free things to do in New York City
Free events for Friday, 09/12/25
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Free Events, Free Things to Do in New York City!  Read More

Are you looking for free things to do in New York City (NYC) on September 12, 2025?

23 free events take place on Friday, September 12 in New York City. Don't miss the opportunities that only New York provides! Exciting, high quality, unique and off the beaten path free events and free things to do take place in New York today, tonight, tomorrow and each day of the year, any time of the day: whether it's a weekday or a weekend, day or night, morning or evening or afternoon, December or July, April or November! These events will take your breath away!

New York City (NYC) never ceases to amaze you with quantity and quality of its free culture and free entertainment. Check out September 12 and see for yourself. Summer or Winter, Spring or Fall! Just click on any day of the calendar above and you'll find most inspiring and entertaining free events to go to and free things to do on each day of September . Don't miss the opportunities that only New York provides!

Some events take place all year long: same day of the week, same time there are there for you to take advantage of. One of the oldest free weekly events in Manhattan is Dixieland Jazz with the Gotham Jazzmen, which happen at noon every Tuesday. Another example of an event that you can attend all year round on weekdays is Federal Reserve Bank Tour, which takes place every week day at 1 pm (but advanced reservations are required). You can take at least 13 free tours every day of the year, except the New Year Day, July 4th, and the Christmas Day. If you are classical music afficionado, you can spend whole day in New York going from one free classical concert to another. If you love theater, then New York gives you an option to attend plays and musicals free of charge, or at deep discount. You just need to have information about it. And we are here to make that information available to you.
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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!

23 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Friday, September 12, 2025

All events are free unless otherwise noted.
        

Opening Reception | Retrospective: Iconic Fashion Photography from the 1990s to Today


Discover a focused retrospective of Paolo Roversi's work, showcasing his ethereal and intimate fashion photography from the early 1990s through today. This exhibition highlights Roversi's enduring collaborations with leading figures in the fashion world, presented during New York Fashion Week.
   New York City, NY; NYC
10:00 am
Free
Opening Receptions, September 12, 2025, 09/12/2025, Retrospective: Iconic Fashion Photography from the 1990s to Today

Workshop | Zumba Class for All-Levels


Featuring easy-to-follow Latin dance choreography. Work on your balance, coordination and range of motion.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:30 am
Free
Workshops, September 12, 2025, 09/12/2025, Zumba Class for All-Levels

Museums | Asian Art and Culture Museum


The museum features a diverse collection of artworks, including traditional and contemporary pieces from various Asian cultures. 2 pm: guided tour.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Museumss, September 12, 2025, 09/12/2025, Asian Art and Culture Museum

Festival | Food Festival with Local Vendors


New York City's favorite outdoor food market, Smorgasburg, is back. Enjoy a variety of eats and treats from local vendors.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Festivals, September 12, 2025, 09/12/2025, Food Festival with Local Vendors

Film | Dream Scenario (2023): Satirical Comedy-Drama with Nicolas Cage


A family man finds his life turned upside down when millions of strangers suddenly start seeing him in their dreams. However, when his nighttime appearances take a nightmarish turn, he's forced to navigate the consequences of his newfound stardom. Director: Kristoffer Borgli Cast: Nicolas Cage, Julianne Nicholson, Michael Cera, Tim Meadows, Dylan Gelula, Dylan Baker Nicolas Cage is an American actor and film producer. He is the recipient of various accolades, including an Academy Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a Golden Globe Award. For starring in Leaving Las Vegas (1995), he won the Academy Award for Best Actor. He received another Academy Award nomination for his performance in Adaptation (2002).
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Films, September 12, 2025, 09/12/2025, Dream Scenario (2023): Satirical Comedy-Drama with Nicolas Cage

Film | Secretariat (2010): Biographical Sports Drama about Racehorse


Behind every legend lies an impossible dream. Witness the spectacular journey of an incredible horse named Secretariat and the moving story of his unlikely owner, a housewife who risked everything to make him a champion. Director: Randall Wallace Cast: Diane Lane, John Malkovich, Dylan Walsh, James Cromwell
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Films, September 12, 2025, 09/12/2025, Secretariat (2010): Biographical Sports Drama about Racehorse

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.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:30 pm
Free
Workshops, September 12, 2025, 09/12/2025, Crafting Community: Work on Personal Projects & Make New Friends

Tour | Explore One of New York's Iconic Buildings


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
   New York City, NY; NYC
2:30 pm
Free
Tours, September 12, 2025, 09/12/2025, Explore One of New York's Iconic Buildings

Tour | Hidden Networks of Medieval Art with Museum Experts


Uncover the environmental and economic systems that made medieval art possible. In this expert-led talk, curators and conservators reveal the surprising global networks that sustained the creation of objects centuries ago. Note: Space is limited; first-come, first-served.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free
Tours, September 12, 2025, 09/12/2025, Hidden Networks of Medieval Art with Museum Experts

Museums | A Night of Live Music, Drinks & 5,000 Years of Art


Enjoy a stylish evening of art, live music, and engaging talks every Friday and Saturday night. From 5-9 PM, sip on drink specials, sample light fare, and take in the museum's vast collection spanning millennia. Grab a friend, a partner, or come solo--this after-hours experience offers something for everyone.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Museumss, September 12, 2025, 09/12/2025, A Night of Live Music, Drinks & 5,000 Years of Art

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.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Museumss, September 12, 2025, 09/12/2025, Friday Evening at the Art/History Museum

Party | Play New Games like Blood on the Clocktower (BOTC)


Curious about a board game or looking to try something new? The Games Hosts will be teaching how to play a wide range of fun board games. Many come to play the social deduction game, Blood on the Clocktower (BOTC).
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Partys, September 12, 2025, 09/12/2025, Play New Games like Blood on the Clocktower (BOTC)

Birdwatching | Bird Walk beside the Hudson


Explore the park on a family-friendly bird walk led by nature experts. Bring binoculars if you have them! Space is limited, unreserved, and available on a first-come, first-served basis. If there is heavy rain at the time of the event, the event will be canceled.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free
Birdwatchings, September 12, 2025, 09/12/2025, Bird Walk beside the Hudson

Workshop | Pilates in the Park


Club Pilates hosts 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 Adults 18+
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free
Workshops, September 12, 2025, 09/12/2025, Pilates in the Park

Discussion | Dive into the Museum Archive: Community & Gender Expression


Join award-winning novelist Torrey Peters (Detransition, Baby; Stag Dance) and Diana Merry-Shapiro, computer scientist and original member of the Casa Susanna network, for a robust conversation on community, memory, and the evolution of gender expression across generations. Moderated by curator Mia Fineman, this program offers rare behind-the-scenes stories from this time alongside reflections on how those experiences continue to inspire literature and culture today. Note: Space is limited; first-come, first-served.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Discussions, September 12, 2025, 09/12/2025, Dive into the Museum Archive: Community & Gender Expression

Book Discussion | Matching Minds with Sondheim: Puzzles, Games & Genius


Author Barry Joseph explores Stephen Sondheim’s playful side through rare artifacts, archival clips, and interactive surprises inspired by his passion for puzzles and games. Featuring creations like The Great Conductor Hunt, The Game of Murder, and A Little Jurassic Treasure Hunt, this event offers a unique look at the inventive mind behind Broadway classics.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Book Discussions, September 12, 2025, 09/12/2025, Matching Minds with Sondheim: Puzzles, Games & Genius

Opening Reception | Reconfiguring the Image – Shape-Shifting Paintings


Jeanette Mundt’s vibrant, boundary-pushing paintings reflect the shifting speed of contemporary culture. Drawing from sources as varied as Google image searches, magazines, personal photos, and her exhibition archives, Mundt explores the endless transformations an image undergoes once it enters the digital realm.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Opening Receptions, September 12, 2025, 09/12/2025, Reconfiguring the Image &ndash; Shape-Shifting Paintings

Movie in a Park | Watch Grease (1978) Outdoors: Musical Comedy with John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John


Grab a seat or bring your own blanket and watch a screening of Grease on The Big Screen. Synopsis: Greaser Danny Zuko and Australian transfer student Sandy Olsson develop an attraction for each other during a summer romance. Director: Randal Kleiser Cast: John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Stockard Channing, Jeff Conaway, Eve Arden, Frankie Avalon Doors open at 5pm with each movie starting at 6pm.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Movie in a Parks, September 12, 2025, 09/12/2025, Watch Grease (1978) Outdoors: Musical Comedy with John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John

Discussion | 80 Years of Rock & Roll: Lennon, The Ramones & Tina Turner


Legendary rock photographer Bob Gruen marks his 80th birthday in a one-night-only conversation with musician and author Lenny Kaye. Hear raw, behind-the-scenes stories of music's biggest icons, told with grit and humor. Reservation does not guarantee entry. Coat check is limited. Please do not bring any large bags or backpacks.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:00 pm
Free
Discussions, September 12, 2025, 09/12/2025, 80 Years of Rock & Roll: Lennon, The Ramones & Tina Turner

Dance Lesson | Modern Dance Performance & Workshop with Ailey II Dancers


Ailey II dancers bring their technical mastery and emotional depth to works by the most daring established and emerging choreographers, forging a new path for modern dance - one that's inclusive, experimental, and transformative. An Ailey Arts In Education instructor will lead a movement workshop for all ages following the performance. Founded in 1974 as the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble, Ailey II has advanced Alvin Ailey's vision by giving early-career dancers the vital experience of transitioning from training as a student to becoming a professional dancer. 7PM: PERFORMANCE 7:30PM WORKSHOP
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:00 pm
Free
Dance Lessons, September 12, 2025, 09/12/2025, Modern Dance Performance & Workshop with Ailey II Dancers

Concert | Latin Music & Dance Showcase w/ Award-Winning Charanga Band


This Latin music and dance showcase kicks off this season with Cuban percussionist Miguelito "Pacha" Pozo and his band La Charanga Pacha. Keeping the Charanga tradition alive, La Charanga Pacha is the winner of the 2025 Tanae Media Digital Awards for Band of the Year and was the first Charanga band to perform in the New York International Salsa Congress, where Pacha was awarded The David Melendez Award for Lifetime Commitment to Latin Music. Pacha has shared the stage with many greats in Latin music, including Tito Puente, Machito, Larry Harlow, Tipica '73, Orquesta Broadway, and several more over the course of his long career. 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.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:30 pm
Free
Concerts, September 12, 2025, 09/12/2025, Latin Music & Dance Showcase w/ Award-Winning Charanga Band

Play | Shakespeare's Twelfth Night Outdoors with Lupita Nyong'o, Sandra Oh, Peter Dinklage, & Jesse Tyler Ferguson (AD)


Revel in the midsummer madness as twins Sebastian and Viola survive shipwreck, revenge plots, and the trick doors of love. Written by William Shakespeare Directed by Tony Award nominee Saheem Ali Cast: Lupita Nyong'o, Khris Davis, Sandra Oh, Junior Nyong'o, Peter Dinklage, Moses Sumney, John Ellison Conlee, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, b, Joe Tapper, Kapil Talwalkar, and more. This performance will be accompanied with audio description.
   New York City, NY; NYC
8:00 pm
Free
Plays, September 12, 2025, 09/12/2025, Shakespeare's Twelfth Night Outdoors with Lupita Nyong'o, Sandra Oh, Peter Dinklage, & Jesse Tyler Ferguson (AD)

Party | Legendary Queer DJ Duo


Brooklyn’s nightlife powerhouses bring their signature high-energy party to the stage, joined by special guest The Carry Nation. Known for their genre-blending, marathon B2B sets and electric presence at world-renowned clubs and festivals, the duo delivers a fresh yet classic house sound rooted in New York’s history and the global queer underground.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 pm
Free
Partys, September 12, 2025, 09/12/2025, Legendary Queer DJ Duo
Complimentary Tickets

to shows, concerts ... (CFT Deals!)

Musical | "A Must See" Musical Directed by Emmy Nominee

Regular Price: $87
CFT Member Price: $0.00
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