- ABOUT
- CONTACT
- FAQ
- REVIEWS
- GIVE A GIFT OF CFT!
-
Join the Club!
free things to do in New York City
Join the Club!
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!
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!
35 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Sunday, November 1, 2026
All events are free unless otherwise noted.Editor's Picks
Festival | New York City Marathon
The Marathon course runs 26.2 miles through the five boroughs of NYC
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
9:10 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Screening | Alien (2024): Work-in-Progress Drama (+ Filmmaker Q&A)
A young Chinese photographer and her partner embark on a life-altering journey after a period of profound upheaval. As the familiar rhythms of their world begin to unravel, their idealism collides with a harsh new reality. Seeking a path toward renewal and a sense of true autonomy, they make the difficult and desperate decision to leave everything behind, venturing into the unknown… Director: Sickgirl Work in Progress sneak preview (with online Q & A).
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
10:00 am
free, RSVP required
free, RSVP required
Festival | European-Inspired Holiday Market: Local Crafts, Artisan Provisions, & Global Gifts
An open-air market, featuring artisans from New York City and around the world. Holiday Shops are housed in custom-designed, "jewel box" kiosks.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
10:00 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
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. Daily service.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
10:00 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Tour | Explore a Unique Pocket of NYC: A Look at History, Design, & Environment
A historical walking tour of the area's highlights. Look into the past of this unique area of NYC and learn about its exciting transformation and future. In this walking tour led by official guides, you'll examine how historic preservation, innovative design, and environmental stewardship make the area what it is today.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
10:45 am
free, RSVP required
free, RSVP required
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.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
11:00 am
free, reservation required...
free, reservation required...
Tour | Historical House of The Distinguished American President of the Early 20th Century
Tour duration: 45 minutes. This tour takes place at 11 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm. 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.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
11:00 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
City Walk | Walking the Flatiron District
Take a stroll through the beautiful and iconic Flatiron District. The neighborhood is home to some of the city's most notable landmarks, such as the New York Life Building, the MetLife Clocktower, and the Flatiron Building. Expect to learn all about this district and its historical tidbits as you enjoy beautiful sights.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
11:00 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Festival | Día de Muertos Festival with Artmaking Workshops, Concerts, Folk Art Market, & More
A family-friendly event featuring a massive community altar (Ofrenda), live music, traditional crafts, and a Mexican marketplace. Día de Muertos is a Mexican tradition that honors ancestors and loved ones who have passed away. The Ofrenda is the heart of our celebration, honoring family and community members no longer with us. Organizers invite visitors to bring copies of their loved ones' photographs and to write letters to place on the Ofrenda to remember and celebrate them. This year, the Ofrenda combines traditional elements crafted by artists in New York and Mexico.Schedule available at the provided link.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
12:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Classical Music | International Violin Competition Final Performances (In Person AND Online!)
Hear the finalists—and stay for the announcement of the winners of the competition. From the 12–14 violinists who generally reach the semifinal, 3–5 advance to the final. Each finalist performs for approximately 45 minutes. Each finalist creates their entire recital program, choosing music from their two submitted programs to showcase their own musical personality.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
12:00 pm
free, RSVP required
free, RSVP required
Tour | Explore a Unique Pocket of NYC: A Look at History, Design, & Environment
A historical walking tour of the area's highlights. Look into the past of this unique area of NYC and learn about its exciting transformation and future. In this walking tour led by official guides, you'll examine how historic preservation, innovative design, and environmental stewardship make the area what it is today.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
12:45 pm
free, RSVP required
free, RSVP required
2:00 pm
Regular: $54
Member: $0
Regular: $54
Member: $0
Join the Club!
2:00 pm
Regular: $30
Member: $0
Regular: $30
Member: $0
Join the Club!
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.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
2:00 pm
free, 1 drink...
free, 1 drink...
Classical Music | Beethoven's Piano Sonatas with East River View
Jeffrey Swann, piano. All Beethoven (1770-1827) Program: Sonata in E minor, Op. 90 Sonata in A major, Op. 101 Sonata in Bb major, Op. 106 ("Hammerklavier")
Brooklyn, New York, NY
Join the Club!
2:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Book Discussion | Book Launch -- Absence/Presence: 30 Years of Day Without Art
The afternoon will bring together former Visual AIDS staff and contributors to the book for a series of short conversations spanning the history of Day Without Art. Editors Kyle Croft and Risa Puleo will reflect on the project’s emergence and its first decade; Amy Sadao and Nelson Santos will discuss its evolution through the 2000s; and Ted Kerr and Elizabeth Koke will consider Day Without Art from the 2010s to the present. Together, the conversations will reflect on the people who sustained the project, and how its strategies have changed alongside the AIDS epidem
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
2:00 pm
free, RSVP required
free, RSVP required
Workshop | Bracelet-Making Party
A pop-up with Little Threads, a nonprofit bringing back the joy of crafting — letting people re-experience a piece of their childhood while giving back.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
2:00 pm
free, donations welcome,...
free, donations welcome,...
City Walk | Hidden Stories of Historic Manhattan: A Walk with a Local Historian
Walk through a historic stretch of Manhattan that traces the people, places, and stories that helped define the neighborhood's cultural legacy. Led by a longtime local historian, the walk reveals where notable figures lived and worked, sharing little-known anecdotes that illuminate why this area remains such a vital part of the city's history.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
2:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Party | Playing Mexican Loteria Game for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) (Bilingual Event)
Loteria is similar to the game of bingo. This version will introduce you to the colorful world of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations. Whether you're a seasoned expert or new to the game, the bilingual (Spanish/English) Loteria highlights the different elements related to the celebration, such as plants, animals, people, and activities, in a fun and easy way to learn. All are welcome! *Visitors age 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
2:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Workshop | Sing Sea Chanteys Aboard a Historic Sailing Ship
A sea-song sing-along! Each session is hosted by a local artist who leads the group through a variety of traditional maritime work songs and ballads. Throughout the event, attendees of all skill levels are welcome to take the stage for this round-robin where you can sing and share the chantey of your choice. Attendees are encouraged to sing along with the chorus, but you can feel free to just sit back and enjoy the music. This event takes place rain or shine. In the event of rain, the event is moved inside.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
2:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Classical Music | An Iconic Requiem in Stunning Settings
Maurice Durufle's iconic Requiem, Op. 9, a beloved choral masterpiece of the French repertoire. The program will also feature the contemporary work In Remembrance by Jeffrey Ames.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
3:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Party | Art, Color, & Storytelling for Dia de los Muertos
Unleash your creativity this Dia de los Muertos and take home your own handmade donkey pinata or beautifully painted sugar skull! Dia de los Muertos is a joyful, world-renowned holiday dedicated to remembering and honoring departed loved ones through art, color, and storytelling. This session is meant to bridge cultures, spark creativity, and provide a welcoming space where our community can share joy. By making your own pinata or sugar skull, you are actively participating in a beautiful living tradition and creating a personalized piece of art to brighten your own home.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
3:00 pm
free, RSVP required
free, RSVP required
Classical Music | Cello Works by J.S. Bach, Rachmaninoff, & More(In Person AND Online!)
Gaeun Kim, cello. Program: J.S. Bach (1685-1750) Cello Suite No. 2 in D Minor, BWV 1008 Lili Boulanger (1893-1918) Three Pieces Thomas Demenga (1954-) EFEU Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943) Cello Sonata in G Minor, Op. 19
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
3:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
3:00 pm
Regular: $30
Member: $0
Regular: $30
Member: $0
Join the Club!
3:00 pm
Regular: $49
Member: $0
Regular: $49
Member: $0
Join the Club!
Museums | Art from All Over The World in the Most Amazing Museum
Explore the premier collections of modern and contemporary art in one of the world's most iconic architectural landmarks. Tickets for Pay-What-You-Wish hours are available online only and released at 10 am the morning of the event.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
4:00 pm
$1 min pay-what-you-wish,...
$1 min pay-what-you-wish,...
Museums | Explore Memorial Museum and Reconnect with History
Reconnect with the feeling of community and cohesion that blanketed our city and nation in the wake of 9/11. This is a monument to human dignity, courage, and sacrifice, this museum honors the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and February 26, 1993, recognizes the courage of those who survived, and salutes those who risked their lives to help others.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
4:00 pm
free for NY...
free for NY...
4:00 pm
Regular: $40
Member: $0
Regular: $40
Member: $0
Join the Club!
4:00 pm
Regular: $25
Member: $0
Regular: $25
Member: $0
Join the Club!
4:00 pm
Regular: $30
Member: $0
Regular: $30
Member: $0
Join the Club!
Dance Performance | Korean Dance Company Reimagines Traditional Korean Masked Dance
Mask Off looks beyond the ornate costumes, accessories, and visual images typically associated with "tradition," and instead delves into the breath, form, and movement that lie at its core. Choreographer Lee Jae-hwa, who has long explored the essence of "contemporary Korean dance," draws inspiration from talchum (Korea's traditional mask dance) to break away from fixed ideas of what is considered "Korean." Talchum is a traditional masked dance known for its satire of social issues and the ruling classes during the Joseon Dynasty. Performed outdoors for common people, it features raw breathing, exaggerated gestures, and energetic physicality-- elements that, in many ways, resonate more closely with street dance than with other traditional forms. Focusing on these dynamic qualities, Lee reimagines the methodology of talchum as a contemporary language of movement that speaks directly to today's audiences. The music is composed and performed by Park Da-ul, a geomungo artist celebrated for redefining the instrument's expressive possibilities with his bold and innovative sound. The charged synergy between the dancers creates an electrifying experience, delivering a surge of energy that reverberates through the entire stage.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
5:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Screening | New Docuseries Preview + Discussion (with Game & Snacks)
This is an interactive screening followed by a panel discussion. The screening is for the first episode of Love. [Nonfiction], a docuseries that redefines love in an era of epidemic loneliness. This first episode features Michael Austin, a man falsely convicted of murder for 27 years, until the love of his life freed him. In this special premiere, you will get to meet Michael, watch the new episode, enjoy a brief panel discussion with Michael, The Innocence Project, and Centurion Organization, and then we'll break into groups and have a brief activity to unlock the room, and love with it. Once you unlock your group organizers "unlock" the hors d'oeuvres and drinks (gf & veg options and wine / non-alc alternative drink options will be available).
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
5:00 pm
free, RSVP required
free, RSVP required
Museums | Step Inside a Historic Mansion and Explore Centuries of Design Evolution
The museum showcases design's history, influence, and importance 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. Note: The museum is undergoing an exhibition changeover. The second and third floor galleries are temporarily closed.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
5:00 pm
pay-what-you-wish from 5pm...
pay-what-you-wish from 5pm...
Festival | Dia de Muertos Celebration of Mexican Art & Culture
This event celebrates a Mexican cultural tradition representing a time to honor and revere deceased family members and ancestors. You can help create a community ofrenda ("offering") in collaboration with Mano a Mano: Mexican Culture Without Borders by bringing copies of photographs, notes, and letters to honor your loved ones throughout this celebration. The night will feature a performance by Guachinangos. The unique sound of Guachinangos is born in Mexico from folk roots and has manifested in the diaspora, with an exciting presentation and electrifying instrumentation of son jarocho, cumbia, champeta, rancheras, and other rhythms of Latin America. Through music and dance, this group transmits stories of the many maestros who have kept these traditions alive in Mexico and beyond. Guachinangos is presented in collaboration with Mexico Now Festival, New York City's first and only independent festival spotlighting contemporary Mexican art and culture. 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.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
6:00 pm
free, fast-track option...
free, fast-track option...
Concert | Live Acoustic Music
Enjoy an evening of live acoustic music with The Oystermen.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
8:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Join the Club!
Today's Events
All 896 Events
Free Events This Week
Free Events This Weekend
Contact FAQ Reviews About Terms of Use Privacy Policy
All events are free unless otherwise stated. All programs subject to change. Please confirm before going.Contact FAQ Reviews About Terms of Use Privacy Policy
© Copyright Club Free Time. All rights reserved.