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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!
34 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Wednesday, January 28, 2026
All events are free unless otherwise noted.Editor's Picks
Workshop | Central Park Running Session (All Levels Welcome)
If you prefer not to run alone or are looking to improve your running performance, you can run with a club! Open to runners of all levels. Weekly changed routes through the park. Coaches, training, running company and inspiration!
Manhattan, New York, NY
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6:30 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Museums | New York City: History, Architecture, Social Movements, Cultural Diversity
This museum holds over 1,5 million artifacts, including photographs, paintings, decorative arts, costumes, and documents that tell the story of New York's development and its inhabitants. Explore the galleries and discover the rich history and vibrant culture of New York City!
Manhattan, New York, NY
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10:00 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Tour | Historical House of The Distinguished American President of the Early 20th Century
This historic site honors the early life of a renowned American figure. The restored brownstone reflects late 19th-century architecture and offers insights into the family's daily life. Learn about various exhibits and artifacts that showcase the cultural and historical context of the era, providing a glimpse into the formative years of this visionary leader-to-be. This guided tour is first-come, first-served. It may reach capacity before your desired tour time, so please be sure to arrive early. Tour duration: 45 minutes. This tour takes place at 11 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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11:00 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Museums | Wednesday at a Unique Art Museum
Candid, genuine, and unexpected, this is New York City's only museum dedicated to folk & self-taught artists. The Museum celebrates the creativity of individuals whose singular talents have been refined largely through personal experience rather than formal artistic training. The museum's collection includes more than seven thousand works of art from four centuries and nearly every continent--from compelling portraits and dazzling quilts to powerful works by living artists in a variety of mediums. From critically acclaimed exhibitions and publications to inspiring educational programs and robust community outreach, the museum's mission is to be the leading forum shaping the understanding and appreciation of folk and self-taught art across time and place.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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11:30 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Tour | New York City Hall Guided Tour
One of the oldest continuously used city halls in the nation that still houses its original governmental functions, New York's City Hall is considered one of the finest architectural achievements of its period. Constructed from 1803 to 1812, the building was an early expression of the City's cosmopolitanism. City Hall is a designated New York City landmark, and its rotunda is also a designated interior landmark. Note: When registering, choose the "Individual Tour" option.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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12:00 pm
free, registration required...
free, registration required...
Lecture | Resistance and Art: The Red Orchestra in Berlin (Online!)
Join director Stefan Roloff for a screening and discussion on the Red Orchestra, a Berlin-based anti-Nazi resistance group active from 1933 to 1942. The conversation highlights the life and art of Rainer Küchenmeister, who began painting while imprisoned as a teenager and later exhibited his work internationally.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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12:00 pm
free, registration required...
free, registration required...
Talk | Travel Photographer Explores Light and Photography
This presentation by Andy Katz, one of the original Sony Artisans of Imagery, explores light and how it turns a good photograph into a great photograph. Learn how to see, shape, and control light to enhance mood, depth, and storytelling. Through practical examples and guided instruction, you'll discover how mastering light elevates your images from technically correct to visually compelling.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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12:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Workshop | Lunchtime Meditation (in-person and online)
The sessions are non-denominational and will focus on the basics: meditation to quiet the mind, to focus the quiet mind, using the focused mind for analysis, and using the focused mind to create and uphold a positive vision of and outlook on the world. Other more specific uses of meditation may be discussed however the class is meant for all, beginners and those with a regular practice.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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12:15 pm
$7
$7
Classical Music | Afternoon Bach
Take a momentary respite from a busy day to enjoy a selection of organ works by Johann Sebastian Bach in an intimate venue.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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12:20 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Adult Chorus Session Open to All
Directed by Church Street School of Music, the Downtown Beats adult chorus is open to all who love to sing! Learn contemporary and classic songs and perform at community events throughout the year.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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1:00 pm
free...
free...
Museums | Afternoon in a Magnificent Small Museum
Internationally recognized as a premier museum and research center, this museum is known for its distinguished Old Master paintings and outstanding examples of European sculpture and decorative arts.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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1:30 pm
Pay-What-You-Wish, reservation required
Pay-What-You-Wish, reservation required
Film | The Night of the Following Day (1969): Technicolor Crime Film with Marlon Brando
Two men kidnap a girl off the streets, take her to a beach house owned by a drug-addicted stewardess, and hold her for ransom. Director: Hubert Cornfield Cast: Marlon Brando, Richard Boone, Rita Moreno, Pamela Franklin Marlon Brando was considered one of the greatest actors of the 20th century. He received numerous accolades throughout his career, which spanned six decades, including two Academy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, one Cannes Film Festival Award, and three British Academy Film Awards. Brando is credited with being one of the first actors to bring the Stanislavski system of acting, and method acting, to mainstream audiences.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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2:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Gallery Talk | The Journey of a 17th-Century Jewish Portrait (Online!)
This webinar traces the history of the 1671 portrait of Süßkind Stern, one of the earliest known oil portraits of a German Jew. Now held by Frankfurt’s Jüdisches Museum, the work’s survival through fire, displacement, and the years of National Socialist rule raises compelling questions about preservation and German-Jewish history. Presented by Stern descendant Ralph Stern, the talk follows the portrait’s centuries-long journey and the broader cultural histories it intersects with along the way.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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2:00 pm
free, registration required,...
free, registration required,...
Gallery Talk | Learn How a Historic Mansion Turned into a Museum
Join a museum educator for a brief gallery talk tracing how a Gilded Age mansion was transformed into a world-class art museum.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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3:30 pm
free, pay-what-you-wish
free, pay-what-you-wish
Screening | Immutable (2025): Documentary about Debate Teams (+ Filmmaker Discussion)
Immutable is a feature documentary that follows a group of students from the Washington Urban Debate League as they fight to find their voices in a world that too often tries to silence them. Against the backdrop of a city marked by inequality—and in the lingering shadow of the COVID pandemic—these young debaters confront daily challenges that range from housing instability to neurodivergence. For some, debate is a path to college. For others, it’s a lifeline. Directors: Gabriel London, Charlie Sadoff Film screening followed by a discussion with the filmmakers.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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4:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Film | Darren Aronofsky's Caught Stealing (2025): Black Comedy Crime Thriller Film with Austin Butler
Burned-out ex-baseball player Hank Thompson unexpectedly finds himself embroiled in a dangerous struggle for survival amidst the criminal underbelly of 1990s New York City, forced to navigate a treacherous underworld he never imagined. Director: Darren Aronofsky Cast: Austin Butler, Regina King, Zoë Kravitz, Matt Smith, Liev Schreiber, Vincent D'Onofrio Darren Aronofsky is a filmmaker whose films are noted for their surreal, dramatic, and often disturbing elements, frequently in the form of psychological realism. His accolades include a Golden Lion and a Primetime Emmy Award, as well as nominations for the Academy Awards, the Golden Globe Awards, and the British Academy Film Awards.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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5:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Classical Music | Harp Works by J.S. Bach & More
Harpist Raquel Nisi performs three pieces by composers from various musical periods. Program: Nino Rota (1911-1979) Sarabanda e Toccata J.S. Bach (1685-1750) “Fugue” from Violin Sonata No. 1 (transcribed by Marcel Grandjany) Marcel Tournier (1879-1951) Sonatine, Op. 30
Manhattan, New York, NY
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5:30 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Classical Music | Violin Works by J.S. Bach, Britten, & More (In Person AND Online!)
Violinist Jessica Wu performs a series of pieces by composers from various musical periods. Program: Witold Lutoslawski (1913-1994) Subito for Violin and Piano Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) Violin Concerto, Op. 15 J.S. Bach (1685-1750) Violin Partita No. 2 in D Minor, BWV 1004
Manhattan, New York, NY
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5:30 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Party | Board Games Meet-Up
Play a variety of board games, including Scrabble, Chess, Boggle, Bananagrams, Scattergories, and more! Bring a friend or join on your own--all levels are welcome. Studies have shown that playing board games can have positive effects on your mental, emotional, and physical health, including: o Improving memory and focus o Enhancing critical thinking skills o Making connections o Reducing stress (and screen time!)
Manhattan, New York, NY
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6:00 pm
free, registration recommended
free, registration recommended
Workshop | Cardio Circuit Blast: Full-Body Workout
Boost your endurance and get your heart pumping in this high-energy, full-body workout. Participants move through fun and challenging bodyweight circuits designed for all fitness levels. Bring water and a towel.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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6:00 pm
free, registration required...
free, registration required...
Discussion | Experts Reflect on the "New Enlightenment" of the Anthropocene Era
This ecology conversation event brings together Corine Pelluchon, a French philosopher whose work examines the moral and political underpinnings of our relationship with the environment; Ana Porzecanski, Director of the Center for Biodiversity & Conservation at the American Museum of Natural History; Cyrille Barnerias, Director of International Relations at the French Office for Biodiversity; and Kristina Douglass, an archaeologist and professor at the Columbia Climate School. The conversation will be moderated by Sarah Sax, an award-winning investigative journalist specializing in environmental issues. Together, they will reflect on the idea of a “New Enlightenment” for the Anthropocene era. As we confront the decline of biodiversity, the discussion will explore emerging forms of interdependence among human, animal, and plant life. Organizers will ask: How might the ways earlier societies and ecosystems co-adapted to climate pressures inform us today? Can we imagine a new social contract that would bring forth a more equitable coexistence between human and nonhuman worlds? How might an expanded sense of “the other” and a heightened awareness of contemporary vulnerabilities be translated into public policy? How can public engagement be designed to turn these concepts from ideals to actions?
Manhattan, New York, NY
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6:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Screening | Learn about Myanmar’s Democracy Struggle, through Film & Conversation
A screening of documentaries and panel discussion with civil society members at the 5th year anniversary of the Myanmar Coup.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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6:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Talk | Learn about the Process of Creating a Graphic Novel, with a Debut Author
Experience a reading and talk about the creative and publishing process behind Jessica Walker’s debut YA graphic novel, The Secret Astronomers. Find out how an illustrated story of friendship, grief, and a secret got woven into the pages of an actual astronomy textbook as the group hears from Jessica and Viking senior editor Kelsea Murphy. The Secret Astronomers is a fascinating, highly illustrated, epistolary novel. When a recent transfer student starts keeping her diary in the oldest textbook at the Green Bank High School library, the last thing she expects is to receive a response. Thus begins a sweeping tale of unlikely friendship and long-buried secrets between two secret pen pals at a rural West Virginia high school.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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6:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Book Discussion | Music Executive Shares His New Photo Book, Hitting the Head (+ Signing)
Experience a conversation with music executive Andre Howard celebrating his captivating photography and art book, Hitting the Head, inviting readers to explore the iconic dive bar scene of New York City. He will be in conversation with Karlita Sutela, followed by a signing.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
6:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Book Discussion | Quiet Reading Meet Up
Bring a book or check one out of the library to read to yourself for one hour. After that, spend an hour socializing with those around you!
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
6:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Book Discussion | Russian Journalist Shares His New Book, The Dark Side of Earth
Enjoy a book talk by Mikhail Zygar about his new book, The Dark Side of the Earth: Russia's Short-Lived Victory over Totalitarianism. Victoria Nuland will serve as the discussant of this session, which will be moderated by Elise Giuliano. From "one of Russia's smartest and best-sourced" (The New York Times) reporters comes a gripping and urgent exploration of why the Soviet Union's collapse was incomplete and the Cold War was never over--revealing the resurgence of imperialism in Russia and its current implications for the war in Ukraine. Russian-born journalist Mikhail Zygar offers a timely and compelling new approach on Russian history--one that rewrites everything we thought we knew about the fall of the Soviet Union--and argues that its ending is yet to come. Starting with the historic launch of the first human into space in April 1961, Zygar unravels a dramatic story of resistance, resilience, and resurgence that led to the Soviet Union's dissolution--and the echoes of its legacy today. A must-read for anyone looking to understand the origins of modern Russian fascism, The Dark Side of the Eart" explores how imperial and nationalist ideas developed during the Soviet era and eventually gave rise to the current Putinist ideology. Zygar's work is uniquely powerful--fueled by his personal ties to the Soviet era, access to historical archives, and interviews that crack open hidden truths, including several with individuals who had never before spoken on the record.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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6:00 pm
free, registration required...
free, registration required...
Performance | Maria Rilke's The Lay of the Love and Death of Christoph Cornet Rilke: Melodrama for Voice & Piano
Enjoy an extraordinary evening where poetry and music intertwine to illuminate one of the most haunting works of early modernism. In Viktor Ullmann's powerful setting of Rainer Maria Rilke's The Lay of the Love and Death of Christoph Cornet Rilke, voice and piano merge into an intimate, deeply human narrative about love, war, and the search for meaning in a fractured world. Written by a 23-year-old Rilke in a single night in 1899, the text follows a young flag bearer who, at just eighteen, is swept into the chaos of war. His dreams, fears, and final moments unfold in vivid, lyrical scenes: Culminating in a night of love that becomes his last. When first published in 1912, the work became an immediate cultural phenomenon, going through more than sixty editions and capturing the imagination of generations. For composer Viktor Ullmann, the story held lifelong significance. Having discovered Rilke's text during World War I, he returned to it decades later in the concentration camp of Theresienstadt, where - despite hunger, terror, and oppression - he created some of his most enduring works. His setting of the Cornet blends expressive romanticism with piercing emotional clarity, a testament to his unwavering belief in the transformative power of art.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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6:30 pm
free, tickets required
free, tickets required
Book Discussion | Molly Jong-Fast Shares Her New Book, How To Lose Your Mother
Hear Molly Jong-Fast speak about her new book, How To Lose Your Mother: A Daughter’s Memoir, in conversation with Susan Shapiro. Mother-daughter relationships are complicated enough without being the daughter of Erica Jong, who famously invented the term “Zipless F*&%$” in her groundbreaking feminist novel Fear of Flying. With incredible honesty, Molly Jong-Fast, an accomplished writer in her own right, bravely navigates the confusion and grief of losing her mother to dementia in the same year she must deal with her husband’s cancer diagnosis. Anne Lamott writes, “Molly Jong-Fast’s memoir is mesmerizing, intimate, wise, unputdownable, crazily honest, heartbreaking, funny, illuminating—beautiful and painful at the same time, just like real life.” Jong-Fast will appear in conversation with Susan Shapiro, author and co-author of eighteen books, including the memoir Five Men Who Broke My Heart, recently optioned for a movie.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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6:30 pm
free, tickets required
free, tickets required
Lecture | Rewriting Female Identity in Contemporary Art
Artist Kathe Burkhart is leading an evening discussion on her decades-long practice of examining gender roles, sexuality, celebrity, and language. Burkhart reflects on how painting and writing can confront cultural stereotypes and reframe female subjectivity in contemporary art.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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6:30 pm
free, registration required...
free, registration required...
Play | A Legal Drama on Journalism, Belief, and the Cost of Truth
When the value of truth is called into question, who pays the price? Inspired by true events, Retraction is a fast-moving legal drama that follows a journalist whose explosive expose ignites national attention and doubt. As inconsistencies surface, the play examines belief, responsibility, and the irreversible consequences of getting it wrong. The cast includes Renata Friedman (The Patient), Rachel Resheff (Fish in the Dark), Charlie Webb (Parade), Nathaniel Stampley (The Color Purple), Shannon Dorsey (Fairview at Woolly Mammoth), Carson McCalley (The Inheritance), Eliana Rowe (Twelfth Night at STNJ), and Bella Serrano (When Elvis...).
Manhattan, New York, NY
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7:00 pm
pay-what-you-wish, reservation required
pay-what-you-wish, reservation required
Book Discussion | Experts Discuss the New Book, The Routledge History of Antisemitism (+ Signing)
As concern over antisemitism has grown in recent years, so too have debates over how to understand and combat it. The Routledge History of Antisemitism, now in paperback, offers fresh perspectives into what has been called the oldest hatred. It explores antisemitism’s history and manifestations, ranging from its origins to the internet. Experience this critically important and illuminating discussion about the book’s insights into antisemitism, featuring co-editor Mark Weitzman (World Jewish Restitution Organization) and contributors Susannah Heschel (Dartmouth) and Maurice Samuels (Yale). Samuel Freedman (Columbia) will moderate. A reception will follow the program. The book will be available for purchase and signing.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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7:00 pm
pay-what-you-wish, tickets required
pay-what-you-wish, tickets required
Dancing | Learn New Moves with Local Dance Instructors
Learn new moves from New York City’s finest dance instructors, then show off your style on the dance floor with a full hour of social dancing! Participants are welcome to bring their own partner, continue to dance solo, or dance with someone new!
Manhattan, New York, NY
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7:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Book Discussion | Survival and Music in Auschwitz
Join author Anne Sebba for a presentation of The Women's Orchestra of Auschwitz: A Story of Survival, followed by a discussion with Bret Werb, Music Curator at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. The talk examines how music served as a way of endurance and survival for women imprisoned at Auschwitz. It highlights themes of resilience, moral complexity, and the human cost of survival under unimaginable conditions. Note: Reception, book signing, and live music will follow
Manhattan, New York, NY
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7:00 pm
free, RSVP required...
free, RSVP required...
Classical Music | Viola Works by J.S. Bach, Clara Schumann, & More (In Person AND Online!)
Violist Sofia Gilchenok performs three pieces by composers from the Baroque through Romantic musical periods. Program: Clara Schumann (1819–1896) (arr. for Viola and Piano) Three Romances for Violin and Piano, Op. 22 J.S. Bach (1685-1750) Suite No. 2 in D Minor BWV 1008, selections Henri Vieuxtemps (1820-1881) Sonata for Viola and Piano in B-flat Major Op. 36
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 | J.S. Bach and Beethoven by Prominent Orchestra
Regular Price: $30CFT Member Price: $0.00
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