free things to do in New York City
Free events for Friday, 08/14/26
<

August 2026

>
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
      1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031     
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 14, 2026?

35 free events take place on Friday, August 14 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 14 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.
Join the Club!
Go!
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!

35 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Friday, August 14, 2026

All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Editor's Picks

free events nyc Live-Radio Romp with Radiolab on Nature & Food
free events nyc Historic Dance Festival in the Park
free events nyc "A Carnival of Classic Guitar" in the Park: Classical guitar, Brazilian Pop, Punk-Jazz, & Modern Folk
More Editor's Picks for 08/14/26
        

Concert | KATSEYE LIVE: Grammy WInning Pop Group (Outdoors)


A fun start to the day with this performance from girl group KATSEYE. Fans on the General Admission line will be admitted if space permits. It's advised that you arrive early to join the line. Generally, concerts happen rain or shine. Check-in for those with fan passes is at 5:15 a.m. The start time is approximate. Photo ID required for entry. Generally, concerts happen rain or shine.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:00 am
Free
Concerts, August 14, 2026, 08/14/2026, KATSEYE LIVE: Grammy WInning Pop Group (Outdoors)

Workshop | Morning Yoga on the Plaza


Start your morning off balanced and refreshed with a yoga class led by local yoga instructors Mariah and Frances. Bring a yoga mat and water bottle.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
8:30 am
Free
Workshops, August 14, 2026, 08/14/2026, Morning Yoga on the Plaza

Workshop | Tai Chi (Outdoors)


Improve balance, strength, and focus through gentle exercises. The sights and sounds of the harbor provide a serene background for the ancient flowing postures.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
8:30 am
Free
Workshops, August 14, 2026, 08/14/2026, Tai Chi (Outdoors)

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
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
10:00 am
Free
Museumss, August 14, 2026, 08/14/2026, Friday at Pop Culture/Art Museum

Tour | Horitcultural Tour on the Pier


A walk around the pier to learn about the plants and trees.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
10:30 am
Free
Tours, August 14, 2026, 08/14/2026, Horitcultural Tour on the Pier

Workshop | Zumba Workout for All


Enthusiastic instruction and easy-to-follow Latin dance choreography working on balance, coordination, and range of motion.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
10:30 am
Free
Workshops, August 14, 2026, 08/14/2026, Zumba Workout for All

Museums | Asian Art and Culture Museum


The museum features a diverse collection of artworks, including traditional and contemporary pieces from various Asian cultures. They typically have guided tours at 2 pm.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
11:00 am
Free
Museumss, August 14, 2026, 08/14/2026, Asian Art and Culture Museum

Festival | Food Festival with Local Vendors


New York City's favorite outdoor food market, Smorgasburg, is back. Enjoy a variety of eats and treats from local vendors.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
11:00 am
Free
Festivals, August 14, 2026, 08/14/2026, Food Festival with Local Vendors

Workshop | Art-Making in the Park: Relief Printing


An introduction to relief printmaking, carving a simple design and pulling prints by hand.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
11:30 am
Free
Workshops, August 14, 2026, 08/14/2026, Art-Making in the Park: Relief Printing

Jazz | Piano in the Park: "Masterful" Musician


Come on down and swing along to the best jazz the Big Apple has to offer, with musician Larry Ham. “Pianist Larry Ham is one of the best-kept secrets on the New York jazz scene. He is a terrific accompanist, and a wonderfully creative soloist.” - Jersey Jazz Larry Ham has toured and recorded with many of today’s top jazz artists, and has performed throughout the United States, Europe, and in Japan, Russia, Brazil, and West Africa. David Dupont of Cadence Jazz Magazine writes, “He glides over the keys, with every note articulated cleanly…his playing is masterful.”
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
12:30 pm
Free
Concerts, August 14, 2026, 08/14/2026, Piano in the Park: "Masterful" Musician

Film | Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958): Old Hollywood Drama with Elizabeth Taylor & Paul Newman


Brick is an alcoholic ex-football player who drinks his days away and resists the affections of his wife. A reunion with his terminally ill father jogs a host of memories and revelations for both father and son. Director: Richard Brooks Cast: Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, Burl Ives, Jack Carson, Judith Anderson Elizabeth Taylor was a British-American actress who acted throughout her entire life, becoming the highest-paid movie star in the world in the 1960s. In 1999, the American Film Institute ranked her seventh on its list of the greatest female screen legends. She received several awards for her work, including two Academy Awards, one Golden Globe, a BAFTA, the AFI Life Achievement Award, the BAFTA Fellowship, the Cecil B. DeMille Award, the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award, and a medallion at the Kennedy Center Honors. She was one of the first celebrities to take part in HIV/AIDS activism, and even co-founded the American Foundation for AIDS Research in 1985. Paul Newman was an American actor, film director, racing driver, philanthropist, and entrepreneur who received numerous awards, including an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, three Golden Globe Awards, a Screen Actors Guild Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, a Silver Bear, a Cannes Film Festival Award, and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.
   New York City, NY; NYC
1:00 pm
Free
Films, August 14, 2026, 08/14/2026, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958): Old Hollywood Drama with Elizabeth Taylor & Paul Newman

Film | Red Sparrow (2018): Spy Thriller with Jennifer Lawrence


In this unsettling thriller, a Russian ballerina is recruited for a brutal training regime for spies known as "Sparrows." She is assigned to seduce a CIA officer, but is soon tempted to turn double agent and strike back against her cruel handlers. Director: Francis Lawrence Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Edgerton, Matthias Schoenaerts, Charlotte Rampling, Mary-Louise Parker, Jeremy Irons, Ciarán Hinds
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
1:00 pm
Free
Films, August 14, 2026, 08/14/2026, Red Sparrow (2018): Spy Thriller with Jennifer Lawrence

Workshop | Artmaking on the Plaza with a Professional Artist


Led by a local teaching artist, this drop-in class invites participants to explore creativity through hands-on artmaking. Past mediums have included plein-air drawing, printmaking, cyanotypes, and more. All materials are provided.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
1:00 pm
Free
Workshops, August 14, 2026, 08/14/2026, Artmaking on the Plaza with a Professional Artist

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.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
1:30 pm
Free
Workshops, August 14, 2026, 08/14/2026, Crafting Community: Work on Personal Projects & Make New Friends

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.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
2:00 pm
Free
Concerts, August 14, 2026, 08/14/2026, Afternoon Jam Sesh (Play Music or Just Listen)

Tour | Explore Collection Featuring Goya, Velazquez, El Greco, and More


Explore a museum's history, special collections, and landmarked spaces. It contains objects of artistic, historic, and literary interest for the advancement of the study of the Spanish and Portuguese languages, literature, and history around the world. Led by educators, the tours last 45-60 minutes and provide an engaging introduction to the artworks and archives on view.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
2:00 pm
Free
Tours, August 14, 2026, 08/14/2026, Explore Collection Featuring Goya, Velazquez, El Greco, and More

Workshop | Play Chess & Socialize


Sharpen your mind, meet new people, and enjoy this timeless game. Chess sets and timers are provided. Adults only.
   New York City, NY; NYC
2:00 pm
Free
Workshops, August 14, 2026, 08/14/2026, Play Chess & Socialize

Screening | Untangling: Short Documentary on the Art of Puppetry


A short documentary film about the art and craft of puppetry. Directors: Frances Barry, Hester Heeler-Frood
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
4:00 pm
Free
Screenings, August 14, 2026, 08/14/2026, Untangling: Short Documentary on the Art of Puppetry

Festival | A Night of Harlem Flavors


Food, music, and culture come together to create something New York has been waiting for: a culinary celebration that belongs to the people who give this city its flavor.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
4:00 pm
Free
Festivals, August 14, 2026, 08/14/2026, A Night of Harlem Flavors

City Walk | The Development and History of a Lower Manhattan Neighborhood


This city walk will cover the north residential neighborhood, developed in several phases, beginning with a high school at the northeast edge and the park along the Hudson. A diagonal avenue lined with apartment buildings forms one side of the neighborhood, while the inner courts of the large blocks connect to a neighborhood park. 
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
4:00 pm
Free
City Walks, August 14, 2026, 08/14/2026, The Development and History of a Lower Manhattan Neighborhood

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.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
5:00 pm
Pay-what-you-wish, reservation required
Museumss, August 14, 2026, 08/14/2026, American History and Artifact Collections

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.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
5:00 pm
Free
Museumss, August 14, 2026, 08/14/2026, Friday Evening at the Art/History Museum

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.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
5:00 pm
Free
Museumss, August 14, 2026, 08/14/2026, Friday Night Function at an Iconic Art Museum

Talk | Live-Radio Romp with Radiolab on Nature & Food


Radiolab senior correspondent Molly Webster takes guests on a journey around the world and through all five senses to reexamine the thing right under our feet, with mind-changing stories about why and how grass, yes grass, is the largest food item in the world. Radiolab is the Peabody Award-winning show that turns deep questions into unforgettable sound, investigating everything from science to legal history to the lives of strangers halfway around the world. Seating opens 30 minutes before showtime and is available on the grass or benches.
   New York City, NY; NYC
5:00 pm
Free
Talks, August 14, 2026, 08/14/2026, Live-Radio Romp with Radiolab on Nature & Food

Party | Play New Games like Blood on the Clocktower (BOTC)


Curious about a board game or looking to try something new? The Games Hosts will be teaching how to play a wide range of fun board games. Many come to play the social deduction game, Blood on the Clocktower (BOTC).
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
5:00 pm
Free
Partys, August 14, 2026, 08/14/2026, Play New Games like Blood on the Clocktower (BOTC)

Workshop | Discover the Art of the Postcard & Create Your Own


Postcard enthusiasts, also known as deltiologists, are welcome to this program! Writing and communicating with postcards is a longstanding tradition, still embraced by many today. Attend to write postcards inspired by suggested prompts, to swap postcards, and to discuss all topics postcard-related. There will be some limited supplies available but you may also bring your own to embellish a 4x6 card to write on. Postage stamps will not be provided at this program.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
5:30 pm
Free
Workshops, August 14, 2026, 08/14/2026, Discover the Art of the Postcard & Create Your Own

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.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
5:30 pm
Free
Museumss, August 14, 2026, 08/14/2026, Friday Evening at the Famous Art Museum

Concert | "A Carnival of Classic Guitar" in the Park: Classical guitar, Brazilian Pop, Punk-Jazz, & Modern Folk


This event highlights global guitar culture, especially here in the United States. Hosted by WNYC's John Schaefer, this evening spans virtuosic classical guitar, Brazilian popular music, punk-jazz, and folk-based improvisations. Artists include: Raphael Feuillatre, Goran Ivanovic & Fareed Haque, Ziggy & Miles, and Gabriele Leite. Whatever you think the guitar sounds like, prepare to be surprised.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:00 pm
Free
Concerts, August 14, 2026, 08/14/2026, "A Carnival of Classic Guitar" in the Park: Classical guitar, Brazilian Pop, Punk-Jazz, & Modern Folk

Film | Spy Kids (2001): Spy Action Comedy (Outdoors)


Carmen and Juni think their parents are boring. Little do they know that in their day, Gregorio and Ingrid Cortez were the top secret agents from their respective countries. They gave up that life to raise their children. Now, the disappearances of several of their old colleagues forces the Cortez' return from retirement. What they didn't count on was Carmen and Juni joining the "family business." Director: Robert Rodriguez Cast: Alexa Vega, Daryl Sabara, Antonio Banderas, Carla Gugino, Alan Cumming, Teri Hatcher, Cheech Marin, Danny Trejo Bring your own blankets or portable chairs and enjoy this cinematic experience. Limited seating will be provided on a first come, first serve basis, with or without a ticket.This movie screening will have a special surprise activation, photo opportunity, or freebie to create a memorable experience for attendees.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
7:00 pm
Free
Films, August 14, 2026, 08/14/2026, Spy Kids (2001): Spy Action Comedy (Outdoors)

Book Club | Discussing the Classic Short Story Collection: Borges' Labyrinths


A book club meeting focusing on Labyrinths by Jorge Luis Borges. While your hosts will come with some talking points and questions to kick off the discussion, please don’t be afraid to share your thoughts and ask questions openly.  In this collection of work, Borges invites us to throw away the reality we live in for another. or another. or maybe another. With his mix of puzzles, magical realism, and odd language structure he explores our relationships with memory, infinite realities, and the metaphysical. Prepared to be tripped!
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
7:00 pm
Free
Book Clubs, August 14, 2026, 08/14/2026, Discussing the Classic Short Story Collection: Borges' Labyrinths

Concert | GRAMMY-Nominated Artist Jadakiss with Hip-Hop Artist Showcase in the Park


A concert celebrating the 35th Anniversary of Lyricist Lounge, the pioneering underground showcase known for introducing the world to some of the genre’s most legendary artists. Headlining the celebration is powerhouse rapper and founding member of The LOX Jadakiss, alongside a lineup of special guests to be announced. Please note: RSVPing helps you stay up-to-date on show info, but does not guarantee entry. Entry is first come, first served.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
7:00 pm
Free
Concerts, August 14, 2026, 08/14/2026, GRAMMY-Nominated Artist Jadakiss with Hip-Hop Artist Showcase in the Park

Jazz | Grammy-Nominated Musicians & More Play Jazzy Tunes in the Park


World-class live music as part of New York State's longest-running jazz concert series. This event features TK Blue and Antonio Hart, playing music by Jimmy Heath, Frank Foster, Randy Weston, and Melba Liston.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
7:00 pm
Free
Concerts, August 14, 2026, 08/14/2026, Grammy-Nominated Musicians & More Play Jazzy Tunes in the Park

Dance Performance | Historic Dance Festival in the Park


This event is New York City's longest-running free public dance festival. The Battery Dance Festival brings together spectacular international and local dance companies, each evening ending with "Everybody Dance Now!"
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:00 pm
Free
Dance Performances, August 14, 2026, 08/14/2026, Historic Dance Festival in the Park

Concert | Live Original Music Showcase


Enjoy a free evening of live, original music featuring local songwriters and composers.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
7:00 pm
Free
Concerts, August 14, 2026, 08/14/2026, Live Original Music Showcase

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,
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
8:00 pm
Free
Plays, August 14, 2026, 08/14/2026, Shakespeare's&nbsp;The Winter's Tale: Tony-Winning Director's Romantic Tragicomedy
Join the Club!
Go!
Complimentary Tickets

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

Musical | Hit Show Musical Parody

Regular Price: $58.50
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Performance | Erotic Burlesque Show

Regular Price: $135
CFT Member Price: $0.00