters on society and culture, and how they have been adapted to contemporary use. As the first poster museum in the United States, it provides a space for inquiry for all those interested in design, advertising, and public interventions, with the aim of improving design literacy among the general public. Works explore: mass communication and persuasion the intersection of art and commerce control of the public domain
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Museumss, August 17, 2025, 08/17/2025, Sunday at Pop Culture/Art Museum

Workshop | Outdoor Pilates


Start your Sunday with mindful movement! These Pilates sessions are designed to improve core strength, coordination, and overall stability, and are open to all levels. Waiver required.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:30 am
Free
Workshops, August 17, 2025, 08/17/2025, Outdoor Pilates

Workshop | Tai Chi in the Garden


Start your Sunday with a peaceful Tai Chi session. This gentle movement practice promotes balance, focus, and relaxation in a calm garden setting. All levels welcome.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:30 am
pay-what-you-wish, $15 suggested...
Workshops, August 17, 2025, 08/17/2025, Tai Chi in the Garden

Parade | Celebrate India Day with a Parade, Music, Art, Cuisine, & More


Enjoy a vibrant celebration of Indian culture, music, and heritage in the heart of New York City. The parade will feature colorful floats, traditional dances, live music, and delicious food. Experience the rich diversity of India as performers march down the streets of New York, showcasing the best of Indian art, fashion, and cuisine. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of India right here in the Big Apple!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Parades, August 17, 2025, 08/17/2025, Celebrate India Day with a Parade, Music, Art, Cuisine, & More

Museums | Family Fun with Maritime History


Every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the Museum hosts free hands-on activities and engagement stations for visitors of all ages. Explore maritime history, New York's origins as a port city, and the Museum's unique collections while enjoying fun, family-friendly programming across locations. Activities change monthly--ask staff for the day's offerings when you check in! Theme of the month: Build a Baggywrinkle
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Museumss, August 17, 2025, 08/17/2025, Family Fun with Maritime History

Tour | Historical House of The Distinguished American President of the Early 20th Century


This historic site honors the early life of a renowned American figure. The restored brownstone reflects late 19th-century architecture and offers insights into the family's daily life. Learn about various exhibits and artifacts that showcase the cultural and historical context of the era, providing a glimpse into the formative years of this visionary leader-to-be. This guided tour is first-come, first-served. It may reach capacity before your desired tour time, so please be sure to arrive early. Tour duration: 45 minutes. This tour takes place at 11 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Tours, August 17, 2025, 08/17/2025, Historical House of The Distinguished American President of the Early 20th Century

Fair | Outdoor Market Returns to This Small Island


Shop over 40 rotating vendors at this open-air market celebrating NYC's independent makers and artists. Discover handcrafted jewelry, home goods, apparel, art, artisanal foods, and more. Enjoy cocktails, lawn games, and a lively summer atmosphere--perfect for a weekend day trip.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Fairs, August 17, 2025, 08/17/2025, Outdoor Market Returns to This Small Island

Workshop | Community Rowing Along the New York City Skyline


Open to all and led by experienced coxswains, these outings take place in stable, traditional Whitehall gigs, offering a hands-on introduction to rowing, teamwork, and river navigation. Sessions include orientation and group rowing excursions lasting 1-3 hours. Participants assist with launching and cleaning the boats. Life jackets are provided; a waiver is required for participation. Bring water and sunscreen.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free
Workshops, August 17, 2025, 08/17/2025, Community Rowing Along the New York City Skyline

Festival | Harlem Community Celebration: Performances, Food, Art, Games, & More


This event will exhibit performances from Broadway plays, musical tributes to the iconic Quincy Jones, and more! It'll feature three stages of entertainment, the Harlem Health Village, Harlem Broadway Row, Performances from Broadway productions, plus local, national and international artists in various musical genres from Jazz, R&B, Hip-Hop, Gospel, Reggae, Soca, Latin and more. And enjoy hundreds of food vendors, arts & crafts, music, jewelry, hats, sculptors, corporate exhibitors, and games.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Festivals, August 17, 2025, 08/17/2025, Harlem Community Celebration: Performances, Food, Art, Games, & More

Workshop | Sun Gaze Sundays


The Amateur Astronomers Association and solar gazing bring solar telescopes specifically designed to safely look at the sun and see sunspots and prominences under a summer sky. Seating 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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1:00 pm
Free
Workshops, August 17, 2025, 08/17/2025, Sun Gaze Sundays

Workshop | Climate Crisis: A creative space for writing through eco-anxiety


Do you ever feel like you're the only one worried about the climate crisis? That everyone else is carrying on like everything’s fine, even when the data says otherwise? This workshop shows you're not alone. This supportive creative writing workshop provides a dedicated space for the exploration of emotions through personal reflection and narrative expression. Led by Dr. Annalena La Porte, participants will engage with prompts that examine issues such as climate change, emotional dissonance, and the visualization of alternative futures.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Workshops, August 17, 2025, 08/17/2025, Climate Crisis:&nbsp;A creative space for writing through eco-anxiety

Jazz | Let the Music Play in the Park: Local Jazz Artists


Berta Indeed presents “Let the Music Play”, a community jazz concert featuring an array of local musicians and vocalists. Seating 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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2:00 pm
Free
Concerts, August 17, 2025, 08/17/2025, Let the Music Play in the Park: Local Jazz Artists

Classical Music | Music on the Water: Cello and Piano Works by Brahms


Cellist Adrian Daurov and pianist Spencer Myer play pieces by a legendary Romantic composer. All Johann Brahms (1833-1897) Program: Cello and Piano Sonatas No. 1 in E minor, OP. 38 No.2 in F major, OP 99
   New York City, NY; NYC
2:00 pm
Free
Concerts, August 17, 2025, 08/17/2025, Music on the Water: Cello and Piano Works by Brahms

Festival | Outdoor Live Music: Kinto Zono - Plena & Bomba with a NYC Twist


Enjoy outdoor performances with live music, multicultural dance, and family entertainment. Kinto Zono, an 11-piece ensemble formed in 2017, delivers energetic plena and bomba music blending Puerto Rican tradition with New York City spirit. Led by Nelson "Mateo" Gonzalez, Jorge "Georgie" Vazquez, and George "Nate" Velasquez, the group features brass, percussion, and vibrant rhythm, keeping Puerto Rican musical heritage alive and fresh for a new generation.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Festivals, August 17, 2025, 08/17/2025, Outdoor Live Music: Kinto Zono - Plena & Bomba with a NYC Twist

Classical Music | Music on the Water: Cello and Piano Works by Brahms


Cellist Adrian Daurov and pianist Spencer Myer play pieces by a legendary Romantic composer. All Johann Brahms (1833-1897) Program: Cello and Piano Sonatas No. 1 in E minor, OP. 38 No.2 in F major, OP 99
   New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free
Concerts, August 17, 2025, 08/17/2025, Music on the Water: Cello and Piano Works by Brahms

Workshop | Practice Creative Writing


Become a better writer! Sutiable for all levels. Writing exercises Personal attention Peer Workshop Guest Lectures
   New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free
Workshops, August 17, 2025, 08/17/2025, Practice Creative Writing

Poetry Reading | Bi-Weekly Readings & Reflections


Participate in this poetry gathering and engage with contemporary poetry through readings, conversations, and reflections. 
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Poetry Readings, August 17, 2025, 08/17/2025, Bi-Weekly Readings & Reflections

Workshop | Fix Your Bike!


Need to fix your bike? Bring it in for a free open shop session, where you can use tools and repair stands to work on your ride. Experienced mechanics will be on hand to guide you, but the work is all yours—perfect for learning and doing it yourself.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Workshops, August 17, 2025, 08/17/2025, Fix Your Bike!

Museums | Historical and Modern Design Spanning Centuries


The museum is dedicated to showcasing the history, influence, and importance of design in everyday life. Housed in a historic mansion, the museum features a diverse collection of design objects, including decorative arts, architecture, graphic design, textiles, and industrial design.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
pay-what-you-wish from 5pm...
Museumss, August 17, 2025, 08/17/2025, Historical and Modern Design Spanning Centuries

Play | Henrik Ibsen's The Lady from the Sea on the Patio


Hudson Classical Theater Company is celebrating their 22nd season with the esciting show: The Lady from the Sea, a play by Henrik Ibsen. This play follows Ellida, the daughter of a lighthouse-keeper, who loves the sea. Although married, Ellida is restless and troubled by a former romantic attachment. When her former fiance shows up to fetch her, Ellida must choose between her former lover or her husband.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Plays, August 17, 2025, 08/17/2025, Henrik Ibsen's The Lady from the Sea  on the Patio

Concert | Music in the Park: R&B Picnic


This event is an R&B picnic hosted by Funk Flex, featuring stars from R&B’s past, present, and future. Funk Flex has been spinning hip-hop and R&B across NYC’s airwaves for the better part of four decades, becoming more than just a DJ but a hip-hop institution. The radio and club mainstay has helped break some of New York’s biggest artists and biggest hits as he continues to keep his finger on the pulse of hip-hop and R&B. 
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Concerts, August 17, 2025, 08/17/2025, Music in the Park: R&B Picnic

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 17, 2025, 08/17/2025, Shakespeare's Twelfth Night Outdoors with Lupita Nyong'o, Sandra Oh, Peter Dinklage, & Jesse Tyler Ferguson
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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