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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 8, 2026?
39 free events take place on Friday, May 8 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 8 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.
Are you looking for free things to do in New York City (NYC) on May 8, 2026?
39 free events take place on Friday, May 8 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 8 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.
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!
39 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Friday, May 8, 2026
All events are free unless otherwise noted.Editor's Picks
Workshop | Outdoor Tai Chi
Improve balance, strength, and focus through gentle exercises. The sights and sounds of the harbor provide a serene background for the ancient flowing postures.
New York City, NY; NYC
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8:30 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
Open Studios | Gravity and Material Worlds: Japanese Contemporary and Postwar Art
Statics of an Egg brings together multimedia works by contemporary Japanese artists alongside influential postwar figures, tracing a shared exploration of material, form, and perception. The exhibition highlights a network of artists whose practices examine how ideas take shape through physical processes and visual experimentation.
Centered on gravity, the works examine both physical forces and metaphorical weight, memory, time, and cultural history, connecting generations of artists. Through painting, sculpture, and installation, the exhibition explores how matter accumulates, shifts, and transforms across space and time.
New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Free
Workshop | Zumba Workout for All
Enthusiastic instruction and easy-to-follow Latin dance choreography working on 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. They typically have guided tours at 2 pm.
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Free
Workshop | Mat Pilates Session (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 | Clay Sculpture Lesson (Part 1)
Participants will have the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and start hand-building their own unique sculptures using all sorts of fun tools and techniques. Whether you follow our playful prompts or go totally freestyle, you'll leave with something truly one-of-a-kind. In the first session, the group will work on hand-building sculptures using a variety of tools. All materials will be provided, including clay, wood tools, paints and brushes. No prior experience necessary, just bring your imagination!
New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
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
Screening | New Animation Shorts from Emerging Filmmakers (In Person AND Online!)
A major New York City art school's BFA Animation program presents the newest class of graduates and a special screening of their finished thesis projects. Celebrate the incredible work of graduating student filmmakers. Enjoy a selection of films and meet the creatives behind them in person. Doors open at 11:00am.
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
Jazz | Piano in the Park: "Off and Running," Multi-Genre Musician
Come on down and swing along to the best live jazz, blues, and country the Big Apple has to offer, with "a multi-instrumental multi-genre musical daredevil." Ernst plays a variety of instruments, including guitar, banjo, and stride piano. He performs and records a variety of different genres, including hot jazz, swing, bluegrass, classic country, old-time, and ragtime music.
New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
Free
Free
Film | California Suite (1978): Anthology Comedy Film with Star-Studded Cast
Misadventures of four groups of guests at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Director: Herbert Ross Cast: Alan Alda, Michael Caine, Bill Cosby, Jane Fonda, Walter Matthau, Elaine May, Richard Pryor, Maggie Smith Short film discussion to follow.
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 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
Screening | Most Watched International Sporting Events on the Big (30-foot!) Screen Outdoors: Tennis & Basketball
Today's Schedule:
1:30pm - 7:30pm Italian Open
7:30pm - 8:30pm WNBA NY Liberty vs Connecticut
*Scheduled programming subject to change. Seating is open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis. Wells Fargo customers receive priority seating.
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:30 pm
Free
Free
Film | No Other Choice (2025): South Korean Black Comedy Thriller from Park Chan-wook
When a happy family man is dismissed after twenty-five years of loyal service at a paper company, he finds the perfect solution to land his next role: truly eliminate the competition. Director: Park Chan-wook Cast: Lee Byung-hun, Son Ye-jin, Park Hee-soon, Lee Sung-min Park Chan-wook is a South Korean filmmaker and former film critic. Widely regarded as a leading figure in South Korean and 21st-century world cinema, he is known for films that blend crime, mystery, and thriller elements with other genres. His films are noted for their cinematography, framing, black humor, and often brutal subject matter.
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
Discussion | Celebrate American Theater Giant August Wilson with Broadway Stars (Taraji P. Henson, Cedric the Entertainer, & More) (Online)
A star-studded lineup from the Broadway production of Joe Turner's Come and Gone reflects on "theater's poet of Black America" August Wilson. Organizers welcome Taraji P. Henson, Cedric the Entertainer, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Joshua Boone, and Abigail Onwunali to help us celebrate an extraordinary artist and his deep contributions to the American theater.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
Tour | Explore One of New York's Iconic Buildings
Designed to inspire, building highlights include:
The only free, publicly accessible rooftop terrace in Midtown
A dramatic "Long Room" with 42-foot-high atrium offering five levels of open, browsable book stacks
Commissioned public art celebrating creativity and curiosity
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:30 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
Play | Alala & The Scarman: Political Drama by Emerging Playwright
In an unnamed nation that bankrolls American power, a radical student activist leads a campaign demanding her university divest from the United States. At home, her boyfriend—an immortal man who once survived a lynching—keeps himself safe by offering spiritual readings, turning the scar that could not kill him into currency to avoid deportation. As protests rage outside their apartment, the performances that keep them alive begin to erode their intimacy. When survival becomes spectacle, what remains between them that isn’t an act? Written by Silma Sierra Berrada.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
3:30 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
Birdwatching | Evening Birding Tour
Discover the surprising diversity of birds that call the park home during migratory season, with guided tours led by environmental educator and urban naturalist Gabriel Willow. The park is a hotspot 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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5:00 pm
Free
Free
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
Party | Play New Games like Blood on the Clocktower (BOTC)
Curious about a board game or looking to try something new? The Games Hosts will be teaching how to play a wide range of fun board games. Many come to play the social deduction game, Blood on the Clocktower (BOTC).
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Free
Birdwatching | Birding on the Hudson
Explore the park on a family-friendly bird walk in led by NYC Bird Alliance. Bring binoculars if you have them! 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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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
Concert | An Evening of Words and Sound: Live Music Gathering
A vibrant night of music, poetry, and performance brings together a dynamic lineup of artists spanning folk, spoken word, and experimental sound. From intimate songwriting to genre-blurring collaborations, the evening unfolds as a celebration of creative exchange and live expression. Layering storytelling with melody and improvisation, each set offers a distinct voice, building toward a collaborative finale that captures the spirit of connection and discovery.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Talk | Death in NYC: A Conversation on Sustainable Burial in Urban Spaces (+ Q&A) (In Person AND Online!)
Columbia University DeathLAB facilitates an open forum on contemporary questions of death in New York City. Through a short presentation and guided conversation, the program will explore diverse ways that funerary practices shape the urban landscape--for example, in the adaptation of municipal cemeteries into prominent public spaces like Bryant Park. This program aspires to expand conversation and collective thought about our shared mortal responsibilities. It includes a 20-minute presentation by two of DeathLAB's research fellows situating the lab's philosophy, research, and urban proposals, followed by a Q&A and open forum led by DeathLAB's founding director, Karla Rothstein.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Concert | NPR-Featured Singer-Songwriter Safa
Experience the music of Safa, a vocalist and songwriter whose music fuses neo-soul and jazz into a sound that feels both timeless and forward-thinking. She draws from deep artistic roots and a jazz foundation. She has appeared on NPR's Tiny Desk Concert with Esperanza Spalding and spent recent years touring nationally and internationally as a background vocalist with Spalding and off brand gOdds. Centering emotional honesty and sonic exploration, Safa's work invites listeners into an intimate world where vulnerability and love take the lead.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Concert | Open Session: Traditional Irish Music
Enjoy vibrant evenings filled with traditional Irish music. There is a slow session for beginners from 6 pm to 8 pm, followed by a traditional session for experienced players from 8 pm to 11 pm Audience members are encouraged to join the music at any time.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Discussion | Writers and Music: Poetry Reading and Piano Performance
Pianist Eleni Traganas hosts an evening of poetry and music with guest poets David Dephy and Patricia Carragon. The program celebrates the launch of the global anthology Lucent Voicings, featuring readings, live piano, and a book signing.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Lecture | Ancient Art Curator Explores Celtic Art through the Ages
This lecture introduces Celtic Art through the ages, the first major American exhibition on this topic, on view at the Harvard Art Museums. Susanne Ebbinghaus, the George M.A. Hanfmann Curator of Ancient Art and Head of the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at Harvard, discusses examples of exquisitely decorated weaponry, jewelry, as well as horse and chariot trappings. She further explains how imagery was transformed under Roman rule, highlighting notable instances of reception, reinterpretation, and the revival of Celtic art in the modern era.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Free
Author Reading | Hear New Material from Emerging Writers
The City Reading Series highlights emerging writers from the MFA and MA programs at the City College of New York.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Free
Concert | Multi-Genre DJ Set with DJ Tali
DJ Tali heats up the evening with 15+ years of experience behind the decks and a deep love for all genres of music. With roots in Long Island, DJ Tali focuses on reading the room and shaping a soundtrack that feels effortless, elevated, and genuinely fun. His motivation is simple: seeing people happy--so the energy stays warm, the transitions stay smooth, and the vibe stays right. Expect a thoughtfully researched mix with no limits, designed to complement this special night and keep the vibe right.
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Free
Concert | Sunset Singing Circle
Singer/songwriter Terre Roche leads this singing program with the beautiful backdrop of the setting sun over the Hudson. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned crooner, the singing circle is perfect for mellow melodies and healthy harmonizing.
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Free
Classical Music | Orchestral Works by Beethoven & Others at Iconic Venue
Mannes Orchestra presents an evening of powerful contrasts and sweeping storytelling, where Beethoven's bold and heroic Overture to Egmont sets the stage for a journey through struggle and triumph, followed by Rimsky-Korsakov's lush and vibrant Scheherazade, which transports the audience to an exotic world of mystery and adventure. With dynamic orchestration and deeply expressive themes, this concert offers a perfect blend of drama, emotion, and grandeur. Program: Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770-1827) Overture to Egmont, Op. 84 Conrad Tao (1994-) Concerto for Westerlies Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908) Scheherazade, Op. 35
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free
Free
Play | Alala & The Scarman: Political Drama by Emerging Playwright
In an unnamed nation that bankrolls American power, a radical student activist leads a campaign demanding her university divest from the United States. At home, her boyfriend—an immortal man who once survived a lynching—keeps himself safe by offering spiritual readings, turning the scar that could not kill him into currency to avoid deportation. As protests rage outside their apartment, the performances that keep them alive begin to erode their intimacy. When survival becomes spectacle, what remains between them that isn’t an act? Written by Silma Sierra Berrada.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
8:00 pm
Free
Free
Cabaret | Singer-Songwriter/Comedian Tamara Jade Brings Storytelling & Shenanigans to the Stage
Hear music from Tamara Jade, a multi-talented singer-songwriter and arranger who has shared the stage with Jon Batiste, John Legend, Doja Cat, and Lizzo. Jade has also made her mark as a comedian and actor as a series regular on HBO’s A Black Lady Sketch Show, and on tour with vlogger KevOnStage. Backed by a full live band, Soulstice is Jade’s signature blend of soul-soaked singing, laugh-out-loud storytelling, and joyfully unpredictable shenanigans. In this intimate, cabaret-meets-cookout revival, she weaves original music, reimagined covers, and character-driven anecdotes from her life on the road, in the industry, and the church pews that raised her. Soulstice is a concert, a good hang, a testimony service where the spirit is high, the laughter is loud, and the connection is real. Expect powerhouse vocals, humor that hits home, and stories that move from tender to turn-up without warning. 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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8:00 pm
Free
Free
Join the Club!
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