free things to do in New York City
Free events for Thursday, 05/21/26
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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, 2026?

20 free events take place on Thursday, 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!

20 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Thursday, May 21, 2026

All events are free unless otherwise noted.
        

Workshop | Learn How To Play Mah-Jongg


Mah-Jongg is a four-person tile game of skill, strategy, and luck! Learn the rules and mechanics of American Mah-Jongg. Attend a two hour group lesson with instructor Susan Richards. Sets and a few cards provided, but you are encouraged to bring your own cards.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Workshops, May 21, 2026, 05/21/2026, Learn How To Play Mah-Jongg

Tour | New York City Hall Guided Tour


One of the oldest continuously used city halls in the nation that still houses its original governmental functions, New York's City Hall is considered one of the finest architectural achievements of its period. Constructed from 1803 to 1812, the building was an early expression of the City's cosmopolitanism. City Hall is a designated New York City landmark, and its rotunda is also a designated interior landmark. Note: When registering, choose the "Individual Tour" option.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Tours, May 21, 2026, 05/21/2026, New York City Hall Guided Tour

Open Studios | White Ground Paintings and the Reinvention of Figuration


This exhibition highlights a key moment in Joseph Raffael's 1960s practice when he shifted from abstraction to a new visual language influenced by personal upheaval and changing artistic trends. After illness and his father's death, Raffael made works with carefully arranged painted fragments on white ground. First shown in 1965, these pieces mark a move toward introspection, blending image and space as expressions of psychological and emotional states rather than narrative. Amid the rise of Pop Art and new figuration, the works present painting as a space for internal reflection, shaped by Raffael's engagement with psychoanalysis and human experience.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Open Studioss, May 21, 2026, 05/21/2026, White Ground Paintings and the Reinvention of Figuration

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
Workshops, May 21, 2026, 05/21/2026, 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
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12:30 pm
Free
Concerts, May 21, 2026, 05/21/2026, Piano in the Park: Carnegie Hall-Featured Musician Plays Brazilian & American Jazz

Classical Music | Telemann's Ensemble Works Reflecting Eastern European Folk Traditions (In Person AND Online!)


An ensemble (Jimmy Drancsak, violin, Lydia Becker, violin, Nathan Francisco, cello, Morgan Davison, bassoon, Hanbyeol Lee, harpsichord) explores the intersections of Georg Philipp Telemann’s works with Eastern European folk traditions. Featuring pieces from the Uhrovska Collection (1730), alongside his trio sonatas and chamber music, this program reveals Telemann’s fascination with the vibrant energy and rhythmic vitality of Eastern European music, blending sophisticated Baroque structures with spirited folk influences.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:15 pm
Free
Concerts, May 21, 2026, 05/21/2026, Telemann's Ensemble Works Reflecting&nbsp;Eastern European Folk Traditions (In Person AND Online!)

Workshop | Play Mah Jongg on the Plaza


Play Mah Jongg with players of all skill levels! Socials are hosted and organized by Linda Fisher, and players play the National Mah Jongg League style.  Participants are welcome to borrow equipment, or bring their own Mah Jongg sets. Mah Jongg lessons are currently unavailable at this time.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free
Workshops, May 21, 2026, 05/21/2026, Play Mah Jongg on the Plaza

Film | Akira Kurosawa's Rashomon (1950): Japanese Period Drama


Through an ingenious use of camera and flashbacks, Kurosawa reveals the complexities of human nature as four people recount different versions of the story of a man's murder and the rape of his wife. Director: Akira Kurosawa Cast: Toshiro Mifune, Masayuki Mori, Machiko Kyo, Takashi Shimura Akira Kurosawa was a Japanese filmmaker who directed 30 feature films in a career spanning six decades. With a bold and dynamic style strongly influenced by Western cinema yet distinct from it, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential filmmakers in the history of cinema. Known as a hands-on filmmaker, he was heavily involved with all aspects of production as a director, writer, producer, and editor. This film will be show in its original language with English subtitles.
   New York City, NY; NYC
4:00 pm
Free
Films, May 21, 2026, 05/21/2026, Akira Kurosawa's Rashomon (1950): Japanese Period Drama

Museums | Thursday Evenings at a Living Memorial Museum


Explore a museum dedicated to Holocaust remembrance, Jewish life, and education. View expansive galleries, survivor testimonies, and tens of thousands of artifacts. The museum also offers a theater, a genealogy center, an outdoor memorial, and a cafe.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free
Museumss, May 21, 2026, 05/21/2026, Thursday Evenings at a Living Memorial Museum

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
Birdwatchings, May 21, 2026, 05/21/2026, Evening Birding Tour

Museums | Three Floors. Hundreds of Images. One Unforgettable Way to See


This museum is the world's leading institution dedicated to photography and visual culture. It was founded in 1974 to champion "concerned photography"--socially and politically minded images that can educate and change the world. Through its exhibitions, education programs, community outreach, and public programs, the museum offers an open forum for dialogue about the power of the image.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
$5, tickets required
Museumss, May 21, 2026, 05/21/2026, Three Floors. Hundreds of Images. One Unforgettable Way to See

Poetry Reading | Poetry Open Mic: Share Your Work or Listen to Emerging Writers


Participants can share their original work for up to five minutes. Space is limited to 15 readers; show up on time to get a slot!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free
Poetry Readings, May 21, 2026, 05/21/2026, Poetry Open Mic: Share Your Work or Listen to Emerging Writers

Film | The Dark Mirror (1946): Classic Psychological Horror Thriller


A man is found murdered, and witnesses are sure about the woman they saw leaving his apartment. However, it becomes apparent that the woman has a twin, and finding out which one is the killer seems impossible. Director: Robert Siodmak Cast: Olivia de Havilland, Lew Ayres, Thomas Mitchell
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Films, May 21, 2026, 05/21/2026, The Dark Mirror (1946): Classic Psychological Horror Thriller

Discussion | Indigenous Fire Gathering: Land, Water, and Storytelling


Join a gathering centered on Indigenous knowledge and protocol, bringing together guest artists and curators for an evening of storytelling and performance. Rooted in care for land, water, and air, the event honors the cultural and environmental significance of Lenapehoking.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Discussions, May 21, 2026, 05/21/2026, Indigenous Fire Gathering: Land, Water, and Storytelling

Book Discussion | Prize-Winning Author Celebrates 3 of His Books (+ Signing)


Enjoy a conversation with Amit Chaudhuri to celebrate three of his titles, published with NYRB. He will be in conversation with Mark Krotov, followed by a signing, of The Immortals, A New World, and Incompleteness.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Book Discussions, May 21, 2026, 05/21/2026, Prize-Winning Author Celebrates 3 of His Books (+ Signing)

Discussion | Sustainability & AI Explored by Leading Voices in Architecture, Culture, & Science 


At this panel discussion, experts explore the evolving relationship between culture and sustainability in the Intelligent Age. Bringing together leading voices from architecture, climate, culture, and artificial intelligence, the event revisits sustainability not merely as a technical challenge, but as a deeply cultural and place-based practice. This panel proposes a renewed inquiry into sustainability as a cultural project. Drawing on Bernard Rudofsky’s seminal Architecture Without Architects (1964) and contemporary research such as HABITAT: Vernacular Architecture for a Changing Climate, the discussion reconsiders how vernacular knowledge and environmental intelligence can inform present and future design practices. A central focus of the conversation is the role of Artificial Intelligence in shaping physical environments. The panel will critically examine whether AI can operate across scales, while fostering more integrated, ecological, and culturally grounded approaches. Can AI reconnect fragmented systems? Can it amplify, rather than erase, cultural specificity?
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Discussions, May 21, 2026, 05/21/2026, Sustainability & AI Explored by Leading Voices in Architecture, Culture, & Science&nbsp;

Museums | Contemporary Art, Open Doors: Thursday Nights at NYC's Leading Museum


Contemporary art is a vital social force that advances questioning, learning, and working towards a better society. This weekly program offers an accessible opportunity to explore groundbreaking exhibitions by emerging and established artists from around the globe. Engage with current artistic dialogues and help expand the definition of art.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
pay-what-you-wish, reservation required
Museumss, May 21, 2026, 05/21/2026, Contemporary Art, Open Doors: Thursday Nights at NYC's Leading Museum

Concert | Karaoke Competition with Korean & Filipino Broadway Performers


Attend a spectacular karaoke competition, passing the mic to Korean and Filipino Broadway superstars representing Team Korea and Team Philippines--two cultures that have passionately embraced and defined the art form. Karaoke has emerged in the past half-century as a ritual of connection, a vehicle for personal storytelling, and a grand equalizer that makes music accessible to everyone. Pull up a chair and get ready to witness Asian-American musical excellence! Cheer and applaud as your favorite Broadway idols belt their hearts out in musical battles and unforgettable duets, with direction by Teddy Bergman (KPOP on Broadway). At the end of the night, a panel of star judges will determine the singular team to be crowned the VERSUS champions! Full lineup to be announced shortly. 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
7:30 pm
Free
Concerts, May 21, 2026, 05/21/2026, Karaoke Competition with Korean & Filipino Broadway Performers

Open Mic | Poetry, Music, and Comedy Showcase (Online!)


Join a weekly online showcase featuring poems, songs, and comedy. Performers can sign up for a 4-minute spot by reserving one of 20 Artist-RSVP tickets, available starting Wednesdays at 8:00 PM ET. If all spots are filled, performers may join the “good-luck round” at the end of the session. Audience members are welcome to watch live via Zoom.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free
Open Mics, May 21, 2026, 05/21/2026, Poetry, Music, and Comedy Showcase (Online!)

Comedy Club | Standup Show


Catch some of the best comedians at this free weekly stand-up show, featuring a lineup of rising stars and seasoned favorites. Past performers include Sheng Wang, Mark Normand, Dan Soder, Annie Lederman, and more.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free
Comedy Clubs, May 21, 2026, 05/21/2026, Standup Show
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Complimentary Tickets

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

Play | Broadway Actor in a Family Comedy

Regular Price: $66
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Concert | Motown Hits Performed A Cappella

Regular Price: $30
CFT Member Price: $0.00