- 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!
39 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Friday, October 9, 2026
All events are free unless otherwise noted.Editor's Picks
Workshop | Morning Yoga on the Plaza
Start your morning off balanced and refreshed with a yoga class led by local yoga instructors Mariah and Frances. Bring a yoga mat and water bottle.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
8:30 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Museums | Friday at Pop Culture/Art Museum
Through temporary exhibitions, a growing permanent collection, and educational events, this museum examines the significant influence of posters on society and culture, and how they are adapted for modern use. As the first poster museum in the United States, it offers a space for inquiry for anyone interested in design, advertising, and public interventions, with the goal of enhancing design literacy among the general public.
Works explore:
mass communication and persuasion
the intersection of art and commerce
control of the public domain
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
10:00 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Museums | Asian Art and Culture Museum
The museum features a diverse collection of artworks, including traditional and contemporary pieces from various Asian cultures. They typically have guided tours at 2 pm.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
11:00 am
free, reservation required
free, reservation 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 | Dolores Claiborne (1995): Psychological Thriller Drama Film
A big-city journalist discovers a terrible secret about her family's past after her estranged mother becomes the prime suspect in the death of the elderly woman for whom she had been caring. Soon the daughter learns the details of her father's mysterious death years before, and eventually she realizes how profoundly she misunderstood her mother. Director: Taylor Hackford Cast: Kathy Bates, Jennifer Jason Leigh, David Strathairn, John C. Reilly, Eric Bogosian, Christopher Plummer
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Film | The Menu (2022): Comedy Horror Thriller with Ralph Fiennes & Anya Taylor-Joy
A young couple travels to a remote island to eat at an exclusive restaurant where the chef has prepared a lavish menu, with some shocking surprises. Director: Mark Mylod Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicholas Hoult, Hong Chau, Janet McTeer Ralph Fiennes is an English actor, film producer, and director. A Shakespeare interpreter, Fiennes excelled onstage at the Royal National Theatre before having further success at the Royal Shakespeare Company. Widely regarded as one of Britain's most well-known and popular actors, he has received various accolades, including a BAFTA Award and a Tony Award, as well as nominations for two Academy Awards and an Emmy Award. Anya Taylor-Joy is an actress who has won several accolades, including a Golden Globe Award and a nomination for a Primetime Emmy.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Workshop | Artmaking on the Plaza with a Professional Artist
Led by a local teaching artist, this drop-in class invites participants to explore creativity through hands-on artmaking. Past mediums have included plein-air drawing, printmaking, cyanotypes, and more. All materials are provided.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Tour | Historical Architecture Tour
Guides lead a walking tours focusing on iconic buildings in this part of Midtown Manhattan, focusing on historical architecture.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Workshop | Crafting Community: 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 | The Dead Zone (1983): Sci-Fi Thriller Directed by David Cronenberg
Five years after a traffic accident that left him in a coma, a man awakens to discover that he has the ability to foresee future events and even prevent tragedies from happening. Will these new abilities prove to be a blessing or a curse? Director: David Cronenberg Cast: Christopher Walken, Brooke Adams, Tom Skerritt, Herbert Lom, Anthony Zerbe, Colleen Dewhurst, Martin Sheen David Cronenberg is a Canadian filmmaker and actor. He's known as a principal originator of the body horror genre. Cronenberg is best known for exploring these themes through sci-fi horror films such as Shivers (1975), Scanners (1981), Videodrome (1983), and The Fly (1986), though he has also directed dramas, psychological thrillers, and gangster films.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
2:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
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...
Tour | Exploring One of New York's Iconic Fifth Ave Institutions
Designed to inspire, building highlights include:
The only free, publicly accessible rooftop terrace in Midtown
A dramatic "Long Room" with 42-foot-high atrium offering five levels of open, browsable book stacks
Commissioned public art celebrating creativity and curiosity
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
2:30 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Dancing | Salsa Party and Dance Lesson with Live Music
Event featuring music and family-friendly fun. Music provided by Conjunto Sotito, Salsa lessons from Estelle Rivera. Inspired by the classic NYC Charanga Orchestras, Conjunto Sotito plays Salsa, Cha Cha, and Pachangas, and will have you dancing till you drop. No experience needed. Salsa Dance Lesson at 4:30 PM Conjunto Sotito Concert at 5:30 PM
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
4:30 pm
free, tickets required
free, tickets required
Film | Back to the Future (1985): Classic Sci-Fi Film Directed by Robert Zemeckis (Outdoors)
Set in 1985, it follows Marty McFly, a teenager accidentally sent back to 1955 in a time-traveling DeLorean automobile built by his eccentric scientist friend Emmett "Doc" Brown, where he inadvertently prevents his future parents from falling in love - threatening his own existence - and is forced to reconcile them and somehow get back to the future. Director: Robert Zemeckis Cast: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover Robert Zemeckis is a filmmaker. Known for directing and producing a range of successful and influential films that often blend cutting-edge visual effects with storytelling in the late-20th century, he has received accolades such as an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award, as well as nominations for five British Academy Film Awards and a Daytime Emmy Award. Complimentary popcorn for all guests. Doors open one hour before the start time of the movie.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
5:00 pm
free, RSVP required
free, RSVP required
Screening | Culloden (1964): Pseudo-documentary about the 18C Battle (at a Landmark Museum)
Told through the lens of modern war reportage and featuring amateur actors, Culloden (1964) is a pseudo-documentary about the 18th-century Battle of Culloden, which ended in a defeat of Scottish royalist forces in the last major battle on British soil. The evening also includes an introduction and panel discussion with Sukhdev Sandhu, an expert on British cinema and culture. Director: Peter Watkins
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
5:00 pm
free, RSVP required
free, RSVP required
Museums | American History and Artifact Collections
Enjoy a stroll through galleries of an extensive collection of American art, learn about the history of New York and the USA. Last admission is at 7 pm.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
5:00 pm
Pay-what-you-wish, reservation required
Pay-what-you-wish, reservation required
Birdwatching | Evening Birding with NYC Audubon
Discover the surprising diversity of birds that call the park home during migratory season, with guided tours led by environmental educator and urban naturalist Gabriel Willow. The park is a hotspot for avian visitors and birders alike. Past sightings include warblers, tanagers, vireos, thrushes, and even a Chuck-will's-widow!
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
5:00 pm
free...
free...
Park Walk | Forest Bathing - A Guided Mindful Nature Exploration
Reconnect with nature through a peaceful Forest Bathing experience. This guided walk invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and experience the park with all your senses. The session includes a gentle half-mile stroll at a relaxed pace and quiet moments of reflection. Wear comfortable clothing and bring water, a snack, and something to sit on.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
5:00 pm
free, reservation required...
free, reservation required...
Museums | Friday Evening at the Art/History Museum
This museum is an assemblage of illuminated, literary, and historical manuscripts, early printed books, and old master drawings and prints inside a historic building. Registration opens 7 days in advance & does sell out.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
5:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration 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
Museums | Japanese Art and Culture
The gallery showcases both traditional and contemporary Japanese art, including amine designs and theatrical production elements that evolved in the 17th century.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
5:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Poetry Reading | New York Foundation for the Arts Award Winning Writers' Reading Verse (+ Reception/Signing)
A poetry reading by Kazim Ali, Jill Bialosky, and Tina Chang. The event will conclude with a reception/signing with books for sale. Kazim Ali's most recent book is Sukun: New and Selected Poems, which Publisher's Weekly called "dazzling." Jill Bialosky's newest work of prose is The End is the Beginning: A Personal History of My Mother. Her most recent volume of poetry, Asylum: A Personal, Historical, Natural Inquiry in 103 Lyric Sections, was a finalist for the National Jewish Book Award. Tina Chang is the author of the poetry collections Hybrida, Half-Lit Houses, and Of Gods & Strangers. She is also co-editor of the Norton anthology Language for a New Century: Contemporary Poetry from the Middle East, Asia, and Beyond.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
5:00 pm
free, RSVP required
free, RSVP 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...
Workshop | Pilates in the Park
Club Pilates leads a series of controlled movements that emphasize proper form and breathing techniques to strengthen and improve flexibility in the core, back, and lower body. For ages 16+.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
5:30 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Screening | Uiksaringitara (Wrong Husband) (2025): Indigenous Canadian Drama Film
In 2000 BCE Igloolik, Nunavut, star-crossed teenage lovers Kaujak and Sapa are promised to each other since birth, but their bond is shattered when Kaujak’s father dies and her mother marries a man from a distant camp. The promise of a better future turns into a desperate struggle as Kaujak is besieged by aggressive suitors backed by a powerful, evil shaman. Despite the pressure, Kaujak holds fast to her heart, resisting all attempts to claim her and clinging to the hope that Sapa will return to make good on their childhood pledge. Director: Zacharias Kunuk Cast: Theresia Kappianaq, Haiden Angutimarik, Leah Panimera, Mark Taqqaugaq Inuktitut with English subtitles.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
6:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Talk | Artists Discuss AI-Generated Images & War Photography (In Person AND Online!)
This roundtable takes a limited edition artist book, Seeing Against Seeing, as its central case study, bringing author/artist Alexey Yurenev into conversation with Bogna Konior and Fred Ritchin. They will examine how AI-generated images transform the conditions of war photography. Yurenev’s book, combines a bespoke GAN trained on WWII-era imagery with archival research and interviews, producing synthetic photographs that echo historical visual language while attempting to render what was never recorded: trauma, absence, and the psychological residue of war. Within this framework, Konior’s essay, "War in the Age of Infinite Evidence," provides a critical lens on the shift from evidentiary scarcity to saturation.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
6:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Book Discussion | Bestselling Novelists Discuss Their Books Commenting on Italian Identity (In Person AND Online!)
Jennifer Anton, author of Under the Light of the Italian Moon, and Laura Morelli, author of The Keeper of Lost Art, discuss their novels and celebrate Italian Heritage in conversation with Lisa Ackerman. Under the Light of the Italian Moon tells the story of Nina Argenta, the daughter of a village midwife in a small mountain town in northern Italy, whose dreams of joining the man she loves in America are shattered by family duty and the rise of Mussolini. As fascism tightens its grip and World War II brings Nazi occupation to her village, Nina must summon extraordinary courage to protect those she loves. Inspired by the true experiences of the author's own family, the novel explores the enduring bonds of family, the resilience of ordinary women, and the choices that shape identity across generations. The Keeper of Lost Art by Laura Morelli tells the story of twelve-year-old Stella, coming of age in Tuscany 1943, in a world at war. When her mother sends her to safety with distant relatives at a villa in Tuscany, she finds them tasked with a great responsibility: hiding over 300 priceless masterpieces from the Uffizi Galleries. Inspired by the true story of the heroic efforts to safeguard Italy's cultural treasures during World War II, The Keeper of Lost Art is a sweeping and emotionally powerful tale of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
6:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Classical Music | Italian Baroque Chamber Works (In Person AND Online!)
Small ensembles of Juilliard musicians present historically informed performances of masterworks.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
6:00 pm
free, tickets required
free, tickets required
Screening | The Girl in the Snow (2025): French Drama
The year is 1899. Aimee, a youthful Republican educator, reaches a snow-shrouded village nestled at the Alpine border during a tempestuous night. Though met with suspicion by the locals, she remains resolute in uncovering the truth behind their obscure superstitions. As Aimee integrates into the hamlet's daily existence, she finds herself overcome by an awakening of sensual disorientation. Director: Louise Hemon Cast: Galatea Bellugi, Matthieu Lucci, Samuel Kircher, Oscar Pons, Sharif Andoura, Lena Camillieri Dorleans
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
6:30 pm
free, RSVP required
free, RSVP required
Book Club | Halloween-Themed Book Discussion: Monstrilio
Discuss Gerardo Sámano Córdova's debut novel in preparation for spooky month! For fans of Stephen Graham Jones, this novel stars a grieving mother, acting on the knowledge of an old folktale, who cut out a piece of her deceased eleven-year-old to revive him into a carnivorous Monstrilio. A thought-provoking meditation on grief, acceptance, and the monstrous sides of love and loyalty, Gerardo Sámano Córdova blends bold imagination and evocative prose with deep emotional rigor. Told in four acts that span the globe from Brooklyn to Berlin, Monstrilio offers, with uncanny clarity, a cathartic and precise portrait of being human.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
7:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Concert | Live Original Music Showcase
Enjoy a free evening of live, original music featuring local songwriters and composers.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
7:00 pm
free, RSVP required,...
free, RSVP required,...
7:00 pm
Regular: $51
Member: $0
Regular: $51
Member: $0
Join the Club!
Concert | World Famous Shadyville DJ Cory Giles
Brooklyn native Cory Giles is behind the decks, bringing with him ten years of deep experience in the music industry. From Def Jam Recordings to Hot 97, Giles has been involved in music programming and development across all music platforms. Giles has worked with brands such as Louis Vuitton, The Mohegan Sun, The W, Tidal, NCAA, and the WNBA. He has played sets for celebrities such as John Legend, Luke Combs, and Jack Harlow, to name a few. In October '22, Cory became a member of The World Famous Shadyville DJs crew.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
7:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Concert | Colombia's Underground Alt-Rock Band Makes Their U.S. Debut
Bogota's Nicolas y Los Fumadores is the alt-rock quartet which has a loyal following in Colombia's underground music scene and has been gaining broader attention--including a performance at the legendary Rock al Parque in 2024--for their blend of post-punk, Colombian, and Argentinian rock influences. Taking inspiration from the likes of Mac DeMarco, Nicolas y los Fumadores's introspective lyricism grapples with the realities of life in the Colombian capital as well as universal experiences such as the transition into adulthood. Colombian underground music blends traditional ancestral rhythms like cumbia and gaita with modern electronic and rock influences 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 available
free, fast-track available
Dance Performance | Diverse Possibilities of Korean Contemporary Dance
This event brings together three distinct voices in contemporary dance, presenting works by Young Soon Kim Dance Company, Andamiro Art Company, and choreographer Lee Dongha. Spanning different generations, artistic perspectives, and approaches to movement, the program explores the diverse possibilities of Korean contemporary dance. From narrative-driven choreography and dynamic physical expression to works inspired by history, society, and human experience, the three works offer audiences an opportunity to encounter the evolving language of Korean contemporary dance.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
7:30 pm
free, RSVP required
free, RSVP required
Classical Music | Orchestral Works by Brahms, Shostakovich, & More (In Person AND Online!)
MSM Symphony Orchestra. Program: Johann Brahms (1833-1897) Academic Festival Overture Benjamin Lees (1924-2010) Concerto for String Quartet and Orchestra Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) Symphony No. 10
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
7:30 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
8:00 pm
Regular: $30
Member: $0
Regular: $30
Member: $0
Join the Club!
Join the Club!
Complimentary Tickets
to shows, concerts ... (CFT Deals!)
Classical Music | "Virtuoso" Pianist Performs Works by Liszt & More
Regular Price: $50CFT Member Price: $0.00
Today's Events
All 1057 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.