free things to do in New York City
Free events for Wednesday, 08/20/25
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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 20, 2025?

35 free events take place on Wednesday, August 20 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 20 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!

35 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Wednesday, August 20, 2025

All events are free unless otherwise noted.
        

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 am
Free
Tours, August 20, 2025, 08/20/2025, New York City Hall Guided Tour

Workshop | Morning Yoga in the Fresh Air


Move, stretch, and start your morning off right with this open-level vinyasa class taught by Frances Burch. Please bring your own yoga mat, and organizers recommend a bottle of water and a towel.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:30 am
Free
Workshops, August 20, 2025, 08/20/2025, Morning Yoga in the Fresh Air

Workshop | Figure Drawing in the Park


This event offers a unique setting to observe and sketch the human figure. Each week a model will strike short and long poses for participants to draw. An artist/ educator will offer constructive suggestions and critique. Drawing materials provided, and artists are encouraged to bring their own favorite media.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Workshops, August 20, 2025, 08/20/2025, 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, August 20, 2025, 08/20/2025, New York City: History, Architecture, Social Movements, Cultural Diversity

Workshop | Acrylic Painting Session


Have some summer fun with acrylic painting! Make your own creative artwork with acrylic paints! This is not a painting class, you are free to paint whatever you wish. All materials provided, limited to 10 participants. First come, first served. No registration required.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Workshops, August 20, 2025, 08/20/2025, Acrylic Painting Session

Dance Lesson | Creative Movement Class


Dances for a Variable Population leads creative movement classes for adults of all ages and abilities, with a focus on seniors. 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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11:00 am
Free
Dance Lessons, August 20, 2025, 08/20/2025, Creative Movement Class

Concert | Midday Concert with Julieta Eugenio: Acclaimed Jazz Saxophonist and Award-Winning Artist


Experience Argentinian saxophonist Julieta Eugenio, winner of the International Women in Jazz Competition and 2022 DCJazzPrix. Known for her dynamic performances and debut album JUMP, she's recognized by GRAMMY Magazine as a top emerging jazz artist, having played alongside legends such as Johnny O'Neal and at major venues nationwide.
   New York City, NY; NYC
12:00 pm
Free
Concerts, August 20, 2025, 08/20/2025, Midday Concert with Julieta Eugenio: Acclaimed Jazz Saxophonist and Award-Winning Artist

Classical Music | Piano Works by Chopin, Liszt, & More


Brielle Perez, piano, performs a series of Romantic and 20th-Century works. Program Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849) Ballade No. 2 in F Major, Op. 38 Joaquín Turina (1882-1949) Danzas Fantásticas, Op. 22 Lili Boulanger (1893-1918) Trois Morceaux Pour Piano Franz Liszt (1811-1886) Réminiscences de Norma, S. 394
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free
Concerts, August 20, 2025, 08/20/2025, Piano Works by Chopin, Liszt, & More

Concert | Tenor Madness with Renownded Artists


Two powerhouse saxophonists team up for a high-energy evening of classic and contemporary jazz. With credits ranging from Aretha Franklin to Christian McBride, these artists channel deep soul and improvisational mastery.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free
Concerts, August 20, 2025, 08/20/2025, Tenor Madness with Renownded Artists

Jazz | Piano in the Park: Stride, Boogie-Woogie, & Swing


Come on down and swing along to the best ragtime, stride, and jazz the Big Apple has to offer. Joel Forrester is a contemporary two-handed piano player, essaying the stride, boogie-woogie, and swing styles. He wrote the theme to NPR's Fresh Air, received the personal encouragement of Thelonious Monk, co-led the legendary Microscopic Septet, and produced music for the early films of Andy Warhol. Joel is currently playing and composing in south-central France; he recently completed his two-thousandth composition.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
Free
Concerts, August 20, 2025, 08/20/2025, Piano in the Park: Stride, Boogie-Woogie, & Swing

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, August 20, 2025, 08/20/2025, Adult Chorus Session Open to All

Concert | Weekly Bagpipe Tribute: Honoring 9/11 Lives and Legacies


A moving weekly bagpipe tribute honors those who lost their lives on 9/11, as well as individuals affected by the lasting health impacts of that day. The tribute begins with a performance near a symbolic column preserved from the site, followed by a second performance in a nearby outdoor space.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Concerts, August 20, 2025, 08/20/2025, Weekly Bagpipe Tribute: Honoring 9/11 Lives and Legacies

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, August 20, 2025, 08/20/2025, Afternoon in a Magnificent Small Museum

Workshop | Learn To Knit in the Park


Take part in beginner classes with Knitty City, a local yarn shop. Volunteers are available to teach you how to cast, knit, purl, and more! Yarn and needles are provided.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:30 pm
Free
Workshops, August 20, 2025, 08/20/2025, Learn To Knit in the Park

Film | Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989): Sci-Fi Comedy with Rick Moranis


The Szalinski kids have to find a way to survive in their own backyard after accidentally being shrunken down by their father's invention. Director: Joe Johnston Cast: Rick Moranis, Matt Frewer, Marcia Strassman, Kristine Sutherland Rick Moranis is a Canadian actor, comedian, musician, producer, songwriter, and writer. Moranis appeared in the sketch comedy series Second City Television (SCTV) in the 1980s and starred afterward in several Hollywood films, including Streets of Fire (1984), Ghostbusters (1984) and its sequel Ghostbusters II (1989), Little Shop of Horrors (1986), Spaceballs (1987), Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989, and its 1992 and 1997 sequels), My Blue Heaven (1990), and The Flintstones (1994). In 1997, Moranis began a long break from acting. But, he's provided voice-over work for a few animated films.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Films, August 20, 2025, 08/20/2025, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989): Sci-Fi Comedy with Rick Moranis

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, August 20, 2025, 08/20/2025, Outdoor Landscape Art Class

Book Club | Novella Discussion Group: Ask the Dust by John Fante


Ask the Dust is the story of Arturo Bandini, a young writer in 1930s Los Angeles who falls hard for the elusive, mocking, unstable Camilla Lopez, a Mexican waitress. Struggling to survive, he perseveres until, at last, his first novel is published. But the bright light of success is extinguished when Camilla has a nervous breakdown and disappears . . . and Bandini forever rejects the writer’s life he fought so hard to attain.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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4:30 pm
Free
Book Clubs, August 20, 2025, 08/20/2025, Novella Discussion Group:&nbsp;Ask the Dust&nbsp;by John Fante

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, August 20, 2025, 08/20/2025, Play Settlers of Catan: All Levels Welcome

Concert | Violinist-Turned-DJ Blending Organic Instruments with Electronic Beats


Join Beartrax, a versatile artist whose journey spans orchestras, jazz, metal, and electronic music. Known for weaving violin and synth sounds into house, disco, and techno, Beartrax has gained chart success and support from top DJs worldwide.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Concerts, August 20, 2025, 08/20/2025, Violinist-Turned-DJ Blending Organic Instruments with Electronic Beats

Tour | A Virtual Walk Along the Hudson From the Battery to Spuyten Duyvil (Online!)


Join author William Hennessey for a virtual journey up Manhattan’s western edge, tracing the rise, decline, and revival of New York’s Hudson River waterfront from the 17th century to today. Based on his newly published book, this richly illustrated talk explores piers and parks, historic buildings, transportation landmarks, and the pivotal events and figures that shaped the city’s evolving relationship with the river that defines it. The tour will provide specific insight into the Greenwich Village waterfront.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Tours, August 20, 2025, 08/20/2025, A Virtual Walk Along the Hudson From the Battery to Spuyten Duyvil (Online!)

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, August 20, 2025, 08/20/2025, Board Games Meet-Up

Workshop | Full-Body Workout with Dance Cardio & Barre


Get moving with this dynamic full-body fitness class combining elements of Pilates, barre, functional training, and easy-to-follow dance cardio. This low-impact, high-energy workout is designed to lengthen, tone, and uplift. Set to an upbeat playlist, the continuous flow of movement boosts your heart rate and leaves you feeling strong and refreshed. Sneakers recommended.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Workshops, August 20, 2025, 08/20/2025, Full-Body Workout with Dance Cardio & Barre

Workshop | Outdoor Strength & Cardio with Chelsea Piers Fitness


Push your limits with this outdoor class designed to challenge both endurance and coordination. This workout session blends strength and cardio for a powerful total-body conditioning. Open to all levels.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Workshops, August 20, 2025, 08/20/2025, Outdoor Strength & Cardio with Chelsea Piers Fitness

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, August 20, 2025, 08/20/2025, Quiet Reading Meet Up

Dancing | Salsa Social in the Park


Join a vibrant community of dancers at this weekly salsa social, open to all ages and experience levels. The evening begins with a free introductory class from 6-6:30 PM, followed by open dancing led by the dynamic instructors of Mi Salsa Dura Baile.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Dancings, August 20, 2025, 08/20/2025, Salsa Social in the Park

Workshop | Sunset Yoga on the Hudson


Namaste! Unwind from the day with outdoor yoga. Immerse yourself in this meditative practice- surrounded by the Hudson’s peaceful aura. Strengthen the body and cultivate awareness in a relaxed environment as your instructor guides you through alignments and poses. All levels are welcome. Bringing your own mat is encouraged, as provided accessories are first come first serve.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Workshops, August 20, 2025, 08/20/2025, Sunset Yoga on the Hudson

Workshop | Yoga in the Park with Expert Instructors


This yoga class is appropriate for all levels. It's taught by Kristin McGee, a nationally recognized yoga and Pilates teacher, speaker, mompreneur, and author. With over three decades of experience in the fitness and wellness space, she has had a continuous roster of high profile celebrities, pioneered the launch of Peloton’s yoga and pilates program. 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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6:00 pm
Free
Workshops, August 20, 2025, 08/20/2025, Yoga in the Park with Expert Instructors

Workshop | Riverfront Workout: Dance with 305 Fitness


Shake, sweat, and sculpt in this high-energy, easy-to-follow dance cardio class led by 305 Fitness. Set to live DJ mixes, this addictively fun workout is free, outdoors, and open to all levels. Classes run June–September. Check the weekly schedule for exact dates and weather updates.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Workshops, August 20, 2025, 08/20/2025, Riverfront Workout: Dance with 305 Fitness

Workshop | Sunset Yoga on the Water


End your day with yoga in a beautiful sunset setting, led by Meg SantaMaria of Roadside Yogi. Suitable for all fitness levels. Please wear comfortable and bring your own mat. 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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6:30 pm
Free
Workshops, August 20, 2025, 08/20/2025, Sunset Yoga on the Water

Author Reading | Two Authors Discuss & Sign Their New Books: Notes From a Regicide & Simplicity


Isaac Fellman presents his book Notes From a Regicide: a heartbreaking story of trans self-discovery with a rich relatability and a science-fictional twist; and Mattie Lubchansky to present her book Simplicity: a vibrant new graphic novel about a timid academic sent out from the walled dystopian security territory of New York City to investigate a cult in the wilds of the Catskill Mountains. Along with a discussion and audience Q&A, Isaac and Mattie will also sign copies of their books 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 20, 2025, 08/20/2025, Two Authors Discuss & Sign Their New Books:&nbsp;Notes From a Regicide & Simplicity

Author Reading | Inside Scoop with Nonfiction Authors: Marcus Rediker on the Underground Railroad


Lectures and conversations with historians, authors, and thinkers. Freedom Ship: The Uncharted History of Escaping Slavery by Sea A definitive, sweeping account of the Underground Railroad’s long-overlooked maritime origins, from a pre-eminent scholar of Atlantic history and the award-winning author of The Slave Ship.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Author Readings, August 20, 2025, 08/20/2025, Inside Scoop with Nonfiction Authors: Marcus Rediker on the Underground Railroad

Movie in a Park | The Royal Tenenbaums (2001): Offbeat family dramedy from director Wes Anderson


Synopsis: Estranged siblings reunite under one roof when their eccentric father announces he's dying. With stylized visuals, deadpan humor, and deep emotion, The Royal Tenenbaums is a whimsical portrait of genius, dysfunction, and redemption. Rated R Director: Wes Anderson Cast: Gene Hackman, Anjelica Huston, Ben Stiller, Gwyneth Paltrow, Luke Wilson, Owen Wilson, Bill Murray Bring a blanket & some popcorn! First come, first served.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free
Movie in a Parks, August 20, 2025, 08/20/2025, The Royal Tenenbaums (2001): Offbeat family dramedy from director Wes Anderson

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 20, 2025, 08/20/2025, Shakespeare's Twelfth Night Outdoors with Lupita Nyong'o, Sandra Oh, Peter Dinklage, & Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Tour | Weekly Social Skate Through the City


Join a NYC tradition dating back to 1996! Every Wednesday night from April through October, skaters gather for a fun, social ride through the city streets. All skill levels welcome--just bring your skates and good vibes.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free
Tours, August 20, 2025, 08/20/2025, Weekly Social Skate Through the City

Movie in a Park | Cinema on the Pier: Bend It Like Beckham (2002): Sports Comedy-Drama with Keira Knightley


Jesminder Bhamra and Jules Paxton chase careers in professional soccer despite their parents' wishes. Director: Gurinder Chadha Cast: Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Anupam Kher, Archie Panjabi, Shaznay Lewis Open Captioned. 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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8:30 pm
Free
Movie in a Parks, August 20, 2025, 08/20/2025, Cinema on the Pier:&nbsp;Bend It Like Beckham&nbsp;(2002): Sports Comedy-Drama with Keira Knightley
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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