- 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!
46 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Saturday, August 15, 2026
All events are free unless otherwise noted.Editor's Picks
Party | Harlem Celebration: Fun in the Streets
New Yorkers and visitors are invited to come together for the things they love doing, including biking, walking, running, jumping, meditating, skipping, skating, dancing, and enjoying live music!
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
7:00 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Park Walk | Discover the History & Design of One of New York's Most Unique Parks
Hear the story behind New York City's park in the sky: an insider's perspective on the park's history, design, and landscape. Note: Spots are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
10:00 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Workshop | Drawing in Nature
Paint in watercolor or use pastels and other drawing materials to capture the magical vistas of the Hudson River and the unique landscape of the park. An artist/educator will help participants of all levels with instruction and critique. Materials provided or bring your own.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
10:00 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Workshop | Famous Limon Dance Company Teaches Rhythm, Balance, & Recovery in the Park
Move to live accompaniment and experience the joy of dance with dancers from the Limón Dance Company. Open to all levels and ages - no experience required! Bring friends, family, water on hot days, and enjoy dancing on the grass.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
10:00 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Workshop | 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. 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
Join the Club!
10:00 am
free, registration required
free, registration required
Dance Lesson | Open Level Contemporary Movement Workshop in a Historic Building
Battery Dance from NYC leads a community dance workshop. Please wear loose, comfortable sports clothing that can allow for gliding on the floor and that offers the least restriction to flexibility. Bringing a towel and water bottle would also be recommended. No street shoes please; soft soled dance shoes and sneakers are ok.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
10:00 am
$1, registration required
$1, registration required
Book Club | Discuss Your Favorite Romance Books with Fellow Readers
If you love romance or want to get into it, you're welcome at this romance book club! Attendees will be discussing their favorite romance books, current reads, and more!
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
10:15 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Workshop | Accessible, Grounding, & Restorative Yoga in the Park
Participants flow together and celebrate community through mindful movement with Yoga Sangraha. This is not a new style of yoga, but a gathering of timeless practices — accessible, grounding, and deeply restorative. Led with science and tradition at the heart, this class will guide you through a sequence of postures designed to balance, stabilize, and calm the body and mind. The word Sangraha means “a collection,” and this practice brings together postures and breathwork that activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping you leave feeling focused, connected, and at ease. No prior experience needed — come as you are! Bring a bottled water. Organizers will provide the yoga mats. Weather permitting.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
10:30 am
free, registration required
free, registration required
Dancing | Argentine Milonga Tango Dance Party
Nothing says fun like a dance in the park! Arthur Murray Dance Studios teach Argentine tango at this Milonga event. Whether you just want to survive on the dance floor or stand out in the crowd, learning to dance has never been easier.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
11:00 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Workshop | Chess Grandmaster in Action: Talk & Simultaneous Exhibition
Chess expert Michael Rohde gives a 30-minute lecture, followed by a simul. Prior chess experience is required to participate. Beginners are welcome to watch. Michael Rohde is a former junior chess champion, having been rated as a master at 13. He gained the International Master title in 1976, followed by that of Grandmaster in 1988. At one point, he was ranked as high as 59th in the world. In recent years, Rohde has played in many tournaments in NYC’s Marshall Chess Club. He won the Marshall Chess Club Championship in 1990 and 1994, and tied for first in 2012.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
11:00 am
free, registration required
free, registration required
Workshop | Get in Shape: Dance Fitness Class for All Ages
Colorful outfits encouraged at this creative workout that fuses dance and aerobics! Space 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
Join the Club!
11:00 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Museums | Jewish History: Centuries of Art
As one of the largest collections of art in Jewish culture globally, the venue features an extensive array of historical Jewish artifacts as well as modern and contemporary art.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
11:00 am
free, reservation required
free, reservation required
Workshop | Learn to Juggle in the Park
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!
11:00 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Workshop | Relaxing & Educational Fishing on the Hudson (Equipment Provided, All Ages)
At this Hudson River catch-and-release event, make a fish wish--you might just get a bite! Over 200 species of fish are found in the Hudson Rive. Anglers ages 5 and up are invited to participate at this program, with parental supervision required. The organizer team provides all the necessary equipment and an on-site fishing tutorial. Participation is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Beginners and experts alike are encouraged to join for a relaxing and educational experience at the water's edge.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
11:00 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Concert | Upbeat Music Inspired by Global Festivities for the Whole Family
Inspired by the lively spirit of parades and street celebrations, this concert features bright melodies, playful rhythms, and music that makes you want to move. From festive marches to joyful tunes that capture the excitement of a musical procession, families will experience how music brings people together in celebration. With interactive moments throughout, audiences of all ages are invited to clap along, march in place, and feel the energy of music that’s meant to be shared.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
11:00 am
free, RSVP required
free, RSVP required
Workshop | Art-Making in the Park: Make Your Own Postcard
A mixed-media session where participants build a scene of the park using collage and paint.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
11:30 am
free, registration required
free, registration required
Workshop | Origami Meet-Up
This event is for people to come together and share in the beautiful art of Origami--an ancient art of folding various mediums, most commonly paper. The word comes from the combination of the Japanese verb oru (to fold) and the noun kami (paper). Other materials often folded are fabric, wire mesh, sheet metal, tissue, thin plastic, cardboard, and straws.This group meets to teach each other new models and share paper, books, and tips. This meeting iopen to all level of folders from beginner to advanced. There will be free paper available to share. You may choose to bring your own paper and books and just show up and fold! If you have models you would like to learn, or teach, let the organizers know, and they will try our best to accommodate.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
11:30 am
free, registration required
free, registration required
Festival | Youth-Led Arts & Technologies Fair: Workshops, Showcases, Performances, & More
Through fashion, film, food, music, movement, design and hands-on workshops, you're invited to explore how people, materials, communities and technologies are constantly changing and shaping our experiences. From natural building and digital fabrication to storytelling, choreography and sound design, every project is an opportunity to experience transformation in action. Fashion exhibits, short films, live music and DJ sets, food labs, interactive art, and more.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
11:30 am
free, tickets required
free, tickets required
Tour | Outdoor Public Art Walkthrough: In-Depth Look at New Works
With 120 acres of open space, this area is dot-ted with site-spe-cif-ic art. These works are meant to prompt con-tem-pla-tion and encour-age vis-i-tors to engage with our var-ied land-scapes and histories. This guided tour is meant to give you an in-depth look at the space's pub-lic art-works, with the 2026 sea-son's new works focused on the theme of movement. Please note: these tours are held entire-ly out-doors. Please dress with the weath-er in mind.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
11:45 am
free, donations welcome,...
free, donations welcome,...
Festival | Kite-Flying Celebration on the Pier
Music and kites fill the air at this festival for all ages celebrating simple fun. Make-your-own kite kits are provided free for kids (while supplies last), or bring your own favorite kite from home.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
12:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
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.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Festival | Blues & BBQ Fest on the Water: Local & Well-Known Musicians, Marketplace, Food, Dancing, & More
Enjoy New York's smoked delicacies, music at two stages, games, family fun and so much more! It's a day packed with fun. Enjoy family-friendly activities and games for all ages. The main stage features world-renowned talent, while the Blues Second Stage delivers popular locals and accomplished artists alike, curated by the Jazz Foundation of America.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Opera | Instinct and Extinct: Short Solo Performance Examining the Rhythms of Mother Nature
Multidisciplinary artist Dominique Francis Grogan explores the concept of life's purpose from the perspective of some of America’s most critically endangered species: the Whooping Crane (Grus americana), the Northern Long-Eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis), and the ʻĀkohekohe (Crested Honeycreeper). Instinct & Extinct also touches on the still-present beauty of creatures and their habits: their musical hums, flutters, coos, and calls. You will be reminded of the stunning rhythm and rhyme of Mother Nature. This is a premiere of a solo opera from award-winning experimental electronic musician Dominique Francis (aka e-voque). This show is completely self-produced by the artist, with alternative music production, provocative arias, and a never-before-heard musical identity.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
1:00 pm
pay-what-you-wish, RSVP required
pay-what-you-wish, RSVP 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
Join the Club!
1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Screening | Most Watched International Events on the Big (30-foot!) Screen Outdoors: Basketball, Baseball, & Tennis
Today's Schedule:
1:00pm - 3:00pm WNBA- NY Liberty vs Connecticut
3:00pm - 6:00pm MLB- Yankees vs Toronto
6:00pm - 10:00pm Tennis- National Bank Open
*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
Join the Club!
1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Party | Play New Games & Make New Friends
Play your favorite contemporary board games! Featured games include but are not limited to Chameleon, Wavelength, Avalon, Parade, Splendor, Century Spice Road, Mountain Goats, No Thanks, Codenames, Werewords, Spyfall, Azul, Letter Jam, Dixit, In Kahootz, and Captain Sonar. A new game will be selected each week.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Staged Reading | Shakespeare's The Tragedy of Macbeth: Timeless Tragedy (Group Reading)
The Instant Shakespeare Company, whose motto is "Shakespeare for Everyone!", presents a reading of The Tragedy of Macbeth. All ages are welcome.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Film | Chicken Run (2000): Stop-Motion Adventure Comedy
Animated hit about a plucky group of chickens who try to escape from a farm. Directors: Peter Lord, Nick Park Cast: Phil Daniels, Lynn Ferguson, Mel Gibson, Tony Haygarth, Jane Horrocks
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
2:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Musical | The Root of It All: A Dentist’s Tale -- Surreal, Satirical Comedy Musical
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
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...
Parade | Eco-Luminary Art Parade
Sally Beauti Twin’s signature parade will take over the ark, with participants DIY-ing their own costumes, luminaries, and puppets before engaging in a procession that honors the flora, fauna, and celestial bodies of island.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
2:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
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.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
2:00 pm
free, RSVP required...
free, RSVP required...
Film | Frank Capra's It Happened One Night (1934): Screwball Comedy Starring Clark Gable
A classic about a spoiled heiress on the lam and a gruff reporter who hooks up with her as they travel northward, engage in a series of misadventures, and begin to fall for each other. Director: Frank Capra Cast: Clark Gable, Claudette Colbert Frank Capra was an Italian-American film director, producer, and screenwriter who was the creative force behind several major award-winning films of the 1930s and 1940s. Born in Italy and raised in Los Angeles from the age of five, his rags-to-riches story has led film historians such as Ian Freer to consider him the "American Dream personified". Capra became one of America's most influential directors during the 1930s, winning three Academy Awards for Best Director from six nominations. Clark Gable was an American film actor. Often referred to as "The King of Hollywood," he had roles in over 60 films in a variety of genres during a career that lasted 37 years. In 1999, the American Film Institute ranked Gable as the seventh greatest male screen legend of classical Hollywood cinema.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
2:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Classical Music | Music on the Water: Piano Works by Schubert & Glass
Vivien Schweitzer, piano, performs music by Philip Glass and Franz Schubert.
Brooklyn, New York, NY
Join the Club!
2:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Park Walk | Island Birdwatching: Discover Local Avians
Whether you’re an expert birder or a beginner, this tours is designed to help you discover what makes this island an excellent place for birding. Did you know that nearly 240 bird species have been spotted here? Did you know that nearly 240 bird species have been spotted
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
2:15 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Party | Roller Dance Social In a Park with Live DJ
Get ready to roll into the excitement at an outdoor skate circle. With live DJs spinning the tunes, is as much fun to watch as it is to join! Whether you're a seasoned skater or just starting out, bring your own skates and get ready to groove with roller dancing. All skill levels are welcome. This is a family-friendly atmosphere perfect for all ages. Children under 14 must wear helmets for safety.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
2:45 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Screening | Handmade Puppet Dreams (2005): Traveling Documentary Series on Independent Puppetry Artists (+ Q&A)
A traveling film series that promotes independent artists exploring their handmade craft specifically for the screen. These films all focus on real-time puppetry, and allow artists to build their vision, and then breathe life into their dreams. Directors: Heather Henson, Alex U. Griffin Q&A to follow the screening.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
3:00 pm
free, tickets required
free, tickets required
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.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
5:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Jazz | Jazzy Tunes on the Plaza
A warm summer evening with jazz from standout local artists. You're welcome to bring your whole family to enjoy music under the open sky.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
6:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Dancing | Tango Dancing in the Park, All Levels Welcome
Local and international dancers and spectators meet for an unforgettable evening. The atmosphere is casual, inviting everyone to enjoy the music, the dance, and the romantic setting of the park at sunset. It's an experience you won't want to miss! Beginner lessons start around 7:00 PM, open to all. All levels welcome, from beginners to experts. No partner needed. The dance floor is paved with stones, so wear comfortable shoes. Chalk is provided to make shoes more slippery for easier dancing. In case of rain, the event is moved to a location available at the link provided.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
6:00 pm
free. donations suggested
free. donations suggested
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: The Messthetics, Marc Ribot, Gyan Riley, and Pierre Bensusan. Whatever you think the guitar sounds like, prepare to be surprised.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
7:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Concert | Grammy-Nominated Singer-Songwriter in the Park (with ASL)
Yola headlines this America 250 celebration. Expect a live set from the Grammy-nominated British Nigerian singer-songwriter, one of today's most essential voices. She's joined by acclaimed roots songster Dom Flemons and the Traveling Wildfires, and Brooklyn Americana star Cleo Reed, whose debut album, Cuntry, is subverting the yeehaw agenda. Please note: RSVPing helps you stay up-to-date on show info, but does not guarantee entry. Entry is first come, first served.
Brooklyn, New York, NY
Join the Club!
7:00 pm
free, RSVP required
free, RSVP required
Dance Performance | Historic Dance Festival in the Park: Tanveer Alam, Nava Dance Theatre, & More
This event is New York City's longest-running free public dance festival (8/10-8/16). The Battery Dance Festival brings together spectacular international and local dance companies, each evening ending with "Everybody Dance Now!" Featuring:
Jeevika Bhat
Tanveer Alam
Mesma Belsare
Sindhoor Natya - Navarasa
Nava Dance Theatre
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
7:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Movie in a Park | Afro-Punk (2003): Music Documetnary (Outdoors)
The newly restored Afro-Punk focuses on the lives of four African Americans dedicated to the punk rock lifestyle. The documentary tackles several universal topics around Black identity: interracial dating, marginalization, the double consciousness of Black Americans, and notions of what it means to be Black. Director: James Spooner Bring your blankets, snacks, and the family, with an evening at the movies.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
7:30 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Play | Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale: Tony-Winning Director's Romantic Tragicomedy (Audio Described)
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
Join the Club!
8:00 pm
free, tickets required
free, tickets required
Movie in a Park | Greenland 2: Migration (2026) -- Post-Apocalyptic Film with Gerard Butler (Outdoors)
The surviving Garrity family must leave the safety of the Greenland bunker and embark on a perilous journey across the decimated frozen wasteland of Europe to find a new home. Director: Ric Roman Waugh Cast: Gerard Butler, Morena Baccarin, Roman Griffin Davis
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
8:15 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Join the Club!
Complimentary Tickets
to shows, concerts ... (CFT Deals!)
Classical Music | "Virtuoso" Pianist Performs Works by Liszt & More
Regular Price: $50CFT Member Price: $0.00
Today's Events
All 1055 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.