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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!
38 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Friday, August 28, 2026
All events are free unless otherwise noted.Editor's Picks
Concert | Bebe Rexha LIVE: Multi-Award-Winning Pop Artist (Outdoors)
A fun start to the day with this performance from singer-songwriter Bebe Rexha. Fans on the General Admission line will be admitted if space permits. It's advised that you arrive early to join the line. Generally, concerts happen rain or shine. Check-in for those with fan passes is at 5:15 a.m. The start time is approximate. Photo ID required for entry. Generally, concerts happen rain or shine.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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7:00 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
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
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, Golf, & Baseball
Today's Schedule:
10:00am - 11:00am Tennis- Center Court Live
11:00am - 6:00pm Golf- PGA Tour Round 2
6:00pm - 7:00pm Tennis- Center Court Live
7:00pm - 10:00pm MLB- Mets vs Houston
*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
Festival | 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: Monoprinting Techniques (All Ages)
Participants will learn the monoprinting technique and create prints to take home. Get inspired by the urban life, flowers, and monuments in the park, then express it with the provided drawing and craft supplies. Adults and kids alike are invited to get creative!
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: 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.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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12:30 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Film | Child 44 (2015): Mystery Thriller with Tom Hardy
In 1953 Soviet Russia, an exiled secret-police agent hunts a serial killer who targets young boys. His investigation later reveals an unsettling conspiracy, which pits him against the ruthless government officials behind it. Director: Daniel Espinosa Cast: Tom Hardy, Gary Oldman, Noomi Rapace, Joel Kinnaman, Paddy Considine, Jason Clarke, Vincent Cassel Tom Hardy is an English actor, producer, and screenwriter who made his film debut in Ridley Scott's Black Hawk Down (2001). In 2015, he starred as "Mad" Max Rockatansky in Mad Max: Fury Road and both Kray twins in Legend, and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in The Revenant. He has appeared in three Christopher Nolan films: Inception (2010), The Dark Knight Rises (2012), and Dunkirk (2017). He has since starred as Eddie Brock/Venom in the film Venom and its 2021 sequel Venom: Let There Be Carnage.
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
Tour | Discover the History of Penn Station's Architecture
Guides lead a walking tours focusing on iconic buildings in the area, focusing on Penn Station's design and history.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Film | Spike Lee's 'Do the Right Thing' (1989): Comedy-Drama
On the hottest day of the year on a street in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, everyone's hate and bigotry smolders and builds until it explodes into violence. Cited by various publications as one of the most important filmmakers of the late 20th century, Oscar winner Spike Lee's work explores issues including race relations, issues within the black community, the role of media in contemporary life, urban crime and poverty.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Film | Blue Moon (2025): Biographical Comedy-Drama with Ethan Hawke
Tells the story of Lorenz Hart's struggles with alcoholism and mental health as he tries to save face during the opening of Oklahoma!. Director: Richard Linklater Cast: Ethan Hawke, Margaret Qualley, Bobby Cannavale, Andrew Scott Ethan Hawke is an American actor, author, and film director. He made his film debut in Explorers (1985), before making a breakthrough performance in Dead Poets Society (1989). Hawke received two nominations for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Training Day (2001) and Boyhood (2014) and two for Best Adapted Screenplay for co-writing Before Sunset (2004) and Before Midnight (2013).
Manhattan, New York, NY
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2:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Film | Some Like It Hot (1959): Golden Age Crime Comedy Starring Marilyn Monroe
Two male musicians go on the lam, posing as women in an all-girl orchestra after witnessing a gangland massacre in 1929 Chicago. Director: Billy Wilder Cast: Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, George Raft, Pat O'Brien, Joe E. Brown Marilyn Monroe was an American actress and model, often considered the face of Hollywood's Golden Age. She was often cast as comic "blonde bombshell" character roles. During her lifetime, her films grossed $200 million (~$2 billion in 2025). She won many awards, including a Golden Globe, and received even more nominations.
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
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 | James Beard Award-Winner Hosts Dig into the World of Yogurt (Free Samples, Live Music, & More)
Host Dan Pashman and reporter Eliza Rothstein dig into Bulgarian yogurt – exploring the surprising story of how a yogurt-obsessed nation lost out to its Greek neighbors and their ubiquitous style. The show will include interviews, free samples, and a Bulgarian women’s choir. 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
Jazz | Evening Tunes with a Jazz Quartet in the Garden
Live jazz by local artists in the neighborhood green space where Charlie Parker lived. Soulful alto saxophonist and flautist David Lee Jones was a member of the Grammy award winning jazz / rap group Digable Planets, in which he played on, wrote and arranged all the horn arrangements for their sophomore record Blowout Comb. He toured with Sade on her last U.S. tour entitled “Love Deluxe.” In recent years, David has worked with the Mingus Big Band and the Sun Ra Arkestra, and he leads his own Organ Groove Trio in Harlem at the American Legion Post 398 every Sunday.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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5:30 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
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...
Movie in a Park | An American Tail: Fievel Goes West (1991): Animated Western Musical Comedy (on the Hudson)
The film follows the story of the Mousekewitzes, a family of Russian-Jewish mice who emigrate to the Wild West. In it, Fievel is separated from his family as the train approaches the American Old West; the film chronicles him and Sheriff Wylie Burp teaching Tiger how to act like a dog. Director: Phil Nibbelink & Simon Wells Cast: Phillip Glasser, James Stewart, Erica Yohn, Cathy Cavadini, Nehemiah Persoff, Dom DeLuise Seating is first-come, first-served and space is limited. Light concessions will be available for purchase. Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is not permitted. Doors open at 7:00pm and films begin at sunset.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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7:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Staged Reading | It Gets Better (Monologues for Melanated Men): Original Stories on Relationships, Social Expectatiosn, Grief, & More
A collection of solo stories exploring identity, vulnerability, race, masculinity, sexuality, family, and survival. It Gets Better (Monologues for Melanated Men) is a collection of six original monologues that explore the complexities of identity, race, masculinity, sexuality, love, family, and resilience through the voices of richly drawn characters. By turns humorous, heartbreaking, provocative, and uplifting, each piece offers an intimate glimpse into moments that shape how these men see themselves and the world around them. From childhood vulnerability and personal awakening to complicated relationships, social expectations, grief, ambition, and survival, the play examines what it means to seek dignity, connection, and authenticity in a world that often demands silence or performance. While deeply rooted in the Black male experience, the stories speak to universal themes of humanity, belonging, fear, hope, and healing. Written by Charles Day.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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7:00 pm
pay-what-you-wish, tickets required
pay-what-you-wish, tickets required
Staged Reading | John & Salome: A Biblical Story Revisited
Built around the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, this story portrays the spiritual and cultural power struggles culminating in the demand for the head of John the Baptist. From the biblical account of John the Baptist's imprisonment, this play explores a unique and compelling dynamic between the desert prophet, John, and the dancing princess of the Herod clan, Salome. What if Salome was not a mindless teenager eager to approve of her mother and step-father's illicit marriage? What if John found his interactions with Salome to be both a challenge and a comfort? Written by Gil Elvgren. Directed by Joe Frost. A talkback with the playwright, director, producer, cast, and audience is scheduled to follow after the performance!
Manhattan, New York, NY
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7:00 pm
free, tickets required
free, tickets required
Dance Performance | Ailey II Dance Performance in the Park (+ Workshop)
Ailey II dancers bring their technical mastery and emotional depth to works by the most daring established and emerging choreographers. The company seeks to forge a new path for modern dance - one that's inclusive, experimental, and transformative. An Ailey Arts In Education instructor will lead a movement workshop for all ages following the performance. 7PM: PERFORMANCE 7:30PM WORKSHOP
Manhattan, New York, NY
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7:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Jazz | Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra Celebrates Charlie Parker (with Special Guests) in the Park
This event celebrates the spirit of the jazz icon with a show highlighting titans of jazz, as well as the next generation. This night is headlined by the acclaimed Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, featuring special guests Marquis Hill and Ekep Nkwelle. Special guests include Marquis Hill, who hails from Chicago, is one of the most exciting trumpet players working today, and rising star Ekepe Nkwelle is a Cameroonian-American singer from Washington, D.C., who's already performed on NPR's Tiny Desk. The first group is the Bill Saxton Harlem All-Stars, led by Harlem native Bill Saxton. The venerated tenor saxophonist has worked with many other music greats including Bobby Watson, Charles Tolliver, and Tito Puente.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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7:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Concert | Oscar, Grammy, & Emmy Winning Artist Common Performs in the Park (with ASL)
One of hip-hop's most enduring civic voices comes to the bandshell. Common's prolific discography spans the '90s to the present day. Between releasing albums and authoring books, he's been awarded an Oscar, a Grammy, and an Emmy for his creative work, while working tirelessly as a social justice activist. For the d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities, we will have an ASL interpreter on stage. 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
Concert | R&B with a Modern Edge on the Waterfront
Get out to the park and kick off the weekend with some local sounds at this monthly musical get-happy hour. This concert features Ilana Morris, known for classic R&B with a modern edge. Ilana Morris is an R&B/Soul vocalist based in NYC. Ilana is very passionate about singing. Getting her start singing backgrounds for various Western Mass bands, Ilana eventually went on to become lead vocalist of Wurliday, a pop group based in Albany, NY. In 2021, Wurliday released "Circle Back to You", a song Ilana co-wrote with her bandmates. Ilana has opened up for iconic groups such as En Vogue and Third World. She has shared the stage with members of Snarky Puppy, Lettuce, the Trey Anastasio band, and more! In May 2022, Ilana released her second single as a solo artist titled "Fire or Ice".
Manhattan, New York, NY
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7:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Concert | Spontaneous Circle Singing & Harmonizing on the Pier
An evening of spontaneous harmonies, soulful songs, and playful explorations of rhythm and melody! Led by Gaia Music Collective, this session is a warm, welcoming space for spontaneous singing and harmonizing, led with joy, passion, and kindness by skilled circlesong facilitators. What is circlesinging? A spontaneous vocal jam, led by a facilitator in the middle of the circle who invents parts, teaches improvised harmonies, and shapes the music as participants flow from meditative moments to vibrant dance parties to heartfelt anthems and everything in between! Circle Singing is done all over the world in many different forms, and, while popularized by musical legends such as Bobby McFerrin and Rhiannon of WeBe3, it dates back to the earliest forms of human singing. Gaia Music Collective events are participatory, but low-pressure. You’ll be invited to sing along and make music with us, but we encourage you to draw your own boundaries and engage at your own pace – we pride ourselves in creating a judgment-free community where you can express yourself however feels right!
Brooklyn, New York, NY
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7:00 pm
free, RSVP required
free, RSVP required
Concert | The Accordion in Global Genres: Louisiana Cajun Music, Cumbia, & Pakistani Qawwali and Khayal
The annual Accordion Festival returns featuring three acts centered around the squeezebox. Artists include: Jourdan Thibodeaux et les Rodailleurs, Saami Brothers, and Chicha Libre. Organizers lend out hundreds of free blankets on a first-come, first-served basis, or bring your own cotton or fleece blanket. There will also be pre-set chairs, or you may bring your own. To protect the lawn, please do not sit on waterproof materials such as plastic tarps, yoga mats, or inflatable chairs. Bring your own picnic or purchase food and drinks from tents on the side of the lawn.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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7:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Comedy Club | Comedy on the Pier with Tonight Show Performer
Host Nat Towsen (The Tonight Show, Nickelodeon) and some of New York's most exciting comedians curate a hilarious evening.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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7:30 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Film | Smurfs (2025): Animated Musical Fantasy Comedy-Adventure (Outdoors)
When Papa Smurf is taken by the evil wizards Razamel and Gargamel, Smurfette leads the Smurfs on a mission to the real world to save him. Director: Chris Miller Cast: Rihanna, James Corden, Nick Offerman, JP Karliak, Daniel Levy, Amy Sedaris, Natasha Lyonne Grab a blanket and come enjoy a movie. In the event of heavy rain or extreme weather, the screening may be canceled.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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8:15 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Join the Club!
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