51 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Saturday, August 18, 2018
All events are free unless otherwise noted.
Duration: 11 hours. Distance: 34 miles. Starting on the Manhattan side of the Brooklyn Bridge, walk ...
more >> over every pedestrian walkway equipped bridge around the perimeter of Manhattan Borough (~34 miles). Proceed counter-clockwise around Manhattan and end with the George Washington Bridge from Manhattan into NJ. There will also be a ride on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Bring a metrocard or buy a paper ticket ($3.00) when we get there. Bring or buy lunch, water and snacks. There will be a few short breaks. Feel free to eat during the breaks or while walking. Fast-paced. Participants should be comfortable walking 3+ miles per hour for several hours.
New York City, NY; NYC
One hour of walking, stretching, and strengthening exercises. For a breath of fresh air, take your workouts ...
more >> outdoors. Parks are becoming a logical alternative environment for those who want to add variety to their workouts, or who just don't like the gym. And, it's an affordable way to increase physical activity opportunities, because there's nothing special to build. Exercise with a view, in natural sunlight, with green scenery all around bestows health benefits that can’t be found indoors. Scientific studies have shown that the pleasure of being outdoors for example gives your brain, psyche, and immune system an extra boost. Led by trained professionals, and suitable for all levels. Wear comfortable clothing and bring water. Every Saturday.
New York City, NY; NYC
8:30 am
free, no reservation required
An introduction to risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems. The class uses role-playing ...
more >> and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis; select interventions and provide initial help; and connect persons to professional, peer, social, and self-help care. The program also teaches about the risk factors and warning signs of specific illnesses like anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and addictions.
New York City, NY; NYC
9:30 am
free, reservation required
These free tours take place at various times during the day, all day long. You can make reservations ...
more >> for as many tours as your schedule allows.
SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown
Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights + DUMBO
3 Hour Lower Manhattan
Harlem
Chelsea and the High Line
6 Hour Downtown Combined
Greenwich Village
Central Park
Lower Manhattan
Midtown Manhattan
Grand Central Terminal
Graffiti and Street Art Tours
World Trade Center
New York City, NY; NYC
Paint in watercolor, or use pastels, chalk, and charcoal to capture the magical vistas of the Hudson ...
more >> River and the unique landscape. An artist/educator will help participants of all levels with instruction and critique. Art materials provided. Please note that this program is for adult participants (age 18 and up).
New York City, NY; NYC
10:00 am
free, no reservation required
Outdoor yoga classes are a great way for the entire family to stay fit! Mats will be provided for temporary ...
more >> use. Saturdays, June 16-September 1, 2018.
New York City, NY; NYC
10:00 am
free, no reservation required
Experience the joy of movement and dance. Led by dancers from the world-renowned Limón Dance Company, ...
more >> this modern dance class is now in its seventh year. Open to all levels and ages. Saturdays, June 23-September 8, 2018.
New York City, NY; NYC
10:00 am
free, no reservation required
Hear the story behind New York City's park in the sky. Guided 75-minute walking tours led by knowledgeable ...
more >> volunteer guides will offer you an insider's perspective on the park's history, design, and landscape. Tuesdays and Saturdays, June 23 -September 29, 2018.
New York City, NY; NYC
10:00 am
free, no reservation required
Free fun for the whole family, including arts, crafts, antiques, plants, entertainment, games, and more.
New York City, NY; NYC
10:00 am
free, no reservation required
Free fun for the whole family, including arts, crafts, antiques, plants, entertainment, games, and more.
New York City, NY; NYC
10:00 am
free, no reservation required
Want to flow through your chaturanga with views of NYC's future mega-neighborhood? From May through September, ...
more >> this yoga session will happen every Saturday morning. Mats and blocks for the first 20 participants.
New York City, NY; NYC
10:00 am
free, no reservation required
All her life, Ariel Levy, a writer for the New Yorker, was told that she was too fervent, too forceful, ...
more >> too much. As a young woman, she decided that becoming a writer would perfectly channel her strength and desire. Levy moved to Manhattan to pursue her dream, but when she experiences unthinkable heartbreak, Levy is forced to surrender her illusion of control. The New York Bestselling memoir The Rules Do Not Apply was named one of the Best Books of The Year by Vogue, Time, Esquire, Entertainment Weekly, The Guardian, Harper’s Bazaar, NPR. Please read the book before arriving for the book discussion.
New York City, NY; NYC
10:30 am
free, no reservation required
Veteran Donald Calliste leads you to tone and define your core, lower back, and glutes with cardio exercises ...
more >> that keep your heart rate up and fat burning. Please bring a mat.
New York City, NY; NYC
10:30 am
free, no reservation required
Take this summer's coolest walking tour with Tompkins Square Library manager Corinne Neary and street ...
more >> photographer Michael Paul. Once the most densely crowded district in America, the East Village started as a true melting pot of immigrants. It was New York City's first racially integrated neighborhood. Eastern European Jews, Germans, Italians, Irish, Greeks, Hungarians, Poles, Russians, Ukrainians, Puerto Ricans, Muslims, Indians, Koreans and Dominicans all made a new life here. Tompkins Square Park is a place where different cultures share their heritage: art, dance, food, fashion and music. After the Civil War, Tompkins Square Park was the only major open space for immigrants to gather and relax on the east side of Manhattan between Union Square and City Hall.
New York City, NY; NYC
10:30 am
free, reservation required
Learn techniques from world-renowned chess experts. Then put your new skills to the test against a grandmaster ...
more >> while they challenge 30 participants – simultaneously. Ages 6+, prior experience required. Event begins at 11:00 am sharp. Must be present the entire program to play in simul. In-person registraion starts at 10am.
New York City, NY; NYC
11:00 am
free, no reservation required
Take a guided 90-minute walking tour through the historic Wallabout neighborhood north of Myrtle Avenue ...
more >> in Brooklyn. The neighborhood - listed on the National Register of Historic Places - has a beautiful mix of pre-Civil War homes and late 19th-century industrial buildings. The walk will discuss how the neighborhood has developed since the Dutch arrived in the early 1600’s and highlight notable residents.
New York City, NY; NYC
Editor's Pick
Walk along boardwalk from Beach 116 St. towards Far Rockaway. Flat terrain, moderate pace about 4-5 hours, ...
more >> approximate distance 7.5 miles. Rain cancels. After lunch, walk back to subway station at Beach 44th street where walk will end. Drop off points with access to subway along walk route. Bring lunch, water, and bathing suit. Please allow ample time to get to Rockaway Beach due to MTA weekend subway changes,. Must call to determine walk status.
New York City, NY; NYC
It's Shape Up NYC's fun Zumba class! Colorful outfits are encouraged! Zumba is a fusion of Latin, International, ...
more >> and popular music dance themes creating a dynamic, exciting, and effective fitness system! The routines feature aerobic, fitness interval training with a combination of fast and slow rhythms that tone and sculpt the body with easy-to-follow dance steps.
New York City, NY; NYC
11:00 am
free, no reservation required
Complimentary outdoor Pilates mat classes with BK Pilates. - Wear comfortable clothing that allows for ...
more >> movement - Bring your own mat Wednesdays and Saturdays through August 29, 2018.
New York City, NY; NYC
11:00 am
free, no reservation required
The “Spirit of the Game” lives on! Enjoy drop-in, organized games of Ultimate Frisbee and learn why ...
more >> this is becoming a fast-growing sport all around the world. All levels welcome. Discs provided.
New York City, NY; NYC
11:00 am
free, no reservation required
Steeped in artistic, political and progressively social history, Greenwich Village today remains a cultural ...
more >> melting pot. The ‘Village’ has been, and remains a bohemian capitol, a center of the modern LGBT movement and one of the birthplaces of the ‘Beat’ and 60’s counter culture movements. Alongside historic landmarks the tours visit the Villages’ modern day institutions, observing where the places todays Villagers’ work, live and play, and where they maintain the sense of the unique, bizarre and beautiful bohemia we call Greenwich Village. This event takes place every Saturday from June 2 to September 29.
New York City, NY; NYC
11:30 am
free, no reservation required
Enjoy the great outdoors in a beautiful park with two days of classic jazz, brought to you by local icon ...
more >> Marjorie Eliot and Parlor Entertainment. A neighborhood tradition for over 25 years!
New York City, NY; NYC
12:00 pm
free, no reservation required
It’s not what you earn, it’s what you keep that really matters. Rick Konrad CFP®, CFA discusses ...
more >> how to minimize your tax liability in your investment decisions. Topics covered include: selecting tax efficient investments, where to locate assets, and tax loss harvesting.
New York City, NY; NYC
12:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Supportive gatherings where creative people meet, read their work, discuss craft, talk about how to improve ...
more >> and how to achieve their goals as writers.
New York City, NY; NYC
12:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Editor's Pick
In August 2015, three American tourists subdue a terrorist aboard a Thalys train headed to Paris. This ...
more >> docudrama chronicles their lifelong friendship and the numerous choices that prepared them to act quickly in the face of sudden danger. With Anthony Sadler, Alek Skarlatos, Spencer Stone, Judy Greer, Jenna Fischer. 94 min.
New York City, NY; NYC
1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Fresh from a brief stay at a psych hospital, reporter Camille Preaker faces a troubling assignment: she ...
more >> must return to her tiny hometown to cover the murders of two preteen girls. For years, Camille has hardly spoken to her neurotic, hypochondriac mother or to the half-sister she barely knows: a beautiful thirteen-year-old with an eerie grip on the town. Now, installed in her old bedroom in her family's Victorian mansion, Camille finds herself identifying with the young victims—a bit too strongly. Dogged by her own demons, she must unravel the psychological puzzle of her own past if she wants to get the story—and survive this homecoming. Gillian Flynn has published three novels, Sharp Objects, Dark Places, and Gone Girl, all three of which have been adapted for film or television. She was formerly a television critic for Entertainment Weekly
New York City, NY; NYC
1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
If you collect, read, or interested in classic Pulp magazines, join the Gotham Pulp Collectors Club. ...
more >> The group members meet once a month to talk about their favorite subject: popular fiction magazines from the first half of the 20th century. They discuss what they've been reading along with new developments in the fields of reprints, movies, TV, auctions, conventions, "New Pulp" fiction, and more.
New York City, NY; NYC
1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Richard III is a historical play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written around 1593. It ...
more >> depicts the Machiavellian rise to power and subsequent short reign of King Richard III of England. The Instant Shakespeare readings are set up to make Shakespeare accessible. The readings are usually without rehearsal, but they are on-your-feet Instant staged readings where the actors move around as much as they feel comfortable.
New York City, NY; NYC
1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Come to enjoy deep breathing with Wim Hof/Tsa Lung- inspired techniques! This program is easy to join ...
more >> as the breathing is (as always) a continuous flow. -- Learn how to warm from within -- Experience the "energy body" within minutes with e.g tingling sensations -- Improve health, avoid sickness -- Gain mood boosts -- Learn about the science on breath, the latest studies on improving immune system, from depression/anxiety to happier states Saturdays, July 14 and 21, August 4-25, 2018.
New York City, NY; NYC
1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Editor's Pick
Collaborative Arts Ensemble performs works by Southern United States composers, traditional pieces and ...
more >> more. Program Traditional Shenandoah Samuel Barber (1910-1981) Excursions, Op. 20, No. 1 Henry Mancini (1924-1994) Moon River Paul Schoenfield (b. 1947) Four Souvenirs: For Violin and Piano Charles Ives (1874-1954) Memories Johnny Cash (1932-2003) Orange Blossom Special Aaron Copland (1900-1990) The Boatman’s Dance from Old American Songs Stephen Foster (1826-1884) Beautiful Dreamer Traditional (Arr. MaMuse) Hallelujah Hoagy Carmichael (1899-1981) Georgia on my Mind Stephen Foster (1826-1864) Hard Times Come Again No More About the Performers Collaborative Arts Ensemble was founded in 2017 as a way to promote social understanding in the world. This fall, CAE will become the ensemble-in-residence at Blessed Sacrament Church. The members are: Thomas West, baritone; Jocelyn Zhu, violin; Matthew Maimone, piano.
New York City, NY; NYC
1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
A lawyer's family is stalked by a man he once helped put in jail. Directed by J. Lee Thompson. Starring ...
more >> Gregory Peck, Robert Mitchum, Polly Bergen. 105 min.
New York City, NY; NYC
2:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Lara Croft, the fiercely independent daughter of a missing adventurer, must push herself beyond her limits ...
more >> when she discovers the island where her father disappeared. Director: Roar Uthaug. Starring Alicia Vikander, Dominic West, and Walton Goggins. 118 min.
New York City, NY; NYC
2:00 pm
free, no reservation required
A story of a ruthless femme-fatale who steals a suitcase of $60,000. Directed by Byron Haskin. Starring ...
more >> Lizabeth Scott, Don DeFore, Dan Duryea and Arthur Kennedy. 102 min.
New York City, NY; NYC
2:00 pm
free, no reservation required
The 19th annual Blues BBQ Festival returns for a day filled with smoky goodness and great music. Join ...
more >> local pit powerhouses like Mighty Quinn’s, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que and Pig Beach fire up their smokers while you take in live blues and roots performances. Line Up: 2:30pm - The Slam Allen Band 3:15pm - Danielle Nicole 4:30pm - Welch-Ledbetter Connection 6:00pm - Dawn Tyler Watson 7:30pm - Vieux Farka Touré
New York City, NY; NYC
2:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Attendees will discover the value of their own stories. Registration is required. Participants are ...
more >> requested to commit to attending all sessions if possible. Upcoming dates: 08/25, 09/08, 09/15.
New York City, NY; NYC
2:00 pm
free, reservation required
Editor's Pick
From one of China's most nuanced cinematic voices comes a charming tale set into motion by a disastrous ...
more >> encounter: A mysterious woman Ling Ling crashes into delivery man Dabing. While in custody, Ling Ling asks Dabing to go to her home and feed her fish; while there, Dabing discovers an astonishing diary. In its pages he reads stories of a little girl's passion for the movies, which re-ignites his own longing for the days when the cinema enchanted China's masses. Directed by Jiang Xiao. 96 min.
New York City, NY; NYC
2:00 pm
free, no reservation required
An introduction to some of the southern Park highlights, including Grand Army Plaza, the Pond, Gapstow ...
more >> Bridge, Wollman Rink, Chess and Checkers House, and the Dairy.
New York City, NY; NYC
2:00 pm
free, no reservation required
A series of talks about Mae West: 12:00 pm: Mae’s Early Life, Career, and Vaudeville by Trav S.D., ...
more >> writer and performer; best known for critically-acclaimed “No Applause, Just Throw Money: The Book That Made Vaudeville Famous” and the blog “Travalanche.” 1:00 pm: Mae and Broadway by John Calhoun, librarian, New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. 2:00 pm: Mae and Race by Chicava Honeychild, scholar, actress, proprietress of Brown Girls Burlesque, and artist in residence at Joe’s Pub at the Public Theater. 3:00 pm: Mae and Spiritualism by Kathy Biehl, scholar, actress, freelance writer, and certified, award-winning psychic and astrologer. 4:00 pm: Rebel Mae West, a panel discussion moderated by Grady Turner, curator of “Bare! True Stories of Sex Desire and Romance;” featuring Dirty Martini, the international burlesque sensation; Elyse Singer, CUNY teaching fellow, artistic director of Hourglass Group, and director of the critically-acclaimed 1999 revival of West’s “Sex;” as well as speakers Trav S.D., John Calhoun, Chicava Honeychild, and Kathy Biehl.
New York City, NY; NYC
2:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Editor's Pick
Cellist Louise Dubin and pianist Spencer Myer will perform works by Debussy (1862-1918), Koechlin (1867-1950), ...
more >> Franchomme (1808-1884), Mendelssohn (1809-1847), Chopin (1810 - 1849), Martinu (1890-1959), Glazunov (1865-1936), and Liszt (1811-1886). Described as an "artist of refined taste and musicianship" by The Strad Magazine cellist Louise Dubin’s performances take her throughout the US and Europe. Recent appearances include her cello recitals at the American Cathedral in Paris, her VioloncellenSeine 2016 performances at Salle Gaveau and CRR in Paris and more. She has also appeared as soloist at Bargemusic, Caramoor and Piccolo Spoleto among others. Lauded for "superb playing" and "poised, alert musicianship" by the Boston Globe, and labeled "definitely a man to watch" by London's The Independent, pianist Spencer Myer has performed with the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra, Arizona’s Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra and Colorado’s Grand Junction and more.
New York City, NY; NYC
2:30 pm
free, no reservation required
3:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Norte Maar’s Dance returns for its 6th season bringing dancemakers and their companies to a main stage ...
more >> set on the East River waterfront. Norte Maar are renowned for their cross-disciplinary collaborative projects, to present this choreographic residency in the Park dedicated to the creation and presentation of dance.
New York City, NY; NYC
4:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Classical music on a boat with an intimate and romantic setting and beautiful view of New York City. ...
more >> Program and musicians TBA. Doors open at 3:45 pm.
New York City, NY; NYC
4:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Emerging Music Festival returns for its fourth year with rising New York-based bands performing on one ...
more >> of the biggest stages of their young careers. Thousands of music lovers pack the park lawn for the city’s best new music, including indie rock, soul, R&B, singer-songwriter, and more.
New York City, NY; NYC
4:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Pape Diouf, who’s been dubbed “the future of Senegalese music” by the legendary Youssou N’Dour, ...
more >> has been making hit records since the mid-1990s. His dynamic music, which melds traditions of dance and mbalax, will be performed with his band La Génération Consciente. Featuring pre show African Drums Workshop and The Big Good Wolf performance from the CityParks PuppetMobile, 4pm.
New York City, NY; NYC
4:00 pm
free, no reservation required
R&B superstar Eric Benet and other top headlining artists perform to close stage activity for the day.
New York City, NY; NYC
4:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Editor's Pick
Hone your observational skills while recording the bustle in one of New York City’s most iconic locations. ...
more >> You may work in any medium you choose, including graphite, charcoal, pastel or pen and ink. Please keep in mind you’ll be drawing on the go. Hardcover sketchbooks or drawing boards are recommended.
New York City, NY; NYC
Editor's Pick
The 37th Annual Battery Dance Festival features the unique appearances of two international companies: ...
more >> Skopje Dance Theater from Macedonia, and Mophato Dance Theatre from Botswana. In addition, Battery Dance will perform a classic from its repertoire, "Secrets of the Paving Stones."
New York City, NY; NYC
Shakespeare's troubled prince in an outdoor production. Directed by George K. Wells Thursdays-Sundays; ...
more >> August 2-26, 2018.
New York City, NY; NYC
6:30 pm
Pay-what-you-can admission policy
Professor Ann Travers offers a rare look into the lives of transgender children in a groundbreaking new ...
more >> study. Travers spent five years interviewing trans and gender non-conforming children between the ages 4 and 20 who come from diverse economic and racial backgrounds. Hear in their own voices how these children deal with being teased, bullied, and discriminated against at school, by the healthcare system, the courts, their communities, and in public spaces.
New York City, NY; NYC
7:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Professional artists and two rotating ensembles of community members from all five boroughs will perform ...
more >> together on the Delacorte stage in this enchanting comedy about Viola (Nikki M. James), a young heroine who washes up on the shores of Illyria, disguises herself as a man, is sent to court a countess, and falls in love with a Duke. Featuring music and lyrics by critically-acclaimed songwriter Shaina Taub, this very special Twelfth Night is a unique partnership between two Public Theater programs that exemplify The Public’s commitment to radical inclusion. Oskar Eustis, The Public’s Artistic Director, and Kwame Kwei-Armah, incoming Artistic Director of London’s Young Vic, helm this unforgettable musical about love in all its many disguises.
New York City, NY; NYC
8:00 pm
Free tickets required...
When a pilot crashes and tells of conflict in the outside world, Diana, an Amazonian warrior in training, ...
more >> leaves home to fight a war, discovering her full powers and true destiny. 141 min. Director: Patty Jenkins You should arrive before 7:30 p.m. to get your spot. Feel free to bring a blanket to sit on; there will be a limited supply of chairs available. Bottled waters are OK, but no glass.
New York City, NY; NYC
8:00 pm
free, no reservation required