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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!
16 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Monday, January 19, 2026
All events are free unless otherwise noted.Editor's Picks
Festival | MLK Day Arts & Community Building (Stortelling, Dance, Music, & Workshops for All Ages)
In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of justice, dignity, and beloved community, experience a multigenerational afternoon of celebration, reflection, and action rooted in the arts. This MLK Day program brings together music, storytelling, dance, and participatory workshops that invite all ages to listen deeply, move together, and imagine more just futures. Program: 10:00 Youth & elder dialogues about racial justice- workshop led by Writopia (with 12:30 story share) 12:00-6:00pm Main Program Begins with Deed Tables, crafts, snacks 12:00-1:30pm - Family circle with stories, songs, and art 1:00pm Ethical Welcome with Ubuntu Dance Parade 1:30-3:00pm Concert: Every Voice Choir 2:30-3:30pm "I Have a Dream-ZINE" workshop/story circle 2:30-3:30pm Ubuntu Drum & Dance Workshop 3:15-4:15pm Ethical Voices Open Mic with Opening by Ubuntu Dance and Drum Workshop 4:15-4:30pm MLK Birthday Cake 4:30-5:30pm Workshop & Performance: Songs for Racial Justice culminating in a singing peace march 5:30-6:00pm Peace March
Manhattan, New York, NY
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10:00 am
registration required, donations...
registration required, donations...
Park Walk | Volunteer for MLK Day in the Park
Celebrate the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by volunteering to protect wetland areas ! Volunteers will contribute to ongoing restoration work and learn the importance of species diversity to ecosystem health, as well as remove debris in order to help restore the wetland and create a healthier ecosystem. Come dressed in sturdy boots or shoes, long sleeves, long pants, and clothing that can get dirty. Face masks may be worn at your discretion. Space is limited and registration is required. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by a chaperone. This event has been funded in part by NYC Service. To sign up a group of 10 or more volunteers please reach out to stewardship@parks.nyc.gov.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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10:00 am
free, registration recommended
free, registration recommended
Festival | Celebrate MLK Day with Performances & Community Activities
Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at this quintessential Brooklyn tradition. This inspiring annual celebration features powerful remarks by Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II; a special solo performance from Grace by Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE, A Dance Company; a musical performance by The Fire Ensemble; and more. Link arms with friends, neighbors, artists, and civic leaders for a day of reflection, family-friendly activities, and celebration of all who carry Dr. King's vision of justice and equality forward. Tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 8am on January 19 in the lobby. Please note that providing an RSVP does not guarantee entry.
Brooklyn, New York, NY
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10:30 am
free, RSVP recommended
free, RSVP recommended
Museums | A Day of Art, Reflection, and Collective Futures Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a day of programming that includes curator-led gallery tours, art-making workshops, screenings, and readings. Through exhibitions, talks, and participatory activities, the day explores themes of care, resistance, justice, and collective futures inspired by Dr. King's lasting legacy.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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11:00 am
free, reservation required...
free, reservation required...
Party | Fiber/Textile Arts Meetup
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 | Learn How To Build Depth in Portrait Photography
In this workshop, you’ll learn how to build strong visual depth in your portraits using lighting, lenses, and composition. The instructor will break down real-world examples to show what truly makes an image feel three-dimensional — and what doesn’t. Through clear comparisons, hands-on tips, and a live shooting demonstration, you’ll walk away with practical techniques you can apply immediately. What you’ll learn: - How great depth transforms the impact of a portrait - Common mistakes that make images look flat - How to use flash to sculpt depth and separate your subject - How wide apertures enhance background and dimensionality - How to use foreground elements to add layering and visual interest - Live portrait shoot demo with real-time explanation and audience interaction - Perfect for photographers who want to elevate their portraits with stronger depth, mood, and storytelling.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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2:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Festival | Evening Light and Sound Experience
Until February 17th, explore a unique light-and-sound installation after dark. Enjoy the vibrant city energy, with entertainment and special offers from local businesses, turning your visit into a full evening out.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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5:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Museums | Historical and Modern Design Spanning Centuries
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...
Workshop | Zumba: Latin-Inspired Dance Fitness
Get your heart pumping with Zumba, a dynamic workout set to Latin, international, and popular music. This fun, easy-to-follow class combines fast and slow rhythms for aerobic interval training that challenges both heart and muscles. Perfect for all fitness levels.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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5:15 pm
free, registration required...
free, registration 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
Book Discussion | Conservator/Restorer Shares His New Book, Gardens of Venice (+ Signing)
Attend a conversation with Toto Bergamo Rossi, conservator-restorer and author, to celebrate his book, Gardens of Venice, a stunning illustrated look at the vibrant history and botanical details of Venice's gardens. He will be joined in conversation by fashion designer and philanthropist Diane Von Furstenberg, and Rizzoli publisher Charles Miers, followed by a signing.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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6:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Workshop | Low Impact Bodyweight Circuit Training
Build strength and endurance with this full-body circuit workout using only your bodyweight. This low-impact class combines resistance and conditioning exercises for an effective, easy-on-the-joints session. Perfect for all fitness levels.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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6:00 pm
free, registration required...
free, registration required...
Workshop | Move, Groove, and Sweat to 2000s Classics
Get moving in this high-energy dance fitness class that combines cardio, choreography, and fun. Groove to 2000s R&B, reggaeton, and pop hits while building strength and confidence. No dance experience is required.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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6:00 pm
free, registration required...
free, registration required...
Talk | Ask a Mathematician Anything! (Online!)
Join Dr. Arthur Benjamin for a one-hour interactive online session. Bring your questions about math, ideas, or curious concepts, and hear Dr. Benjamin share insights from his work as a mathematician, magician, NYT bestselling author, and TED speaker with over 50 million views.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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6:30 pm
free, registration required...
free, registration required...
Workshop | Retro Music Dance Fitness
Come dance to classic pop tunes: Top 40, Disco, Electronic and more! This class is 45 minutes of peppy beats to enhance your cardio conditioning. A low-impact and fun workout; it is open to any fitness level. Let's dance away blue Monday! Instructor: Patricia Collins
Manhattan, New York, NY
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7:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Classical Music | Modern Percussion Ensemble Works
Led by the Mannes Percussion Ensemble, this concert is a celebration of the pioneering composers of the percussion ensemble genre, who created a new, greatly expanded world of possibilities for performers and writers. Program: Henry Cowell (1897-1965) Ostinato Pianissimo Henry Cowell (1897-1965) Pulse John Cage (1912-1992) Third Construction Lou Harrison (191-2003) In Praise of Johnny Appleseed Mauricio Kagel (1931-2008) Rrrrrrr...
Manhattan, New York, NY
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7:30 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
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Classical Music | J.S. Bach and Beethoven by Prominent Orchestra
Regular Price: $30CFT Member Price: $0.00
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