free things to do in New York City
Free events for Friday, 05/23/14
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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 May 23, 2014?

42 free events take place on Friday, May 23 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 May 23 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 May . 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!

42 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Friday, May 23, 2014

All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Editor's Picks

free events nyc Lady Antebellum, Grammy-Winning Country Group
free events nyc Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights and Dumbo Tour
free events nyc Tony nominee Kelli O'Hara signs copies of the Broadway cast recording of The Bridges of Madison County
free events nyc The Drilling Company presents an outdoor production of Shakespeare's Hamlet
free events nyc The Earthman Experience, Powerhouse Funk Ensemble
More Editor's Picks for 05/23/14
        

Concert | Lady Antebellum, Grammy-Winning Country Group


The Nashville trio has garnered a string of gold and platinum records since coming on the scene in 2008. Their latest CD is Golden. Attendees are advised to arrive early.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:00 am
Free

Concert | Sara Evans, Country Singer-Songwriter


After a string of gold and platinum records, Evans returns with the new Slow Me Down.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 am
Free

Concert | Tim McGraw, Veteran Country Crooner


Since the early 1990s, McGraw has sold more than 40 million records in the US. His new album is Sundown Heaven Town. Attendees are advised to arrive early.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 am
Free

Tour | All-in-One Downtown Tour


This tour utilizes your feet and the New York City Subway* to transport you from Lower Manhattan, the birthplace of New York, through Wall St and the Financial District, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Chinatown and Midtown Manhattan. There will be ample opportunities for memorable pictures. You'll get the chance to savor NY's best pizza and cannoli and other treats, learn how to play NY handball, maybe bargain with a shopkeeper in Chinatown, observe a game of street chess in Greenwich Village, people watch and window shop in SoHo, and kick back on the Highline Park. Along the way, you'll master the subway and learn about New York's Finest!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

City Walk | Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights and Dumbo Tour


City Hall Park, Broadway, New York, NY, United States (map) DescriptionFree Tours by Foot is partnering with Visit New York Tours in offering a tour of the Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights and Dumbo. This is a 3-hour tour that begins with a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge, an icon of New York City for over 125 years, with spectacular views of Manhattan and Brooklyn. The tour then moves on to a stroll of Brooklyn Heights, America’s and New York City’s first suburb. The tour then explores the neighborhood DUMBO before ending at the Fulton Ferry landing. Reservations Required RESERVE NOW
   New York City, NY; NYC
10:00 am
Free

Tour | Lower Manhattan Tour


It is here, as much as anywhere, where American history started. It's where the first US Congress assembled and produced the Bill of Rights and where President George Washington took his first oath of office. It's here where the world's most important stock exchange and one of the most famous bridges stand. And it is here where an unspeakable tragedy took place and where a rebirth is underway.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

Tour | SoHo, Little Italy & Chinatown Tour


You've seen the iconic skyscrapers, attended a Broadway show, visited Lady Liberty and relaxed in Central Park. Looking for a little more of the Big Apple? Maybe it's time to visit some of Manhattan's oldest and most enchanting historic districts. Take a relaxing stroll through SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

Fair | Street Fair


Free fun for the whole family, including arts, crafts, antiques, plants, entertainment, games, and more.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

Tour | Cathedral Tour


Explore the Cathedral's newly cleaned and restored Nave. Learn about the art, architecture and history of this great sacred space from 1892 to the present.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
$6...

Workshop | Learn Juggling in the Park


Test your coordination and dexterity with free juggling lessons in the park. All skill levels are welcome to join in the fun. Equipment is provided. Lessons are weather permitting. You'll be surprised that Alex and Jordan can often be found outside tossing pins in the snow!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free

Park Walk | Mid-Park Welcome Tour


Explore the Park’s central features including the Lake and Ramble woodland, then marvel at the views from Belvedere Castle. Route involves many hills, stairs, and uneven paths. 45 minutes.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free

Concert | Bach at Noon


The keyboard works of Bach offered in 30-minute meditations by Patrick Allen, organist and master of choristers, and Phillip Lamb, organ scholar.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:20 pm
Free

Tour | Grand Central and Its Neighborhood Tour


Discover architecture and social history of Grand Central neighborhood; learn secrets of Whispering Gallery in Grand Central Terminal; gaze upon hubcaps and roadsters on side of Chrysler Building; discover favorite Midtown Manhattan hangout of Mercury, Hercules, and Minerva; learn why Pershing Square isn’t really square; visit original Lincoln Memorial by Daniel Chester French. Award-winning tour led by urban explorer, historian, and storyteller Justin Ferate.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
Free

Tour | Cathedral Tour


Explore the Cathedral's newly cleaned and restored Nave. Learn about the art, architecture and history of this great sacred space from 1892 to the present.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
$6...

Tour | Federal Reserve Bank Tour


Learn about central banking functions that Federal Reserve System performs and see Bank's vault of international monetary gold on bedrock of Manhattan Island, five stories below street level. Learn why Federal Reserve has "Federal" in its name, while it's a private bank, not Federal at all. Congressman Ron Paul considers the Federal Reserve "both corrupt and unconstitutional" Tour times: 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Fencing in the Park


Take a stab at the modern sport of fencing with masters from Manhattan Fencing Center. No prior experience needed and equipment is provided.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Film | Justin Lin's Fast and Furious 6 (2013): Franchise Vrooms On


Stars: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson. Hobbs has Dom and Brian reassemble their crew in order to take down a mastermind who commands an organization of mercenary drivers across 12 countries. Payment? Full pardons for them all. 130 min.
   New York City, NY; NYC
1:00 pm
Free

Other | United States Coast Guard Drill Team Demonstration


Part of Fleet Week 2014.
   New York City, NY; NYC
1:00 pm
Free

Tour | US Customs House Building Tour


A Museum Ambassador provides a 45-minute in-depth look at the unique architecture and design of the Alexander Hamilton Customs House.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Tour | Greenwich Village Neighborhood Tour


Greenwich Village is among Manhattan's most desirable and expensive residential neighborhoods. It's history, however, betrays it's monied status. The Village, with it's quiet, shaded streets, lined with lovely brick and brownstone townhouses, was once the incubating ground of artistic, social and political movements that have helped shape US history. From the Beats to the Folk Movement, from workers rights to gay rights, the Village has often been the center of it all.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Tour | Harlem Tour


Although world famous, Harlem may be New York's best kept secret with some of the city's best architecture, food, music and people. Harlem's history is also one of the city's most dramatic, having gone through many ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic changes over the past roughly 400 years, which have resulted in a diverse array of places of worship, theaters, homes and eating establishments.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Film | Sidney Lumet's The Fugitive Kind (1960): Brando's Slow Burn


Stars: Marlon Brando, Joanne Woodward, Anna Magnani. A guitar-strumming drifter trying to go straight finds work and solace in a Southern small-town variety store run by Lady Torrance, who's lonely, sexually frustrated, and abused by her vile, deathly ill husband. 119 min.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Tour | US Customs House Building Tour


A Museum Ambassador provides a 45-minute in-depth look at the unique architecture and design of the Alexander Hamilton Customs House.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free

Concert | Juilliard String Quartet Seminar Recital


Each year, the school hosts a weeklong seminar to foster the artistic growth of pre-formed, pre-professional string quartets. Through intensive coaching and mentoring with members of the Juilliard String Quartet, as well as interaction with other participating quartets, students are able to refine their artistry in a stimulating artistic environment. The results are displayed in these final seminar recitals
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:30 pm
Free

Concert | String Quartet Seminar Recitals


An annual weeklong seminar, which fosters the artistic growth of pre-formed, pre-professional string quartets. Through intensive coaching and mentoring with members of the String Quartet, as well as interaction wither fellow participating quartets, students are able to refine their artistry in a stimulating artistic environment in which the results are displayed in these final seminar recitals.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:30 pm
Free

Opening Reception | Exhibit: Whitney ISP: Common Spaces


This show considers the status of public space today. At a time when public space is increasingly subject to control by private interests and authoritarian forms of state power, discourses about “the commons” have simultaneously arisen to rethink how resources are held and used in common. The exhibition surveys diverse artistic practices that question and challenge the unequal distribution of space in the present, while also invoking instances in which it is effectively shared.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Party Game Social


Join and meet up with like-minded players interested in the same games as you. The Party Game Social is perfect for large groups and individuals looking to meet other players. With Apples to Apples, Taboo, Scattergories and Menu Mash-Up, these games are sure to get the fun started. Drop in anytime, as many party games allow for late additions.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Tai Chi Outdoors


Weather permitting. Open to everyone. All skill levels are welcome. Come 15 minutes early to register. Be 18 years old, or bring your legal guardian.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free

Other | Tony nominee Kelli O'Hara signs copies of the Broadway cast recording of The Bridges of Madison County


The original Broadway cast album of the new Jason Robert Brown-Marsha Norman musical, which was released digitally April 15, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Cast Recording chart and also broke into the Billboard Top 200.
   New York City, NY; NYC
5:00 pm
Free

Concert | 3 Folk Music Acts


5:30 Ryan Morgan - Lyric-focused folk 6:05 Spiteful Foal - Multi-instrumental songwriting 6:40 Bird Courage - Experimental folk
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free

Performance | 19th Annual Lower East Side Festival


This much-anticipated annual events is the perfect way to spend your Memorial Day Weekend in NYC. Performances of all kind will delight your mind and your senses all weekend long. Doors are open all weekend for this FREE Festival, a celebration of the rich Artistic Heritage of the East Village and Lower East Side.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Opening Reception | Transmutations, New Paintings by Benigna Chilla


Benigna Chilla’s new series of large-scale paintings were created after a 2012 stay in Bhutan. Her process as an artist begins with inspiration from ancient, geometric patterns found in architecture, textiles, and nature. These recent paintings explore both organic and constructed geometric shapes, which are organized through symmetry. Actual texture is embedded onto the canvas, layered with natural pigments like turmeric, saffron and minerals. Benigna Chilla (born 1940), began her art studies in her native Germany at the Folkwangschule in Essen and then at the Academy of Fine Arts in Berlin. She moved to America in 1969. She has held residencies at Yaddo, the Djerassi Foundation, the Atlantic Center for the Arts and the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, MA. Benigna now splits her time between Chatham, NY and Kolkata, India.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Park Walk | Central Park Tour


Stroll through the park and tell the epic story of New York's green oasis. Once described as the lungs of the city, Central Park brings a breath of fresh air to New York's crowded urban terrain. What started out as the rocky and desolate northern fringes of a rapidly expanding city is today amongst the world's most famous and beloved public parks. Originally intended to bring people of all walks of life together -- a people's park -- Central Park lives up to it's original designs. With over 843 acres of meadows, hills, ball fields and bodies of water, it's impossible not to find
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Opening Reception | Paintings by Andrew Salgado


ANDREW SALGADO (b. 1982, Regina, Canada) has created a buzz for himself with bold, generally large-scale figurative paintings that have situated him as one to watch in both the UK and North America; even being listed by Saatchi as "one of 12 to invest in today" (Sept 2013) and lauded by esteemed critic Edward Lucie Smith as a "dazzlingly skillful advocate" for painting.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Park Walk | The High Line Tour


The area around the High Line Park was a vital business district of New York City, supplying fresh fruits, French Cheeses and Russian caviar as well as fresh meats to City markets. The hustle and bustle of the streets induced the City to elevate the railroad trains delivering goods to the commercial buildings. When interstate truck traffic made the railway outdated, it fell into ruin, only to be regenerated as a park.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Performance | No Name Comedy/Variety Show


With "No Name" house band The Summer Replacements including Carl (BabyFreak) Fortunato) and Fernando (Dr. Sandman) Morales Gonzalez performing a full set of old school R & B and rock.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
No cover...

Concert | Sunset Singing Circle


Sing together! Share rounds and folk songs. No experience necessary. All ages welcome. Bring a favorite song. Led by folksinger Terre Roche.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Theater | The Drilling Company presents an outdoor production of Shakespeare's Hamlet


In an unusual interpretation, the production is intended to illuminate the modern dysfunctional family unit. Gertrude is an alcoholic mother; Ophelia is manic depressive; Claudius is overworked, power-obsessed and success-oriented. Everyone but Hamlet and Horatio are suffering from one of the maladies that we identify in modern culture as a problem for human development.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:00 pm
Free

Screening | Documentary: Bobbito Garcia and Kevin Couliau's Doin' It in the Park: Pick-Up Basketball, NYC (2012)


The film explores the definition, history, culture and social impact of New York's summer b-ball scene, the worldwide "Mecca" of the sport. 83 min.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
$10 suggested donation

Film | Screening of Top Gun on an Aircraft Carrier


A screening of Top Gun, under the stars on the flight deck! Bring your lawn chairs, picnic baskets and blankets. Guests are encouraged to bring their own food, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Doors open at 7:30pm and the film begins at sunset, weather permitting. Part of Fleet Week 2014.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free

Concert | String Quartet Seminar Recitals


An annual weeklong seminar, which fosters the artistic growth of pre-formed, pre-professional string quartets. Through intensive coaching and mentoring with members of the String Quartet, as well as interaction wither fellow participating quartets, students are able to refine their artistry in a stimulating artistic environment in which the results are displayed in these final seminar recitals.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free

Concert | The Earthman Experience, Powerhouse Funk Ensemble


Haitian-born vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Richard “Earthman” Laurent (so dubbed by Tunisian shamans who praised his music’s healing properties) presides over this powerhouse funk ensemble that makes Fela Kuti-inspired, Afrobeat-meets-tribal-house jams. The live turntablism of former Fugees DJ Hard Hittin Harry locks into the danceable backbeat of West African djembe drumming to create a sound that’s both sensual and mystic.
   New York City, NY; NYC
10:00 pm
No cover, no...
Complimentary Tickets

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

Play | Drama with Broadway Actors

Regular Price: $77
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Play | A Play with Tony Nominated Director

Regular Price: $60.55
CFT Member Price: $0.00
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