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free things to do in New York City
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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 March 20, 2026?
56 free events take place on Friday, March 20 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 March 20 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 March . 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.
Are you looking for free things to do in New York City (NYC) on March 20, 2026?
56 free events take place on Friday, March 20 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 March 20 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 March . 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.
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!
56 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Friday, March 20, 2026
All events are free unless otherwise noted.
Workshop | Morning Tai Chi
Improve balance, strength and focus through gentle exercises. The sights and sounds of the river provide a serene background for the ancient flowing postures.
New York City, NY; NYC
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8:30 am
Free
Free
Workshop | Chess Open Play
Make your move at a chess event featuring strategy, fun, and friendly competition for players of all ages and skill levels. Explore the game through open play. Grab a friend or co-worker and play the game on our giant indoor chess board underneath the palm trees. Whether you're making your first move or mastering your endgame, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Free
Museums | Friday at Pop Culture/Art Museum
Through temporary exhibitions, a growing permanent collection, and educational events, this museum examines the significant influence of posters on society and culture, and how they are adapted for modern use. As the first poster museum in the United States, it offers a space for inquiry for anyone interested in design, advertising, and public interventions, with the goal of enhancing design literacy among the general public.
Works explore:
mass communication and persuasion
the intersection of art and commerce
control of the public domain
New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Free
Workshop | Adult Zumba
Featuring easy-to-follow Latin dance choreography. Work on your balance, coordination and range of motion.
New York City, NY; NYC
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10:30 am
Free
Free
Museums | Asian Art and Culture Museum
The museum features a diverse collection of artworks, including traditional and contemporary pieces from various Asian cultures. 2 pm: guided tour.
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Free
Classical Music | Chamber Music (on Period Instruments) in a Famous Museum
Experience live performances by Juilliard scholars on period instruments, exploring historical music in dialogue with the museum's collection. This series offers a rare chance to hear early music brought to life in the gallery setting.
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Free
Workshop | Crafting Community
Bring your own craft or art project to work on!
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Free
Workshop | Mat Pilates (Beginners Welcome!)
Sweet Water Dance & Yoga leads a session of mat pilates, a strengthening and lengthening exercise that focuses on conditioning your core muscles while also training your arms and legs. This class incorporates key Pilates principles such as postural alignment, breathing, strength, controlled movement, and flexibility. This class is perfect for beginners but intermediate and advanced movers will also benefit. Bring your own mat.
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Free
Workshop | Learn to Juggle, All Skill Levels Welcome
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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12:00 pm
Free
Free
Classical Music | Modern Coming-of-Age Piano Works
A Long Journey Called Home is a solo piano recital program and therapeutic coming of age story. Anne Lovering Rounds' recital first revisits the past, presenting canonical repertoire from formative years at the instrument, including works by Mozart and Mendelssohn. The second half of the program offers pieces that became newly emotionally and technically available in adulthood, ending with Missy Mazzoli's stunningly cathartic 2022 work, Forgiveness Machine, originally commissioned for pianist Adam Tendler’s elegiac Inheritances project. Through performance, personal essays as program notes, medical records, and images, the recital tells the story of growing up musically and invites listeners to be part of a journey still unfolding.
New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free
Free
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.
New York City, NY; NYC
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12:20 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Crafting Community: Work on Personal Projects & Make New Friends
Freeform crafting and conversation! Bring your own project or choose something from the collection to work on. The organizers have materials for sewing, knitting, crochet, coloring, and paper crafts. All programs are subject to change or cancellation.
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:30 pm
Free
Free
Film | Bugonia (2025): Black Comedy Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, Starring Emma Stone
Two conspiracy-minded young men kidnap the high-powered CEO of a major company, convinced that she is an alien bent on destroying the Earth. Director: Yorgos Lanthimos Cast: Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Aidan Delbis, Stavros Halkias, Alicia Silverstone Yorgos Lanthimos is an acclaimed Greek filmmaker, having received multiple accolades, including a BAFTA Award, and a Golden Lion, plus nominations for five Academy Awards and a Golden Globe Award. Lanthimos started his career in experimental theatre before directing film. Emma Stone is an American actress and film producer. Over her career so far, she's earned such accolades as two Academy Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, and two Golden Globes. In 2017, she was the world's highest-paid actress and named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
Film | Now You See Me: Now You Don't (2025) -- Heist Film with Star-Studded Cast
A diamond heist reunites a team of young illusionists to expose a global money laundering scheme. Director: Ruben Fleischer Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Isla Fisher, Justice Smith, Dominic Sessa, Ariana Greenblatt, Rosamund Pike, Morgan Freeman
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
Screening | Speaking in Pairs: Dialogue, Memory & Representation
This day-long interdisciplinary program brings together artists, scholars, conservators, and performers in paired conversations exploring portraiture, history, memory, and the power of representation. The program opens with a screening of Hommage à August Sander (1977), a 21-minute documentary film by Pavel Schnabel, followed by the day's paired talks. Vocalist Beth Griffith performs an English rendition of Marieluise: A Report by Kerstin Specht, joined by dancer Yehuda Hyman, weaving embodied performance into the day's layered exchanges.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
Jazz | Afternoon Jam Sesh (Play Music or Just Listen)
This jam session is open to all musicians. Come and play or just listen to some jazzy tunes.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
Talk | Maple Harvest: Native Food & Spring Traditions
Celebrate the arrival of spring and nature's gift of sweetness. This time of year, Native peoples of the Northeast harvest maple sap and make maple syrup and other sweet treats. Learn about this Native food and the ingenious process that Native people developed and have shared with the world. Visitors of all ages are welcome.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
Classical Music | Piano Works by Rachmaninoff, Robert Schumann, & More (In Person AND Online!)
Wynona Yinuo Wang, piano. Program: Erwin Schulhoff (1894-1942) Piano Sonata No. 1 Robert Schumann (1810-1856) Piano Sonata No. 1 in F-sharp Minor, Op. 11 Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943) Sonata No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 28
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:30 pm
Free
Free
Classical Music | Cello Works by Korngold & Prokofiev (In Person AND Online!)
Seokhoon Henri Yoon, cello. Program: Erich Wolfgang Korngold (1897-1957) Die Tote Stadt Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) Sinfonia-Concertante in E Minor, Op. 125
New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free
Free
Tour | Curator Insights: Rail, Real Estate & Urban Identity
Join the Museum's director for a gallery tour of The Invention of Park Avenue, which explores how the creation of Grand Central and an avenue out of thin air became the key link between railroads and real estate, shaping Park Avenue's unique and evolving New York identity.
New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free
Free
Gallery Talk | Expert Insights: Celebration of Women's History Month
Mothers, mystics, lovers, brides of Christ. Medieval ideas about womanhood and femininity may surprise you. Mark Women's History Month by hearing from Museum experts about artworks that unveil the lives and desires of medieval women.
New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Play Chess
Sharpen your mind, meet new people, and enjoy this timeless game. Chess sets and timers are provided. Adults only.
New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free
Free
Museums | American History and Artifact Collections
Enjoy a stroll through galleries of an extensive collection of American art, learn about the history of New York and the USA. Last admission is at 7 pm.
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Pay-what-you-wish, reservation required
Pay-what-you-wish, reservation required
Museums | Friday Evening at the Art/History Museum
This museum is an assemblage of illuminated, literary, and historical manuscripts, early printed books, and old master drawings and prints inside a historic building. Registration opens 7 days in advance & does sell out.
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Free
Museums | Friday Night Function at an Iconic Art Museum
Enjoy art, drinks, special programming, music, city views, and more! Throughout the night, there will be a few "15-minute tours," highlighting different parts of the collection.
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Free
Festival | Spring Equinox Celebration
Celebrate spring with a performance by a 5-piece rock 'n' roll band, face painting, a sound bath, and tea. Reflect on this time of renewal and welcome the new season with the garden community.
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Free
Classical Music | Cello Works by J.S. Bach, Robert Schumann, & More (In Person AND Online!)
Nagyeom Jang, cello. Program: J.S. Bach (1685-1750) Cello Suite No. 6 in D Major, BWV 1012 Henriëtte Bosmans (1895-1952) Cello Sonata in A Minor Robert Schumann (1810-1856) Cello Concerto in A Minor, Op. 129
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free
Free
Museums | Friday Evening at the Famous Art Museum
This special, all-ages evening celebrates the art and the city. Explore in the galleries, get creative with drop-in drawing sessions, and see a film in the theaters. Museum stores and cafe will be open, too, so you can grab a bite, get drinks, or shop for unique design objects. Free for New York State residents but must be reserved in advance (up to two adults), and are subject to availability and proof of residency. Tickets are released one week in advance.
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free
Free
Classical Music | Harp Works by J.S. Bach, Debussy, Ravel, & More (In Person AND Online!)
Krissy Teng, harp. Program: J.S. Bach (1685-1750) (arr. Marcel Grandjany) Prelude and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 539 André Caplet (1878-1925) Divertissements Claude Debussy (1862-1918) (arr. Krissy Teng) Images (Oubliées) Marcel Tournier (1879-1951) Images (4th Suite), Op. 39 Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) Introduction et allegro, M. 46
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free
Free
Opening Reception | Blur: Multi-Artist Photography Exhibition on the Creative Possibilities of Intentional Imperfections
The exhibition Blur explores the creative possibilities of controlled imperfections in photography. Photographers have more tools than just sharp focus. Using selective focus, motion blur, contrast, and multiple exposure, to name a few techniques, the photographer can guide the viewer's eye, highlighting important parts of the frame, sometimes suggesting motion, or not. This joint exhibition brings together photographic artists to explore the expressive power of intentional imperfection in contemporary photography. See how these works demonstrate the photographer's power to go beyond capturing a scene to creating a more dynamic and emotionally engaging image. They explore depth and nuance found when images aren't perfect; moving away from perfectly sharp images.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Gallery Talk | Artists on Artwork: Personal Introspection and Innovations
Experience the collection through artists' perspectives. Join poet Jennifer Firestone as she responds to Helene Schjerfbeck's distinctive modernist paintings. Listen as Firestone shares poems inspired by the works featured in the exhibition and explores connections between her work and that of the painters, including a dynamic relationship between personal introspection and innovations in formal technique.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Lecture | Arts of South and Southeast Asia: Gods at the Gateway of Modernity
In Calcutta, the diverse colonial capital of 19th-century India, artists and artisans adopted new mechanical reproduction methods to make Hindu gods more accessible and affordable. They pioneered the chromolithographic religious prints, a popular devotional imagery that became widespread in twentieth-century India. This lecture examines how this genre developed and grew into the dominant visual language of modern India.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Book Discussion | Award-WInning Author & His Translator Discuss the English Translation of Unspent Bullets
Author Terao Tetsuya joins Jeremy Tiang and Kevin Wang, translator of Tetsuya's collection of linked short stories, Spent Bullets. This book is centered on an engineering genius who descends deeper into despair while rising higher on the professional ladder. A searing look at our time and culture, Terao Tetsuya exposes the absurdity of striving: to make money, to be a better person, to be someone you're not. With cool, calculating precision, he illuminates the promise and peril of gifted young people who patiently bear the burdens of their fate.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Concert | DJ MD Spins Innovative Tracks Honoring African Diaspora
DJ MD (Marcy DePina) curates vibes and sounds that reflect her passion for music, art, and the cultures of the world. Celebrating music as the universal language, DJ MD spins tracks from Africa and its expansive and innovative Diaspora, with the purpose of raising frequencies and promoting unity through sound. For over a decade, DJ MD has been a radio host, producer, deejay, and host of the FORSA!
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Discussion | Evening of Readings and Conversation with Poets and Authors
Join an author talk with poets Amy Barone, Elizabeth Morse, and author/host Eleni Traganas. The event features a reading by published Woodside Writers authors. Books will be available for purchase and author signings, and the evening will celebrate poetry, prose, and the literary community.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Opening Reception | Flowers from the Underground
Artist Chris "Daze" Ellis returns with his most ambitious solo exhibition to date. Five decades of growth, from subway graffiti to fine art, showcased in new paintings honoring iconic city landmarks, a site-specific mural transforming the space, a multimedia installation featuring subway seats, a disco ball, and curated club music, along with the artists who defined a generation.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Classical Music | Modern& Contemporary Ensemble Works by Persian Composers
Chris Dechant, clarinet, Xiaolin Zhang, piano, Jonathan Entenza, cello, Ava Nazar, piano, Janae Yates, drums, William Schwartzman, bass, John Murray, bass, Nami Nazar, trumpet/ney/violin. Program: Nami Nazar Fantasy for Clarinet and Piano in II Movements Nami Nazar Across Four Cities Nami Nazar Under the Persian Sky for Solo Piano (Part I) Morteza Neydavoud (1900-1990) Morgh-e Sahar Samin Baghtcheban (1923-2008) Norouz Tou Rahe
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Opening Reception | Multi-Artist Spring Exhibition
Enjoy refreshments and mingling amongst a display of fine art from talented artists. See award winners! Soft drinks and platters will be provided for your enjoyment.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
7:00 pm
Regular: $33.85
Member: $0
Regular: $33.85
Member: $0
Join the Club!
7:00 pm
Regular: $55
Member: $0
Regular: $55
Member: $0
Join the Club!
7:00 pm
Regular: $50
Member: $0
Regular: $50
Member: $0
Join the Club!
7:00 pm
Regular: $35
Member: $0
Regular: $35
Member: $0
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Book Discussion | Riffs & Rebellion: A Night of Punk Memories
Join author Angela Jaeger for a vibrant reading from I Feel Famous: Punk Diaries 1977-1981, where she recounts her coming-of-age in the heart of New York's punk scene. Her memoir weaves together identity politics, downtown culture, fashion, and the raw energy of punk music, offering a fresh perspective on how style and sound shaped a generation. After the reading, Jaeger will field questions and discuss the interplay of fashion, media, and fandom in the era. Books will be available for purchase, and attendees are encouraged to embrace punk style for the event.
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Free
Film | The Philosopher’s Kitchen (2026): Korean Culinary Documentary
Buddhist nun and chef Jeong Kwan is a devoted Buddhist practitioner and a world-renowned ambassador of Korean cuisine. The Philosopher’s Kitchen follows her daily life through the four seasons, capturing the rhythm and intimacy of her practice. The film reveals her radical culinary philosophy—one that breaks from convention—while embracing her unmistakably human presence as someone who laughs and cries within the monastery walls. Directors: Baek Heon-seok, Jeong Ui-tae, Ko Yun-seong
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free
Free
Performance | Black Burlesque & Drag Showcase Exploring Cultural Hybridity and Black Diaspora
This event showcases burlesque at its finest. Empowered, illustrious, and fierce. An evening of live performance and multimedia experiences, Hairology brings together some of today's most innovative Black burlesque and drag performers in an exploration of cultural hybridity within the global Black diaspora. Featuring a star-studded lineup including: Foxy Belle Afriq, Abby Fantastic, Thee Suburbia, Rain Supreme, Junior Mintt, ILOV GRATE, and special guests Jack Rabbit Slims and Susie Dahl. Please note: This performance contains partial nudity and other adult themes. Audience discretion is advised. 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.
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free
Free
8:00 pm
Regular: $54.50
Member: $0
Regular: $54.50
Member: $0
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8:00 pm
Regular: $20
Member: $0
Regular: $20
Member: $0
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Open Mic | Hear from Emerging Writers or Perform Your Own Work
Hear original work by local, emerging writers of all genres, or share some of your own pieces! All performers welcome! Hosted by novelist Ed Lin. Sign ups start from 7:30PM. 5-minute time slots.
New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free
Free
8:00 pm
Regular: $30
Member: $0
Regular: $30
Member: $0
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8:00 pm
Regular: $20
Member: $0
Regular: $20
Member: $0
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Concert | Underground Voices: Czech & Slovak Rap, Punk & Electronic
A joint concert by three young Czech and Slovak artists, Arleta, Berlin Manson, and FVCK_KVLT, brings the current underground scene to New York, combining rap, synth-punk, and socially engaged music. Their music shares a strong social dimension and addresses themes of identity, generational experience, and post-industrial reality. Each employs a distinct musical language, ranging from rap and punk to electronic music.
New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free
Free
Classical Music | Violin Piece by Paganini (In Person AND Online!)
Pierce Graycen Wang, violin. Program: Niccolo Paganini (1782-1840) Caprice for Solo Violin, Op. 1
New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free
Free
9:00 pm
Regular: $69
Member: $0
Regular: $69
Member: $0
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11:30 pm
Regular: $30
Member: $0
Regular: $30
Member: $0
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Complimentary Tickets
to shows, concerts ... (CFT Deals!)
Concert | Multi-Grammy Nominee and The Great American Songbook
Regular Price: $67CFT Member Price: $0.00
Concert | Spirituals, Broadway Tunes and More at a Landmark Venue
Regular Price: $65CFT Member Price: $0.00
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