free things to do in New York City

Free Events, Free Things to Do in New York City! Read More

8 free events take place on Friday, November 20 in New York City.

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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!

8 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Friday, November 20, 2026

All events are free unless otherwise noted.

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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

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12:20 pm
free, no reservation required

Concerts, November 20, 2026, 11/20/2026, Organ Works by J.S. Bach in a Beautiful Church (In Person AND Online!)

**Film | Lion (2016): Australian Biographical Drama with Dev Patel**

In this heartrending drama based on a true story, a 5-year-old Indian boy is adopted by an Australian couple after he gets lost in Calcutta. Years later, he struggles with his memories of his birth family, and decides to begin a search for them. Director: Garth Davis Cast: Dev Patel, Sunny Pawar, Rooney Mara, David Wenham Dev Patel is an English actor and filmmaker. He has received various accolades, including a BAFTA and nominations for an Academy Award and two Golden Globe Awards. In 2024, Patel was included in Time's list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

Manhattan, New York, NY

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1:00 pm
free, no reservation required

Films, November 20, 2026, 11/20/2026, Lion (2016): Australian Biographical Drama with Dev Patel

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

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1:30 pm
free, registration required

Workshops, November 20, 2026, 11/20/2026, Crafting Circle: Work on Personal Projects & Make New Friends

**Film | Housekeeping for Beginners (2023): Macedonian/Romani/Serbian Drama**

A story exploring the universal truths of family, both the ones we're born into and the ones we find for ourselves. Dita never wanted to be a mother, but circumstances force her to raise her girlfriend's two daughters, tiny troublemaker Mia and rebellious teen Vanesa. A battle of wills ensues as the three continue to butt heads and become an unlikely family that must fight to stay together. Director: Goran Stolevski Cast: Anamaria Marinca, Alina Serban, Samson Selim, Vladimir Tintor, Mia Mustafi, Dżada Selim

Manhattan, New York, NY

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2:00 pm
free, registration required

Films, November 20, 2026, 11/20/2026, Housekeeping for Beginners (2023): Macedonian/Romani/Serbian Drama

**Book Club | Reading & Discussing Dealing With the Dead by Alain Mabanckou**

This book club will be reading and discussing a fiction book set in a new country every month, with a high priority on reading books in translation that are written by authors from the countries the group is visiting. This month: Congo. Dealing With the Dead by Alain Mabanckou, translated from French by Helen Stevenson! About the book: Abruptly deceased at the age of twenty-four and trapped forever in flared purple trousers, Liwa Ekimakingaï encounters the other residents of Frère Lachaise cemetery, all of whom have their own complex stories of life and death. Unwilling to relinquish their tender bond, Liwa makes his way back home to Pointe-Noire to see his devoted grandmother one last time, against all spectral advice. But disturbing rumours swirl together with Liwa's jumbled memories of his last night on earth, leading him to pursue the riddle of his own untimely demise. A phantasmagorical tale of ambition, community and forces beyond human control, Dealing with the Dead is a scathing satire on corruption and political violence by one of the foremost chroniclers of modern Central Africa.

Manhattan, New York, NY

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4:30 pm
free, registration required

Book Clubs, November 20, 2026, 11/20/2026, Reading & Discussing Dealing With the Dead by Alain Mabanckou

Workshop | Discover the Art of the Postcard & Create Your Own

Postcard enthusiasts, also known as deltiologists, are welcome to this program! Writing and communicating with postcards is a longstanding tradition, still embraced by many today. Attend to write postcards inspired by suggested prompts, to swap postcards, and to discuss all topics postcard-related. There will be some limited supplies available but you may also bring your own to embellish a 4x6 card to write on. Postage stamps will not be provided at this program.

Manhattan, New York, NY

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5:30 pm
free, registration required

Workshops, November 20, 2026, 11/20/2026, Discover the Art of the Postcard & Create Your Own

Jazz | Award-Winning Mexican Composer & Vibraphonist Performs with Her Trio

New collaboration with the annual contemporary arts festival features the vibraphonist Patricia Brennan. Patricia Brennan is an award-winning Mexican composer and improviser that found her voice through the vibraphone and mallet percussion. She will perform with her trio, which includes Kim Cass on bass and Noel Brennan on drums.

Manhattan, New York, NY

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7:00 pm
free, registration required

Concerts, November 20, 2026, 11/20/2026, Award-Winning Mexican Composer & Vibraphonist Performs with Her Trio

**Concert | THE DANISH GIRL in Concert: Music from the Newly Developed Musical**

Breaking the Binary Theatre celebrates Transgender Day of Remembrance. THE DANISH GIRL in Concert marks the first time material from the musical will be seen and heard by the public. 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

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7:30 pm
free, fast-track option...