free things to do in New York City
Free events for Thursday, 08/05/21
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Free Events, Free Things to Do in New York City!  Read More

Are you looking for free things to do in New York City (NYC) on August 5, 2021?

31 free events take place on Thursday, August 5 in New York City. Don't miss the opportunities that only New York provides! Exciting, high quality, unique and off the beaten path free events and free things to do take place in New York today, tonight, tomorrow and each day of the year, any time of the day: whether it's a weekday or a weekend, day or night, morning or evening or afternoon, December or July, April or November! These events will take your breath away!

New York City (NYC) never ceases to amaze you with quantity and quality of its free culture and free entertainment. Check out August 5 and see for yourself. Summer or Winter, Spring or Fall! Just click on any day of the calendar above and you'll find most inspiring and entertaining free events to go to and free things to do on each day of August . Don't miss the opportunities that only New York provides!

Some events take place all year long: same day of the week, same time there are there for you to take advantage of. One of the oldest free weekly events in Manhattan is Dixieland Jazz with the Gotham Jazzmen, which happen at noon every Tuesday. Another example of an event that you can attend all year round on weekdays is Federal Reserve Bank Tour, which takes place every week day at 1 pm (but advanced reservations are required). You can take at least 13 free tours every day of the year, except the New Year Day, July 4th, and the Christmas Day. If you are classical music afficionado, you can spend whole day in New York going from one free classical concert to another. If you love theater, then New York gives you an option to attend plays and musicals free of charge, or at deep discount. You just need to have information about it. And we are here to make that information available to you.
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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!

31 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Thursday, August 5, 2021

All events are free unless otherwise noted.
        

Workshop | Tai Chi in Midtown


Learn and master this Chinese martial art for health and self-defense. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:30am-8:30am through Aug 31. All ages and levels are welcome. Classes are rain or shine. Please maintain six feet of social distance and wear a mask.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 am
Free

Workshop | Park Yoga


Get your yoga on in this summer with Now Yoga. Breathe, move, and stretch. This is an open-level vinyasa class, all are welcome. Bring your own yoga mat, and they recommend a bottle of water. Thursdays, July 22-September 23, 2021
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:30 am
Free

Discussion | Art for an Equitable Cannabis Industry (virtual)


Bee Harris and Lanese Martin in a conversation on the art of the Cannabis Justice Now campaign. While drug reform was a central issue of Hunter S. Thomspon’s 1969 Freak Power campaign, it still remains at the forefront of civic discourse. How has society’s perception of marijuana evolved over the past 40 years? What drugs should be decriminalized? 
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Cooking with Summer Stone Fruit (virtual)


A hands-on, behind-the-scenes view of the creation of The Open Orchard, a future public orchard containing 100 trees and hundreds of rare and heirloom varieties once grown in the NYC region, but which have disappeared due to climate change and industrial agriculture. Geared toward anyone who might wish grow and harvest heirloom stone fruit in their yard or community garden, this webinar will cover ideas and recipes for enjoying summer's bounty. Facilitated by Sam Van Aken.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free

Slide Lecture | Diana Ross 1983 Central Park Concert: Music History (Zoom)


Travel back in time to New York City in July 1983 to hear some of the amazing songs Diana Ross performed during her two concerts in Central Park. The program will include a brief introductory overview of Diana's inspiring life growing up in Detroit and her career with The Supremes and as a solo artist with Motown Records. Then you will watch several of the thirty songs she performed in Central Park over two nights (the initial July 21 concert was rained out but Diana returned the following night, July 22). There will also be an opportunity to discuss the music with other participants via Zoom.
   New York City, NY; NYC
12:00 pm
Free

Discussion | Inclusive Learning & Civic Engagement: Lessons from Helsinki and New York (virtual)


A conversation with Brian Bannon, chief librarian of the NYPL and Tommy Laitio of the City of Helsinki. They will explore the library systems and philosophies of learning, access, and civic engagement in Helsinki and New York. Shannon Mattern will moderate.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free

Tour | Rockaway Ferry Tour (virtual)


A virtual boat tour as they cruise the Lower New York Bay. Pick up the ferry in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, then make your way under the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, past Coney Island, and down to the Rockaways. Along the way, discuss the forts and islands that used to protect the harbor, the history of recreation along the city’s Atlantic seaboard, and the rich aquatic life of Jamaica Bay and the New York Bight. At the end of the tour, take a walk across the Rockaway Peninsula and virtually stroll along the beach.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
$5

Book Discussion | 2 New Books on Finance


Financial journalist William Green, author of Richer, Wiser, Happier: How the World's Greatest Investors Win in Markets and Life and Joyce Marter, author of The Financial Mindset Fix: A Mental Fitness Program for an Abundant Life discuss their books. Books are available for purchase at the event and for signing by the author. Stick around for a Q&A.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free

Opening Reception | Social Photography IX: Show of Cellphone Pictures


Now in its ninth year, Social Photography brings together cell phone pictures of participants from a wide range of disciplines, generations, and places. In the spirit of broad access to cell phone image making technology, the emphasis of the project leans toward sensibility and the anecdotal over skill and mastery of the medium of photography. Taking advantage of technologies that allow for images to be sent from anywhere, which are then formatted, printed, and displayed in an in-person exhibition at carriage trade, the range of participants in Social Photography reflect both the gallery’s community in Lower Manhattan as well as those associated with it in other parts of the world. Linking the virtual with the physical through an online display that is then presented in print form, Social Photography IX might be seen as a counterpoint to the increased placelessness of remote exchanges normalized in the pandemic-era.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free

Author Reading | Radicalizing Her: Why Women Choose Violence (virtual)


Activist, writer, and scholar Nimmi Gowrinathan presents her compelling new book. Though the female fighter is often seen as an anomaly, women make up nearly 30% of militant movements worldwide. Historically, these women—viewed as victims, weak-willed wives, and prey to Stockholm Syndrome—have been deeply misunderstood. Link to register for this event: 
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free

Workshop | Amp'd Workout


Hit the grass and push your body to new limits in this class that combines bodyweight strength and cardio, challenging both your energy systems and motor control. This class is open to all levels. Thursdays, May 6-October 28, 2021 Registration opens every Tuesday at 10:00am for classes the following week.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Dance Lesson | Dance the Moroccan Chaabi


The host of an Emmy-winning travel series brings some of her favorite dances. Enjoy a cultural journey through music and dance. Everyone is welcome to join on the dance floor. Moroccan chaabi is an exclusive dance experience exploring one of North Africa’s popular traditional dances. Chaabi means ‘of people’ and represents the culture, voice and spirit of the people. While this dance has some similarities to Middle Eastern belly dance movements like shimmying the hips and waist, Chaabi is decidedly African. Set to the sounds of live percussion, as is common with African-rooted dance traditions, Moroccan Chaabi is body positive, women-centered, improvisational and communal.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Dance Lesson | Midtown Dance: Salsa and Social Dancing


Enjoy an outdoor salsa class in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Each week, participants will learn from New York City's most eclectic salsa instructors. Then, show off your moves on the dance floor with a full hour of social dancing. Check-in begins at 5:45PM. Dance instruction begins at 6PM. Social Dancing begins at 7PM. Participants are welcome to bring their own partner, continue to dance solo, or dance with someone new. Participants will be given stickers to indicate their preferences. Thursdays, July1-August 26, 2021
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Concert | Piano Concert Outdoors


Piano concert series, showcasing ragtime, stride, and jazz pianists. Today: A former student of jazz legend Kenny Barron, Victor Lin is happy to have been a part of the series since it began in 2004. As both a pianist and a violinist, Victor has performed at venues throughout NYC such as The Blue Note, Flushing Town Hall, The Asia Society, and The Knickerbocker. Victor is currently an instructor at Columbia University and the director of the jazz department at The Calhoun School on the upper west side of Manhattan, where he has taught for the last 15 years.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Discussion | Winds of Change: A Conversation on Art and Our Changing Climate (virtual)


A conversation on relationships to the land past, present, and future, exploring the implications of global environmental crises Weathervanes are indicators of the wind’s direction, designed to enliven the skyline and help predict what the weather will be. As weather patterns become increasingly erratic and extreme due to our warming climate, they become ever more difficult to predict and prepare for. This interdisciplinary conversation, inspired by current exhibition American Weathervanes, brings together scholars, artists, activists, and a policymaker for an intersectional dialogue around art and environmentalism. Through the varied lenses of those who study, depict, and work in nature, this conversation will explore relationships to the land past, present, and future, consider the implications of global environmental crises and share strategies for sustainability and visions for the future.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Play | The Count of Monte Cristo: Adaptation of Dumas' Classic Novel


The Count Of Monte Cristo is one of the greatest tales of betrayal, adventure, and revenge the world has ever known. When the dashing and guileless Edmond Dantes is betrayed by his best friend and wrongly imprisoned, he becomes consumed by thoughts of vengeance. After a miraculous escape, he transforms himself into the mysterious and wealthy Count of Monte Cristo, insinuates himself into the French nobility, and puts his cunning plan of revenge in action. Directed by Nicholas Martin-Smith Written by Susane Lee, adapted from the novel by Alexandre Dumas. July 29th - August 22nd, Thur through Sun at 6:30 pm.
   New York City, NY; NYC
6:30 pm
Pay what you...

Classical Music | Grammy-Nominated String Quartet


PUBLIQuartet presents genre-bending programs ranging from 20th century masterworks to newly commissioned pieces.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free

Workshop | Run Club


Meet to run, walk and jog along the stunning waterfront. All levels welcome. Thursdays, June 17-September 30, 2021.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free

Play | Dark Disabled Stories: Stirring Vignettes about Navigating NYC


What do a crosstown bus, a bathroom stall, and Gramercy Park have in common? Not very much. But they're all places where writer and performer Ryan J. Haddad must face the messy contradictions of his proudly disabled life. There's not always a punchline, and the truth is often more complicated than the empowered narratives we create for ourselves. Haddad's newest autobiographical play is a series of stirring vignettes about the strangers he encounters while navigating a city (and a world) not built for his walker and cerebral palsy. By turns raunchy, hilarious, and unforgiving, the play probes implicit ableism and the assumptions we make about people we'll never really know. Please note: They recommend arriving 20 minutes before the performance, and will begin seating standby guests 5 minutes before start time. While they'll do their best to accommodate as many guests as possible, they cannot guarantee admission.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Play | King Lear -- with a Happy Ending


This version of King Lear by William Shakespeare will employ Nahum Tate's 1681 "happy ending." The original source material for King Lear wasn't a tragedy! Tate's adaptation--which lets our well-meaning royal live and let live--was performed almost exclusively until the 1840s. Performed by New York Classical Theatre. For your safety, the in-person performances will have limited attendance based on the NYC Department of Parks & Rec guidelines.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Concert | Guitarist Who Has Played with Britney Spears, and Keb Mo


Zach Comtois is a performing and recording guitar player who has been called "one bad motor-scooter" by Grammy-winning blues artist Keb Mo. He has played stages all around the world in front of hundreds of thousands of fans since 2006 with artists like Britney Spears, Keb Mo, and Jesse Ruben.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:00 pm
Free

Dance Performance | Mexican Dance Festival


This company performs selections from its stories celebrating summer, life, and the Mexican community. Calpulli will offer a pre-show workshop with dance and music at 4pm. Then the company of musicians and dancers take the stage with the movement, costuming, and joy in a show for the entire family. Aug. 5-7, 2021
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Concert | Outdoor Live Concert with Traditional Hindu Music


Hailed as "leaders of the raga renaissance" by The New Yorker and praised by The New York Times for "preserving the past while blurring genres in an inventive spirit," this band curates and presents over 70 concerts annually at celebrated venues and festivals across the United States and internationally.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Discussion | Recalibrating for a Better New York (virtual)


How do we recalibrate reality to create a better, brighter future for New York? Scott Rechler, chair of the Regional Plan Association and CEO of RXR Realty, hosts a conversation series with leading thinkers and decision-makers to tackle this crucial question.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Jazz | Waterfront Concert: The Cab Calloway Orchestra


The Cab Calloway Orchestra plays jazz and swing music. Don't forget to bring a blanket or chair.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Evening Zumba Workshop


Zumba instructor Lisa G leads an exercise and dance class which combines Latin and African dance steps. Thursdays, July 1-September 2, 2021
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free

Jazz | Jazz Featuring Sax Superstar Branford Marsalis


One of the finest big bands in the world performs celebrated repertoire and original arrangements with Branford Marsalis, the saxophonist, composer, bandleader and educator. Known as one of jazz's most virtuosic bandleaders, he also performs as a featured soloist with acclaimed orchestras and pop supergroups like the Grateful Dead and Sting. His scores for award-winning films like the recent Ma Rainey's Black Bottom provide a window into his talents as a composer of music across all genres. With music direction by Walter Blanding, audiences will hear Sonny Rollins's "Freedom Suite," an instrumental protest piece that foreshadowed the Civil Rights Movement of the '60s, selections from John Coltrane's iconic work "A Love Supreme," and Victor Goines's "Crescent City," a tone poem about New Orleans. Please note: They recommend arriving 20 minutes before the performance, and will begin seating standby guests 5 minutes before start time. While they'll do their best to accommodate as many guests as possible, they cannot guarantee admission.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:30 pm
Free

Author Reading | Learning in Public: Lessons for a Racially Divided America from My Daughter’s School (virtual)


One mother's story of enrolling her daughter in a local public school, and the surprising, necessary lessons she learned with her neighbors. Author Courtney E. Martin launches her new book.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free

Play | Merry Wives: Shakespeare Adaptation in the Park


Set in South Harlem, amidst a vibrant and eclectic community of West African immigrants, This adaptation of The Merry Wives of Windsor is a New York story about tricks of the heart, performed in the heart of the city. A raucous spinoff featuring the Bard's most beloved comic characters, this hilarious farce tells the story of the trickster Falstaff and the wily wives who outwit him in a new celebration of Black joy, laughter, and vitality. NOTE: Tickets are available only through a digital lottery. Seats are not guaranteed. See below for details.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free

Movie in a Park | Shaun of the Dead (2004): Horror-Comedy with Zombies


A man's uneventful life is disrupted by the zombie apocalypse. Director: Edgar Wright Stars: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Kate Ashfield   Doors at 6:00 PM, movie starts at sundown  
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free

Movie in a Park | The Goonies (1985): Teens Go for the Loot


A group of teenagers finds a map leading to a hidden treasure. They must overcome booby traps, natural obstructions, and a gang of desperate thieves in their race for the loot. Director: Richard Donner Stars: Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free
Complimentary Tickets

to shows, concerts ... (CFT Deals!)

Performance | Acclaimed Comedian/Actor at a Major NYC Venue

Regular Price: $50
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Theater | Storytelling at its Best from Far Away

Regular Price: $51
CFT Member Price: $0.00
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