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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!
55 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Wednesday, October 14, 2026
All events are free unless otherwise noted.Editor's Picks
Workshop | Tai Chi (Outdoors)
Improve balance, strength, and focus through gentle exercises. The sights and sounds of the harbor provide a serene background for the ancient flowing postures.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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8:30 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Workshop | Artist-Led Figure Drawing in the Park
Placed in a unique setting, a model will strike short and long poses for participants to sketch and draw. An artist/ educator will offer constructive suggestions and critique. Drawing materials provided, or bring your own.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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10:00 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Park Walk | Discover the History & Design of One of New York's Most Unique Parks
Hear the story behind New York City's park in the sky: an insider's perspective on the park's history, design, and landscape. Note: Spots are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
10:00 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Master Class | Explore Masterful Horn Performance
Chelsea McFarland--Third Horn, Philadelphia Orchestra--imparts skills and techniques for great horn playing.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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10:00 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Screening | International Events on the Big (30-foot!) Screen Outdoors: Tennis
Today's Schedule:
10:00am - 5:15pm Tennis- Courtside Live: ATP/WTA Tournament Coverage
*Scheduled programming subject to change. Seating is open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis. Wells Fargo customers receive priority seating.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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10:00 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Museums | New York City: History, Architecture, Social Movements, Cultural Diversity
This museum holds over 1,5 million artifacts, including photographs, paintings, decorative arts, costumes, and documents that tell the story of New York's development and its inhabitants. Explore the galleries and discover the rich history and vibrant culture of New York City!
Manhattan, New York, NY
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10:00 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Party | Outdoor Day of Play: Pck-Up Basketball, Live Music, Giveaways, & More
A one-day permission slip to step away from the routine, get outside, and simply PLAY. Step onto the court for pickup basketball, special appearances, a live DJ, giveaways, and more.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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10:00 am
free, RSVP required
free, RSVP required
Museums | Celebrate Chinese American Heritage & History
Step into a space dedicated to preserving, illuminating, and celebrating the rich history and contributions of Chinese in America. Connect with stories that inspire and bridge communities, honoring the legacy of generations who shaped the American narrative. Walk through galleries showcasing art, artifacts, and personal histories that reflect resilience, innovation, and cultural heritage.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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11:00 am
pay-what-you-wish for New...
pay-what-you-wish for New...
Workshop | Free-Form Paint & Sip Session
Create your own artwork with some acrylic paint while you sip on some coffee or tea! This is not a painting class, you are free to paint whatever you wish. All materials provided, limited to 10 participants. First come, first served.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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11:00 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Workshop | French Petanque-Playing in the Park
Members of NYC’s oldest-running Petanque club guide a Petanque-playing session. This French lawn bowling game from the early 20th century is easy to learn, and the boules will be provided. Just bring yourself!
Manhattan, New York, NY
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12:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Museums | If Fashion is of Interest to You... An Exhibit of Elegance Awaits!
Best known for its innovation and award-winning exhibitions, the museum has a permanent collection of more than 50,000 garments and accessories dating from the eighteenth century to the present.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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12:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no 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
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12:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Tour | New York City Hall Guided Tour
One of the oldest continuously used city halls in the nation that still houses its original governmental functions, New York's City Hall is considered one of the finest architectural achievements of its period. Constructed from 1803 to 1812, the building was an early expression of the City's cosmopolitanism. City Hall is a designated New York City landmark, and its rotunda is also a designated interior landmark. Note: When registering, choose the "Individual Tour" option.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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12:00 pm
free, registration required...
free, registration 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
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12:20 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Workshop | Adult Chorus Session Open to All
Directed by Church Street School of Music, the Downtown Beats adult chorus is open to all who love to sing! Learn contemporary and classic songs and perform at community events throughout the year.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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1:00 pm
free...
free...
Classical Music | Contemporary Organ Works
Thomas Hobson Williams, organ. Program: Charles Ore Sonata No. 2 Janette Linker Variations on “Restoration” Evelyn Larter The Path to Glory: Four Spirituals
Manhattan, New York, NY
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1:00 pm
free, donations encouraged,...
free, donations encouraged,...
Jazz | Saxophone & Piano in a Historic Church: the next generation of jazz
Saxophonist Tia Fuller, renowned for her soulful compositions, unites with the dynamic pianist Shamie Royston. Fuller performs with such A-list artists as Beyonce and contributed the stunning alto sax performances in Pixar's Soul, while Royston's technical prowess and expressive range have powered some of today's most compelling jazz ensembles. The two blend virtuosity and storytelling in a performance that showcases the next generation of jazz.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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1:00 pm
free, RSVP encouraged
free, RSVP encouraged
Concert | Weekly Outdoor Bagpipe Tribute: Honoring 9/11 Lives and Legacies
A moving weekly bagpipe tribute honors those who lost their lives on 9/11, as well as individuals affected by the lasting health impacts of that day. The tribute begins with a performance near a symbolic column preserved from the site, followed by a second performance in a nearby outdoor space.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Museums | Afternoon in a Magnificent Small Museum
Internationally recognized as a premier museum and research center, this museum is known for its distinguished Old Master paintings and outstanding examples of European sculpture and decorative arts.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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1:30 pm
pay-what-you-wish, reservation required
pay-what-you-wish, reservation required
Workshop | Explore the Art of Creative Writing in a Relaxed Environment
This event is an afternoon of live, free-form creative writing. No formal writing experience is required - just enthusiasm and curiosity to see where writing takes you. Participants are provided with suggested prompts at the start of the session, approximately 30 minutes to free write, and the remainder of the hour to share and listen to others' pieces. This is a relaxed forum to experiment with and strengthen your writing. There is the option, but not the requirement, to share your work in each session. Come write freely and meet other people who love writing for the sake of writing!
Manhattan, New York, NY
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1:30 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Film | Dracula: Dead and Loving It (1995): Supernatural Horror Comedy Directed by Mel Brooks
When a lawyer shows up at the vampire's doorstep, he falls prey to his charms and joins him in his search for fresh blood. Enter Professor Van Helsing, who may be the only one able to vanquish the Count. Director: Mel Brooks Cast: Leslie Nielsen, Peter MacNicol, Steven Weber, Amy Yasbeck Mel Brooks is an American actor, comedian, filmmaker, songwriter, and playwright. With a career spanning over seven decades, he is known as a writer and director of a variety of successful broad farces and parodies. A recipient of numerous accolades, he is one of 18 entertainers to win the EGOT, which includes an Emmy Award, a Grammy Award, an Academy Award, and a Tony Award.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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2:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Workshop | Landscape Art Class (Outdoors)
Artists of all skill levels can be inspired by park surroundings to create with drawing materials, pastels, and watercolors. Embolden your artwork amidst the flower-filled and seasonally evolving palette of verdant gardens. An artist/educator will provide ideas and instruction. Materials provided, and artists are encouraged to bring their own favorite media.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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2:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
2:00 pm
Regular: $55
Member: $0
Regular: $55
Member: $0
Join the Club!
Film | Look Back in Anger (1959): Classic Kitchen Sink Drama
A disillusioned university graduate comes to terms with his grudge against middle class values. Director: Tony Richardson Cast: Richard Burton, Claire Bloom, Mary Ure, Edith Evans, Gary Raymond
Manhattan, New York, NY
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5:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Workshop | An Evening of Rowing in New York Harbor
At this rowing session, after a brief orientation, participants will be assigned to a crew with an experienced coxswain to steer the boat and a mixture of experienced and new rowers. The boats, Whitehall gigs, are stable, traditional working boats for four rowers and a coxswain. No experience is necessary and rowers of all ability levels are welcome! The rowing sessions last several hours and are designed to be excursions: groups row against the tide to a destination, take a break onshore or in a protected cove, then return home with the tide. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Please complete the waiver ahead of time.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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5:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Opening Reception | Solo Exhibition of Abstract Landscape Paintings (Artist Present)
A special selection of sixteen dynamic paintings by Brian Rutenberg. His vibrant paintings are inspired by his experience of landscape growing up in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Fractal line, rich color, and Rutenberg’s bold, instinctual responses to his memory of nature punctuate each work. Together, the paintings on view illuminate the magnetic, enduring appeal of his art that has made Brian Rutenberg one of this country's most popular painters.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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5:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Classical Music | Piano Works by Liszt, Chopin, & More
Mateusz Mikolajczak, piano. Program: Grazyna Bacewicz (1909-1969) Piano Sonata No. 2 Franz Liszt (1811-1886) Annees de pelerinage, Deuxieme annee: Italie--Sonetto 104 del Petrarca, S. 161, No. 5 Frederic Chopin (1810-1849) Polonaise-Fantasie in A-flat Major, Op. 61
Manhattan, New York, NY
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5:30 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Workshop | Power Hour Running Session
This run is designed to help you move, build community, and have fun. All levels are welcome — walk, jog, or run at your own pace!
Manhattan, New York, NY
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5:30 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Workshop | Zumba Rhythms Workout in the Park
Welcome to Zumba with DeeKee in the park! Participants dance, sweat, and have a great time with friends and fellow Zumba enthusiasts. No experience is required, just come with a positive attitude and be ready to move your body to the rhythm of the music. Weather permitting. Please arrive 10 minutes before class begins.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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5:30 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Film | Nightmare on Elm Street (1984): Classic Supernatural Slasher Film Directed by Wes Craven
Teenager Nancy Thompson must uncover the dark truth concealed by her parents after she and her friends become targets of the spirit of a serial killer with a bladed glove in their dreams, in which if they die, it kills them in real life. Director: Wes Craven Cast: John Saxon, Ronee Blakley, Heather Langenkamp, Amanda Wyss, Nick Corri Wes Craven was a filmmaker. Amongst his prolific filmography, Craven worked primarily in the horror genre, particularly slasher films, where he mixed horror clichés with humor. Craven has been recognized as one of the masters of the horror genre.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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6:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Gallery Talk | Artists Discuss the Current Art Ecosystem
In a conversation moderated by Eugenie Tsai, New York-based curator and writer, Jane Dickson and Julie Heffernan will discuss their works on view in the Shelter from the Storm exhibition. They imagine changes to the current art ecosystem that could further empower artists.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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6:00 pm
free, reservations required
free, reservations required
Dancing | Bhangra Dancing in the Park: Celebration of Indian Music & Dance
Bollywood rhythm comes to the park with performances and lessons that blend fitness with traditional Indian folk dance. Watch and learn choreography that celebrates contemporary Indian music and dance. This autumn, drop in and join the high energy music party led by Masala Bhangra. The Masala Bhangra team will kick of the evening with their energetic dance performance that will be sure to get your feet bobbing! Then, Sarina Jain, founder of Masala Bhangra, will lead you in a Bhangra lesson. All ages and experience levels are welcome. Check-in begins at 5:45pm.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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6:00 pm
free, registration recommended
free, registration recommended
Party | Board Games Meet-Up
This event features a variety of board games, including Scrabble, Chess, Boggle, Bananagrams, Scattergories, and more! Bring a friend or join on your own--all levels are welcome. Studies have shown that playing board games can have positive effects on your mental, emotional, and physical health, including: o Improving memory and focus o Enhancing critical thinking skills o Making connections o Reducing stress (and screen time!)
Manhattan, New York, NY
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6:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Workshop | Evening Yoga (Outdoors, All Levels Welcome)
Strengthen the body and cultivate awareness in a relaxed environment as your instructor guides you through alignments and poses. All levels are welcome. Bring your own mat, as provided accessories are first come first serve. For adults 18+.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
6:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
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
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6:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Book Discussion | Quiet Reading Meet Up
Bring a book or check one out of the library to read to yourself for one hour. After that, spend an hour socializing with those around you!
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
6:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Dancing | Salsa Dancing on the Plaza (Lesson + Open Dance Floor)
Teachers with Mi Salsa Dura Baile lead an evening of Latin rhythm and dancing! Each class starts off with a lesson followed by an open dance floor.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
6:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Screening | Torn from the Flag: A Film by Klaudia Kovacs (2007) -- Documentary on the 1956 Hungarian Revolution (+ Filmmaker Discussion)
A film screening commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, a defining moment in Hungarian history. The film encompasses the tense Cold War era (1945-1991) and presents the rivalry of the superpowers during that time. It shows the 1956 Hungarian Revolution as the first catalyst for the future decline of the communist system, and as a remarkable turning point for the advancement of democracy. Director: Endre Hules & Klaudia Kovacs The movie is in Hungarian and English with English subtitles. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with the participation of a historian as moderator, the director of the documentary, and two witnesses of the Revolution and members of the Hungarian diaspora community in the United States.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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6:30 pm
free, RSVP required
free, RSVP required
Dancing | The Basics of Brazilian Dance (Combo of Samba Reggae) in the Park
A workshop for movement. This is a unique combination of Samba reggae from Bahia, Rio de Janeiro, and West African and Latino beats. All levels are welcome. Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes to move around in. Water will be provided. The event is rain or shine—the event space is fully covered. In the event of extreme weather, this program may be canceled for the health and safety of our visitors and staff. If a cancellation is necessary, registrants will be notified via email, and an update will be posted to the website.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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6:30 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Film | A Land Within (2025): German/Italian Drama FIlm (+ Filmmaker Q&A)
Paul, a talented artist, hopes to escape his rural upbringing in the Northern Italian region of South Tyrol, whose German-speaking population has found itself torn between Austria and Italy over the course of both world wars. Ethnic tensions and police repression reach a turning point when a separatist organization—which counts Paul’s hard-headed brother Anton among their ranks—begins a series of bombings on Italian industrial facilities. When Anton becomes the prime suspect in an attack and flees as a wanted terrorist, Paul decides to put off his plans to help Anton’s wife, Anna. Framed by the complicated relationship between two brothers and the loved ones they hope to protect, A Land Within explores the dynamics of masculinity, populism, and radicalization at play in a pivotal moment in South Tyrolean history. Director: Michael Kofler Cast: Thomas Prenn, Aenne Schwarz, Laurence Rupp, Niclas Carli, Francesco Acquaroli, Andrea Fuorto German, Italian, and South Tyrolean with English subtitles. Followed by a Q&A with Kofler.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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7:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Staged Reading | Everything Dark In This World: Original NYC-Based Comedy
A comedic play about coming to terms with the choices we've made in life. Delia and Roy - neighbors for many years on the same Manhattan block - have an odd, complicated relationship, fraught with years of personal history. Delia is the sum of all her anxieties, which leads to several questionable decisions, and Roy is an old soul struggling with painful inner demons. Told in three distinct sections, with tons of humor and heart, we follow their intertwined lives as Roy hopes to save Delia from basically herself. Written by Julie Hays. Directed by Bill Bowers.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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7:00 pm
free, RSVP required
free, RSVP required
Book Discussion | Art Advisor Shares His Book, Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Making of an Icon (+ Signing)
Drawing on his book, author Doug Woodham explores how artistic achievement, reputation, and market forces combined to transform the artist into a global cultural icon in a Q&A moderated by media personality Valerie Smaldone. A book signing will follow.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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7:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Film | Artist-Filmmaker's MoMA, National Gallery, Museum of the Moving Image Featured Short FIlms
Works by Maryam Tafakory, followed by a discussion with the director and Prof. Lelia Pourtavaf (NYU, Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies). Maryam Tafakory will share her practice working across moving image, text, and performance. Her process unfolds through long, unfinished research and gathers into constellations of speculative nonfiction pieces. She layers archival fragments, poems, newspaper clippings, audio recordings, declassified documents, and state-produced images to trace the space between what is recorded and what is erased.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
7:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
7:00 pm
Regular: $45
Member: $0
Regular: $45
Member: $0
Join the Club!
7:00 pm
Regular: $30
Member: $0
Regular: $30
Member: $0
Join the Club!
7:00 pm
Regular: $25
Member: $0
Regular: $25
Member: $0
Join the Club!
7:00 pm
Regular: $30
Member: $0
Regular: $30
Member: $0
Join the Club!
Book Discussion | National Book Award Finalist Shares Her New Novel, American Hagwon (In Person AND Online!)
Min Jin Lee presents her new novel, a contemporary epic about ambition and moderation, lust and loyalty, personal dreams and familial duty. Min Jin Lee’s first novel since the bestselling Pachinko follows one family across decades and continents as they search in schools, jobs, churches, and beyond for meaning and success. Once comfortably middle class in Korea, John and Helen Koh and their three children—Bo, DH, and Mido—find their fortunes twisted and their lives upended, first by a shocking betrayal by John’s oldest friend, then by the 1997 Asian financial crisis. Desperately striving to regain their footing, they leave Seoul for Sydney and eventually settle in Southern California—where new vistas of opportunity open up for the children as their parents, strangers in a strange land, must adjust to a new life in which their experience and education mean little, and they set their sights on whatever it takes to provide for their children’s futures.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
7:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Classical Music | Works for Flute, Viola, & Harp
Performance by Rule of Three (Ginevra Petrucci, flute, Colin Brookes, viola, and Chelsea Lane, harp) Program: Domenic Salerni Nostalghia Peter Kramer Pastorale Ellis Ludwig-Leone Past Life Polina Nazaykinskaya A Cradle of Fjords Roberto Scarcella Perino Robert con la 'O' Sunny Knable The Death of a Centaur
Manhattan, New York, NY
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7:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Talk | Artistic Exploration of Historical Gender Flexibility with Artists & Historians
Sophia Club brings its unique blend of philosophy and performance to the stage. For this debut, New York–based choreographer, composer, and performance artist Kinlaw joins classicist Kristina Milnor and Byzantine historian Leonora Neville in an artistic exploration of gender flexibility in the long Roman Empire. From the early Etruscans to Byzantium in the East, discover the poets, princesses, and queer pioneers who broke binaries, claimed authority, and declared their desires in defiance of social norms. The Sophia Club is a global series of live philosophy events from Aeon Media, the publisher of Aeon and Psyche magazines. 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 available
free, fast-track available
Classical Music | Orchestral Works by Copland, Sibelius, & More (In Person AND Online!)
MSM Symphony Orchestra. Program: Gabriella Smith Tumblebird Contrails Aaron Copland (1900-1990) Appalachian Spring Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) Finlandia Witold Lutoslawski (1913-1994) Concerto for Orchestra
Manhattan, New York, NY
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7:30 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Workshop | Stargazing on the East River
Peer up at the night sky with Amateur Astronomers Association's high-powered telescopes to view the moon, stars, and planets. Subject to cloud conditions and weather.
Brooklyn, New York, NY
Join the Club!
7:30 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
8:00 pm
Regular: $35
Member: $0
Regular: $35
Member: $0
Join the Club!
8:00 pm
Regular: $30
Member: $0
Regular: $30
Member: $0
Join the Club!
9:30 pm
Regular: $45
Member: $0
Regular: $45
Member: $0
Join the Club!
Join the Club!
Complimentary Tickets
to shows, concerts ... (CFT Deals!)
Classical Music | Tchaikovsky and More at a Landmark Venue
Regular Price: $55CFT Member Price: $0.00
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