free things to do in New York City
Free events for Tuesday, 05/19/26
<

May 2026

>
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
     12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31      
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 19, 2026?

29 free events take place on Tuesday, May 19 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 19 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!
Go!
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!

29 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Tuesday, May 19, 2026

All events are free unless otherwise noted.
        

Workshop | Learn & Practice the Chinese Martial Art of Tai Chi in the Park


Practice this traditional system of health and self-defense, derived from the philosphy of Taoism. Tai Chi was designed to develop the optimum degree of harmony between body and mind, as well as between the individual and the natural order of the universe. Classes are led by teachers and students who train nearby at CK Chu Tai Chi under the direction of Master Hyland Harris. Classes are rain or shine. All levels are welcome, and no equipment is necessary.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
7:30 am
Free
Workshops, May 19, 2026, 05/19/2026, Learn & Practice the Chinese Martial Art of Tai Chi in the Park

Workshop | Cardio & Strength Workout (All Levels Welcome)


Instructor Natalie Hahn leads 45 minutes of bodyweight exercises, combining cardio and strength for a full-body workout. This class is high-energy with programming options for all levels!
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
8:00 am
Free
Workshops, May 19, 2026, 05/19/2026, Cardio & Strength Workout (All Levels Welcome)

Birdwatching | Morning Birding in the Park with NYC Audubon


Discover the surprising diversity of birds that call New York home during migratory season with guided tours by NYC Audubon, led by environmental educator and urban naturalist Gabriel Willow. This 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
Join the Club!
Go!
8:00 am
Free
Birdwatchings, May 19, 2026, 05/19/2026, Morning&nbsp;Birding in the Park&nbsp;with NYC Audubon

Tour | A Walk Through Fashion, History, and Immigration: Garment District


Join born and raised New Yorker, Mike, in exploring the Garment District of New York. Learn about the apparel industry developed in New York and how it came to be located in its current district. Expect to hear about iconic designers Ralph, Oscar, and Calvin, as well as the Gangsters and Labor Unions that shaped New York and this District. Tour Guide Mike has spent the greater portion of his life working in the Garment industry himself -- expect first-hand anecdotes and wisdom
   New York City, NY; NYC
10:30 am
Free
Tours, May 19, 2026, 05/19/2026, A Walk Through Fashion, History, and Immigration: Garment District

Workshop | Zumba Workout


Enthusiastic instruction and easy-to-follow Latin dance choreography working on balance, coordination, and range of motion.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
10:30 am
Free
Workshops, May 19, 2026, 05/19/2026, Zumba Workout

Museums | 400+ American Masterpieces on View: Final Day


Explore over 400 works exhibited by 18th-21st century American artists. The fair, which is marking its 19th year, features exhibitions by 18 premier specialists.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
12:00 pm
Free
Museumss, May 19, 2026, 05/19/2026, 400+ American Masterpieces on View:&nbsp;Final Day

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
Join the Club!
Go!
12:00 pm
Free
Workshops, May 19, 2026, 05/19/2026, Learn to Juggle, All Skill Levels Welcome

Jazz | Piano in the Park: Carnegie Hall-Featured Musician Plays Brazilian & American Jazz


Come on down and swing along to the best Brazilian and American jazz the Big Apple has to offer, with musician Luiz Simas. “Luiz epitomizes the fantasies we non-Brazilians have about that wonderful country, and with him, we all get to be Brazilian, at least for a couple hours!” - Judy Carmichael, pianist Brazilian/American pianist Luiz Simas is a versatile performer who feels totally at ease with both the music of his native Brazil and the American genres of jazz and ragtime. Keyboard magazine has described his playing as "sassy, clear and vibrant", and his music as "fresh, smart and witty". His latest CDs are Transparências (Transparencies), a solo piano CD released by Lydjul Records, and Deuce, a CD of the Simas & Amorim Duo with guitarist Wesley Amorim.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
12:30 pm
Free
Concerts, May 19, 2026, 05/19/2026, Piano in the Park: Carnegie Hall-Featured Musician Plays Brazilian & American Jazz

Film | Volcano (1997): Disaster Film Starring Tommy Lee Jones


Follow an effort to divert the path of a dangerous lava flow through the streets of Los Angeles following the formation of a volcano at the La Brea Tar Pits. Director: Mick Jackson Cast: Tommy Lee Jones, Anne Heche, Gaby Hoffmann, Don Cheadle, Jacqueline Kim, Keith David, John Corbett, Michael Rispoli, John Carroll Lynch Tommy Lee Jones is an American actor whose earned an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards.
   New York City, NY; NYC
1:00 pm
Free
Films, May 19, 2026, 05/19/2026, Volcano (1997): Disaster Film Starring Tommy Lee Jones

Galleries | Gallery Walkthrough: Visual Essay Exhibition


Meet the artists in the School of Visual Arts' MFA Illustration as Visual Essay Thesis Exhibition during a guided tour at the gallery. Each artist will talk briefly about their project.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
2:00 pm
Free
Galleriess, May 19, 2026, 05/19/2026, Gallery Walkthrough: Visual Essay Exhibition

Book Discussion | Discover & Discuss Poetry on Food


Poetry enthusiasts unpack the layered meanings of poetry through an informal group discussion. At this session, invigorate your senses with poems that reflect on the emotional and cultural significance of food.  Readings are selected from Poetry Magazine, Academy of American Poets, and Poetry Foundation. Please note that contemporary poetry deals frankly with contemporary issues and all works discussed are artistic expressions selected for an adult audience.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
2:30 pm
Free
Book Discussions, May 19, 2026, 05/19/2026, Discover & Discuss Poetry&nbsp;on Food

Workshop | Self-Portrait Painting Session in the Park (All Ages)


Participants paint self-portrait in acrylic, working from a mirror. The focus is on observation over likeness: finding the big shapes, light areas, and shadow masses rather than worrying about getting every feature perfect. Get inspired by the urban life, flowers, and monuments in the park, then express it with the provided drawing and craft supplies. Adults and kids alike are invited to get creative!
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
2:30 pm
Free
Workshops, May 19, 2026, 05/19/2026, Self-Portrait Painting Session in the Park (All Ages)

Film | Regretting You (2025): Romantic Drama


Centers on the strained relationship between young mother Morgan Grant and her teenage daughter Clara, exacerbated by Morgan's husband Chris's tragic death, forcing them to navigate life's challenges together. Director: Josh Boone Cast: Allison Williams, Mckenna Grace, Dave Franco, Mason Thames
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
3:00 pm
Free
Films, May 19, 2026, 05/19/2026, Regretting You (2025): Romantic Drama

Workshop | Translate Everyday Objects into Still Life Art


Experience a relaxing and engaging still life drawing workshop designed for adults of all skill levels. Whether you're picking up a pencil for the first time or looking to refine your practice, this session offers a space to slow down, observe closely, and translate everyday objects into art. Working from a thoughtfully arranged tableau, participants will explore the fundamentals of drawing while developing their own style and approach. Emphasis will be placed on careful looking and experimentation rather than perfection. All basic materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your own sketchbook or preferred drawing tools.
   New York City, NY; NYC
3:00 pm
Free
Workshops, May 19, 2026, 05/19/2026, Translate Everyday Objects into Still Life Art

Museums | Art from All Over The World in the Most Amazing Museum


Discover a vast collection of art from a diverse range of countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Italy, Russia, France, Spain, Japan, India, United States and more. Tickets for Pay-What-You-Wish hours are available online only and released at 10 am the morning of the event.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
4:00 pm
$1 min pay-what-you-wish,...
Museumss, May 19, 2026, 05/19/2026, Art from All Over The World in the Most Amazing Museum

Book Club | Discuss Normal People by Sally Rooney


Enjoy a discussion on Sally Rooney's Normal People, a story of mutual fascination, friendship, and love. It takes the audience from that first conversation to the years beyond, in the company of two people who try to stay apart but find that they can’t.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
4:00 pm
Free
Book Clubs, May 19, 2026, 05/19/2026, Discuss&nbsp;Normal People&nbsp;by Sally Rooney

Film | Once (2007): Romantic Musical Drama


A street musician meets an immigrant in Dublin, and together they record an album that tells their love story. Director: John Carney Cast: Glen Hansard, Markéta Irglová
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
5:00 pm
Free
Films, May 19, 2026, 05/19/2026, Once (2007): Romantic Musical Drama

Jazz | Celebrate Louis Armstrong's Legacy with American Symphony Orchestra Ensemble


The American Symphony Orchestra performs a musician-curated program of Louis Armstrong music, curated by longtime American Symphony Orchestra member Louis Bruno. The ASO Jazz Ensemble honors Louis Armstrong by performing a selection of his lesser-recorded works, including "Cool Cart Blues," "Don't Forget to Mess Around," "Hear Me Talkin' to Ya," "If We Never Meet Again," and "New Orleans Stomp." Featuring Alphonso Horne (trumpet), Zoe Obadia (saxophone and clarinet), Ron Wilkins (trombone and vocals), Steve Benson (guitar), Louis Bruno (bass), and Kory Grossman (drums).
   New York City, NY; NYC
5:30 pm
Free
Concerts, May 19, 2026, 05/19/2026, Celebrate Louis Armstrong's Legacy with American Symphony Orchestra Ensemble

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
Join the Club!
Go!
5:30 pm
Free
Workshops, May 19, 2026, 05/19/2026, Learn to Juggle, All Skill Levels Welcome

Party | Make New Friends Playing Board Games Outdoors


Organizers bring a wider selection of board games to the Games Cart at this event, with games like Ticket to Ride, Carcassonne, Catan, King of Tokyo and more. Not sure what to play? The Games Hosts can help you find the perfect game and match up players!
   New York City, NY; NYC
5:30 pm
Free
Partys, May 19, 2026, 05/19/2026, Make New Friends Playing Board Games Outdoors

Book Discussion | Book Launch: Double Happiness by Heather Eng


Heather Eng launches her new novel, Double Happiness, in conversation with Lauren Kung Jessen. About the book: Caught between a relentless tech job, her adoring fiancé, and an unexpected new flame, Mei must learn what it means to choose herself.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
6:00 pm
Free
Book Discussions, May 19, 2026, 05/19/2026, Book Launch:&nbsp;Double Happiness by&nbsp;Heather Eng

Book Discussion | Photographer Shares His New Book, Birds of Mexico City (+ Signing)


Enjoy a conversation with photographer Pieter Henket to celebrate his new book, Birds of Mexico City, a collection of beautiful portraits of young people in Mexico City, interweaving themes of gender, sexuality, heritage, and self-expression. He will be in conversation with Justin Gaspar, followed by a signing.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
6:00 pm
Free
Book Discussions, May 19, 2026, 05/19/2026, Photographer Shares His New Book,&nbsp;Birds of Mexico City&nbsp;(+ Signing)

Party | Play Bridge in a Stress-Free Environment


The card game of Bridge requires four people to play: two teams of two people. Join the group with your bridge partner, or you will be matched with someone to play as a pair. If you would like to learn how to play bridge, organizers can offer some instruction, and you can observe others.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
6:00 pm
Free
Partys, May 19, 2026, 05/19/2026, Play Bridge in a Stress-Free Environment

Discussion | Artists Explore How They Created the Acclaimed Semmelweis Opera & Album


Hear the inside story of the opera and new album on the story of Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis. Composer Raymond J. Lustig, album co-producer Maximilien Hein, and stage director Martin Boross will present selections from the album. The internationally acclaimed choral opera Semmelweis, based on the story of one of medicine's greatest visionaries, was first unveiled in a 2017 concert performance at the NAC, launching a major production and tour in Europe. This April, the ethereal music of Semmelweis returns in a boldly re-conceived studio album on the Sono Luminus label, to be released on CD, vinyl, all streaming platforms, and in immersive atmos surround format. Composer Raymond J. Lustig, album co-producer Maximilien Hein, stage director Martin Boross, and other project artists will present selections from the album, and discuss its path to development, from original idea to the grand stage to the final masters, with Q&A to follow.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
6:30 pm
Free
Discussions, May 19, 2026, 05/19/2026, Artists Explore How They Created the Acclaimed Semmelweis Opera & Album

Classical Music | BBC-Featured Piano Duo Performs Austrian & Czech Masterworks


Experience the expressive power of piano four hands as the Gugg Piano Duo - newly named to BBC Radio 3's prestigious New Generation Artists cohort for 2026-2028 - presents a richly colored program spanning Austrian and Czech masterworks to vibrant American modernism. At the center of the evening stands Schubert's monumental Grand Duo Sonata, a four-movement work whose symphonic breadth and luminous melodies push the piano beyond chamber music into orchestral territory. A contrasting turn follows with Dvorak's second Slavonic Dance, compact yet emotionally charged, moving from introspective E minor to a radiant E major. Smetana's The Moldau then unfolds in flowing lines and vivid imagery, tracing the famous river from its sources through the Czech landscape to Prague. The program concludes with John Corigliano's Gazebo Dances, a spirited suite inspired by the lightness and elegance of outdoor band concerts. Together, these works showcase the piano's extraordinary range of color, texture, intimacy, and grandeur. Program: Franz Schubert (1797-1828) Grand Duo Sonata Antonin Dvorak (1841-1904) Second Slavonic Dance Bedrich Smetana (1824-1884) The Moldau John Corigliano (1938-) Gazebo Dances
   New York City, NY; NYC
6:30 pm
Free
Concerts, May 19, 2026, 05/19/2026, BBC-Featured Piano Duo Performs Austrian & Czech Masterworks

Workshop | Dance Aerobics Class: Low Stakes & All Fun


Find your inner dancer and get your body moving with pure joy at this cathartic dance aerobics class! Low stakes, all fun, and open to all levels. 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
Join the Club!
Go!
6:30 pm
Free
Workshops, May 19, 2026, 05/19/2026, Dance Aerobics Class: Low Stakes & All Fun

Workshop | Origami Group Meet-Up


This event is for people to come together and share in the beautiful art of Origami--an ancient art of folding various mediums, most commonly paper. The word comes from the combination of the Japanese verb oru (to fold) and the noun kami (paper). Other materials often folded are fabric, wire mesh, sheet metal, tissue, thin plastic, cardboard, and straws.This group meets to teach each other new models and share paper, books, and tips. This meeting is free and open to all level of folders from beginner to advanced. There will be free paper available to share. You may choose to bring your own paper and books and just show up and fold! If you have models you would like to learn, or teach, let the organizers know, and they will try our best to accommodate.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
6:30 pm
Free
Workshops, May 19, 2026, 05/19/2026, Origami Group Meet-Up

Reading | Hedda: A Contemporary Reimagining of Power and Identity


Franky D. Gonzalez, a finalist in its New Visions play development program, presents his new play, Hedda. Inspired by Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler and set in a contemporary Dallas suburb, the play follows the unraveling of a carefully constructed life as past relationships resurface. Through tensions around race, ambition, gender, and institutional power, the work offers a sharp exploration of respectability and its personal costs.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
7:00 pm
Free
Readings, May 19, 2026, 05/19/2026, Hedda: A Contemporary Reimagining of Power and Identity
7:30 pm
Regular: $39
Member: $0
Join the Club!
Go!
Concerts, May 19, 2026, 05/19/2026, Acclaimed Asian Chamber Ensemble and More
Join the Club!
Go!
Complimentary Tickets

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

Concert | Motown Hits Performed A Cappella

Regular Price: $30
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Performance | 5-Star, One-of-a-Kind High-Energy Show!

Regular Price: $69
CFT Member Price: $0.00