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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!
19 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Monday, August 17, 2026
All events are free unless otherwise noted.Editor's Picks
Museums | Exploring Art, History, and Global Cultures in a Landmark Museum
Spend time exploring a world-renowned collection spanning centuries of art, design, and cultural history. From ancient artifacts to iconic masterpieces, these galleries invite slow looking, discovery, and reflection across works that connect global traditions, artistic innovation, and human stories.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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10:00 am
pay-what-you-wish for NY...
pay-what-you-wish for NY...
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
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10:00 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Screening | Most Watched International Events on the Big (30-foot!) Screen Outdoors: Tennis & Baseball
Today's Schedule:
10:00am - 7:00pm Tennis- Cincinnati Open
7:00pm - 10:00pm MLB- Mets vs San Diego
*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
free, no reservation required
Tour | Explore a Major NYC Park
Discover how "Needle Park" of the 1970s successfully transformed into Manhattan's Town Square of today. The guides are loaded with expertise on the park's rich history, award-winning design, distinct amenities, and ongoing maintenance efforts. Tours will continue as scheduled in light rain, but will be cancelled in heavy rain or inclement weather. Bring an umbrella if needed!
Manhattan, New York, NY
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11:00 am
free, registration required
free, registration required
Dancing | Movement Workshop: Chechetti Ballet Dance Method (Beginners Welcome)
In this workshop, guests are invited to learn Enrico Cecchetti’s famous technique through the Jerome Robbins Dance Division’s audio and moving image collection and the movement styles shown on the screen. The Founder of the New York Theatre Ballet School, Diana Byer, uses material from the collection to lead movement workshops highlighting the history of the technique, focusing on the one developed by Cecchetti and later taught by Margaret Craske. No prior dance experience required.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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11:00 am
free, no reservation required
free, no 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
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12:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Talk | New York Times Bestselling Author Grady Hendrix Discusses Bruce Lee & Film History
A discussion about the 1973 Hong Kong movie, Five Fingers of Death, which opened in New York City and became a blockbuster hit. Within five years, Bruce Lee posters were on the walls of every American bedroom, martial arts movies were blowing up the box office, appearing on TV screens, and influencing everything from Hollywood to hip hop. Grady Hendrix's These Fists Break Bricks is the story of how a bunch of Asian, Black, and Latino kids learned how to do kung fu and changed pop culture for good. Grady Hendrix is the New York Times bestselling author of How to Sell a Haunted House, Witchcraft for Wayward Girls, and many more. His history of the horror paperback boom of the '70s and '80s, Paperbacks from Hell, won the Stoker Award for Outstanding Achievement in Nonfiction. He's a longtime journalist who has covered the Asian film industries for Variety, Film Comment, and Sight & Sound, and is one of the co-founders of Subway Cinema and the New York Asian Film Festival. He also wrote the 2019 Netflix documentary, Iron Fists & Kung Fu Kicks.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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12:30 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Jazz | Piano in the Park: American Songbook Swing
Come on down and swing along to the best swing the Big Apple has to offer, with musician Roman Ivanoff.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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12:30 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Party | Fiber/Textile Arts Social
Are you a knitter? Do you like to crochet? Maybe you like a different type of fiber art? Whichever it is, bring your supplies and lose yourself in the meditative world of creating art with fiber. Invite your friends, or make new connections there. This is a meet-up, not a class.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Workshop | French Petanque-Playing in the Park
Members of NYC’s oldest-running Petanque club guide a Petanque-playing session. This French lawn bowling game from the early 20th century is easy to learn, and the boules will be provided. Just bring yourself!
Manhattan, New York, NY
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1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Workshop | Art-Makig in the Park: Painting Local Fauna
Participants paint the birds, squirrels, and other animals commonly seen in the park, working from reference photos.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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2:30 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Dancing | Latin Hustle Outdoor Dance Celebration
An inter-generational social dance party, in partnership with Dance is Life. Dancers of all ages and skill levels are invited to find joy in movement as they dance to high-energy music, with a focus on Latin Hustle.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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5:00 pm
free, no reservation required
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...
pay-what-you-wish from 5pm...
Film | The End of the Affair (1999): Romantic Drama with Ralph Fiennes and Julianne Moore
Based on the 1951 Graham Greene novel. Love, romance, obsession, adultery, and tragedy in post-war England. Director: Neil Jordan Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Julianne Moore, Stephen Rea, Ian Hart, Jason Isaacs Ralph Fiennes is an English actor, film producer, and director. A Shakespeare interpreter, Fiennes excelled onstage at the Royal National Theatre before having further success at the Royal Shakespeare Company. Widely regarded as one of Britain's most well-known and popular actors, he has received various accolades, including a BAFTA Award and a Tony Award, as well as nominations for two Academy Awards and an Emmy Award. Julianne Moore is the recipient of numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, two Emmy Awards, and two Golden Globe Awards. Additionally, she is also the only actress - along with Juliette Binoche - to have won an acting award at the world's three major film festivals (a Volpi Cup, the Silver Bear for Best Actress and the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress).
Manhattan, New York, NY
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5:30 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Museums | Explore Memorial Museum and Reconnect with History
Reconnect with the feeling of community and cohesion that blanketed our city and nation in the wake of 9/11. This is a monument to human dignity, courage, and sacrifice. This museum honors the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and February 26, 1993, recognizes the courage of those who survived, and salutes those who risked their lives to help others.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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5:30 pm
free, tickets required...
free, tickets 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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5:30 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Workshop | Full-Body Conditioning Workout on the Pier
Enjoy a conditioning class on the Hudson: a full-body workout designed to build your strength, endurance, and agility. This conditioning class will be led by coaches and trainers from PureGym. Please note that participants should bring their own water bottle to class.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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6:30 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Film | 7 Documentary Shorts on the Plaza (+ Filmmaker Q&A)
A program of docu-shorts exploring catastrophe not as spectacle, but as lived experience--charting the emotional and physical aftermath of a world in constant upheaval. An outdoor movie screening of the Dangerous Docs 2026: States of Emergency.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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7:00 pm
free, RSVP recommended
free, RSVP recommended
Movie in a Park | City of God (2002): Brazilian Epic Crime Film (Outdoors)
In the poverty-stricken favelas of Rio de Janeiro in the 1970s, two young men choose different paths. Rocket is a budding photographer who documents the increasing drug-related violence of his neighborhood. Jose "Ze" Pequeno is an ambitious drug dealer who uses Rocket and his photos as a way to increase his fame as a turf war erupts with his rival, "Knockout Ned". The film was shot on location in Rio's poorest neighborhoods. Director: Fernando Meirelles Cast: Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino Da Hora, Jonathan Haagensen, Phellipe Haagensen, Douglas Silva In Portuguese with English subtitles. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket and a friend, and grab a spot on the lawn to watch a feature film on the big screen under the stars. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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8:00 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
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