free things to do in New York City
Free events for Saturday, 07/18/26
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Free Events, Free Things to Do in New York City!  Read More

Are you looking for free things to do in New York City (NYC) on July 18, 2026?

23 free events take place on Saturday, July 18 in New York City. Don't miss the opportunities that only New York provides! Exciting, high quality, unique and off the beaten path free events and free things to do take place in New York today, tonight, tomorrow and each day of the year, any time of the day: whether it's a weekday or a weekend, day or night, morning or evening or afternoon, December or July, April or November! These events will take your breath away!

New York City (NYC) never ceases to amaze you with quantity and quality of its free culture and free entertainment. Check out July 18 and see for yourself. Summer or Winter, Spring or Fall! Just click on any day of the calendar above and you'll find most inspiring and entertaining free events to go to and free things to do on each day of July . Don't miss the opportunities that only New York provides!

Some events take place all year long: same day of the week, same time there are there for you to take advantage of. One of the oldest free weekly events in Manhattan is Dixieland Jazz with the Gotham Jazzmen, which happen at noon every Tuesday. Another example of an event that you can attend all year round on weekdays is Federal Reserve Bank Tour, which takes place every week day at 1 pm (but advanced reservations are required). You can take at least 13 free tours every day of the year, except the New Year Day, July 4th, and the Christmas Day. If you are classical music afficionado, you can spend whole day in New York going from one free classical concert to another. If you love theater, then New York gives you an option to attend plays and musicals free of charge, or at deep discount. You just need to have information about it. And we are here to make that information available to you.
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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!

23 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Saturday, July 18, 2026

All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Editor's Picks

free events nyc Broadway Perfomer & Soccer Player Teach Footwork through Atheltics & Creativity: Balance, Coordination, & Groove
free events nyc International Art Salon Exhibition: 100+ Award-Winning Works
free events nyc SIlent Disco: Afro-Inspired Rhythms, House, & Disco with Paul McCartney, Amy WInehouse, & Queen Latifah Collaborators
More Editor's Picks for 07/18/26
        

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.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Workshops, July 18, 2026, 07/18/2026, Drawing in Nature

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.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Workshops, July 18, 2026, 07/18/2026, Famous Limon Dance Company Teaches Rhythm, Balance, & Recovery in the Park

Dancing | Broadway Perfomer & Soccer Player Teach Footwork through Atheltics & Creativity: Balance, Coordination, & Groove


In this workshop, Nick Seyda and John Manzari team up to explore rhythm, footwork, and the surprising talents of our feet. Nick Seyda, an internationally recognized freestyle soccer performer and 2021 World Champion who has wowed crowds across New York and beyond, brings control and creativity. John Manzari, an award-nominated tap dancer and Broadway performer (Funny Girl) seen everywhere from Jazz at Lincoln Center to So You Think You Can Dance, brings musicality, precision, and showmanship. Together, they'll guide you through basic tap steps and soccer freestyle drills, revealing how dance and sport share balance, coordination, and groove. Open to all levels. There are two ways to access this event: 1. General Admission, first-come first-served. Just show up! 2. Fast Track opening the Monday before the event at noon for all.
   New York City, NY; NYC
11:00 am
Free
Dancings, July 18, 2026, 07/18/2026, Broadway Perfomer & Soccer Player Teach Footwork through Atheltics & Creativity: Balance, Coordination, & Groove

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.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Workshops, July 18, 2026, 07/18/2026, Get in Shape: Dance Fitness Class for All Ages

Galleries | International Art Salon Exhibition: 100+ Award-Winning Works


The Art Renewal Center (ARC) is proud to present nearly 100 award winners and honorable mentions. This awe-inspiring international event will have artists from all over the world present, show-casing the true international nature and collaborative spirit in this area of Contemporary Art.
   New York City, NY; NYC
11:00 am
Free
Galleriess, July 18, 2026, 07/18/2026, International Art Salon Exhibition: 100+ Award-Winning Works

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.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Museumss, July 18, 2026, 07/18/2026, Jewish History: Centuries of Art

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.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Workshops, July 18, 2026, 07/18/2026, Learn to Juggle in the Park

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.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Partys, July 18, 2026, 07/18/2026, Play New Games & Make New Friends

Performance | Pele & the Beautiful Game: Musical Storytelling Experience Based on Soccer Legend's Journey


In 1950, Brazil was handed a crushing soccer defeat at the biggest game of the season. The impact of that loss drove a talented 10-year-old, Pelé, to vow to join the national team and regain his country’s honor. Eight years later, he fulfilled that promise. Four years after that, his team did it again in 1962. In 1970, after Pelé's retirement, a violent dictatorship all but forced him back into the game, cementing the sportsman’s legend. He is, to this day, the only player to win three international championships. Creator Daniel J. Watts was a friend of Pelé’s, and in this musical storytelling experience, he shares the athlete’s journey from victory to disappointment, from pain to culminating triumph. Written and performed by Daniel J. Watts.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Performances, July 18, 2026, 07/18/2026, Pele & the Beautiful Game: Musical Storytelling Experience Based on Soccer Legend's Journey

Film | The Miracle Worker (1962): Biographical Film on Helen Keller & Her Tutor


The story of Anne Sullivan's struggle to teach the blind, deaf and mute Helen Keller how to understand and communicate. Director: Arthur Penn Cast: Anne Bancroft, Patty Duke, Victor Jory, Inga Swenson, Andrew Prine
   New York City, NY; NYC
2:00 pm
Free
Films, July 18, 2026, 07/18/2026, The Miracle Worker (1962): Biographical Film on Helen Keller & Her Tutor

Tour | Explore Collection Which Features Goya, Velazquez, El Greco, and More


Join these guided tours every Friday and Saturday at 2 PM to explore a museum's history, special collections, and landmarked spaces. Led by educators, the tours last 45-60 minutes and provide an engaging introduction to the artworks and archives on view.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Tours, July 18, 2026, 07/18/2026, Explore Collection Which Features Goya, Velazquez, El Greco, and More

Play | Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew: Romantic Comedy in the Park


To win Bianca, someone must first wed her formidable sister Kate--whose wit cuts deep and whose temper runs deeper. But one man is up for the challenge. Who's going to be tamed...Kate or Petruchio? Set on the lawn in the afternoon sun, this performance digs into the play's charged themes with humor, invention, and a sense of adventure. Expect sharp banter, bold reinterpretation, and the thrill of live theatre unfolding against the backdrop of the city. Perfect for families, Shakespeare fans, and park-goers alike, this summertime tradition invites audiences to gather, laugh, and engage with a classic story in a fresh new light. Written by William Shakespeare. Directed by Philip Emeott. Cast: Emily Ann Banks, Katy Castaldi, Nikolas Elrifi, Ryan Holmes, Thane Madsen, Miriam Muriithi, Tom Paolino, George Pappas, Anthony Simone, Tarantino Smith, Jack Sochet, and Vanessa Wendt
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Plays, July 18, 2026, 07/18/2026, Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew: Romantic Comedy in the Park

Book Club | Sapphic Book Club -- Lesbian Love Story: A Memoir in Archives by Amelia Possanza


At this event, attendees come ready to discuss, rant, and rave with other sapphic book lovers! This discussion will center around Lesbian Love Story: A Memoir in Archives by Amelia Possanza. Synopsis: When the author moved to Brooklyn to build a life of her own, she found herself surrounded by queer stories: she read them on landmark placards, overheard them on the pool deck when she joined the world's largest LGBTQ swim team, and even watched them on TV in her cockroach-infested apartment. These stories inspired her to seek out lesbians throughout history who could become her role models, in romance and in life. Centered around seven love stories for the ages, this is the writer's journey into the archives to recover the personal histories of lesbians in the twentieth century: who they were, how they loved, why their stories were destroyed, and where their memories echo and live on. *The term “Sapphic” comes from Sappho, the ancient Greek poet from the island of Lesbos (where we get the word “lesbian!”). Organizers use it here as an umbrella term to refer to women/nonbinary/genderqueer folks who experience attraction to others in that umbrella. All are welcome!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:30 pm
Free
Book Clubs, July 18, 2026, 07/18/2026, Sapphic&nbsp;Book Club -- Lesbian Love Story: A Memoir in Archives by Amelia Possanza

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.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:45 pm
Free
Partys, July 18, 2026, 07/18/2026, Roller Dance Social In a Park with Live DJ

Classical Music | Brass at Sunset: A Storytelling Concert Experience


Join acclaimed ensemble Calliope Brass for an energetic outdoor performance blending bold brass music with immersive, story-driven programming. Known for inventive, interactive concert experiences, the quintet brings a fresh, modern approach to chamber music in a relaxed summer setting. Pack a picnic blanket or chair and enjoy an evening of live music, community, and an open-air atmosphere. 
   New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free
Concerts, July 18, 2026, 07/18/2026, Brass at Sunset: A Storytelling Concert Experience

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.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Dancings, July 18, 2026, 07/18/2026, Tango Dancing in the Park, All Levels Welcome

Performance | The Ocean Keeps No Memory of the Lines: Multi-Disciplinary Performance Meditating on Borders & Divisions


Choreographer Christopher Núñez’s new work, The Ocean Keeps No Memory of the Lines, deconstructs the "blue identity" of the Americas, reimagining the blue passport from a travel document to a talisman of our shared history. Through the lens of his own dual nationality, and in collaboration with multi-disciplinary artist Jerron Herman, Núñez pits the ocean’s boundless fluidity against the rigid borders of the State, exploring how we turn a divine gift of nature—color—into a border that divides our common humanity. There are two ways to access this event: 1. General Admission, first-come first-served. Just show up! 2. Fast Track opening the Monday before the event at noon for all.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Performances, July 18, 2026, 07/18/2026, The Ocean Keeps No Memory of the Lines: Multi-Disciplinary Performance Meditating on Borders & Divisions

Classical Music | Orchestral Works by Felix Mendelssohn & More


A journey through music that speaks to reflection, resilience, and triumph in this Festival Orchestra of Lincoln Center program led by Chloé Van Soeterstède. Enter the world of Valentin Silvestrov’s Hymn – 2001, a meditation that unfolds with quiet reverence and suspended beauty, inviting listeners into a space of stillness and contemplation. Violinist Simone Lamsma then brings passion and brilliance to Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1, a staple of the violin repertoire that shows the instrument at its most soulful and stirring. The evening culminates in Felix Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 5, the “Reformation,” a work of grandeur and conviction that builds towards a triumphant finale inspired by a historic hymn. Program: Valentin Silvestrov (1937-) Hymn – 2001 Max Bruch (1838-1920) Violin Concerto No. 1 Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) Symphony No. 5, “Reformation”
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
pay-what-you-wish, tickets required
Concerts, July 18, 2026, 07/18/2026, Orchestral Works by Felix Mendelssohn & More

Play | Shakespeare's As You Like It: Pastoral Comedy (Outdoors)


As You Like It follows heroine Rosalind as she flees persecution in her uncle's court, accompanied by her cousin Celia to find safety and, eventually, love, in the Forest of Arden. In the forest, they encounter a variety of memorable characters, notably the melancholy traveller Jaques. Written by William Shakespeare. Directed by Hamilton Clancy. Cast: Christopher Martel, David Marantz, Aria Martinelli, Adama Joy Sall, Bob Arcaro, Lizabeth Allen, Marion Stenfort, Lia Bonfilio, Emmanuel Elpenord, Andy Rowell, Patrick Hart.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:30 pm
Free
Plays, July 18, 2026, 07/18/2026, Shakespeare's As You Like It: Pastoral Comedy (Outdoors)

Dancing | SIlent Disco: Afro-Inspired Rhythms, House, & Disco with Paul McCartney, Amy WInehouse, & Queen Latifah Collaborators


This DJ night serves a double dose of dance sets, featuring dj.shErOck* and Moni Vargas. dj.shErOck* has performed across Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, and New York; she has DJ'd for Queen Latifah, Melanie Fiona, Jazmine Sullivan, and Missy Elliott. Her sets blend Afro-inspired rhythms and global grooves rooted in connection and storytelling. Moni Vargas is an Emmy Award-nominated storyteller and DJ who seamlessly mixes soulful house and disco with Afrobeats, and Caribbean and Brazilian rhythms, creating an irresistible catalyst for community-building and celebration across generations. She has performed across four continents and spun opening sets for Sir Paul McCartney, Massive Attack, Amy Winehouse, Janelle Monae, and Gilles Peterson. Amplified DJ set at 8:00 pm Silent Disco at 10:00 pm There are two ways to access this event: 1. General Admission, first-come first-served. Just show up! 2. Fast Track opening the Monday before the event at noon for all.
   New York City, NY; NYC
8:00 pm
Free
Dancings, July 18, 2026, 07/18/2026, SIlent Disco: Afro-Inspired Rhythms, House, & Disco with Paul McCartney, Amy WInehouse, & Queen Latifah Collaborators

Workshop | Stargazing on the Pier


Expert stargazers from the Amateur Astronomers Association lead an exploration to observe stars and planets. If there is heavy rain at the time of the event, the event will be canceled.
   New York City, NY; NYC
8:00 pm
Free
Workshops, July 18, 2026, 07/18/2026, Stargazing on the Pier
8:00 pm
Regular: $51
Member: $0
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Theaters, July 18, 2026, 07/18/2026, Storytelling at its Best from Far Away

Play | Skakespeare's Othello: Tragedy of Betrayal


Shakespeare's searing tragedy of love, jealousy, power, and betrayal. Set in Venice and Cyprus, Othello follows the Moorish military commander Othello as he is manipulated by his ensign, Iago, into suspecting his wife Desdemona of infidelity. Written by William Shakespeare. Directed by Carl Cofield.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:30 pm
Free
Plays, July 18, 2026, 07/18/2026, Skakespeare's Othello: Tragedy of Betrayal
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Complimentary Tickets

to shows, concerts ... (CFT Deals!)

Performance | "Epic" True Story with Broadway Actor

Regular Price: $69
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Theater | Storytelling at its Best from Far Away

Regular Price: $51
CFT Member Price: $0.00