free things to do in New York City
Free events for Saturday, 05/23/26
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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 23, 2026?

34 free events take place on Saturday, May 23 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 23 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!

34 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Saturday, May 23, 2026

All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Editor's Picks

free events nyc Discover the History & Design of One of New York's Most Unique Parks
free events nyc Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: Brooklyn Bridge, Financial District, 9/11 Memorial
free events nyc Orchestral Works by Dvorak & More
free events nyc Roller Dance Social in a Park with Live DJ
free events nyc Prize-Winning Organist Performs J.S. Bach's The Art of Fugue,
free events nyc Salsa Saturdays with Beginner Latin Dance Class and DJ Gagou
free events nyc Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet: Broadway & Film Actors in a Timeless Tale of Starcrossed Lovers
free events nyc How To Train Your Dragon (2010): Animated Fantasy Film (under the Nightsky)
More Editor's Picks for 05/23/26
        

Workshop | Accessible, Grounding, & Deeply Restorative Yoga in the Park


Flow together and celebrate community through mindful movement with Yoga Sangraha. This is not a new style of yoga, but a gathering of timeless practices — accessible, grounding, and deeply restorative. Led with science and tradition at the heart, this class will guide you through a sequence of postures designed to balance, stabilize, and calm the body and mind. The word Sangraha means “a collection,” and this practice brings together postures and breathwork that activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping you leave feeling focused, connected, and at ease. No prior experience needed — come as you are! Bring a bottled water. Organizers will provide the yoga mats. Weather permitting.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:00 am
Free

Workshop | Discover One of Manhattan's Urban Farms: Taste Produce, Meet Wildlife, & More (Families & Individuals Welcome)


Drop in for exploration and projects for all ages in the vegetable farm! Both families and individuals encouraged to stop by. Learn about what's growing, taste some produce, and maybe even get your hands dirty! Explore the farm through some of the following options: Volunteer alongside our farmers to care for the plants Take our "Have a taste!" tour and try some new produce Explore soil in the Dig Zone Meet wildlife up close in the flower garden and the worm compost Go on a scavenger hunt And more!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:30 am
Free

Park Walk | Discover the History & Design of One of New York's Most Unique Parks


Hear the story behind New York City's park in the sky: an insider's perspective on the park's history, design, and landscape. Note: Spots are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Limited capacity.
   New York City, NY; NYC
10:00 am
Free

Park Walk | Get To Know Local Plants & Animals along the Hudson River


Learn about local wildlife with knowledgeable naturalists on guided nature walks along the park’s esplanade.This park is home to many plant and animal species including over 100 species of birds. Peek into some of our gardens to discover butterflies, dragonflies, and other interesting insects. Get to know the native plants that thrive in unexpected places in and around the river’s edge.  Please wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Loud noises and barking tend to startle wildlife and reduce viewing opportunities—please be considerate and leave your dog at home.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

Tour | Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: Brooklyn Bridge, Financial District, 9/11 Memorial


This complimentary shuttle loops through more than 30 locations across Lower Manhattan, covering major sites from the Brooklyn Bridge to the Financial District and the World Trade Center area. Busses arrive about every 15 minutes throughout the day. Riders can board or exit at any marked stop, with unlimited trips at no cost.
   New York City, NY; NYC
10:00 am
Free

Festival | Memorial Day Weekend on the Water: Try on Gear, Explore New Tech, Do Experiments, & More


Throughout the weekend, explore a variety of displays and activities on the pier from participants including the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Air Force, antique military vehicles from the Military Transport Association and many more!  Participants include: U.S. Coast Guard: Meet members of the world’s premier maritime service, responsible for search and rescue, law enforcement, environmental response, and more. Explore the Mobile Communication Vehicle, one of only three in the Coast Guard, equipped with satellite network connectivity and tactical radio communications, deployable anywhere in the world. U.S. Marine Corps: The Marines are here! Try on their gear, get camouflaged at the cami paint station, see tactical equipment up close, and learn what it takes to stand among the Few. U.S. Air Force: Soar through the sky with virtual reality flight simulators, test your physical strength on the WunderWall, and learn what it takes to become an Airman or Guardian. Aim High…Fly, Fight, Win! Department of Corrections & Community Supervision: Try on emergency response gear, spin the prize wheel, meet the Technical Support team, learn about the K9 unit, and interact with robotics and drone tech. Military Transport Association: Visitors will see restored and antique military vehicles. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary: As the volunteer arm of the Coast Guard, the Auxiliary promotes boating safety and education to help ensure safe and fun experiences on the water. Civil Air Patrol, New York City Group: Civil Air Patrol is the volunteer auxiliary of the United States Air Force and was founded in 1941 to protect the coasts during World War 2.  Today, the organization's nearly 70,000 volunteer adult and cadet members provide leadership training and experience, support emergency services and disaster relief, and teach aerospace programs to youth across the country and on US military bases overseas.  U.S. Naval Submarine Forces: Explore new technologies like UUVs and the Virginia Class Submarine, plus a virtual tour led by qualified Sailors. FDNY: Come learn about first responders and fire safety from the FDNY Fire Safety Education Unit and the CPR Unit. The unit will be providing coloring books and educational material focusing on fire prevention to youth and families. U.S. Naval Submarine Forces: Visitors will be able to see and learn about the Submarine Forces newest technologies such as UUVs (Undersea Unmanned Vehicles), and the Virginia Class Submarine (submarine model) and a virtual tour of the submarine from submarine qualified Sailors. American Red Cross: The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies. Service to the Armed Forces continues to provide essential services to the entire military community, supporting active-duty installations, veteran hospitals, state homes for veterans, and various community-based veteran organizations, among others. Visitors can write a note of thanks to a military member and learn hands-only CPR. U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps: This nonprofit youth program sponsored by the Navy and Coast Guard serves ages 10–17. Visitors can compete in challenges and games, see tactical gear demonstrations, and win prizes. NYC Ghostbusters: Learn to make your own cross-link polymer gel, our scientific recipe for ectoplasmic slime with the NYC Ghostbusters team. Mail Call America 
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

Festival | Neighborhood Street Festival: Multi-Discipline Performances, Music, Vendors, & Food


As part of the Lower East Side Festival of the Arts, enjoy outdoor music and multi-discipline performances curated by Richard West, assisted by Didi Champagne.There will also be vendors and food sellers, including booths from nearby restaurants.
   New York City, NY; NYC
10:00 am
Free

Festival | Outdoor Shopping Spectacular


A lively spring shopping event featuring special offers, pop-up experiences, and local favorites along bustling NYC streets. Stroll, shop, and discover surprises as participating businesses come together for a one-day celebration of retail, food, and neighborhood energy.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

Workshop | Family Activities -- Build Recycled Art from Found Objects


This family workshop invites participants into a hands-on sculptural experience inspired by Upon a Machine by Tromarama. Working with recycled and found materials, families will collaborate with a teaching artist to build experimental sculptures that explore assembly, reuse, and creative transformation within a contemporary art context.
   New York City, NY; NYC
11:00 am
Free

Workshop | Get in Shape: Dance Fitness Class for All Ages


Colorful outfits encouraged at this creative workout that fuses dance and aerobics! 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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11:00 am
Free

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

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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11:00 am
Free

Screening | Arts Showcase: 20+ Auteur Film Projects from Local Filmmakers (+ Filmmaker Discussions)


This film program, part of the Lower East Side Festival of the Arts, features works by auteurs from the Lower East Side/East Village along with works that reflect the essence of the neighborhood. This year, the film program, curated by Barak Tatar, is screening over 20 projects, shorts, documentaries, and animations, all projects created by New York Artists or shot in New York, particularly emphasizing LES Artists. Talk backs follow each screening.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free

Dance Lesson | PBS & NPR Featured Performer Teaches Algerian 3roubi Dance Style (+ Live Music)


Enjoy a pop-up event hosted by Esraa Warda and her musican collective, The Chaab Lab, for an Algerian Rai Dance Workshop. The group will be exploring the "3roubi" (rural) style of Rai and 6/8 rhythms. Info to know: Please dress comfortably and prepare to either be barefooted or wear indoor shoes The space is accessible on the first floor with a small ramp in entry You do not need any prior experience.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Afternoon Yoga Reset in the Park


This yoga class is designed to support the mental and physical health of our community through movement, mindfulness, and connection. The program offers a space to stretch, breathe, talk, and reset. No prior experience needed — come as you are! Bring a bottled water. Organizers will provide the yoga mats. Weather permitting.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Workshop | NYC Subway-featured Artist Teaches Watercolor Techniques on the Plaza


Local teaching artist Francis Hsueh leads this drop-in class that invites participants to explore creativity through hands-on artmaking.  All materials are provided. Participants will learn: 3 fundamental brushstroke techniques for successful watercolor paintings Tips and tricks for managing a painting from beginning to end. How to approach a scene when painting outdoors About the Artist: Francis loves to create evocative paintings of his environment. His paintings, primarily done with watercolor, capture well-known sites as well as overlooked corners. Francis now has had two paintings displayed in the NYC subway, including his latest one at the 181st Street Station in uptown Manhattan. He also illustrated a children’s book about Miles Davis and is currently working on another illustration project.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Classical Music | Orchestral Works by Dvorak & More


Collegium Musicum New York leads an inspiring evening celebrating the spirit and stories of America through music. From vibrant energy to sweeping lyricism, this program reflects the beauty of the nature, diversity, hope, and imagination that continue to shape the American experience. Program: Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (1875-1912) Hiawatha Overture Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) West Side Story Overture Antonin Dvorak (1841-1904) Symphony No. 9 "From the New World"
   New York City, NY; NYC
1:00 pm
Free

Party | Play New Games & Make New Friends


Play your favorite contemporary board games! Featured games include but are not limited to Chameleon, Wavelength, Avalon, Parade, Splendor, Century Spice Road, Mountain Goats, No Thanks, Codenames, Werewords, Spyfall, Azul, Letter Jam, Dixit, In Kahootz, and Captain Sonar. A new game will be selected each week.
   New York City, NY; NYC
1:00 pm
Free

Film | Silver Linings Playbook (2012): Romantic Comedy-Drama with Bradley Cooper & Jennifer Lawrence


After a stint in a mental institution, former teacher Pat Solitano moves back in with his parents and tries to reconcile with his ex-wife. Things get more challenging when Pat meets Tiffany, a mysterious woman with problems of her own. Director: David O. Russell Cast: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver, Anupam Kher, Chris Tucker Bradley Cooper is an actor and filmmaker. He is the recipient of various accolades, including a British Academy Film Award and three Grammy Awards. In addition, he has been nominated for twelve Academy Awards, six Golden Globe Awards, and a Tony Award. Cooper appeared on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list three times and on Time's list of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2015. His films have grossed $13 billion worldwide, and he has been placed in annual rankings of the world's highest-paid actors four times. Jennifer Lawrence is an American actress. She is known for starring in both action film franchises and independent dramas, and her films have grossed over $6 billion worldwide. The world's highest-paid actress in 2015 and 2016, she appeared in Time's 100 most influential people in the world list in 2013 and the Forbes Celebrity 100 list from 2013 to 2016.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
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

Tour | Explore Collection Which Features Goya, Velazquez, El Greco, and More


Join these guided tours every Friday and Saturday at 2 PM to explore a museum's history, special collections, and landmarked spaces. Led by educators, the tours last 45-60 minutes and provide an engaging introduction to the artworks and archives on view.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Learn About Hawaiian Kapa Printing and Cultural Arts


Celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with hands-on activities that explore the Hawaiian art of kapa making. Kapa is a traditional Hawaiian cloth made by beating and layering the inner bark of the wauke, or paper mulberry tree, and often decorated with geometric patterns and natural dyes. Visitors can learn about kapa-making tools and techniques and create a stamped bookmark inspired by traditional designs to take home.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Classical Music | Music on the Water: Lincoln Center-Featured Musicians Perform Contemporary Works for Violin & Piano


Miranda Cuckson, violin, and Matt Mitchell, piano. Program: Rene Hirschfeld (1965-) Tanz des Nock for solo violin Matt Mitchell (1975-) soft dioramas, committal Canela Palacios (1979-) Bison bison for violin and piano Steven Mackey (1956-) Repeated Notes for solo violin Anthony Davis (1951-) Violin Sonata
   New York City, NY; NYC
2:00 pm
Free

Party | Roller Dance Social in a Park with Live DJ


Get ready to roll into the excitement at an outdoor skate circle. With live DJs spinning the tunes, is as much fun to watch as it is to join! Whether you're a seasoned skater or just starting out, bring your own skates and get ready to groove with roller dancing. All skill levels are welcome. This is a family-friendly atmosphere perfect for all ages. Children under 14 must wear helmets for safety.
   New York City, NY; NYC
2:45 pm
Free

Opening Reception | Flags of Non-Existent Countries: Utopia, Color Systems, and the Reinvention of National Symbols


Anna Barlik presents a solo exhibition that explores the visual language of flags as systems of identity, belonging, and political meaning. Through sculptural installations, drawings, and reconfigured color structures, the works deconstruct national symbols into speculative forms, asking how meaning is constructed and how identity might be imagined beyond fixed borders and official narratives.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free

Classical Music | Serene Organ Meditations in Intimate Venue (In Person AND Online!)


Enjoy a program of hymns, anthems, and voluntaries for the organ.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free

Classical Music | Prize-Winning Organist Performs J.S. Bach's The Art of Fugue,


Experience the magical music of Johann Sebastian Bach ((1685-1750) performed by organist extraordinaire Balint Karosi, who is known for his interpretation of Bach's music and his Baroque-style improvisations.
   New York City, NY; NYC
5:00 pm
Free

Festival | Arts Showcase: Film. Poetry, Dance, Art, & More on Theme "Courage Through the Arts"


Experience the 30th annual Lower East Side Festival of the Arts, featuring hundreds of performing arts organizations, independent artists, poets, puppeteers, and film makers. The festival is mounted with the theme "Courage Through the Arts: A Vote Against Tyranny." The subject will be addressed in some of the playlets and acts written for the festival. Different programs for each space in the theater! This day's program features: Varshini Krishnaswamy (India Center Dancer), Chinese Theatre Works, Folksbiene, and many more.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

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

Dancing | Club-Inspired Electrifying Operatic Exploration of Identity & Genre


Drawing from the rich history of the New York queer club scene, the Downtown dance legend DJ Lina Bradford collides worlds with internationally acclaimed operatic countertenors Kangmin Justin Kim and Anthony Roth Costanzo for Diva Factory, an electrifying exploration of identity and genre, with direction by Teddy Bergman (KPOP on Broadway). One part concert, one part ritual, and entirely a dance party, Diva Factory dismantles the boundaries of genre and brings the exalted voices of opera and American house music directly to the people's dance floor. Embracing both the electric pulse of the clubs and the heights of the ivory tower, DJ Lina creates an unforgettable fusion of house music and opera. Come out and sing and dance! 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
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7:30 pm
Free

Screening | Most Watched International Sporting Events on the Big (30-foot!) Screen Outdoors: Soccer


Today's Schedule: 8:00pm - 10:00pm UEFA: Women's Champion League Final *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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8:00 pm
Free

Dance Lesson | Salsa Saturdays with Beginner Latin Dance Class and DJ Gagou


DJ Gagou performs a high-energy set of salsa, merengue, and bachata for a weekly social dance night at Chelsea Baila Social Club. The evening begins with a beginner-friendly Latin dance lesson at 8 pm, followed by an open social dance floor featuring Latin rhythms designed for all experience levels. No prior dance experience is required, participants are invited to join, learn, and dance throughout the night.
   New York City, NY; NYC
8:00 pm
Free

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 Hernandez (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
8:00 pm
Free

Movie in a Park | How To Train Your Dragon (2010): Animated Fantasy Film (under the Nightsky)


Grab a blanket and come enjoy a movie in a neighborhood park! Synopsis: On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup stands apart. The inventive yet overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast Hiccup defies centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society. Director: Chris Sanders, Dean DeBlois Cast: Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, Jonah Hill, America Ferrera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Kristen Wiig, T.J. Miller Movie begins at dusk. Glass bottles and alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited. In the event of heavy rain or extreme weather, the screening may be canceled.
   New York City, NY; NYC
8:15 pm
Free
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Complimentary Tickets

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

Performance | "Epic" True Story with Broadway Actor

Regular Price: $69
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Theater | Storytelling at its Best from Far Away

Regular Price: $51
CFT Member Price: $0.00