free things to do in New York City
Free events for Friday, 05/22/26
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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 22, 2026?

27 free events take place on Friday, May 22 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 22 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!

27 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Friday, May 22, 2026

All events are free unless otherwise noted.
        

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
Museumss, May 22, 2026, 05/22/2026, Friday at Pop Culture/Art Museum

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
Museumss, May 22, 2026, 05/22/2026, Asian Art and Culture Museum

Museums | Jewish History: Centuries of Art


As one of the largest collections of art in Jewish culture globally, the venue features an extensive array of historical Jewish artifacts as well as modern and contemporary art.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Museumss, May 22, 2026, 05/22/2026, Jewish History: Centuries of Art

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
Workshops, May 22, 2026, 05/22/2026, Mat Pilates Session (Beginners Welcome!)

Workshop | Clay Sculpture Lesson (Part 2)


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 part two of this sculpture workshop, the group will decorate our sculptures with paint. Come roll up your sleeves and let your imagination run wild as attendees glaze (paint) their creations from our first session to bring them to life!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free
Workshops, May 22, 2026, 05/22/2026, Clay Sculpture Lesson (Part 2)

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 22, 2026, 05/22/2026, 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 22, 2026, 05/22/2026, Piano in the Park: Carnegie Hall-Featured Musician Plays Brazilian & American Jazz

Film | Liar Liar (1997): Fantasy Comedy Starring Jim Carrey


A pathological liar-lawyer finds his career turned upside down when he inexplicably cannot physically lie for 24 whole hours. Director: Tom Shadyac Cast: Jim Carrey, Maura Tierney, Jennifer Tilly, Swoosie Kurtz, Amanda Donohoe, Anne Haney, Justin Cooper Jim Carrey is a Canadian and American actor and comedian. Known primarily for his energetic slapstick performances, he's regarded as one of the most prominent comedic actors of his generation. He has received two Golden Globe Awards, in addition to nominations for BAFTA Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards. Short film discussion to follow.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Films, May 22, 2026, 05/22/2026, Liar Liar (1997): Fantasy Comedy Starring Jim Carrey

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
Workshops, May 22, 2026, 05/22/2026, Crafting Community: Work on Personal Projects & Make New Friends

Film | Fagara (2019): Hong Kong Family Drama


Acacia is a Hong Kong travel agent who, after the sudden death of her father, discovers she has two grown-up sisters. Branch is an androgynous pool player who lives in Taiwan, and Cherry is a fashionista from China. The three sisters team up to settle their father's debts and save his hot pot restaurant. While doing so, they mourn their father, get to know each other, and connect as a family. Director: Heiward Mak Cast: Sammi Cheng, Megan Lai, Li Xiaofeng Cantonese, Mandarin with English subtitles.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Films, May 22, 2026, 05/22/2026, Fagara (2019): Hong Kong Family Drama

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
2:00 pm
Free
Concerts, May 22, 2026, 05/22/2026, Afternoon Jam Sesh (Play Music or Just Listen)

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
Workshops, May 22, 2026, 05/22/2026, Play Chess

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
Museumss, May 22, 2026, 05/22/2026, American History and Artifact Collections

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 22, 2026, 05/22/2026, Evening Birding Tour

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
Museumss, May 22, 2026, 05/22/2026, Friday Evening at the Art/History Museum

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
Museumss, May 22, 2026, 05/22/2026, Friday Night Function at an Iconic Art Museum

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
5:00 pm
Free
Partys, May 22, 2026, 05/22/2026, Play New Games like Blood on the Clocktower (BOTC)

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
Museumss, May 22, 2026, 05/22/2026, Friday Evening at the Famous Art Museum

Opera | Handel’s Tolomeo Reimagined as a One-Hour Baroque Opera Distillation


Watch a condensed version of works by George Frideric Handel for voices and ensemble in this site-specific adaptation of Baroque opera. This one-hour reimagining of Handel’s Tolomeo (1728) compresses the original opera into a sequence of arias centered on love, jealousy, betrayal, and exile. The production emphasizes emotional intensity and narrative clarity while retaining the ornamental vocal language of Baroque style. Performed across multiple outdoor and indoor sites in New York City, the work reframes early 18th-century opera as a mobile, accessible performance form in contemporary public space.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Concerts, May 22, 2026, 05/22/2026, Handel&rsquo;s Tolomeo Reimagined as a One-Hour Baroque Opera Distillation

Screening | Movie on the Hudson at Sunset: Top Gun


This summer movie series kicks off with a screening of the classic film Top Gun. Enjoy views of the Hudson River and city skyline while screening the classic film on a flight deck. Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs, picnic baskets and blankets to view the film outdoors on a huge inflatable screen on the flight deck. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis and space is limited. Light concessions will be sold onsite, and visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is NOT permitted. All exits are final; there is no re-entry allowed. Doors open at 6:00 pm. The movie will begin at sunset.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Screenings, May 22, 2026, 05/22/2026, Movie on the Hudson at Sunset: Top Gun

Screening | Spiritual Documentary Film: Life and Teachings of Adi Da Samraj


A screening of the award-winning documentary Conscious Light, exploring the life and teachings of Adi Da Samraj. The film offers insight into his spiritual philosophy and global influence.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Screenings, May 22, 2026, 05/22/2026, Spiritual Documentary Film: Life and Teachings of Adi Da Samraj

Museums | A Day of Interactive Math Exploration


Enjoy an evening of hands-on discovery in a space where math comes alive through play and imagination. Explore interactive exhibits and creative activities for all ages. This month, explore birthday-inspired math magic!  Note: Admission is first-come, first-served, and early arrival is recommended, as capacity is limited.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Museumss, May 22, 2026, 05/22/2026, A Day of Interactive Math Exploration

Concert | Rhythm, Storytelling, & Crowd Connection with DJ Yup That's J.


DJ Yup That's J. curates the evening's vibe. A native New Yorker and lifelong performing artist, DJ Yup That's J. brings a deep understanding of rhythm, storytelling, and crowd connection to every set. Blending technical skill with stage presence, their performances are rooted not only in experience and energy, but also in a true passion for the craft of music and live performance.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:00 pm
Free
Concerts, May 22, 2026, 05/22/2026, Rhythm, Storytelling, & Crowd Connection with DJ Yup That's J.

Jazz | Sunset Tunes in the Park


The Jazz Foundation of America presents a spirited sunset concert featuring renowned bandleaders playing a variety of jazz and Latin styles. 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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7:00 pm
Free
Concerts, May 22, 2026, 05/22/2026, Sunset Tunes in the Park

Classical Music | Works by Beethoven & Richard Strauss for Violin and Piano


Violinist Rolf Schulte and pianist Judith Olson present a concert of two major works of the chamber music repertoire. Program: Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770-1827) Violin Sonata in C minor Richard Strauss (1864-1949) Violin Sonata
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:00 pm
Free
Concerts, May 22, 2026, 05/22/2026, Works by Beethoven & Richard Strauss for Violin and Piano

Musical | Most Wanted: Staged Concert Exploring Fame & Celebrity


Award-winning composer Mark Bennett and celebrated writer Jessica Hagedorn join forces with director Emilio Ramos for a staged concert of Most Wanted, a piece that interrogates our dangerous obsession with fame and celebrity. Set in the aftermath of a notorious assassination and manhunt in 1997, Most Wanted is loosely inspired by the life and crimes of Andrew Cunanan--a kaleidoscopic journey through high fashion, glossy magazines, low dives, and the end of the line for a lost young man. Please note: This performance contains adult themes and strong language. Audience discretion is advised; this show is intended for ages 13+. 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
Musicals, May 22, 2026, 05/22/2026, Most Wanted: Staged Concert Exploring Fame & Celebrity

Play | Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet: Broadway & Film Actors in a Timeless Tale of Starcrossed Lovers


Never was there a story of more woe, or more romance, than the Bard’s timeless tale of two young lovers from warring families. As the Montagues and Capulets are torn apart by ideology and simmering violence spills into the streets of the border town of Verona, Romeo and Juliet dare to defy a world determined to keep them apart. In this bold new staging, the play unfolds in English, but Romeo and Juliet speak to one another in Spanish, a language reserved only for their shared world. Don’t miss this thrilling new production, essential viewing for lovers of Shakespeare, theater, and the enduring power of love itself. Written by William Shakespeare Directed by Saheem Ali Cast: Ra'Mya Latiah Aikens, Sergio Mauritz Ang (TV: Crutch, Law & Order: SVU), Daniel Bravo Hernández (Broadway: Romeo + Juliet), Reece dos Santos, Caleb Joshua Eberhardt (Broadway: An Enemy of the People, Choir Boy), Glenn Fleshler (Broadway: Good Night, and Good Luck, Death of a Salesman, Arcadia, Guys and Dolls, Spring Awakening; Film: Joker, A Most Violent Year; TV: Billions, Barry, True Detective, Boardwalk Empire), Francis Jue (Tony, Outer Critics Circle, Lucille Lortel, and Obie Awards for Yellow Face)
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free
Plays, May 22, 2026, 05/22/2026, Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet: Broadway & Film Actors in a Timeless Tale of Starcrossed Lovers
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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