free things to do in New York City
Free events for Sunday, 08/09/26
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Free Events, Free Things to Do in New York City!  Read More
33 free events take place on Sunday, August 9 in New York City.
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33 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Sunday, August 9, 2026

All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Editor's Picks

free events nyc Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: Brooklyn Bridge, Financial District, 9/11 Memorial
free events nyc Sunday Fun at an Iconic Art Museum
free events nyc Harlem Music & Food Fest
free events nyc Family Kayaking on the East River
free events nyc Music Festival in the Park: Salsa, R&B, & Jazz Duo
free events nyc Music on the Water: Beethoven's Piano Sonatas
More Editor's Picks for 08/09/26
        

Workshop | Tai Chi in the Park


Silvana Pizzuti leads a session to learn and practice Tai Chi, a slow-moving martial art with health benefits for all fitness levels. If there is heavy rain at the time of the event, the event will be canceled.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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8:00 am
free, no reservation required

Tour | Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: Brooklyn Bridge, Financial District, 9/11 Memorial


This complimentary shuttle loops through more than 30 locations across Lower Manhattan, covering major sites from the Brooklyn Bridge to the Financial District and the World Trade Center area. Busses arrive about every 15 minutes throughout the day. Riders can board or exit at any marked stop, with unlimited trips at no cost. Dayly service.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
10:00 am
free, no reservation required

Workshop | Kayaking on the Hudson


A welcoming public kayaking experience and see New York City from the water. Guests will receive basic paddling and safety instruction, be fitted with safety gear, and paddle in a protected area with trained volunteers nearby. No experience is needed, and children are welcome with a parent or guardian. Guests must know how to swim. First-come, first-served, sign-up line often closes early due to high demand.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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10:00 am
free, no reservation required

Screening | Most Watched International Events on the Big (30-foot!) Screen Outdoors: Golf & More


Today's Schedule: 10:00am - 12:00pm ESPN Ocho: The Ocho Show 12:00pm - 1:00pm Little League Softball World Series 1:00pm - 3:00pm PGA Wyndham Championship 3:00pm - 4:00pm ESPN Ocho: Ultimate Frisbee 4:00pm - 9:00pm ESPN Ocho: The Ocho Show *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

Museums | Sunday Fun at an Iconic Art Museum


Enjoy a full day of art and inspiration on the second Sunday of every month! Explore exhibitions, join family-friendly artmaking activities inspired by works on view, listen to storytimes presented by The New York Public Library, take part in guided tours, and soak in stunning city views.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
10:30 am
free, tickets required

Workshop | Tai Chi in the Garden


Start your Sunday with a peaceful Tai Chi session, led by Tai Chi Solution. This gentle movement practice promotes balance, focus, and relaxation in a calm garden setting. All levels welcome.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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10:30 am
pay-what-you-wish, $15 suggested...

Park Walk | Walk along the East River: Learn about History, Architecture, & Ecology


Experienced park docents lead a walking tour to explore the history of the Brooklyn waterfront, the area's sustainable design and ecology, and how the park came to life!
   Brooklyn, New York, NY
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10:30 am
free, registration required

Museums | Family Art-Making and Gallery Activities


Spend your Sunday at a museum with free talks, art-making workshops, storytimes, and family gallery tours. Designed for visitors of all ages, these Sunday sessions offer a welcoming space to explore art and creativity together. 
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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11:00 am
free, reservation required...

Workshop | Multi-Level Community Yoga in the Park


A welcome multi-level yoga class in the park open to everyone. Bring your own mat.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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11:00 am
free, registration required

Museums | Tiffany Glass and Other Exhibitions


The museum is dedicated to showcasing the history, art, and culture of its area with a permanent collection of 10,000 items. One of the exhibitions includes famous Tiffany's leaded glass objects and a valuable insight into the development of the inuctry in the US at the turn of the 20th century.
   Queens, New York, NY
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11:00 am
Pay-what-you-wish, reservation required

Workshop | Play the Creative Word Game Scrabble in the Park


Sit for a spell and play a game of Scrabble!
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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11:30 am
free, no reservation required

Museums | Sunday at a Unique Art Museum


Candid, genuine, and unexpected, this is New York City's only museum dedicated to folk & self-taught artists. The Museum celebrates the creativity of individuals whose singular talents have been refined largely through personal experience rather than formal artistic training. The museum's collection includes more than seven thousand works of art from four centuries and nearly every continent--from compelling portraits and dazzling quilts to powerful works by living artists in a variety of mediums. From critically acclaimed exhibitions and publications to inspiring educational programs and robust community outreach, the museum's mission is to be the leading forum shaping the understanding and appreciation of folk and self-taught art across time and place.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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11:30 am
free, no reservation required

Workshop | An Afternoon of in New York Harbor


At this community session, after a brief orientation, participants will be assigned to a crew with an experienced coxswain to steer the boat and a mixture of experienced and new rowers. The boats, Whitehall gigs, are stable, traditional working boats for four rowers and a coxswain. No experience is necessary and rowers of all ability levels are welcome! The rowing sessions last several hours and are designed to be excursions: groups row against the tide to a destination, take a break onshore or in a protected cove, then return home with the tide. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Please complete the waiver before
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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12:00 pm
free, registration required

Workshop | Family Kayaking on the East River


Glide along the water this summer in an East River embayment with a kayaking session! All levels are welcome including first-time kayakers -- life vests and all equipment provided, as well as instruction. This program is specifically geared for kids and families, allowing younger paddlers to go solo in single kayaks! Kids aged 7 and older can paddle solo (as long as a guardian is present) thanks to additional on-water safety boaters from The Kayak Foundation who are specially trained to work with kids. Children under 18 must have an adult guardian present. Register for a 20-minute time slot. Please note this event is subject to change due to weather or other extenuating circumstances
   Brooklyn, New York, NY
12:00 pm
free, registration required

Festival | Harlem Music & Food Fest


The opening of the International Village that features vendors and exhibitors with items for sale, ranging from arts & crafts, jewelry, clothing, unique accessories, international foods, and more. Stage entertainment begins at 1 PM and is presented in segments: Artz, Rootz & Rhythm featuring local, community and emerging performers of varying genres. The Gospel Caravan featuring local, national and international gospel performers with a special tribute to Richard Smallwood Concert Under Under the Stars featuring national and international performers.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
12:00 pm
free, no reservation required

Festival | Japanese Buddhist Festival Celebrating Cultural Traditions


This event features traditional Obon circle dancing, powerful Taiko drumming, origami activities for children, and other cultural festivities. Everyone is encouraged to join in the celebration of remembrance, joy, and togetherness.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
12:00 pm
free, no reservation required

Park Walk | Women's Walk in the Park


This group brings together women from all walks of life to bond, exercise, and embrace the beauty of their surroundings. Hundreds of women of all different ages and backgrounds meet to simply go for a walk in Central Park. About 80% of the women show up alone, so feel free to give it a try! You are welcome to bring your leashed dog.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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12:00 pm
free, no reservation required

Book Discussion | Community Book Trade: Bring a Book, Take a Book, & Discuss Your Favorite Reads


Bring a book, take a book - or books! Need something to read this Summer? Come and browse, and meet your neighbors! 
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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1:00 pm
free, no reservation required

Screening | Exploring the History of American Labor Movements & U.S. Chinatowns: Documentary & Conversation with Experts


Starting from NYC's Chinatown History Episode 2--A Community Takes Root, this event examines various West or East Coast labor movements in US past and present. What movements in U.S. history won the worker protections we rely on today, and what do we stand to lose if we fail to protect them? This event is part of a cross-cultural storytelling series exploring the people and movements that have shaped America. This episode follows how early 20th-century Chinese immigrants built community, leadership, and businesses in Chinatown. The screening will be followed by a conversation with labor organizers and policy experts Maria Kercado and Matt Gonzalez, moderated by workers' rights attorney Dean Hubbard. Actor Cheryl Cochran will bring to life the story of one of the largest and least-known labor strikes in American history. Through film, storytelling, and conversation, the group will explore resilience, solidarity, and the collective action that continues to shape our communities today.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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1:00 pm
free, reservation required...

Workshop | Kayaking in a Hudson River Cove


This event provides the equipment, instruction, and oversight you need to experience a safe and fun afternoon of kayaking on the Hudson River. The program is beginner-friendly, and no prior experience is required. Participants must be at least 18 years old (or accompanied by a parent or guardian) and know how to swim. Come dressed to get wet! Lockers and locks will be provided to keep valuables dry, and on-site changing rooms will be available for use. To save time, you can also sign a waiver before arriving to save time, available at the link provided. Be sure to allow time for waiting in line when planning your visit. You may not get a chance to kayak if you arrive less than an hour before the boathouse closes.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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1:00 pm
free, no reservation required

Musical | The Root of It All: A Dentist's Tale -- Surreal, Satirical Comedy Musical (Outdoors)


In a fantastical dream, the dentist enters a surreal world where dancing teeth, an activist Tooth Fairy, and a chorus of very "patient" patients battle the moral decay threatening America's ideals. With ICE agents emerging from giant cavities as symbols of fear and division, the dentist envisions a quest to "root out" hatred instead of people. A brigade of unlikely heroes invokes the nation's immigrant heritage-from its earliest settlers to generations of newcomers-celebrating America's diversity, compassion, and shared humanity. The historic wisdom of the United States promises a future in which the cavities of war are filled with hope and the promise of cooperation and peace. The community awakens from its nightmare inspired and unites to protect its neighbors and secure the child's release. The music will vary in style from Bossa Nova to Hip Hop to Musical Comedy to classical Cantata. The play is a bouncy joyride through the undulations of the body politic, with astute commentary couched in satire, song, and slapstick. Book, lyrics, and direction by Crystal Field. Music composed and arranged by Peter Dizozza.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
2:00 pm
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...

Jazz | Let the Music Play in the Park: Local Jazz Artists


Berta Indeed presents a community jazz concert featuring an array of local musicians and vocalists. Seating is limited, unreserved, and available on a first-come, first-served basis. If there is heavy rain at the time of the event, the event will be canceled.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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2:00 pm
free, no reservation required

Concert | Music Festival in the Park: Salsa, R&B, & Jazz Duo


This festival brings the best local talent to the stage each summer, filling the park with music and movement. Bring your friends, family, and dance moves--all ages are welcome! This performance features Latin music husband-and-wife duo Uptown Royalty. Uptown Royalty delivers a dynamic, genre-defying fusion of salsa, R&B, and jazz, creating a sound that has been noted as both timeless and electrifying.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
2:00 pm
free, no reservation required

Film | Music on the Water: Beethoven's Piano Sonatas


Jeffrey Swann, piano. All-Beethoven (1770-1827) Program: Sonata in A-flat Major, Op. 26 ("Funeral March") Sonata No. 1 in E-flat Major ("Quasi una Fantasia") Sonata No. 2 in C-sharp minor, Op. 27 ("Moonlight") Sonata in D Major, Op. 28 ("Pastorale")
   Brooklyn, New York, NY
2:00 pm
free, no reservation required

Book Discussion | Book Talk with the Author: Was It Just a Matter of Luck?


In Was it Just a Matter of Luck? Dr. Charles Kaner weaves an unflinching, moving account of his family's survival during the Holocaust with the story of how those memories - and his mother's fierce devotion to testimony - helped shape a new era of remembrance in America. At the heart of the narrative stands his mother, Ray Kaner, whose courage, intelligence, and will to live carried her through the ghetto and the horrors of Auschwitz, Hamburen, and Bergen-Belsen. Ray and Charles will discuss her life and the book.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
2:30 pm
donations suggested, tickets...

Tour | Historical House of The Distinguished American President of the Early 20th Century


This historic site honors the early life of a renowned American figure. The restored brownstone reflects late 19th-century architecture and offers insights into the family's daily life. Learn about various exhibits and artifacts that showcase the cultural and historical context of the era, providing a glimpse into the formative years of this visionary leader-to-be. This guided tour is first-come, first-served. It may reach capacity before your desired tour time, so please be sure to arrive early. Tour duration: 45 minutes. This tour takes place at 11 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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3:00 pm
free, no reservation required

Workshop | Creative Writing Session: Practice the Craft


Become a better writer! Suitable for all levels. Writing exercises Personal attention Peer Workshop Guest Lectures
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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4:00 pm
free, registration required

Poetry Reading | An Evening of Poetry in the Garden


Enjoy an outdoor poetry reading hosted in partnership with McNally Jackson. Submit your work at the link provided to read at the event!
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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5:00 pm
free, no reservation required

Museums | Step Inside a Historic Mansion and Explore Centuries of Design Evolution


The museum is dedicated to showcasing the history, influence, and importance of design in everyday life. Housed in a historic mansion, the museum features a diverse collection of design objects, including decorative arts, architecture, graphic design, textiles, and industrial design.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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5:00 pm
pay-what-you-wish from 5pm...

Play | The Dancing Men: Sherlock Holmes Mystery in the Park


Hilton Cubitt seeks the help of Sherlock Holmes when he comes across a series of mysterious stick figure drawings resembling "dancing men" about his garden. These drawings are linked to his wife, Elsie Patrick, an American woman who harbors a secret past. Holmes needs to decipher these "dancing men" before tragedy strikes. Written by Susane Lee, adapted from the short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Directors: Susane Lee and Nicholas Martin-Smith.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
6:30 pm
free, no reservation required

Concert | Live Acoustic Evening


Enjoy an evening of live acoustic music with Joey Ama Dio.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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8:00 pm
free, no reservation required

Play | Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale: Tony-Winning Director's Romantic Tragicomedy


When the King of Sicilia becomes convinced his pregnant wife has been unfaithful, the royal baby is smuggled to the coast of Bohemia where an old shepherd finds her and renames her Perdita. Sixteen years later, Perdita falls in love with another young shepherd, Doricles, who turns out to be a prince in disguise. Honesty is a fool and true love the only answer in this mysterious, romantic tale of defiance and destiny. Written by William Shakespeare. Choreography by Mimi Lieber. Directed by Daniel Sullivan. Cast: Heschel Bay, Marsha Stephanie Blake, Teagle F. Bougere, Chuck Cooper, Peter Douskalis, Matthew Eby, Raúl Esparza, Isabela Ferrer, Katie Griffith, Alex Hernandez,
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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8:00 pm
free, tickets required
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