- 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!
37 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Friday, November 6, 2026
All events are free unless otherwise noted.Editor's Picks
Conference | Artists & Scholars Revisit the Legacy of the 1956 Congress of Black Writers and Artists (In Person AND Online!)
In 1956, the First Congress of Black Writers and Artists took place in Paris. It inaugurated the "postcolonial moment" in Europe and Africa, quickly followed by a lesser-known second one, in 1959 in Rome. To celebrate this 70th anniversary, attendees ask: what would a congress be today? Namely, how did the 1950's stakes evolved? which territorities, minorities and discourses have been left apart? what can these two Congresses teach us today and what can we add to them? Speakers/Artists:
Nelson Maldonado-Torres is a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Connecticut and a leading voice in decolonial theory.
Nadia Yala Kisukidi is an Associate Professor at the NYU Department of French Literature, Thought, and Culture.
Grégory Pierrot is an Associate Professor of English at the University of Connecticut, Stamford, specializing in the cultural networks of the Black Atlantic.
Mame-Fatou Niang is a Professor of French & Francophone Studies and founder of the Center for Black European Studies and the Atlantic at Carnegie Mellon University. A scholar, filmmaker, and photographer, she co-directed the documentary Mariannes Noires and authored Identités françaises and Universalisme.
Junior Mintt is a Brooklyn-based drag artist, comedian, and Black trans activist, host of The Junior Mintt Show, an independent late-night program centered on Blackness, queerness, and radical positivity.
Brent Hayes Edwards is a Peng Family Professor of English and Comparative Literature at Columbia University, affiliated with its Center for Jazz Studies. He is the author of The Practice of Diaspora, winner of the John Hope Franklin Prize, and Epistrophies: Jazz and the Literary Imagination.
Mistura Allison is an independent researcher, curator, and art historian based between London and Milan, currently Curator and Project Coordinator at Villa Romana in Florence. She is the founder of ashikọ, a research platform centered on contemporary diasporic visual and oral production from Africa and its diaspora.
Seumboy Vrainom is a French artist, writer, and self-described "digital shaman apprentice" whose work critiques colonial history through appropriated internet imagery and DIY video. An advocate for decolonial ecology, he is a contributor to the media outlet Histoires Crépues.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
10:00 am
free, RSVP required
free, RSVP required
Discussion | Clinical Psychologist Discusses Seasonal Affective Disorder & Management Strategies
A discussion with William Lamson, Ph.D. including common symptoms, factors that may contribute to seasonal changes in mood, and strategies for managing symptoms and supporting mental and emotional wellbeing during the winter months. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that occurs at certain times of the year, most commonly during the fall and winter months. Changes in daylight and seasonal routines may affect mood, sleep, energy, and daily functioning. Understanding the signs and symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, as well as available treatment and management strategies, can help individuals recognize when seasonal changes may be affecting their wellbeing and identify approaches to support their mental health.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
11:00 am
free, registration required
free, registration required
Workshop | Clay Sculpture Lesson (Part 1)
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 the first session, the group will work on hand-building sculptures using a variety of tools. All materials will be provided, including clay, wood tools, paints and brushes. No prior experience necessary, just bring your imagination!
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
12:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Workshop | Learn to Juggle in the Park
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.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
12:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Classical Music | Organ Works by J.S. Bach in a Beautiful Church (In Person AND Online!)
Take a momentary respite from a busy day to enjoy a selection of organ works by Johann Sebastian Bach in an intimate venue.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
12:20 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Film | The Graduate (1967): Romantic Comedy-Drama with Dustin Hoffman
A disillusioned college graduate finds himself torn between his older lover and her daughter. Director: Mike Nichols Cast: Anne Bancroft, Dustin Hoffman, Katharine Ross Dustin Hoffman is one of the key actors in the formation of New Hollywood. Hoffman is known for his versatile portrayals of antiheroes and emotionally vulnerable characters. He is the recipient of numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, four BAFTA Awards, five Golden Globe Awards, and two Primetime Emmy Awards. Short film discussion to follow.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Film | The Martian (2015): Sci-Fi Survival Film from Ridley Scott, Starring Matt Damon
A lone astronaut is left behind on the hostile surface of Mars after an exploratory mission goes awry, and must use his ingenuity to create a habitat where he can survive. Meanwhile, his crewmates and a team of scientists work to rescue him, in defiance of NASA protocol. Director: Ridley Scott Cast: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, Jeff Daniels, Michael Pena, Kate Mara, Sean Bean Sir Ridley Scott is an English film director and producer with an intense visual style. He's best known for his sci-fi, crime, and historical epic films. He's well decorated for his work, including the 2018 BAFTA Fellowship for Lifetime Achievement, two Primetime Emmys, and a Golden Globe. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II and appointed a Knight Grand Cross by King Charles III. Matt Damon is an actor, film producer, and screenwriter. He was ranked among Forbes's most bankable stars in 2007, and in 2010 was one of the highest-grossing actors of all time. He has received various awards and nominations, including an Academy Award, an Actor Award, and two Golden Globe Awards, in addition to nominations for three British Academy Film Awards and seven Primetime Emmy Awards.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Jazz | Live Lunchtime Tunes
Enjoy an afternoon featuring Columbia students playing jazz music.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
1:00 pm
free, registration required...
free, registration required...
Workshop | Crafting Circle: 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.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
1:30 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Film | Prey (2022): Sci-Fi Action Horror Film
When danger threatens her camp, the fierce and highly skilled Comanche warrior Naru sets out to protect her people. But the prey she stalks turns out to be a highly evolved alien predator with a technically advanced arsenal. Director: Dan Trachtenberg Cast: Amber Midthunder, Dakota Beavers, Dane DiLiegro, Michelle Thrush
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
2:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Book Discussion | Pulitzer Prize–Winning Journalist Shares Her New Book, Safe Passage
Evelyn Iritani uncovers the little-known story of the dangerous negotiations that led to the exchange of American and Japanese civilians during World War II. In the fall of 1943, as some of the Second World War’s bloodiest battles unfolded across the Pacific, the United States and Japan pulled off a diplomatic coup—the return of civilians caught on the wrong side of the battlefield after Pearl Harbor. In Safe Passage, journalist Evelyn Iritani reveals the rarely told story behind this wartime exchange, featuring a cast of determined diplomats, sharp-tongued journalists, missionaries, and refugees—and the difficult choices involved in bringing everyone home. Iritani sheds new light on this remarkable story of diplomacy and survival.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
2:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Dancing | 70's Throwback Silent Disco
Kick off the holiday season with a party! Come dressed in your favorite vintage clothing from the 70's or just wear fun clothes from any era to join the Silent Disco extravaganza.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
5:00 pm
free, RSVP required
free, RSVP required
Opening Reception | Full Circle: Solo Exhibition from MoMA-Featured Artist
Bringing together prints, paintings, and preparatory works spanning over forty years, the exhibition celebrates Daniel Kelly's inventive approach to art. An internationally recognized American artist based in Kyoto, Kelly is represented in the permanent collections of The Museum of Modern Art, New York; The Metropolitan Museum of Art; the Los Angeles County Museum of Art; the British Museum; the Smithsonian Institution; and others. Selected in close collaboration with the artist, Full Circle includes impressions of his prints held in major museum collections, pieces of personal significance, and recent creations. Also included in the exhibition are preparatory paintings and studies that offer a closer look at the ideas and experiments behind the finished works.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
5:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
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.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
5:00 pm
free, tickets required
free, tickets required
Workshop | Create & Maintain a Junk Journal (Make Friends, Share Ideas, & Craft)
Bring your junk journal with you to the library for an evening of community crafting. This session will offer an opportunity to meet friends, share ideas, and participate in a guided activity to add a new spread to your journal. Bring your own notebook; all other materials will be provided. A junk journal allows you to create an ongoing document of your life with found scraps and creative experiments.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
5:30 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
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.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
5:30 pm
free for New...
free for New...
Opening Reception | Keepsake: Multi-Artist, Multi-Media Exhibition
This exhibition reflects on how artwork can serve as a conduit, carrying a message, recollection, or metaphor from its creator. Stop by to see the artwork, meet the artists, and enjoy refreshments
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
6:00 pm
free, RSVP required
free, RSVP required
Opening Reception | Tribute: Multi-Artist Exhibition Highlighting Asian American Voices within Punk & Riot Grrrl
This exhibit spotlights Asian American artists who helped build American DIY, punk, and street culture--figures who remain largely invisible in these movements' histories. When we think of punk, zines, riot grrrl, or graffiti, Asian Americans rarely appear in the narrative. This exhibition corrects that erasure. The exhibition emphasizes how independent publishing, DIY making, punk bands, and online communities weren't just cultural products but essential infrastructure. Zines like Slant and Bamboo Girl created space for Asian American voices within riot grrrl. Publications like Yolk and Giant Robot built pan-ethnic community before social media existed. Punk bands became sites where immigrant kids could claim American youth culture on their own terms. Early internet forums allowed geographically scattered Asian Americans to forge collective identity. This was the "AZN Pride" movement of the late 1990s and early 2000s: DIY identity-making built from the ground up. Tribute features five artists who emerged from these networks and continue using these methods today in their mid-career fine arts practices. The exhibition presents sculpture and installation alongside the zines and publications that are inseparable from understanding these practices. Live performances and readings will be a part of public programming that activates the space. These performances honor the movement's roots in punk shows, zine release parties, and DIY venues where art, music, and writing converged.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
6:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Jazz | Bold Arrangements featuring Acclaimed Bass Trombonist
Jennifer Wharton’s Bonegasm puts the trombone front and center with a powerhouse lineup of four trombones and a rhythm section. Founded by acclaimed bass trombonist Jennifer Wharton, the New York City-based jazz ensemble brings virtuosity, wit, and plenty of swagger to an instrument that rarely gets top billing. With three acclaimed albums to their name, Bonegasm continues to expand the trombone repertoire through bold arrangements and newly commissioned works, showing just how expressive, versatile, and seriously fun the instrument can be.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
6:00 pm
free, RSVP recommended
free, RSVP recommended
Screening | Cambodian Filmmaker & Artist Shares Her Work across Media
Tith Kanitha will screen her 2014 short film, Boding, as well as discuss her forthcoming film, Crab, collaborations with Anti-Archive, and contemporary cinema's engagement with community, city, and site in Phnom Penh. Tith Kanitha works across several artistic media: making sculptures, installations, performances, videos, and works on paper, as well as playing a central role in Cambodian independent cinema, working with the collective Anti-Archive.The filmmaker will be in conversation with Jeannine Tang (Assistant Professor, NYU Performance Studies).
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
6:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Concert | Country Sounds with Cherokee Singer/Songwriter
Country and blues musician Agalisiga “The Chuj” Mackey on stage. Agalisiga "The Chuj" Mackey is a musician and educator from the Cherokee Nation in Northeast Oklahoma. Mackey grew up participating in traditional Cherokee ceremonies and singing ceremonial songs. He also draws inspiration from the “Father of Country Music” Jimmie Rodgers and hill country blues musician R.L. Burnside. He writes and sings original compositions in the Cherokee language in his deep baritone voice, melding classic country and blues. Today, he works as a language and culture educator at the Cherokee Immersion School, where he teaches children from Pre-K to 8th grade about ceremonial and modern Cherokee music. Mackey says, "Cherokee youth seeing their language and culture in a modern medium will remind them that their language and culture inspires creation."
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
6:00 pm
free with museum...
free with museum...
Dance Performance | Dance Studies: Works by Emerging Choreographers (+ Artist Q&A)
A dance community initiative providing emerging choreographers with a low-pressure environment to share studies on a selected theme. Work by Thomas Hogan, Shelby Green, Louise Coleman, and Marissa Chen. Audiences are encouraged to leave written feedback for the artists to further "study," and engage with a post-showing Q and A talkback.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
6:00 pm
free, tickets required
free, tickets required
Tour | Guided Exhibition Tour Exploring Ancient Magic Practices
A walk through the current exhibition, Cursed! The Power of Magic in the Ancient World. From its integration into religious traditions in Mesopotamia and Egypt, to its marginal, often illicit status in Greece and Rome, magic played a central role in ancient societies. Cursed! examines the visualization and practice of magic between 2000 BCE and 300 CE in these communities, featuring rare objects in a variety of media-including sculpture in stone and bronze; decorated ceramics; amulets in semiprecious stones, gold, and silver; and papyrus scrolls. Taken together, these artifacts reveal a shared human desire: to influence the unseen forces shaping life and death.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
6:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Dancing | K-Pop Dance Lessons
A fun and energetic class learning different choreography every week, led by various instructors from K-Pulse. Get ready to dance, sweat, and have a great time with friends and fellow K-Pop fans. No experience is required; just come with a positive attitude and be ready to move your body to the rhythm of the music. Bring your athletic shoes, a bottle of water, and organizers supply the good vibes. Please arrive 10 minutes before class begins.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
6:00 pm
free, registration recommended
free, registration recommended
Book Discussion | Perfumist Shares Her New Book, The Cultures of Perfume (+ Signing)
A conversation with Saskia Wilson-Brown to celebrate her new book, a richly illustrated survey of the history and origins behind the most well known scents in the world. She will be in conversation with Rachel Syme, followed by a signing.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
6:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Classical Music | Works by Robert Schumann, Scriabin, & More for Violin, Electronics, & Piano
Kaya Can Gur, violin and electronics, and Xiaoyu Tang, piano. Program: Kaya Can Gur Improvisation Robert Schumann (1810-1856) Humoreske, Op. 20 Alexander Scriabin (1872-1915) Piano Sonata No.2 in G-sharp Minor, Op. 19
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
6:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Concert | Innovative Tracks Honoring African Diaspora
DJ MD (Marcy DePina) curates vibes and sounds that reflect her passion for music, art, and the cultures of the world. Celebrating music as the universal language, DJ MD spins tracks from Africa and its expansive and innovative Diaspora, with the purpose of raising frequencies and promoting unity through sound. For over a decade, DJ MD has been a radio host, producer, deejay, and host of the FORSA!
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
7:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Concert | Lively Brazilian Music
Gabriele Leite and New York-based Brazilian Choro and Samba, Regional Samauma, perform a night of choro - Pixinguinha, Chiquinha Gonzaga, Jacob do Bandolim, and more!
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
7:00 pm
free, RSVP required
free, RSVP required
7:30 pm
Regular: $54
Member: $0
Regular: $54
Member: $0
Join the Club!
Concert | Music Grounded in the Language of Historic Flamenco Palos
Vocalist Barbara Martinez and guitarist Albert Alabedra lead the ALBA Musik project, an NYC-based music collective that blends traditional Latin dance and music with contemporary instrumentation, vivacious poetry, and modern songwriting. Their performances honor flamenco's lineage while opening space for new stories, textures, and sonic landscapes that remain deeply grounded in the language of historic flamenco palos. Flamenco dance in dialogue with voice and guitar is an integral force within the band's concerts, embodying all the physical and emotional depth that defines the tradition. ALBA Musik has toured internationally, played shows at the United Nations and for the President of Spain, and received first-round Grammy Award consideration in the Latin Pop and Global Music category for three consecutive years. 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!
7:30 pm
free, fast-track option...
free, fast-track option...
7:30 pm
Regular: $25
Member: $0
Regular: $25
Member: $0
Join the Club!
Dance Performance | Various Dance Works
Enjoy a series of dance works choreographed and performed by students at NYU Tisch.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
7:30 pm
free, RSVP required
free, RSVP required
8:00 pm
Regular: $20
Member: $0
Regular: $20
Member: $0
Join the Club!
8:00 pm
Regular: $37.25
Member: $0
Regular: $37.25
Member: $0
Join the Club!
8:00 pm
Regular: $31.60
Member: $0
Regular: $31.60
Member: $0
Join the Club!
9:30 pm
Regular: $69
Member: $0
Regular: $69
Member: $0
Join the Club!
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.