free things to do in New York City
Free events for Sunday, 05/31/26
<

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 31, 2026?

19 free events take place on Sunday, May 31 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 31 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!

19 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Sunday, May 31, 2026

All events are free unless otherwise noted.
        

Workshop | Tai Chi on the Plaza


Silvana Pizzuti leads a session to learn and practice Tai Chi, a slow-moving martial art with health benefits for all fitness levels. 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!
8:00 am
Free
Workshops, May 31, 2026, 05/31/2026, Tai Chi on the Plaza

Parade | Israel Day Celebration of Community & Support 


Join a community march as part of the annual Israel Day Parade, celebrating unity and support for Israel’s emergency medical services and volunteers. Participants will walk alongside medics, supporters, and public figures in a show of solidarity and appreciation. Note: Registration is required for participation 
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
10:00 am
Free
Parades, May 31, 2026, 05/31/2026, Israel Day Celebration of Community & Support&nbsp;

Workshop | Tai Chi in the Park: Movement, Balance, and Longevity


Join a certified Tai Chi Instructor for an hour-long class focused on nourishing the body, calming the mind, and supporting long-term health and vitality.  This class is welcoming, accessible, and highly effective, guiding you step by step into a solid, authentic foundation in Tai Chi, with a special emphasis on health, balance, and longevity.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
10:00 am
Free
Workshops, May 31, 2026, 05/31/2026, Tai Chi in the Park: Movement, Balance, and Longevity

Museums | Family Art-Making and Gallery Activities


Spend your Sunday at a museum with free talks, art-making workshops, storytimes, and family gallery tours. Designed for visitors of all ages, these Sunday sessions offer a welcoming space to explore art and creativity together. 
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
11:00 am
Free
Museumss, May 31, 2026, 05/31/2026, Family Art-Making and Gallery Activities

Museums | Tiffany Glass and Other Exhibitions


The museum is dedicated to showcasing the history, art, and culture of its area with a permanent collection of 10,000 items. One of the exhibitions includes famous Tiffany's leaded glass objects and a valuable insight into the development of the inuctry in the US at the turn of the 20th century.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
11:00 am
Pay-what-you-wish, reservation required
Museumss, May 31, 2026, 05/31/2026, Tiffany Glass and Other Exhibitions

City Walk | Energy Housing and Urban Resilience 


Explore the hidden infrastructure shaping daily life on the Lower East Side on this guided walking tour. From energy systems like the steam plant to grassroots housing movements and early renewable energy efforts, the tour highlights often-overlooked aspects of the neighborhood’s history. Learn how past challenges, from squatting movements to Hurricane Sandy, have informed present-day approaches to resilience, sustainability, and urban planning.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
11:30 am
Free
City Walks, May 31, 2026, 05/31/2026, Energy Housing and Urban Resilience&nbsp;

Museums | Sunday at a Unique Art Museum


Candid, genuine, and unexpected, this is New York City's only museum dedicated to folk & self-taught artists. The Museum celebrates the creativity of individuals whose singular talents have been refined largely through personal experience rather than formal artistic training. The museum's collection includes more than seven thousand works of art from four centuries and nearly every continent--from compelling portraits and dazzling quilts to powerful works by living artists in a variety of mediums. From critically acclaimed exhibitions and publications to inspiring educational programs and robust community outreach, the museum's mission is to be the leading forum shaping the understanding and appreciation of folk and self-taught art across time and place.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
11:30 am
Free
Museumss, May 31, 2026, 05/31/2026, Sunday at a Unique Art Museum

Park Walk | Women's Walk in the Park


This group brings together women from all walks of life to bond, exercise, and embrace the beauty of their surroundings. Hundreds of women of all different ages and backgrounds meet to simply go for a walk in Central Park. About 80% of the women show up alone, so feel free to give it a try! Walk locations sometimes change, so make sure to check the group's Instagram page @citygirlswhowalk stories the day before and on Sunday to confirm the meet/walk spot. You are welcome to bring your leashed dog.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
12:00 pm
Free
Park Walks, May 31, 2026, 05/31/2026, Women's Walk in the Park

Museums | Pride Family Day: Art & Storytelling Activities


Families of all ages and identities are invited to celebrate Pride through hands-on art and storytelling activities. Guests will explore celebrations of identity aboard Intrepid and learn about the history of LGBTQ+ communities in the Navy. Activities are designed for learners of all ages and abilities. All registrants will receive a social narrative in advance to help prepare for the event. Teens are encouraged to visit the Teen Corner to create art, hang out and make friends.  Current and former service members and their families who pre-register are invited to enjoy a special Military Family Lounge, featuring light beverages and snacks.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
1:00 pm
Free
Museumss, May 31, 2026, 05/31/2026, Pride Family Day: Art & Storytelling Activities

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
Join the Club!
Go!
2:00 pm
Free
Concerts, May 31, 2026, 05/31/2026, Afternoon Jam Sesh (Play Music or Just Listen)

Tour | Historical House of The Distinguished American President of the Early 20th Century


This historic site honors the early life of a renowned American figure. The restored brownstone reflects late 19th-century architecture and offers insights into the family's daily life. Learn about various exhibits and artifacts that showcase the cultural and historical context of the era, providing a glimpse into the formative years of this visionary leader-to-be. This guided tour is first-come, first-served. It may reach capacity before your desired tour time, so please be sure to arrive early. Tour duration: 45 minutes. This tour takes place at 11 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
2:00 pm
Free
Tours, May 31, 2026, 05/31/2026, Historical House of The Distinguished American President of the Early 20th Century

Jazz | Let the Music Play in the Park: Local Jazz Artists


Berta Indeed presents “Let the Music Play”, a community jazz concert featuring an array of local musicians and vocalists. Seating 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!
2:00 pm
Free
Concerts, May 31, 2026, 05/31/2026, Let the Music Play in the Park: Local Jazz Artists

Classical Music | Music on the Water: Prize-Winning Musicians Perform Chamber Pieces by Mozart & Schubert


Alexander Fiterstein, clarinet, and Mark Peskanov, violin, with Semplice Players: Zoe Martin-Doike, violin, Beatrice Chen, viola, Noah Chen, cello, Nathaniel Chase, double bass, Sarah Boxmeyer, French horn, and Cynde Iverson, bassoon. Program: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) Clarinet Quintet in A Major, K. 581 Franz Schubert (1797-1828) Octet in F major, D. 803
   New York City, NY; NYC
2:00 pm
Free
Concerts, May 31, 2026, 05/31/2026, Music on the Water: Prize-Winning Musicians Perform Chamber Pieces by Mozart & Schubert

Party | Roller Rink Party 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
Join the Club!
Go!
2:45 pm
Free
Partys, May 31, 2026, 05/31/2026, Roller Rink Party with Live DJ

Classical Music | Appalachian Spring by Aaron Copland and Premiere on Stirring Meditation on Faith, Conviction, and National Identity, for Chorus & Ensemble


This concert, performed by Trinity Choir, Downtown Voices, and NOVUS, features a powerful new oratorio by acclaimed composer (and former Trinity organist) David Hurd, Great Awakenings. With a libretto by Christopher Dylan Herbert, the work brings to life a pivotal era in American religious and civic history. NOVUS will also present an unconducted performance of Aaron Copland's Appalachian Spring Suite for 13 instruments, a Pulitzer Prize-winning work originally commissioned as a ballet for Martha Graham's dance company. Through its vibrant choral writing and expressive solos, Great Awakenings illuminates Hobart's mission to expand the Episcopal Church, his embrace of education and inclusion, and his steadfast belief in pluralism and democracy as cornerstones of the American spirit.
   New York City, NY; NYC
4:00 pm
Free
Concerts, May 31, 2026, 05/31/2026, Appalachian Spring by Aaron Copland and Premiere on Stirring Meditation on Faith, Conviction, and National Identity, for Chorus & Ensemble

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 31, 2026, 05/31/2026, Art from All Over The World in the Most Amazing Museum

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
Join the Club!
Go!
4:00 pm
Free
Concerts, May 31, 2026, 05/31/2026, Serene Organ Meditations in Intimate Venue (In Person AND Online!)

Museums | Step Inside a Historic Mansion and Explore Centuries of Design Evolution


The museum is dedicated to showcasing the history, influence, and importance of design in everyday life. Housed in a historic mansion, the museum features a diverse collection of design objects, including decorative arts, architecture, graphic design, textiles, and industrial design.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
5:00 pm
pay-what-you-wish from 5pm...
Museumss, May 31, 2026, 05/31/2026, Step Inside a Historic Mansion and Explore Centuries of Design Evolution

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
Join the Club!
Go!
8:00 pm
Free
Plays, May 31, 2026, 05/31/2026, Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet: Broadway & Film Actors in a Timeless Tale of Starcrossed Lovers
Join the Club!
Go!
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