free things to do in New York City
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Free Events, Free Things to Do in New York City! Read More
Are you looking for literary events like book readings, book signings, poetry readings? Then you came to the right place. Start using these unique New York City opportunities today!
Are you looking for literary events like book readings, book signings, poetry readings? Then you came to the right place. Start using these unique New York City opportunities today!
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!
28 free poetry readings, book signings, author readings in New York City (NYC) Sun, 02/08/2026 - and on...
Not a day goes by in New York City (NYC) without a free poetry reading or a book signing or a book reading by a famous or not yet famous author. Don't miss the opportunities that only New York provides!
Author Reading | Deborah Burke Shares Her New Novel, Mean Higher High Water
Writer Deborah Burke reads from her new book, Mean Higher High Water. Synopsis: A climate-steeped fairytale for anyone haunted by the future. Humans are excellent at finding ways to adapt—but not everyone is going to be very happy about it. For Nia, an aging, sharp-tongued forager with a grief problem, survival means finding someone to blame.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Sun, Feb 8
2:00 pm
Free
2:00 pm
Free
Book Signing | Jess X. Snow Shares Their New Book, We Always Had Wings
Enjoy a meet-and-greet and book signing with Jess X. Snow, introducing their new book, We Always Had Wings. A stunning, mythology-inspired ode to the places and people who came before us as a girl embarks on her first visit to her mother's hometown in China for the Lunar New Year. Jess X. Snow is a non-binary Asian Canadian artist, film director, and Pushcart-nominated poet whose work explores migration, surrealism, environmental justice, and intimacies across cultures and species. Their short films have screened in dozens of festivals across five continents.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Sun, Feb 8
2:00 pm
Free
2:00 pm
Free
Reading | Writer Larissa Pham Shares Her New Novel, Discipline
Experience a reading with Larissa Pham as she sits down with Jennifer Cho Salaff to discuss her new novel, Discipline. About Discipline: In the novel, the main character, Christine, is on a book tour for her book, which is a thinly veiled revenge fantasy based on a relationship she had with a former professor. Her world is turned upside down when he reaches out after years of silence and invites her to visit him on a remote island off the coast of Maine. "A taut, electrifying debut about a woman forced to confront unsettling truths about herself, her past, and the life she rebuilt following a ruinous affair with her former mentor, from a 'lit world phenom'" -Harper’s Bazaar
New York City, NY; NYC
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Wed, Feb 11
6:00 pm
Free
6:00 pm
Free
Author Reading | Pulitzer Prize Winner Forrest Gander Shares His Work
Enjoy a reading by Forrest Gander followed by a conversation with Associate Professor Dorothea Lasky, Writing. Forrest Gander is a writer, translator, and editor of several anthologies of writing from Spain and Mexico. He is the author of more than a dozen books, including Mojave Ghost; Twice Alive; Be With, which won the 2019 Pulitzer Prize and was longlisted for the 2018 National Book Award; and Core Samples from the World, a finalist for both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award. Recently, Gander collaborated with the photographer Jack Shear to create the collection Knot. His other books include two novels, As A Friend and The Trace; the poetry collections Eye Against Eye, Torn Awake, Science & Steepleflower; and the essay collection Faithful Existence: Reading, Memory & Transcendence. Gander’s essays have appeared in The Nation, The Boston Review, and The New York Times Book Review. He is the recipient of fellowships from the Library of Congress, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Guggenheim, Howard, United States Artists, and Whiting Foundations.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Thu, Feb 12
6:30 pm
Free
6:30 pm
Free
Poetry Reading | Award-Winning Poets Golden & Gbenga Adesina Share Their Work (+ Signing)
Experience a reading by Golden and Gbenga Adesina, hosted by NYU Creative Writing Professor Terrance Hayes. The event will conclude with a reception/signing with books for sale. Gbenga Adesina, a Nigerian poet and essayist, is the inaugural Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow in Global Black and Diasporic Poetry at the Furious Flower Poetry Center, James Madison University, and a Practitioner Fellow at Brown University. His debut book of poems, Death Does Not End At The Sea, was longlisted for the National Book Award. Golden (they/them) is a Black gender-nonconforming photographer, author, and educator, author of A Dead Name That Learned How to Live, a Lambda Literary Award Finalist for Transgender Poetry, and Reprise.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Thu, Feb 12
7:00 pm
Free
7:00 pm
Free
Author Reading | Award-Winning Writers Share Their New Books (+ Signing)
Enjoy a reading by George Abraham, Kimberly Alidio, Joseph Lee, and Megha Majumdar, followed by a reception/signing with books for sale. George Abraham is a Palestinian American poet, performance artist, and writer, author of When the Arab Apocalypse Comes to America and Birthright, which won the Arab American Book Award and the Big Other Book Award in Poetry, and was a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award in Bisexual Poetry. He is also the author of the chapbooks al youm, and the specimen's apology. Kimberly Alidio is a historian, a literary writer, and a teacher. Her most recent publications are: Traceable Relation; Shared Discernments with Rebecca Teich; A Teaching Summer; “On Being Porous”; and Teeter (winner of the Nightboat Poetry Prize and the Lambda Literary Award). She has five books of poetry and poetic prose. Joseph Lee is an Aquinnah Wampanoag writer whose writing has been published in The Guardian, BuzzFeed News, Vox, Electric Literature, High Country News, and more. Megha Majumdar is the author of the novel A Guardian and a Thief, which is an Oprah’s Book Club pick, and a finalist for the Kirkus Prize, the American Library Association’s Andrew Carnegie Medal, and the National Book Award.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Fri, Feb 13
5:00 pm
Free
5:00 pm
Free
Book Signing | Artist Ewa Juszkiewicz Signs Her New Book, Recent Paintings
Polish surrealist painter Ewa Juszkiewicz signs her new book, Recent Paintings, a monograph that showcases her most recent surreal and genre-defying portraits.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Fri, Feb 13
6:00 pm
Free
6:00 pm
Free
Author Reading | Bestselling Author Libba Bray Shares Her New Book, Under the Same Stars
A New York Times bestselling author, Libba Bray, discusses her latest novel, Under the Same Stars, her writing, and career with librarian Jennifer Hubert Swan.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Thu, Feb 19
12:00 pm
Free
12:00 pm
Free
Author Reading | Fiction Writers Share Their Prose (+ Signing)
A reading by NYU Creative Writing Program Fiction MFA alums Stephen Fishbach, Bsrat Mezghebe, and Lior Torenberg, hosted by Creative Writing Professor Darin Strauss. The event will conclude with a reception/signing with books for sale. Stephen Fishbach is a Pushcart Prize-winning writer and former television executive. Bsrat Mezghebe is a writer from Washington, D.C. Her debut novel is I Hope You Find What You’re Looking For. Lior Torenberg’s work has been published by One Story, MAYDAY, the Poetry Society of New York, and others. Just Watch Me is her first novel.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Thu, Feb 19
7:00 pm
Free
7:00 pm
Free
Poetry Reading | Hear New Poetry from Prize-Winning Poets (+ Signing)
Experience a reading by Richie Hoffmann and MaKshya Tolbert, followed by a reception/signing, with books for sale. Richie Hofmann is the recipient of a 2025 Guggenheim Fellowship and a 2025 Literature Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. His poetry appears in two previous collections, A Hundred Lovers and Second Empire, and in The Paris Review, The New Yorker, Poetry, and The Yale Review. MaKshya Tolbert practices poetry and placemaking in Virginia. Her recent poetry and prose can be found at Poem-a-Day, Poets for Science, Emergence Magazine, West Branch, Ran Off With the Star Bassoon, and elsewhere. Shade is a place is MaKshya’s first book.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Fri, Feb 20
5:00 pm
Free
5:00 pm
Free
Author Reading | Writers' Showcase: Short, Original Works on Opportunity & Difficulty
Prepare to be surprised and captivated when members of the National Arts Club’s Literary Committee present short readings from their original works on the theme of creating opportunity from difficulty – or even crisis – in a world where problems are never in short supply.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Fri, Feb 20
6:00 pm
Free
6:00 pm
Free
Open Mic | Hear from Emerging Writers or Perform Your Own Work
Hear original work by local, emerging writers of all genres, or share some of your own pieces! All performers welcome! Hosted by novelist Ed Lin. Sign ups start from 7:30PM. 5-minute time slots.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Fri, Feb 20
8:00 pm
Free
8:00 pm
Free
Reading | Read Proust's Final Work, Time Regained
Read or re-read Proust’s last volume, Time Regained, with Alex Klameth, Proust Center-JML Facilitator. If you are a re-reader, you may join... if you don't reveal any spoilers! Any translation or language is welcome.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Sat, Feb 21
2:30 pm
Free
2:30 pm
Free
Author Reading | Debut Author Shares His New Novella, Audition for the Fox
Enjoy this special author event. Martin Cahill, the author of Audition for the Fox, will be in attendance to talk to attendees about his 2025 debut fantasy novella! In this stellar debut fantasy, a trickster Fox god challenges an underachieving acolyte to save herself by saving her own ancestors. But are Nesi and her new friends from the past prepared to defeat the ferocious Wolfhounds of Zemin?
New York City, NY; NYC
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Sat, Feb 21
4:00 pm
Free
4:00 pm
Free
Author Reading | Author & Illustrator Duo Share Their New Children's Book, Emily Saw a Door
Celebrate the launch of Emily Saw a Door with author Mel Rosenberg and illustrator Orit Magia. Knock, knock. Who’s there? It’s me, Emily. May I come in? And so begins Emily’s search for a door that will open. The first door is blue, and the voice behind the door tells Emily that she doesn’t sound very bluish. The second door says it only opens for tigers, crocodiles, and snakes. But she is a girl named Emily– and the animals are hungry–and so she moves on. The third is only for people who speak very quietly, and the door can hear Emily. Finally, Emily comes to a place without a door. She gets out her chalk and draws one, then adds a doorknob, and goes right in. And when someone knocks on her door, she says, “The door is open!” Here is a wonderful book about inclusion, acceptance, and opening doors for others.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Feb 24
4:00 pm
Free
4:00 pm
Free
Author Reading | Young Adult Author Corey Ann Haydu Shares Her Books & Discusses Her Craft
Attend a reading and conversation with author Corey Ann Haydu (OCD Love Story, Eventown) as she sits down with Emily X.R. Pan (The Astonishing Color of After) to talk about process, craft, working across genres and categories, and maintaining a creative life.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Feb 24
6:00 pm
Free
6:00 pm
Free
Author Reading | Two Authors Share New Fiction (+ Conversation/Q&A)
A reading by Emily Nemens and Stephanie Wambugu, followed by a conversation/Q&A with Darin Strauss. Emily Nemens is the author of the novels The Cactus League (2020) and Clutch (2026). Stephanie Wambugu's work appears in The Nation, Granta, frieze, Bookforum, and The Drift. Her debut novel, Lonely Crowds, was published in 2025. The event will conclude with a reception/signing with books for sale.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Thu, Feb 26
7:00 pm
Free
7:00 pm
Free
Poetry Reading | Evening of Local Poetry
Enjoy an evening of poetry with local poet and playwright Galinsky, with "Five Minute Features" from a dozen poets of all styles.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Thu, Feb 26
8:00 pm
Free
8:00 pm
Free
Poetry Reading | Poet Eugene Ostashevsky Shares His New Works on Translation & Translingualism
Enjoy a poetry reading by Eugene Ostashevsky. Moderated by Mark Lipovetsky. Eugene Ostashevsky will read his translated and original poetry and discuss the difference between the two. How do translation and translingualism differ in their handling of the sounds and shapes of language? Why is it a mistake to think of poetry as always already a translation? Why is translingualism, in calling attention to language only, a misnomer? And other such things that you did not know you wanted to know you shall know.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Fri, Feb 27
5:30 pm
Free
5:30 pm
Free
Poetry Reading | Poetry Open Mic: Share Your Work or Listen to Emerging Writers
Participants can share their original work for up to five minutes. Space is limited to 15 readers; show up on time to get a slot!
New York City, NY; NYC
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Fri, Feb 27
5:30 pm
Free
5:30 pm
Free
Open Mic | Afternoon of Showcasing Creativity: Artists, Poets, Musicians, & More
Enjoy an afternoon of creativity and talent as local artists, poets, musicians, and performers and more take the stage. Whether you want to showcase your own skills or simply enjoy the show, this is the place to be. Let your voice be heard and your talent shine in a welcoming and supportive environment. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with fellow creatives and entertain a friendly audience. This event will include an open call for performers on a first come, first serve basis as time permits. Participants can share their original work in a time to be announced based off total amount of performers. Space and seating is limited; show up on time!
New York City, NY; NYC
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Sat, Feb 28
1:30 pm
Free
1:30 pm
Free
Poetry Reading | Poet Jonathan Galassi Shares His New Collection, The Vineyard
Enjoy a conversation with Jonathan Galassi to celebrate his new book of poetry, The Vineyard, a profound pastoral meditation on life, gratitude, and connectedness as he contemplates the neighbor's wisteria vine. He will be in conversation with Eliza Griswold, followed by a signing.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Mar 3
6:00 pm
Free
6:00 pm
Free
Author Reading | Criminal Justic Experts Share Their New Book on the U.S. Prison System, Ending Isolation: The Case Against Solitary Confinement
Experience a timely and thought-provoking dive into the U.S. prison system as seen through the eyes of CUNY tenured professor of law Deborah Zalesne (appearing in person) and award-winning journalist Christopher Blackwell (appearing via Zoom). Deborah Zalesne reads passages from Ending Isolation: The Case Against Solitary Confinement and leads a Q&A about the psychological harm and real-life consequences of our current incarceration system. Author Christopher Blackwell will call in from prison to answer questions and share a perspective rarely disclosed to the general public. About the book: The injustice, cruelty, and degradation that are so enmeshed within the U.S. carceral system find their barbaric apogee in the practice of solitary confinement. Once judged by the U.S. Supreme Court to be an impermissible form of torture, the use of solitary confinement has grown to become a “solution” to the overcrowding and violence that have defined life on the inside.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Sun, Mar 8
3:00 pm
Free
3:00 pm
Free
Author Reading | Historian Shares His New Book, Karl Marx in America
Historian Andrew Hartman will speak about his recent book, Karl Marx in America. To read Karl Marx is to contemplate a world created by capitalism. People have long viewed the United States as the quintessential anti-Marxist nation, but Marx’s ideas have inspired a wide range of people to formulate a more precise sense of the stakes of the American project. Historians have highlighted the imprint made on the United States by Enlightenment thinkers such as Adam Smith, John Locke, and Thomas Paine, but Marx is rarely considered alongside these figures. Yet his ideas are the most relevant today because of capitalism’s centrality to American life.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Mon, Mar 9
6:00 pm
Free
6:00 pm
Free
Author Reading | Philosophy YouTuber Robert Pantano Shares His New Book, The Terrible Paradox of Self-Awareness
A reading and discussion to celebrate the release of The Terrible Paradox of Self-Awareness with the author, Robert Pantano. In a series of poignant aphorisms and short essays, Robert Pantano offers nuanced approaches to confronting, understanding, and living within the paradox of self-awareness. Rather than pretending to provide certainty or easy answers, this thought-provoking collection offers ideas and space for reflection—for living well and finding comfort and peace without clear solutions.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Thu, Mar 12
7:00 pm
Free
7:00 pm
Free
Author Reading | Ada Calhoun Shares Her New, Time-Featured Novel, Crush (+ Discussion + Q&A)
Author Ada Calhoun discusses her new novel and forey into fiction, Crush, which was highlighted by Time in their 100 Must-Read Books of 2025. Ada Calhoun’s debut novel mines the literary canon and the heart of middle age and turns up fresh wisdom about the danger and liberation of chasing desire, illuminating new ways to embrace freedom, ambition, and partnership. Ada will give a short reading from the book, discuss it and her other works, and answer some questions.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Sat, Mar 21
2:00 pm
Free
2:00 pm
Free
Author Reading | Thought-Provoking Evening of Spoken Word, Poetry, & New Works by Emerging Writers
Since 2022, Brooklyn’s own Mahogany L. Browne—a prolific writer and avid advocate for public art who has held the role of Lincoln Center’s inaugural Poet-in-Residence—hosts a thought-provoking evening of spoken word, spirited conversation, poetry, and presentations of new work, presenting major poets and emerging voices on the New York literary scene. Featured artists to be announced soon!. Browne has written works of fiction, stage plays, and critical essays, edited six anthologies, and authored another half-dozen poetry collections. There are two ways to access this event: 1. General Admission, first-come first-served. Just show up! 2. Fast Track opening the Monday before the event at noon.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Sat, Mar 21
7:30 pm
Free
7:30 pm
Free
Poetry Reading | Poetry Open Mic: Share Your Work or Listen to Emerging Writers
Participants can share their original work for up to five minutes. Space is limited to 15 readers; show up on time to get a slot!
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Fri, Mar 27
5:30 pm
Free
5:30 pm
Free
Join the Club!
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Performance | Multi-Award Winners Give Insights into Careers of Iconic Artists
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Classical Music | Large Chorus Performs Gospel and More at a Landmark Venue
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