free things to do in New York City
Free events for Monday, 05/21/18
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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 21, 2018?

43 free events take place on Monday, May 21 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 21 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!

43 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Monday, May 21, 2018

All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Editor's Picks

free events nyc Piano in the Park: Ragtime, Stride, and Jazz
free events nyc Tour of Gracie Mansion, Home of New York's Mayors
free events nyc Alejandro Amenabar's The Others (2001): gothic horror movie starring Nicole Kidman
free events nyc How Did Exile Shape the Art World?: Transatlatic Ebb and Flow of Cultural Energies
free events nyc Karen Mason, Broadway and Cabaret singer
        

Workshop | Pilates Workshop


Morning Pilates, presented by the Pilates Initiative and Return to Life Center. Mats are provided by Balanced Body and are available to the first 30 attendees at each class.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 am
Free

Workshop | Spring Birding Tour


Discover the surprising diversity of birds that call the park home during migratory season with guided tours. Located in the heart of midtown, the park is a hot spot for avian visitors and birders alike. Past sightings include warblers, tanagers, vireos, thrushes, and even a Chuck-will’s-widow.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 am
Free

City Walk | Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights and Dumbo Tour


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.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:30 am
Free

Tour | Downtown Manhattan 3-Hour Tour


The 3-hour walking and subway tour covers the Financial District including Wall Street and the World Trade Center, SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown. These are neighborhoods that simply can’t be fully appreciated from a bus. There will be one or two opportunities to sample tasty treats.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:30 am
Free

City Walk | 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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9:45 am
Free

Workshop | Morning Meditation


Balance mind, body, and spirit in this Primordial Sound Meditation led by an instructor. Work with a personal mantra, a specific sound or vibration. Take part in a regular meditation practice that lowers blood pressure, reduces stress, and strengthens the immune system.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:45 am
Free

Tour | SoHo, Little Italy and 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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9:45 am
Free

Tour | Tour of Gracie Mansion, Home of New York's Mayors


In 1799, a prosperous New York merchant named Archibald Gracie built a country house overlooking a bend in the East River, five miles north of the then-New York City limits. Little did he know that, more than 200 years later, his home would be serving as the official residence of the First Family of New York City - a place where history is made, not merely recorded. As a historic house museum run by the Parks Department, sitting on 11 acres of grounds now known as Carl Schurz Park, Gracie Mansion has served as the home of 10 mayors, beginning first with Mayor Fiorello H. La Guardia in 1942. Today, Gracie Mansion is occupied by the de Blasio family, which has opened its doors in the spirit of the administration's motto: one city, rising together. In keeping with that theme, Mayor de Blasio and First Lady Chirlane McCray have introduced a new art installation, titled “Windows on the City: Looking Out at Gracie’s New York.” Tours take place at 10am and 11am.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

Film | Paul Thomas Anderson's The Phantom Thread (2017): 6 Oscar nominations


Set in London's couture world in 1954, it stars Daniel Day-Lewis as a couturier who takes a young waitress, played by Vicky Krieps, as his muse.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free

Workshop | Brazilian Portuguese Class


Learn a new language in these standalone beginner classes. Classes are not cumulative, so you may attend any class throughout the season without needing to play catch up.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:45 am
Free

Workshop | Learn Juggling in the Park


Test your coordination and dexterity with juggling lessons in the park. All skill levels are welcome to join in the fun. Equipment is provided.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free

Concert | Piano in the Park: Ragtime, Stride, and Jazz


Summertime, and the livin’ is easy... so swing on by for toe-tappin’ performances by New York’s finest, playing ragtime, stride, and jazz to your heart’s delight. Ayako Shirasaki is a virtuoso pianist who performs in and around the New York City area. Her techniques range from a “tender touch” (like the late Tommy Flanagan) to “brisk runs” (like Bud Powell) – which can be heard on her recent solo CD Some Other Time.
   New York City, NY; NYC
12:30 pm
Free

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. Tour times: 1:00pm, 2:00pm. This tour takes place Mondays through Fridays, except bank holidays.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Health insurance options: low cost plans, medicaid, Essential Plan, and more


Get information about quality health insurance options from a representative of the New York state of Health: Individuals & Families New low cost quality health options Individual marketplace Medicaid The Essential Plan Qualified Health Plan (Private Insurance)
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Live your Healthiest Life: how to be healthier, reduce cancer risks, and more


This workshop will provide important information on how to lead a healthier life, reduce cancer risks and gain access to free or low-cost health insurance.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Lunchtime Meditation


Take a mid-day pause to refresh your mind and re-establish your center in the midst of bustling city life. Meditation is a powerful tool to eliminate stress, to heal the body, mind, and brain, and to enhance your personal well-being and positive relationship with the world.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
$10 suggested donation

Concert | Organ Recital


Cathedral organists provide a break for mind, body and spirit on Mondays at 1 pm with an entertaining and informative demonstration of the Cathedral’s unparalleled Great Organ.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
$8

Workshop | Classic Film Trivia


Test your knowledge of this month’s classic film stars. Study the display case on the first floor for clues and come ready to impress. Staff will be ready with tie-breakers and prizes.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:30 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

Workshop | Resume & Job Search Workshop


Need help writing or formatting a resume? Looking for guidance or advice on the job hunt? Have questions about preparing for an interview? Use this one-on-one counseling for adult and teen patrons seeking assistance with resume writing, finding a job, or the job application process.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Film | Samuel Fuller's China Gate (1957): French Foreign Legion Adventure


Stars: Gene Barry, Angie Dickinson, Nat 'King' Cole. In 1954, during the French Indochina War, an Eurasian female smuggler and a group of French Foreign Legion mercenaries, infiltrate the enemy territory in order to destroy an arms depot. 97 min.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Tour | SoHo, Little Italy and 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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2:00 pm
Free

Tour | Southern Park Welcome Tour


An introduction to some of the southern Park highlights, including Grand Army Plaza, the Pond, Gapstow Bridge, Wollman Rink, Chess and Checkers House, and the Dairy.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Resume help


Need help with resume writing? Not sure how to edit it? Get one-on-one assistance with writing your resume. Please bring a written draft of your resume and a USB to save and edit it.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:30 pm
Free

Workshop | Quilting with a Purpose


Come help make quilts to be given to needy children. Sewing experience required!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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4:45 pm
Free

Staged Reading | Andy Warhol: The Series: The Life of the Pop Artist


Originally written for television, Hilton Als’s Andy Warhol: The Series draws on historical accounts, rumors, and artwork to tell the story of the artist’s childhood, career, and fascination with Hollywood. The series is from the point of view of significant women in Warhol’s life–his mother and Shirley Temple. This evening will present the premiere reading, directed by New York-based director John Jesurun.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free

Tour | Tour of Gracie Mansion, Home of New York's Mayors


In 1799, a prosperous New York merchant named Archibald Gracie built a country house overlooking a bend in the East River, five miles north of the then-New York City limits. Little did he know that, more than 200 years later, his home would be serving as the official residence of the First Family of New York City - a place where history is made, not merely recorded. As a historic house museum run by the Parks Department, sitting on 11 acres of grounds now known as Carl Schurz Park, Gracie Mansion has served as the home of 10 mayors, beginning first with Mayor Fiorello H. La Guardia in 1942. Today, Gracie Mansion is occupied by the de Blasio family, which has opened its doors in the spirit of the administration's motto: one city, rising together. In keeping with that theme, Mayor de Blasio and First Lady Chirlane McCray have introduced a new art installation, titled “Windows on the City: Looking Out at Gracie’s New York.” Tours take place at 10am and 11am.
   New York City, NY; NYC
5:00 pm
Free

Lesson | Writing circle


Discover your inner writer! You'll be given a writing prompt, asked to write for 15 minutes and then encouraged to share your work with other participants. It's a great way beat writer's block and meet some new people.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free

Lesson | Writing club


Want to meet local writers? Commit to a writing schedule? Practice your craft through writing prompts? Read original work to get and give feedback? Then come to the biweekly meetings of the Writing Club Writers of all genres and styles, at all levels, are welcome to participate. No sign-ups required. For adults (ages 18 and up)
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:15 pm
Free

Film | Alejandro Amenabar's The Others (2001): gothic horror movie starring Nicole Kidman


A woman who lives in a darkened mansion with her two light-sensitive children becomes convinced the house is haunted. The film won eight Goya Awards, including awards for Best Film and Best Director. This was the first English-language film ever to receive the Best Film Award at the Goyas (Spain's national film awards), without a single word of Spanish spoken in it. 101 min.
   New York City, NY; NYC
6:00 pm
Free

Concert | Broadway's Future


A monthly series where they introduce you to new music by an emerging Broadway composer/ lyricist with performances by Broadway vocalists. The evening will spotlight the songs of Preston Max Allen (We Are the Tigers). The performers will be backed by Laura Dadap on cello, Jessie Linden on drums, Justin Rothberg on guitar, Patrick Sulken on piano, and Kelly Thomas on bass.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Tour | 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

Workshop | Mah Jongg Social


Mah Jongg Socials, led by Linda Fisher, throughout the summer. Basic instruction included.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Film | Lee Unkrich's Coco (2017): Winner of the 2017 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film


Featuring the voices of Anthony Gonzalez, Gael Garcia Bernal, and Benjamin Bratt. Despite his family's generations-old ban on music, young Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead. After meeting a charming trickster named Héctor, the two new friends embark on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel's family history. 109 min.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:15 pm
Free

Author Reading | The Love of Painting: Genealogy of a Success Medium


The familiarity of post-medium discourses today has, curiously, set the scene for painting’s resurgence as an art form. Despite its gendered and discriminatory history, painting remains valorized in contemporary art, and it is used towards powerful feminist ends. Certain understandings of painting today might even be incognizable within traditional definitions, as the medium looks or works more like sculpture, performance, or pure network formation. At the moment of capitalism’s digitization, its material obsessions are far from diminished. Isabelle Graw maps the forceful paradoxes driving painting’s continuous critical and commercial allure in her landmark new publication. Throughout, Graw keeps a close eye on painting’s fourteenth century theoretical foundations, developing a distinctly genealogical inquiry into the medium’s dazzling vitality in the present. Interwoven among the volume’s essays are dialogues with numerous artists whose work Graw examines, as she considers the critic’s networked position and complicates her interpretative strategies.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
$5

Discussion | How Did Exile Shape the Art World?: Transatlatic Ebb and Flow of Cultural Energies


Art & Borders discussion looks at the emergence of American artists at the end of the 19th century, based on Annie Cohen Solal’s landmark book: Painting American: The Rise of American Artists, Paris 1867-New York 1948. Cohen-Solal brings to life a surging transatlatic ebb and flow of cultural energies, driven by innumerable fascinating individuals – painters, collectors, critics – who initiated enormous cultural changes in history. Also with Julian Lethbridge.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Self-Defense Workshop with Pop Gym


Come by this workshop to learn some introductory skills that will keep you feeling safe. They’ll be covering the basics: stretching, conditioning, technique, and theory, with the hope that participants will leave with some super useful foundations that will aid them in the day-to-day. Mix that in with some sweat and some movement, and you’ll have an accessible and confidence-boosting good time for all. Whether you are a beginner, or someone with experience, come work it out with us! Open to all ages. Participants should wear clothing in which they are comfortable stretching and sweating.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Tour | Ghosts on Broadway Tour


For some performers, the show must go on… even after death! The Ghosts on Broadway Tour, led by a veteran New York City talent agent, will introduce you to these notorious theater legends who appear after the lights go dim. You’ll hear about the Broadway impresario who haunts the theater that bears his name. His apparition shows up on opening nights to congratulate the cast or “pinch” the leading ladies’ bottom. Jazz age parties are heard almost nightly from his long abandoned apartment over his theater.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free

Concert | Karen Mason, Broadway and Cabaret singer


Vocalist Karen Mason has starred on stage and television, and in recordings. On Broadway, she dazzled audiences in Wonderland, originated the role of Tanya in Mamma Mia!, and earned ovations for her performance as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard. She is also a beloved cabaret singer, and has appeared at Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, Feinstein’s at Loews Regency, and other venues. Broadway composer/lyricists Barry Kleinbort (Broadway and the Bard, Big City Rhytm) has directed and/or written special material for such cabaret/theatre luminaries as Kaye Ballard, Marcia Lewis, Mary Cleere Haran among others. Pianist Tedd Firth has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Birdland and more venues.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:30 pm
Free

Comedy Club | The Mosquito Comedy Variety Show


Actress and Emmy award-winning commentator Nancy Giles (CBS News Sunday Morning) hosts this fast and furious monthly variety show with stand-ups, sit-downs and music. Giles, who starred on ABC's China Beach" and Delta series will be joined by a rotating cast of regulars who have in the past included: Pat Candaras, Cynthia Kaplan, Peri Gaffney, Kathryn Rossetter, Sheila Head, Susan Burns, Sue Giles, Nancy Shayne and more.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free

Dance Performance | Experiments in Dance


A free, high visibility low-tech forum for experimentation, emerging ideas and works-in-progress held in the Fall and Spring seasons. Artists are selected by a rotating committee of peer artists, and join each season in performing at the historic church. Featuring: Bailey Allshouse Lorene M. Bouboushian Keith Hennessy
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free

Comedy Club | Bingo n' Laughs: A Night of Bingo and Comedy


Comedy from: Host: Jack Comstock, Caroline's on Broadway Sally Ann Hall, Winner of The Laughing Devil Cup Caitlin Ruppert Ayanna Dookie, Tru Tv
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:30 pm
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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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