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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!
36 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Saturday, October 24, 2026
All events are free unless otherwise noted.
Festival | Autumn Pumpkin Festival: Costumes, Pumpkins, Food, & More
Visitors are invited to pick out their own pumpkins. Costumes are highly encouraged, with trick-or-treating at the park's historic houses. Food vendors will be on-site with fall-themed food and drink available for purchase; vendors to be announced. Please limit pumpkins to one per person per household, and plan to bring your own tote bag/reusable bag to hold your pumpkins.
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
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10:00 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Workshop | Drawing in Nature
Paint in watercolor or use pastels and other drawing materials to capture the magical vistas of the Hudson River and the unique landscape of the park. An artist/educator will help participants of all levels with instruction and critique. 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
Workshop | Accessible, Grounding, & Restorative Yoga in the Park
Participants flow together and celebrate community through mindful movement with Yoga Sangraha. This is not a new style of yoga, but a gathering of timeless practices — accessible, grounding, and deeply restorative. Led with science and tradition at the heart, this class will guide you through a sequence of postures designed to balance, stabilize, and calm the body and mind. The word Sangraha means “a collection,” and this practice brings together postures and breathwork that activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping you leave feeling focused, connected, and at ease. No prior experience needed — come as you are! Bring a bottled water. Organizers will provide the yoga mats. Weather permitting.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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10:30 am
free, registration required
free, registration 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
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10:45 am
free, RSVP required
free, RSVP required
Festival | Celebrate Diwali in the Heart of the City (Shopping Bazaar, Food, Performances, Kid Activities, & More)
This Diwali festival features a vibrant and engaging Diwali Bazaar as well as a dedicated Kids Zone, where children can paint diyas, create colorful Rangoli art, and enjoy interactive storytelling activities. The afternoon will feature the 'Colors of India' program, exhibiting spectacular dance performances from different cultures around the world. The celebration culminates in a signature Diya (lamp) Lighting Countdown, a moment that lights up the space with a message of hope, unity, and new beginnings.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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11:00 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Book Club | Discuss Your Favorite Romance Books with Fellow Readers
If you love romance or want to get into it, you're welcome at this romance book club! Attendees will be discussing their favorite romance books, current reads, and more!
Manhattan, New York, NY
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11:00 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Museums | Family Fun with Maritime History
Family Day offers an ideal chance to gather everyone for a day at the museum, featuring a variety of hands-on activities, games, and adventures across the historic neighborhood. Grab your Family Day bingo card and begin exploring the Museum’s historic ships and exhibits, visiting activity stations along the route to earn your stamps.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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11:00 am
free, registration required...
free, registration required...
Museums | Jewish History: Centuries of Art
As one of the largest collections of art in Jewish culture globally, the venue features an extensive array of historical Jewish artifacts as well as modern and contemporary art.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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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
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11:00 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Musical | Short Musicals by Emerging Artists
Artists present their new musical theater works to the public. A special first performance of these works! Since 2014, this summer musical theater writing program, Across a Crowded Room, has brought together lyricists, composers, bookwriters, and performers to form new collaborations and write 20-minute musicals with advice from experts in the industry.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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11:00 am
free, registration required
free, registration required
Workshop | Creative Writing with Foundational Techniques (All Levels Welcome)
This workshop is designed to help attendees unlock their creative potential. Engage in fun idea generating exercises and work together to get results and find joy in the writing process. All writers of any experience level are welcome. If you're curious, come check it out! This workshop will explore foundational writing techniques and best practices. Prior attendance is not required. Attendees will investigate alternative, non-traditional narrative forms, as well as read and discuss short stories and poetry.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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11:30 am
free, registration required
free, registration required
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
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11:30 am
free, registration required
free, registration required
Park Walk | Outdoor Tree Walk Identifying Local Flora: Discover the Biodiversity of the City
A local nature team leads a guided tour. Near-ly 3,500 trees make up this area's canopy, pro-vid-ing essen-tial ben-e-fits all New York-ers: they cap-ture and remove pol-lu-tion from the air, help mit-i-gate cli-mate change by absorb-ing and seques-ter-ing car-bon diox-ide, reduce runoff and oth-er flood-ing dur-ing weath-er events, help cool com-mu-ni-ties, and fos-ter crit-i-cal bio-di-ver-si-ty. Please note: these tours are held entire-ly out-doors. Please dress with the weath-er in mind.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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11:45 am
free, donations welcome,...
free, donations welcome,...
Fair | Street Fair Celebrating Social Justice (Dance, Food, Activities, & More)
A daylong event including performance, international food, ethical vendors, children’s activities, and more. Eco-Artist-in-Residency, Jody Sperling, and her Time Lapse Dance ensemble will present a short, visually-stunning program starting at 1:30pm. Enjoy works that illuminate the body’s connection to the urban wilderness while providing creative and ethical sustenance for the soul. All ages welcome!
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
12:00 pm
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!
12:45 pm
free, RSVP required
free, RSVP 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
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1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Workshop | Poetry Gathering: 4 Different Workshops Led by Prize-Winning Writers
A series of poetry workshops with instructors Megan Fernandes, Wendy Xu, D.S. Waldman, and Dorothea Lasky. Each session lasts an hour, and participants are welcome to attend one or more sessions. The day will wrap up with a reading featuring the instructors and workshop participants.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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1:00 pm
free, donations welcome,...
free, donations welcome,...
Staged Reading | Shakespeare's Richard II: Historical Drama
A history play about the lifetime and reign of King Richard II of England (r. 1377-1399). As a dramatised period history of the English monarchy, Richard II chronicles the machinations of the noblemen of the royal court who conspire, precipitate, and realise the downfall and death of the King of England. Written by William Shakespeare Performed by The Instant Shakespeare Company
Manhattan, New York, NY
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1:15 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Play | A Doll's House: Modern Adaptation of Ibsen's Classic Drama
Amy Herzog's A Doll's House follows Nora Helmer, a woman who secretly borrows money to save her husband Torvald's life. When her secret is threatened with exposure, Torvald's reaction reveals that he values his reputation more than Nora's sacrifice. Nora realizes that she has been treated as a "doll" rather than an equal partner. She therefore decides to leave her marriage and family to discover her identity, independence, and freedom. Originally written by Henrik Ibsen. Adapted by Amy Herzog. Directed by Elissa Goetschius
Manhattan, New York, NY
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2:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Film | Alien (1979): Horror Sci-Fi Film from Ridley Scott, Starring Sigourney Weaver
In deep space, the crew of the commercial starship Nostromo is awakened from their cryo-sleep capsules halfway through their journey home to investigate a distress call from an alien vessel. The terror begins when the crew encounters a nest of eggs inside the alien ship. Director: Ridley Scott Cast: Tom Skerritt, Sigourney Weaver, Veronica Cartwright, Harry Dean Stanton, John Hurt, Ian Holm, Yaphet Kotto 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. Sigourney Weaver is an American actress who has received various accolades, including a British Academy Film Award, two Golden Globe Awards, and a Grammy Award, in addition to nominations for three Academy Awards, four Primetime Emmy Awards, and a Tony Award.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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2:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Film | Shaun of the Dead (2004): Zombie Comedy from Edgar Wright
The uneventful, aimless lives of a London electronic salesman and his layabout roommate are disrupted by the zombie apocalypse. Director: Edgar Wright Cast: Simon Pegg, Kate Ashfield, Lucy Davis, Nick Frost, Dylan Moran, Bill Nighy Edgar Wright is an English filmmaker who is known for his fast-paced and kinetic, satirical genre films, which feature extensive use of expressive popular music, Steadicam tracking shots, dolly zooms, and a signature editing style that includes transitions, whip pans, and wipes.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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2:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Film | Weapons (2025): Mystery Horror Film
When all but one child from the same classroom mysteriously vanish on the same night at exactly the same time, a community is left questioning who or what is behind their disappearance. Director: Zach Cregger Cast: Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, Alden Ehrenreich, Austin Abrams, Cary Christopher, Toby Huss
Manhattan, New York, NY
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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
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2:00 pm
free, 1 drink...
free, 1 drink...
Tour | Explore Collection Featuring Goya, Velazquez, El Greco, and More
Explore a museum's history, special collections, and landmarked spaces. It contains objects of artistic, historic, and literary interest for the advancement of the study of the Spanish and Portuguese languages, literature, and history around the world. Led by educators, the tours last 45-60 minutes and provide an engaging introduction to the artworks and archives on view.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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2:00 pm
free, RSVP required...
free, RSVP required...
Tour | History of Houdini in NYC Tour through CIty Streets
Discover Houdini's roots in the dime museums of the Bowery and his ascendancy in the Golden Age of Magic! Marvel at his battles with the Spiritualists! And find out once and for all if spirits do return (as Houdini famously claimed to prove was not the case) with a visit to a site of one of the famous Houdini seances! This walking tour takes guests through the Village as the group traces the history of Houdini and his milieu of dime museums and performance in the Golden Age of Magic. And, in the spirit of Halloween -- and the 100th anniversary of Houdini's own mysterious death -- we'll delve into the world-famous battle of Houdini vs. the Spiritualists, and his lasting, complex legacy in the world of the paranormal. Highlights include:
Turn-of-the-century Dime Museums on the Bowery, where Houdini got his start
A notorious site of Houdini's haunted legacy
Locations related to the history of Spiritualism, and Houdini's legendary battle with it
The house where a famous Houdini seance took place
Manhattan, New York, NY
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2:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Discussion | How Art and Science Can Honor Indigenous Histories & Ecologies
Mohawk artist Alan Michelson and ecologist Eric W. Sanderson join together. They explore how art and science can surface and honor the Indigenous histories and ecologies embedded in contemporary New York, while considering strategies for recovering lost abundance.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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2:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Classical Music | Music on the Water: Piano Trios by Beethoven & Brahms
Mark Peskanov, violin, Nicholas Tzavaras, cello, and Rita Sloan, piano. Piano trios of Beethoven and Brahms.
Brooklyn, New York, NY
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2:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Festival | Spooky Campfire Songs & Stories (Music, Lawn Games, & More)
Cozy up to a campfire for stories and songs with family and friends featuring a live performance, nature activity, art projects, lawn games, and so much more!
Manhattan, New York, NY
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2:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Dance Performance | Works-in-Development by Emerging Dance Artists
Facilitated by Ishmael Houston-Jones since the ’90s and currently co-curated by Houston-Jones with curators, this event presents showings by artists at all stages of their careers. This afternoon features performances by Victoria Lynn Awkward and JOYBOY. The session will be followed by questions and conversation between the artists, curator, and audience.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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3:00 pm
free, RSVP required
free, RSVP required
Screening | Korean Film Festival: The Only Child in the Butchery (2025) -- Korean Crime Thriller
Orphaned as a child, Tae-seob was raised in his uncle's butcher shop, working without pay and calling the man "father" in return. Now grown, Tae-seob asks for wages to start a new life with the woman he loves but is met with cold dismissal. Yet when he discovers his uncle freely spending money to hide an affair, Tae-seob sees an opportunity. But as he pulls one thread after another, Tae-seob finds himself trapped in a web of deceit far more dangerous than he imagined, where every step forward leads deeper into betrayal, and nothing unfolds as expected. Director: Yoo Hyoung-joon Cast: Kwon Ji-woo, Jung Hyung-suk English subtitles available.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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4:00 pm
free, RSVP required
free, RSVP required
Classical Music | Serene Organ Meditations in Intimate Venue (In Person AND Online!)
Enjoy a program of hymns, anthems, and voluntaries for the organ.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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4:00 pm
Free, donations are...
Free, donations are...
Poetry Reading | Haiku Poetry Performance Party
Experience the collective effervescence of radical poetic co-creation at the HAIKU SLAM! Every audience member will get to participate and have their moment to SHINE, seventeen syllables at a time. This competitive yet oh-so-collaborative haiku slam is facilitated by Lisa Ann "LAMarks" Markuson, founder and Chief Poetic Officer of Ars Poetica, the haiku gal trained by Japanese monks in the art of perfectly balanced micro-poetry. Get ready for prizes and poetic surprises in this fun poetry performance party.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
6:00 pm
free, donations welcome,...
free, donations welcome,...
Play | A Doll's House: Modern Adaptation of Ibsen's Classic Drama
Amy Herzog’s A Doll’s House follows Nora Helmer, a woman who secretly borrows money to save her husband Torvald’s life. When her secret is threatened with exposure, Torvald’s reaction reveals that he values his reputation more than Nora’s sacrifice. Nora realizes that she has been treated as a “doll” rather than an equal partner. She therefore decides to leave her marriage and family to discover her identity, independence, and freedom. Originally written by Henrik Ibsen. Adapted by Amy Herzog. Directed by Elissa Goetschius
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
7:30 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Screening | Korean Film Festival: Savon (2025) -- Korean Crime Thriller
After a close call with her sleazy new boyfriend, Jae-in discovers a prominent soap company is offering a service to clean up more than just your average mess. Discreet, corporate-minded, and methodical, the outfit in question does a good job, allowing Jae-in to go back to her life as an aspiring actress. She’s haunted by lingering paranoia, however, and soon she remembers a loose end that needs attending to… Director: Lee Jun-sup Cast: Jung Yi-ju, Kwak Min-kyu, Park Jong-hwan
Manhattan, New York, NY
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7:30 pm
free, RSVP required
free, RSVP required
Comedy Club | Animal Documentary with Live Comedy
Mystery Science Theater meets Animal Documentary at Drunk Planet Earth. Hosted by Brian Morabito (Dropout) and Stephen Buckley (UCB), the twist of the show comes when the audience tries to stump the hosts with animal questions. Come for the animal facts, stay for the drunk hosts trying to remember what they know about giraffes.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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9:30 pm
free, tickets required
free, tickets required
Join the Club!
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Classical Music | "Virtuoso" Pianist Performs Works by Liszt & More
Regular Price: $50CFT Member Price: $0.00
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