- ABOUT
- CONTACT
- FAQ
- REVIEWS
- GIVE A GIFT OF CFT!
-
Join the Club!
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!
49 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Friday, April 3, 2026
All events are free unless otherwise noted.Editor's Picks
Museums | Design Museum and Sculpture Garden
The museum was designed and created in 1980's by one of the twentieth century's most important landscape architects and designers. It serves to preserve the legacy of the artist by showcasing his creations: sculptures, furniture pieces, lighting designs, ceramics, architecture, and more.
Queens, New York, NY
Join the Club!
10:00 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
Join the Club!
10:00 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. 2 pm: guided tour.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
11:00 am
free, reservation required
free, reservation required
Museums | Design Museum and Sculpture Garden
The museum was designed and created in 1980's by one of the twentieth century's most important landscape architects and designers. It serves to preserve the legacy of the artist by showcasing his creations: sculptures, furniture pieces, lighting designs, ceramics, architecture, and more.
Queens, New York, NY
Join the Club!
11:00 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Lecture | Expert Shares Her Research on "Precarious Employment"
At this talk, Dr. Wen-Jui Han will present research related to precarious employment that points to a trap impacting low-income and marginalized communities. Since the 1980s, the global labor market -- including the U.S. -- has shifted toward precarious employment, characterized by instability, volatility, and unpredictability. Although such work is often portrayed as a temporary "stepping stone," longitudinal research spanning three decades reveals a different reality: for many workers, precarious employment becomes a permanent trap with serious health consequences that emerge in midlife and persist into later adulthood.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
11:00 am
free, registration required
free, registration required
Workshop | Mat Pilates (Beginners Welcome!)
Sweet Water Dance & Yoga leads a session of mat pilates, a strengthening and lengthening exercise that focuses on conditioning your core muscles while also training your arms and legs. This class incorporates key Pilates principles such as postural alignment, breathing, strength, controlled movement, and flexibility. This class is perfect for beginners but intermediate and advanced movers will also benefit. Bring your own mat.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
11:00 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Workshop | Learn to Juggle, All Skill Levels Welcome
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
Join the Club!
12:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Workshop | Somatic Practice & Guided Discussion on Radical Attention
Participate in a workshop inspired by Black Mountain College (which was ideologically organized around John Dewey's educational philosophy, which emphasized holistic learning and the study of art as central to a liberal arts education), engaging with the idea of radical attention through somatic practice and guided discussion.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
12:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Classical Music | Afternoon Bach
Take a momentary respite from a busy day to enjoy a selection of organ works by Johann Sebastian Bach in an intimate venue.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
12:20 pm
Free
Free
Film | Jesus Christ Superstar (1973): Musical Biblical Drama Film
Film version of the musical stage play, presenting the last few weeks of Christ's life told in an anachronistic manner. Director: Norman Jewison Cast: Ted Neeley, Carl Anderson, Yvonne Elliman, Barry Dennen
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Jazz | Lunchtime Tunes
Featuring Columbia students playing jazz music.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
1:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration 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
Join the Club!
1:30 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Film | Hamnet (2025): Historical Drama with Star-Studded Cast
Agnes Shakespeare - the wife of the world's most famous writer - struggles to come to terms with the loss of her only son, Hamnet. Director: Chloe Zhao Cast: Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, Emily Watson, Joe Alwyn
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
2:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Film | The Blue Caftan (2022): Moroccan Drama Film
Halim and Mina run a traditional caftan store in one of Morocco's oldest medinas. In order to keep up with demanding customers, they hire a talented young man as an apprentice. Mina slowly realizes just how much her husband is moved by his presence. Director: Maryam Touzani Cast: Lubna Azabal, Saleh Bakri, Ayoub Missioui In Arabic with English subtitles.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
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
Join the Club!
2:00 pm
free, 1 drink...
free, 1 drink...
Master Class | Learnt he Ins & Outs of Great Harp Performance
Award-winning harpist Sivan Magen imparts the skills and techniques for harp mastery.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
2:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Gallery Talk | Expert Insights into Heroes Tapestries
Celebrate the recent conservation treatment of the Julius Caesar tapestry from the Nine Heroes Tapestries by joining a talk to learn about the history and conservation of these unique textile works.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
3:00 pm
free with museum...
free with museum...
Classical Music | Flute Works by J.S. Bach, Couperin, Schubert, & More (In Person AND Online!)
Evan Fraser, historical flutes. Program: J.S. Bach (1685-1750) Sonata in E Minor for Flute and Basso Continuo, BWV 1034 Francois Couperin (1668-1733) Selections from Concerts Royaux and Les Gouts-Reunis Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767) Fantasia No. 8 in E Minor Giovanni Benedetto Platti (1697-1763) Sonata in E Minor for Flute and Basso Continuo, Op. 3 No. 3 J.S. Bach (1685-1750) Sonata in E Major for Flute and Basso Continuo, BWV 1035 Francois Couperin (1668-1733) Selections from Concerts Royaux and Les Gouts-Reunis Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767) Fantasia No. 9 in E Major Pietro Locatelli (1695-1764) Sonata for Flute and Basso Continuo, Op. 2 No. 5 Franz Schubert (1797-1828) Introduction and Variations on an Original Theme for Piano and Flute, Op. 160
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
3:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Workshop | Play Chess
Sharpen your mind, meet new people, and enjoy this timeless game. Chess sets and timers are provided. Adults only.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
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
Join the Club!
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
Join the Club!
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
Join the Club!
5:00 pm
free, tickets required
free, tickets required
Museums | Japanese Art and Culture
The gallery showcases both traditional and contemporary Japanese art, including amine designs and theatrical production elements that evolved in the 17th century.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
5:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Author Reading | Literary Journal Launch: West 10th
Readings by student contributors to the 2025–2026 edition of West 10th, the NYU Creative Writing Program’s undergraduate literary journal.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
5:00 pm
free, RSVP required
free, RSVP required
Workshop | Somatic Practice & Guided Discussion Inspired by Darryl Raven
Participate in a workshop inspired by pedagogical thinker Darryl Raven, engaging with the idea of radical attention through somatic practice and guided discussion.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
5:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Birdwatching | Woodcock Evening Birdwatching
The American woodcock is a regular visitor to NYC in March and early April; enjoy an off-season birding tour to celebrate these unique birds. Attend an after-work walk with guide Gabriel Willow, and learn about the wonderful worm-eaters who make the park their springtime home-away-from-home.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
5:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Museums | Art & Jazz After Hours at a Magnificent Museum
Enjoy an evening of art and jaz!. Explore galleries and special exhibitions after hours, grab a drink at the cafe or coffee bar, and enjoy exciting talks, live Jazz, and more. Internationally recognized as a premier museum and research center, this institution is known for its distinguished Old Master paintings and outstanding examples of European sculpture and decorative arts. Experience the collections in a relaxed, social atmosphere unlike any other time of day.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
5:30 pm
free, registration required...
free, registration required...
Film | Cello Works by Clara Schumann, Robert Schumann, & Johann Brahms (In Person AND Online!)
Angeline Kiang, cello. Program: Clara Schumann (1819–1896) 3 Romances, Op. 22 Johann Brahms (1833-1897) Cello Sonata No. 1 in E Minor, Op. 38 Robert Schumann (1810-1856) Cello Concerto in A Minor, Op. 129
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
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
Join the Club!
5:30 pm
free for New...
free for New...
Classical Music | Violin Works by Brahms & Others (In Person AND Online!)
Nayoung Choi, violin. Program: Ernest Chausson (1855-1899) Poème, Op. 25 Johann Brahms (1833-1897) Violin Sonata No. 3 in D Minor, Op. 108 Franz Waxman (1906-1967) Carmen Fantasy
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
5:30 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Lecture | Art & Exile: The Early Work of Author Peter Weiss
Join distinguished Scholar Frederic Schwartz for a talk exploring the early artistic and literary career of German author Peter Weiss. Focusing on his beginnings as a painter and his first writings in Swedish during exile, this lecture reveals how visual art and displacement shaped his later politically engaged work.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
6:00 pm
free with museum...
free with museum...
Workshop | Drop in Drawing with Expert Teaching Artists
Experience a collection of work through creative drawing challenges with expert teaching artists. In this special gallery session, draw inspiration from the art around you with live music by harpist Deanna Cirielli in the Musical Instrument galleries. Materials are provided, but it is advised to bring your own sketchbook. Demonstrations repeat every 40 minutes for visitors of all ages. Note: Only pencils are allowed in the galleries.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
6:00 pm
free with museum...
free with museum...
Gallery Talk | Exploring Belonging Between Canvas and the Page
Artist Robin F. Williams and novelist Ottessa Moshfegh come together for a discussion on displacement, memory, and the boundaries of language. Williams’ paintings delve into raw psychological states, while Moshfegh’s fiction, inspired by her family’s migration from Europe and Iran to the U.S., examines alienation and the silence of inherited trauma. Their conversation connects visual and literary approaches to expressing fear and seeking belonging.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
6:00 pm
free, reservation required...
free, reservation required...
Classical Music | Piano Works by Faure & Robert Schumann
Tanner Jorden, piano. Program: Gabriel Faure (1845-1924) Nocturne No. 6 in D-flat Major, Op. 63 Robert Schumann (1810-1856) Piano Sonata No. 1 in F-sharp Minor, Op. 11
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
6:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Jazz | Prize-Winning Vocal Artist Julia Danielle Takes the Stage
Hear music performed by Julia Danielle, a dynamic vocalist, arranger, and educator. Winner of the 2022 International Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition, Julia has performed at notable venues and festivals, including Blues Alley Jazz Club, Chris’ Jazz Café, Winter’s Jazz Club, and The Jazz Showcase. Her debut album, released in November 2024, has been praised for its fresh sound and unique interpretation. Currently pursuing a Master of Music in Jazz Studies at The Juilliard School, she continues to refine her artistry while collaborating with celebrated jazz artists such as Gerald Cannon, Kenny Washington, Marc Cary, Isaiah J. Thompson, and Charanee Wade.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
6:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Open Studios | See Photographic Works-in-Progress & Meet the Artists
Parsons MFA Photography is thrilled to welcome members of the public to an open studio session. Our vibrant community of graduate students will open their creative spaces and be available to answer questions and discuss their work. Open Studios provides a rare opportunity to view works in progress and meet these artists in an informal setting. Visitors will gain insight into the diverse practices within our studio art program that embraces interdisciplinary experimentation, intellectual rigor, and innovation.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
6:00 pm
free, RSVP required
free, RSVP required
Performance | South Indian Poetry with Classical Carnatic Ragas
Enjoy this multimodal performance pairing iconic South Indian poetry with classical Carnatic ragas to evoke in the listener the "rasa" or emotive essence of the poems. Serving as the essential framework of Indian classical music, ragas create a vivid emotional journey for listeners. In this performance, Vignesh Ravichandran and ensemble pair iconic South Indian poetry with classical Carnatic ragas to evoke in the listener the rasa or emotive essence of the poems. Compositions that are tuned to poetry span a vast tapestry of experience, from sacred chants and vibrant folk melodies to love poetry, poetry with a philosophical message, community anthems, and oppari, the poignant songs that celebrate a life after it has passed. The repertoire will include a varied selection, including traditional *Keerthanais, stanzas from the spiritual treatise of Tiruppavai, more emotive genres like *Padams & Javalis and playful folk melodies. Experience poetry and music infusing and transforming one another.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
6:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Concert | World-Renowned Multi-Instrumentalists & Vocalists
Jerron Paxton (formerly "Blind Boy" Paxton) and Dennis Lichtman are world-renowned multi-instrumentalists and vocalists whose musical friendship has grown organically in New York City for more than a decade. Their mutual love of the history, stories, and significance behind the music they play is apparent as they romp through an energetic and engaging set of acoustic blues, ragtime, Tin Pan Alley pop songs, 1920s jazz, twin fiddle hoe-downs, and original songs and compositions.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
6:30 pm
free, RSVP required
free, RSVP required
Book Discussion | Celebrate the Release of Chinatown Basketball Club's Floater: Blurring Basketball Lines
Enjoy a book talk and signing with Herb Tan in conversation with Eugene Kim on Floater: Blurring Basketball Lines. In this book, Chinatown Basketball Club celebrates its past 5 years (2019-2024) unique blend of competitive basketball and aesthetic experimentation, with essays contributed by Herb Tam, Lu Zhang, Reef (Harith Liew), Sean Catangui, Alex Zhang, Chiarina Chen and Dustin Lin.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
7:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Classical Music | Choral Works by J.S. Bach & More (In Person AND Online!)
Holy Trinity Music Director Austin Philemon conducts the intimate St. John Passion by Heinrich Schutz in a dramatic service featuring an octet of a cappella voices from the Bach Vespers Choir. Program: J.S. Bach (1685-1750) Furchte dich nicht, BWV 227 Heinrich Schutz (1585-1672) St. John Passion
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
7:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Classical Music | Musical Dialogue: From Raw Intimacy to Symphonic Exuberance -- Mozart & More
The New York Classical Players perform a program exploring the evolution of musical dialogue. The journey begins with Erwin Schulhoff's Duo for Violin and Cello, where folk energy meets the edgy defiance of 1920s modernism, followed by the timeless clarity and lyrical poise of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Kegelstatt Trio. The evening culminates in Erno Dohnanyi's Sextet in C Major, a "mini-orchestral" masterwork that masterfully bridges late-Romantic passion with the witty, jazz-inflected spirit of a new era.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
7:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Comedy Club | Stand-Up Comedy and Live Music Variety Show
This monthly variety show features performances by Menuhin Hart, Dave Lester, Troy Alan, Tracey Starin & Deandra Anjahlee. The show provides a lively mix of stand-up, variety acts, and music. Note: No cover and no minimum; performers are subject to change.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
7:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Musical | Into the Woods: Fairytale Musical from Stephen Sondheim
What begins as a familiar journey through the tales of Cinderella, Jack, Little Red Riding Hood, and the Baker and his Wife soon unravels into something deeper: an examination of choice, responsibility, and the fragile truth behind “happily ever after.” As decisions are made and consequences collide, Into the Woods reveals the true cost of getting what you wish. Book: James Lapine Music & Lyrics: Stephen Sondheim Director: Brennan Urbi Cast: Sean Sekino, Jules Alati, Paula Figueroa Caunedo, Chris Tucker, Anabella Oddo, Alice Conroy, Nora Hurley, Ma (Amanda) C. Gomes, Emmett Pryor, Ry Albinus, Lance Avery Brown, Matte Kranz
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
7:30 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Jazz | Jazz Orchestra Evening
Manhattan School of Music's Jazz Orchestra performs A Banquet for the Birds and other works composed and arranged by Darcy James Argue.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
7:30 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Jazz | Original Jazz Orchestra by Prize-Winning Composer & Performer
Enjoy a performance by Seulah Noh (2015 CJ-Berklee Talent Scholarship and 2019 CJ Music Scholarship for Post-Graduates recipient), a pianist, composer, and conductor whose artistic journey spans classical training, musical theater, and the world of large-ensemble jazz. The program draws primarily from her critically acclaimed debut album, NohMAD, performed by the Seulah Noh Jazz Orchestra. The program moves fluidly between composition and improvisation, weaving together classical influences and the rich tradition of big band jazz into a sound that is sophisticated, emotionally vivid, and entirely her own.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
7:30 pm
free, RSVP required
free, RSVP required
Concert | Ring Shout with the McIntosh County Shouters
Hear a concert from the McIntosh County Shouters, principal exponents--and one of the last active practitioners--of the ring shout, one of the oldest African American performance traditions surviving in America. Their performances weave call-and-response singing, hand clapping, a stick beat on the floor, and a signature counterclockwise dance.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
7:30 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Dance Performance | Well-Known NYC Dance Company
Second Avenue Dance Company members perform their April concert.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
7:30 pm
free, RSVP required
free, RSVP required
Classical Music | Piano Works by Scriabin & More (In Person AND Online!)
Heting Xia, piano. Program: Heting Xia Prelude in G Major Alexander Scriabin (1872-1915) Piano Sonata No. 6, Op. 62 Heting Xia Variations on a Chinese Theme, “Gongxi Gongxi” (Congratulations) Alexander Scriabin (1872-1915) Piano Sonata No. 7, Op. 64 Heting Xia Fantaisie for Flute and Piano
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
8:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Cabaret | Indie-pop and Theater Music: Storytelling and Flirty Debauchery
Ellen Winter, co-composer of 36 Questions and bandleader of The Beastiary, Cold War Choir Practice, Hurricane Diane, and her band weave together a night blending genre, storytelling, and flirty debauchery. Selections include songs from her albums YIKES, Every Feeling I’ve Ever Felt, and a Sondheim song (or three) thrown in. Ellen will be joined by fellow weirdos of the Broadway, off-Broadway, and music-making-in-a-gay-kind-of-way communities. Featuring: Tsebiyah Mishael Derry (SKiNFoLK: An American Show, Collective Rage); Morgan Siobhan Green (Be More Chill, White Girl In Danger); Kat Rodriguez; Nina Ross; Jessie Shelton (Hadestown, 36 Questions); Jae W.B. (Bruise & Thorn)
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
9:30 pm
Pay-what-you-wish, tickets required
Pay-what-you-wish, tickets required
Join the Club!
Complimentary Tickets
to shows, concerts ... (CFT Deals!)
Classical Music | J.S. Bach and Beethoven by Prominent Orchestra
Regular Price: $30CFT Member Price: $0.00
Today's Events
All 887 Events
Free Events This Week
Free Events This Weekend
Contact FAQ Reviews About Terms of Use Privacy Policy
All events are free unless otherwise stated. All programs subject to change. Please confirm before going.Contact FAQ Reviews About Terms of Use Privacy Policy
© Copyright Club Free Time. All rights reserved.