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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!
40 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Tuesday, August 25, 2026
All events are free unless otherwise noted.
Workshop | Learn & Practice the Chinese Martial Art of Tai Chi in the Park
Practice this traditional system of health and self-defense, derived from the philosphy of Taoism. Tai Chi was designed to develop the optimum degree of harmony between body and mind, as well as between the individual and the natural order of the universe. Classes are led by teachers and students who train nearby at CK Chu Tai Chi under the direction of Master Hyland Harris. Classes are rain or shine. All levels are welcome, and no equipment is necessary.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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7:30 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Workshop | Dance Workout on the Plaza
Lively movement and emotional catharsis combine for an exhilarating dance practice led by Viva Soudan. No experience necessary!
Manhattan, New York, NY
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9:30 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 - 3:00pm Tennis- US Open Qualifying Round 1
3:00pm - 7:00pm Baseball Little League World Series
7:00pm - 10:00pm MLB- Yankees vs Houston
*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
Workshop | Yoga in the Park: Accessible, Grounding Practices (All Levels Welcome)
A morning yoga class led by Stephanie Franzese, a New York–based yoga teacher and educator whose work centers on nervous system regulation, presence, and emotional well-being. With a background in teaching, she offers accessible, grounding practices that help students slow down, reconnect, and feel at ease in their bodies. Her classes blend breath and movement to create a steady, supportive experience for all levels. Bring your own mat (the park does not provide mats). Organizers also recommend bringing water and a towel. This yoga class is appropriate for all levels.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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10:00 am
free, registration required
free, registration required
Park Walk | Guided Walk on the History & Architecture of the Brooklyn Bridge
Participants gather to learn the fascinating story of the Roebling family and the engineering behind the Brooklyn Bridge, ending with a guided walk to the first tower of the bridge. You're encouraged to immerse yourself in the history of the bridge that transformed the New York landscape forever.
Brooklyn, New York, NY
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10:30 am
free, registration required
free, registration required
Workshop | Zumba Workout for All
Enthusiastic instruction and easy-to-follow Latin dance choreography working on balance, coordination, and range of motion.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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10:30 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Dancing | Movement Workshop: The Living Legacy of Hustle Dancing
Learn various styles of dance through the library's audio and moving image collection and the movement styles shown on the screen. Maria Torres, whose residencies documented the living legacy of hustle dance, uses material from the collection to lead intergenerational movement workshops highlighting the history of the technique. Dance Division staff conclude the workshop with instruction on how to use the research catalog and access the materials shown during the workshop.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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11:00 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Workshop | How To Become Comfortable on Camera
This session is all about building confidence and developing a presence that feels authentic, not performative. Organizers will walk through techniques for getting comfortable on camera, how to script your content without sounding robotic, and the art of batching so you're not filming every single day. They'll also explore teleprompter options that work for different budgets and shooting setups. By the end of the session, you'll have a clear plan for showing up on camera in a way that feels like you.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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12:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration 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!
12:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Book Club | Discuss Jane Austen's Classic Novel, Persuasion, in the Park
This immersive BookClub event features Persuasion, along with beloved characters from the book. Hosted by Sarah Rose Kearns, Jane Austin Society of North America – New York Metropolitan. Sign up in advance (in person) to receive a free copy of Sense and Sensibility while supply lasts.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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12:30 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Jazz | Piano in the Park: Stride, Boogie-Woogie, & Swing
Come on down and swing along to the best ragtime, stride, and jazz the Big Apple has to offer. Joel Forrester is a contemporary two-handed piano player, essaying the stride, boogie-woogie, and swing styles. He wrote the theme to NPR's Fresh Air, received the personal encouragement of Thelonious Monk, co-led the legendary Microscopic Septet, and produced music for the early films of Andy Warhol. Joel is currently playing and composing in south-central France; he recently completed his two-thousandth composition.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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12:30 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Film | Wes Anderson's Isle of Dogs (2018): Stop-Motion Sci-Fi Comedy-Drama
The film is set in the fictional Japanese city of Megasaki where Mayor Kenji Kobayashi has banished all dogs to Trash Island due to a canine influenza pandemic. Kobayashi's nephew Atari sets out to find his missing dog Spots with the help of a group of dogs led by stray dog Chief. Director: Wes Anderson Cast: Bryan Cranston, Koyu Rankin, Edward Norton, Liev Schreiber, Bill Murray, Bob Balaban, Jeff Goldblum, Scarlett Johansson, Kunichi Nomura, Tilda Swinton, Ken Watanabe American filmmaker Wes Anderson is notable as an auteur, employing a distinctive visual and narrative style. His movies have won several Academy Awards, BAFTAs, and Golden Globes.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Film | The Goonies (1985): Classic 80's Adventure Comedy
A troop of kids sets out to find pirate treasure and save their hometown. Director: Richard Donner Cast: Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen, Corey Feldman, Kerri Green, Martha Plimpton, Ke Huy Quan
Manhattan, New York, NY
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2:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Film | Michael (2026): Michael Jackson Biographical Film
This film follows the early life of the American singer Michael Jackson, covering his childhood with the Jackson 5 in the 1960s to the Bad World Tour in the late 1980s. Director: Antoine Fuqua Cast: Jaafar Jackson, Nia Long, Juliano Valdi, KeiLyn Durrel Jones, Laura Harrier, Jessica Sula
Manhattan, New York, NY
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3:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Workshop | Variety-Featured Photographer Teaches How To Capture Authentic Portraits
This workshop explores the importance of human connection and empathy as major components in a photoshoot. Photographer Mike Foley shares his creative process and how a collaborative spirit can decide the trajectory of a photoshoot. From initial outreach to in-studio interactions, discover how your approach can directly impact how a subject feels, reacts, and, ultimately, photographs.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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3:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Workshop | Researcher Shares Ancient Persian Manuscripts at Landmark Museum
Ali Boozari brings the stories of literature to life through illustrated manuscripts from the museum's collection. Discover scenes from the Shahnama, Firdausi’s great Persian epic completed around the year 1010, and the Khamsa (Quintet), Nizami of Ganja’s celebrated cycle of five narrative poems composed in the late 12th century. Explore how these masterpieces of Persian literature inspired works of art in the museum’s Islamic Art galleries.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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3:00 pm
free with museum...
free with museum...
Workshop | Tai Chi for Exercise & Meditative Practice
A trained facilitator from Bodhisattva Nature will guide participants in Tai Chi, a traditional Chinese martial art that combines physical exercise with meditation. No physical agility or prior experience is needed. Rooted in ancient Chinese philosophy, Tai Chi–also known as Tai Chi Chuan–emphasizes the balance between yin and yang, the opposing forces of nature. Tai Chi is characterized by slow, deliberate movements, deep breathing, and a focused mind, making it both a form of exercise and a meditative practice. Practitioners often perform a series of flowing, graceful postures that promote relaxation, flexibility, and inner calm. Tai Chi is not only valued for its health benefits, such as improving balance and reducing stress, but also for its spiritual aspects, helping individuals achieve harmony between body and mind.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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3:30 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Museums | Art from All Over The World in the Most Amazing Museum
Explore the premier collections of modern and contemporary art in one of the world's most iconic architectural landmarks. Tickets for Pay-What-You-Wish hours are available online only and released at 10 am the morning of the event.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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4:00 pm
$1 min pay-what-you-wish,...
$1 min pay-what-you-wish,...
Film | State and Main (2000): Comedy-Drama with All-Star Cast
A movie crew invades a small town whose residents are all too eager to give up their values for showbiz glitz. Director: David Mamet Cast: William H. Macy, Sarah Jessica Parker, Alec Baldwin, Julia Stiles, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Rebecca Pidgeon, David Paymer, Charles Durning, Patti LuPone, Clark Gregg
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
5:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Party | Make New Friends Playing Board Games Outdoors
Organizers bring a wider selection of board games to the Games Cart at this event, with games like Ticket to Ride, Carcassonne, Catan, King of Tokyo and more. Not sure what to play? The Games Hosts can help you find the perfect game and match up players!
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
5:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no 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
Join the Club!
5:30 pm
free, no reservation required
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
Join the Club!
5:30 pm
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
Join the Club!
5:30 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Workshop | Zumba Rhythms Workout in the Park
Welcome to Zumba with DeeKee in the park! Participants dance, sweat, and have a great time with friends and fellow Zumba enthusiasts. No experience is required, just come with a positive attitude and be ready to move your body to the rhythm of the music. Weather permitting. Please arrive 10 minutes before class begins.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
5:30 pm
free, registration required
free, registration 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!
6:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Jazz | Evening of Snazzy Tunes with Jazz Quintet
Trumpeter Eddie Allen has led a prolific career, working with greats like Art Blakey, Randy Weston, Billy Harper, Etta Jones, and Charli Persip, while leading various ensembles of his own. This band includes Rodrigo Romero (tenor & soprano saxophones), Miki Hayama (piano), Kenny Davis (acoustic bass), and Jerome Jennings (drums). Preceded by a student ensemble.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
6:00 pm
free, RSVP required
free, RSVP required
Discussion | Exploring How Sesame Street Helped Kids Navigate the Aftermath of 9/11 (In Person AND Online!)
In conversation with 9/11 Memorial & Museum President and CEO Beth Hillman, Sesame Workshop’s Senior Vice President of Global Education Dr. Rosemarie Truglio, television producer Carol-Lynn Parente, and actor and retired FDNY Captain Bill Walsh reflect on Sesame Street’s response to 9/11 and Sesame Workshop’s long history of helping young children and their families navigate tough topics. In the season of Sesame Street that followed the 9/11 attacks, show makers built upon their decades of experience writing for a preschool-aged audience to help children and families manage fear, cope with grief, and understand the importance of tolerance.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
6:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Book Club | Mystery Novel Discussion in a Fifth Ave Mansion
You are invited to discuss The Queens of Crime by Marie Benedict. To miss this would be a crime. About the book: London, 1930. The five greatest women crime writers have banded together to form a secret society with a single goal: to show they are no longer willing to be treated as second-class citizens by their male counterparts in the legendary Detection Club. Led by the formidable Dorothy L. Sayers, the group includes Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham and Baroness Emma Orczy. They call themselves the Queens of Crime. Their plan? Solve an actual murder, that of a young woman found strangled in a park in France who may have connections leading to the highest levels of the British establishment.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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6:00 pm
free, RSVP required
free, RSVP required
Workshop | Painting with Words: Writing Class in a Fifth Ave Mansion
Writers and artists gather to read and discuss their writing in a supportive, relaxed and nurturing environment. Leading the group will be Harold Slazer, founder of the creative writing and acting programs at Middle Collegiate Church, as well as a playwright, screenwriter, poet, and NYFA City Artist Corps grant recipient. Carol Wierzbicki, the editor of Sunday, Middle's literary magazine, will help you fine-tune your work.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
6:00 pm
free, RSVP required
free, RSVP required
Party | Play Bridge in a Stress-Free Environment
The card game of Bridge requires four people to play: two teams of two people. Join the group with your bridge partner, or you will be matched with someone to play as a pair. If you would like to learn how to play bridge, organizers can offer some instruction, and you can observe others.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
6:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Dancing | Salsa Dancing in the Park
Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just starting out, take part in a dance lesson followed by a live musical performance.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
6:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Dancing | Free-Form Dancing in the Park
A music-based journey blending gentle movement, for all abilities. Bring your own mat or towel.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
6:30 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Workshop | HIIT Workout on the Pier
NYC’s best trainers bring the energy with a HIIT workout that builds endurance and leaves you feeling energized. Please note that participants should bring their own water bottle to class.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
6:30 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Workshop | Origami Group 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 is free and open 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!
6:30 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
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
Join the Club!
6:30 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Screening | Tennis Documentaries on the Water
Catch the screening of two new Tennis Channel documentaries, executive produced by Coco Gauff, followed by a conversation with leading voices in tennis, fashion, and culture.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
7:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Classical Music | An Evening of Chamber Music & Meditations by Sri Chinmoy
A powerful message of hope. The music and writings of Indian spiritual teacher and visionary Sri Chinmoy, arranged and conducted by Sahadeva Torpy, performed by the International Sahadeva Ensemble.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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7:30 pm
free, tickets required
free, tickets required
Movie in a Park | Clueless (1995): 90's Teen Classic (Outdoors)
Shallow, rich, and socially successful Cher is at the top of her Beverly Hills high school's pecking order. Seeing herself as a matchmaker, Cher first coaxes two teachers into dating each other. Emboldened by her success, she decides to give hopelessly klutzy new student Tai a makeover. When Tai becomes more popular than she is, Cher realizes that her disapproving ex-stepbrother was right about how misguided she was - and falls for him. Director: Amy Heckerling Cast: Alicia Silverstone, Paul Rudd, Brittany Murphy, Stacey Dash Adirondack chairs are first come, first served.BYO chair or blanket. Please be advised there is no grass area in the park.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
8:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Movie in a Park | Dirty Dancing (1987): Romantic Drama Dance Film with Patrick Swayze (on the Waterfront)
An innocent teen vacationing with her upper-middle-class parents at an upscale resort in the 1960s Catskills gets a jolt of culture shock when she crushes on the hotel's slick, handsome dance instructor. The soundtrack yielded the Oscar-winning Best Song "(I've Had the) Time of My Life." Director: Emile Ardolino Cast: Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey, Jerry Orbach, Cynthia Rhodes Patrick Swayze was an actor, singer-songwriter, and dancer. Known for his romantic, tough, and comedic roles in blockbusters and cult films, Swayze was nominated for three Golden Globes and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1997. Bring your own blankets and chairs to lay out on the turf. Space is limited, so arrive early to secure your spot.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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8:00 pm
free, RSVP recommended
free, RSVP recommended
Workshop | Stargazing in the Park
Immerse yourself in the wonders of the night sky. The friendly team from the Amateur Astronomers Association will be there with high-powered telescopes, ready to reveal the secrets of the cosmos.
From sunset to 30 minutes before park closure.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
8:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Join the Club!
Complimentary Tickets
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Classical Music | "Virtuoso" Pianist Performs Works by Liszt & More
Regular Price: $50CFT Member Price: $0.00
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