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free things to do in New York City
Join the Club!
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!
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!
36 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Friday, August 21, 2026
All events are free unless otherwise noted.Editor's Picks
Workshop | Morning Yoga on the Plaza
Start your morning off balanced and refreshed with a yoga class led by local yoga instructors Mariah and Frances. Bring a yoga mat and water bottle.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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8:30 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Workshop | Tai Chi (Outdoors)
Improve balance, strength, and focus through gentle exercises. The sights and sounds of the harbor provide a serene background for the ancient flowing postures.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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8:30 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Museums | Friday at Pop Culture/Art Museum
Through temporary exhibitions, a growing permanent collection, and educational events, this museum examines the significant influence of posters on society and culture, and how they are adapted for modern use. As the first poster museum in the United States, it offers a space for inquiry for anyone interested in design, advertising, and public interventions, with the goal of enhancing design literacy among the general public.
Works explore:
mass communication and persuasion
the intersection of art and commerce
control of the public domain
Manhattan, New York, NY
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10:00 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Screening | Most Watched International Events on the Big (30-foot!) Screen Outdoors: Tennis, Soccer, & Baseball
Today's Schedule:
10:00am - 3:00pm Tennis- Cincinnati Open & Tennis Channel Live
3:00pm - 5:00pm Premier League Soccer: Arsenal vs Coventry City
5:00pm - 9:00pm Baseball Little League World Series
*Scheduled programming subject to change. Seating is open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis. Wells Fargo customers receive priority seating.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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10:00 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Workshop | Zumba Workout for All
Enthusiastic instruction and easy-to-follow Latin dance choreography working on balance, coordination, and range of motion.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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10:30 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Museums | Asian Art and Culture Museum
The museum features a diverse collection of artworks, including traditional and contemporary pieces from various Asian cultures. They typically have guided tours at 2 pm.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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11:00 am
free, reservation required
free, reservation required
Dancing | Dance Movement Workshop: Influential Graham Technique (Beginners Welcome)
Guests are invited to learn Martha Graham's famous technique through the Jerome Robbins Dance Division's audio and moving image collection and the movement styles shown on the screen. Special guest speakers use material from the collection to lead movement workshops highlighting the history of the technique, focusing on the one developed by Martha Graham. Dance Division staff conclude the workshop with instruction on how to use the research catalog and access the materials shown during the workshop. No prior dance experience required.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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11:00 am
free, registration required
free, registration required
Fair | Food Festival with Local Vendors
New York City's favorite outdoor food market, Smorgasburg, is back. Enjoy a variety of eats and treats from local vendors.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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11:00 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Workshop | Art-Making in the Park: Oil Painting Fundamentals
Paint from observation or bring your own reference photo to work on! All skill levels welcome. Beginners can learn the fundamentals of alla prima painting with oils and optionally follow the teacher.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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11:30 am
free, registration required
free, registration required
Workshop | Learn to Juggle in the Park
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.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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12:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Jazz | Piano in the Park: American Songbook Swing Trio
Come on down and swing along to the best swing the Big Apple has to offer, with musicians Roman Ivanoff (piano, harmonica), Paul Nowinski (bass, violin), and Nat Harris (guitar).
Manhattan, New York, NY
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12:30 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Film | Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958): Old Hollywood Drama with Elizabeth Taylor & Paul Newman
Brick is an alcoholic ex-football player who drinks his days away and resists the affections of his wife. A reunion with his terminally ill father jogs a host of memories and revelations for both father and son. Tennessee Williams play adaptation. Director: Richard Brooks Cast: Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, Burl Ives, Jack Carson, Judith Anderson Elizabeth Taylor was a British-American actress who acted throughout her entire life, becoming the highest-paid movie star in the world in the 1960s. In 1999, the American Film Institute ranked her seventh on its list of the greatest female screen legends. She received several awards for her work, including two Academy Awards, one Golden Globe, a BAFTA, the AFI Life Achievement Award, the BAFTA Fellowship, the Cecil B. DeMille Award, the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award, and a medallion at the Kennedy Center Honors. She was one of the first celebrities to take part in HIV/AIDS activism, and even co-founded the American Foundation for AIDS Research in 1985. Paul Newman was an American actor, film director, racing driver, philanthropist, and entrepreneur who received numerous awards, including an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, three Golden Globe Awards, a Screen Actors Guild Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, a Silver Bear, a Cannes Film Festival Award, and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Workshop | Artmaking on the Plaza with a Professional Artist
Led by a local teaching artist, this drop-in class invites participants to explore creativity through hands-on artmaking. Past mediums have included plein-air drawing, printmaking, cyanotypes, and more. All materials are provided.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Workshop | Crafting Community: Work on Personal Projects & Make New Friends
Freeform crafting and conversation! Bring your own project or choose something from the collection to work on. The organizers have materials for sewing, knitting, crochet, coloring, and paper crafts. All programs are subject to change or cancellation.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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1:30 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Film | Hamnet (2025): Historical Drama with Star-Studded Cast
In late 16th-century England, Agnes, a healer sensitive to the world around her, builds a home with William, a local tutor and aspiring playwright. As their lives fracture, they are tested by distance, silence, and grief. Director: Chloe Zhao Cast: Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, Emily Watson, Joe Alwyn
Manhattan, New York, NY
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2:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Film | JFK (1991): Epic Political Thriller Drama with Star-Studded Cast
The events surrounding JFK's assassination are investigated by New Orleans DA Jim Garrison in this all-star docudrama examining one of the great controversies of the 20th Century. Director: Oliver Stone Cast: Kevin Costner, Kevin Bacon, Tommy Lee Jones, Laurie Metcalf, Gary Oldman, Michael Rooker
Manhattan, New York, NY
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2:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
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.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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2:00 pm
free, 1 drink...
free, 1 drink...
Tour | Explore Collection Featuring Goya, Velazquez, El Greco, and More
Explore a museum's history, special collections, and landmarked spaces. It contains objects of artistic, historic, and literary interest for the advancement of the study of the Spanish and Portuguese languages, literature, and history around the world. Led by educators, the tours last 45-60 minutes and provide an engaging introduction to the artworks and archives on view.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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2:00 pm
free, RSVP required...
free, RSVP required...
Workshop | Play Chess & Socialize
Sharpen your mind, meet new people, and enjoy this timeless game. Chess sets and timers are provided. Adults only.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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2:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Fair | Arts & Food Pop-Up Market
Grab a seasonal bite from Chef Ira of chop//serve, a developing food and hospitality project offering intentional, personable, and unique dining experiences across the greater New York metro area. Explore one-of-a-kind jewelry and garments from local artists.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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3:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Museums | American History and Artifact Collections
Enjoy a stroll through galleries of an extensive collection of American art, learn about the history of New York and the USA. Last admission is at 7 pm.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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5:00 pm
Pay-what-you-wish, reservation required
Pay-what-you-wish, reservation required
Museums | Friday Evening at the Art/History Museum
This museum is an assemblage of illuminated, literary, and historical manuscripts, early printed books, and old master drawings and prints inside a historic building. Registration opens 7 days in advance & does sell out.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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5:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Museums | Friday Night Function at an Iconic Art Museum
Enjoy art, drinks, special programming, music, city views, and more! Throughout the night, there will be a few "15-minute tours," highlighting different parts of the collection.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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5:00 pm
free, tickets required
free, tickets required
Workshop | Learn More about African Culinary Traditions
The famed culinary collective traces the odyssey of a beloved food across cultures and geographies: an iconic dish, but also a lens into migration, memory, and shared histories across the whole of the African diaspora. Guests: Immanuel Wilkins and more to be announced. Seating opens 30 minutes before showtime and is available on the grass or benches.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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5:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Party | Play New Games like Blood on the Clocktower (BOTC)
Curious about a board game or looking to try something new? The Games Hosts will be teaching how to play a wide range of fun board games. Many come to play the social deduction game, Blood on the Clocktower (BOTC).
Manhattan, New York, NY
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5:00 pm
free, registration recommended
free, registration recommended
Museums | Friday Evening at the Famous Art Museum
This special, all-ages evening celebrates the art and the city. Explore in the galleries, get creative with drop-in drawing sessions, and see a film in the theaters. Museum stores and cafe will be open, too, so you can grab a bite, get drinks, or shop for unique design objects. Free for New York State residents but must be reserved in advance (up to two adults), and are subject to availability and proof of residency. Tickets are released one week in advance.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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5:30 pm
free for New...
free for New...
Dancing | Famous Limon Dance Company Teaches Rhythm, Balance, & Recovery (+ Live Music)
The world-renowned Limon Company Dancers teach the energetic and ease-filled Limon Technique, accompanied by live music. Limon Technique is used in contemporary dance, focusing on the rhythms of falling and recovering balance and the importance of good breathing to maintaining flow in a dance.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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6:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Dancing | Salsa Night on the Pier
Dance the night away, led by Talia Castro-Poz, with dance lessons and a live band.
Brooklyn, New York, NY
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6:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Workshop | "Super Excellent" Night of Dice Activities for All Ages: Learning the Basics of Probability with an Award-Winning Educator
Nat Banting leads a fast-paced evening where the intriguing concept of "maybe" takes center stage. Can you make predictions based on a roll of the dice? How sure can you be about what might happen? Will you play it safe -- or take a chance on the unlikely for the big win? Probability has never been this much fun! This event is designed to bring family members of all ages together to enjoy a diverse array of engaging mathematical activities, promoting interest and enthusiasm among kids and adults alike.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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6:30 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Concert | RuPaul's Drag Race Alumn's Drag Variety Show in the Park
An evening with acclaimed actor, author, illustrator, and TV personality Drag Queen Sasha Velour. You may know her from RuPaul's Drag Race or her extravagant live performances. Please note: RSVPing helps you stay up-to-date on show info, but does not guarantee entry. Entry is first come, first served.
Brooklyn, New York, NY
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7:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Jazz | An Evening of Miles Davis's Music in the Park
World-class live music as part of New York State's longest-running jazz concert series. This event features the music of Miles Davis.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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7:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Concert | An Evening of Music with 3 Choral Groups in the Park (Pop, Jazz, Gospel, & More)
This event brings together NYC-based choral ensembles to perform pieces across a variety of genres. Acts include: New York Vocal Collective (pop, R&B, folk, jazz, gospel, and choral traditions), Sing Harlem Choir (gospel), and Gaia Music Collective (communal music-making).
Manhattan, New York, NY
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7:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Poetry Reading | Live Music & Poetry (Outdoors)
An evening of poetry and music in the park! This event features Jenny Xie, Safia Elhillo, and musician Kyle Lux.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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7:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Classical Music | Piano Works by J.S. Bach, Chopin, Beethoven, & Robert Schumann (In Person AND Online!)
Pianist Elzbieta Bilicka perform. The program features works by J. S. Bach, Frederic Chopin, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Robert Schumann.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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7:30 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Play | Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale: Tony-Winning Director's Romantic Tragicomedy (with Sign Language)
When the King of Sicilia becomes convinced his pregnant wife has been unfaithful, the royal baby is smuggled to the coast of Bohemia where an old shepherd finds her and renames her Perdita. Sixteen years later, Perdita falls in love with another young shepherd, Doricles, who turns out to be a prince in disguise. Honesty is a fool and true love the only answer in this mysterious, romantic tale of defiance and destiny. Written by William Shakespeare. Choreography by Mimi Lieber. Directed by Daniel Sullivan. Cast: Heschel Bay, Marsha Stephanie Blake, Teagle F. Bougere, Chuck Cooper, Peter Douskalis, Matthew Eby, Raúl Esparza, Isabela Ferrer, Katie Griffith, Alex Hernandez,
Manhattan, New York, NY
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8:00 pm
free, tickets required
free, tickets required
Screening | My Daughter Is a Zombie (2025): Korean Zombie Comedy Film
Jung-hwan is a gruff but loving zookeeper who specializes in training wild beasts. His teenage daughter, Soo-ah, is going through puberty and a full-blown dance obsession. Their days are full of bickering and bonding... until one day, Soo-ah becomes infected by a zombie virus that has swept across the globe. Refusing to give up on his daughter, Jung-hwan takes her to a quiet seaside village called Eunbong-ri, where his mother Bam-soon lives. In a world obsessed with rooting out the infected, Soo-ah shows strange signs of awareness - responding to music, her grandmother's sharp taps with a back scratcher, and even faint traces of human language. Determined to protect her at all costs, Jung-hwan draws on his years of experience training tigers and begins a secret mission to tame and retrain... his zombie daughter. Director: Pil Gam-sung Cast: Jo Jung-suk, Lee Jung-eun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Yoon Kyung-ho, Choi Yu-ri All contents featuring Korean dialogue will have English subtitles available.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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9:00 pm
RSVP required, free
RSVP required, free
Join the Club!
Complimentary Tickets
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Classical Music | "Virtuoso" Pianist Performs Works by Liszt & More
Regular Price: $50CFT Member Price: $0.00
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