free things to do in New York City
Free events for Friday, 09/04/26
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Free Events, Free Things to Do in New York City!    Read More
34 free events take place on Friday, September 4 in New York City.
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34 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Friday, September 4, 2026

All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Editor's Picks

free events nyc Evening Birding with NYC Audubon
free events nyc Friday Evening at the Famous Art Museum
free events nyc Five Short Films: Contemporary Korean Animated Cinema
free events nyc Metropolitan Opera in HD: Bellini's I Puritani (Outdoors)
        

Concert | Riley Green LIVE: Multi-Award Winning Country Artist (Outdoors)


A fun start to the day with singer-songwriter Riley Green. Fans on the General Admission line will be admitted if space permits. It's advised that you arrive early to join the line. Generally, concerts happen rain or shine. Check-in for those with fan passes is at 5:15 a.m. The start time is approximate. Photo ID required for entry. Generally, concerts happen rain or shine.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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7:00 am
free, no reservation required

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
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8:30 am
free, no reservation required

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

Screening | Most Watched International Events on the Big (30-foot!) Screen Outdoors: Tennis


Today's Schedule: 9:00am - 11:30am Tennis- Tennis Channel Live at the US Open 11:30am - 6:00pm Tennis- US Open 6:00pm - 7:00pm Tennis- Tennis Channel Live at the US Open 7:00pm - 11:00pm Tennis- US Open *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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9:00 am
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
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10:00 am
free, no reservation required

Tour | Explore One of NYC's Most Unique Public Spaces: 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 tours 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

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
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11:00 am
free, reservation required

Museums | Design Museum and Sculpture Garden


The museum was designed and created in 1980's by one of the twentieth century's most important landscape architects and designers. It serves to preserve the legacy of the artist by showcasing his creations: sculptures, furniture pieces, lighting designs, ceramics, architecture, and more.
   Queens, New York, NY
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11:00 am
free, no reservation required

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.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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11:00 am
free, no reservation required

Workshop | Clay Sculpture Lesson (Part 1)


Participants will have the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and start hand-building their own unique sculptures using all sorts of fun tools and techniques. Whether you follow our playful prompts or go totally freestyle, you'll leave with something truly one-of-a-kind. In the first session, the group will work on hand-building sculptures using a variety of tools. All materials will be provided, including clay, wood tools, paints and brushes. No prior experience necessary, just bring your imagination!
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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12:00 pm
free, registration 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

Jazz | Piano in the Park: Big Band Pianist


Come on down and swing along to the best jazz the Big Apple has to offer, with musician Kuni Mikami and special guests. “He plays with soul!” - Lionel Hampton Kuni Mikami has played for many of the top big bands. He has performed with bands such as The Duke Ellington Orchestra, Cab Calloway. Illinois Jacquet, and the New Lionel Hampton Orchestra, to name a few. Kuni is also the author of two jazz piano instructional books in Japanese: Jazz Piano New York Style Volume I and Volume II. He also wrote a book My Life as a Jazz Pianist in NY.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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12:30 pm
free, no reservation required

Tour | Explore One of NYC's Most Unique Public Spaces: 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 tours 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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12:45 pm
free, RSVP required

Film | West Side Story (1961): Classic Musical Romantic Drama with Natalie Wood


Two youngsters from rival New York City gangs fall in love, but tensions between their respective friends build toward tragedy. Director: Robert Wise, Jerome Robbins Cast: Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Russ Tamblyn, Rita Moreno, George Chakiris Natalie Wood was an American actress who began her career in film as a child and successfully transitioned to young adult roles. Wood started acting at age four and was given a co-starring role at age 8 in Miracle on 34th Street. As a teenager, she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Rebel Without a Cause (1955). She starred in the musical films West Side Story (1961) and Gypsy (1962) and received nominations for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performances in Splendor in the Grass (1961) and Love with the Proper Stranger (1963). She also won a Golden Globe for her later television work. Short film discussion to follow.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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1:00 pm
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
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1:00 pm
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...

Workshop | Play Chess & Socialize


Sharpen your mind, meet new people, and enjoy this timeless game. Chess sets and timers are provided. Adults only.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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2:00 pm
free, no reservation required

Tour | Curator Insights: Rail, Real Estate & Urban Identity


Join the Museum's director for a gallery tour of The Invention of Park Avenue, which explores how the creation of Grand Central and an avenue out of thin air became the key link between railroads and real estate, shaping Park Avenue's unique and evolving New York identity.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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3:00 pm
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
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5:00 pm
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
5:00 pm
free...

Museums | First Saturdays: Caribbean Culture & Community Celebration


At the monthly First Saturdays, thousands of visitors enjoy free programs of art and entertainment, including dynamic performances and participatory experiences.
   Brooklyn, New York, NY
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5:00 pm
free

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
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5:00 pm
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
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5:00 pm
free, tickets required

Author Reading | James Beard Award-Winning Magazine Hosts Live Story Readings & Conversations with Contributors (Outdoors)


The literary food magazine Cake Zine curates an original reading series from a set of notable New York City writers about the past, present, and future of the city's ever-changing food scene. The readings will be followed by a one-of-a-kind open writing group, guided by Cake Zine's authors. Original stories read by: Melissa Lozada Oliva, Fran Tirado, Stephanie Wambugu, Savannah Sobrevilla Conversation with: Phoebe Tran and Aliza Abarbanel Seating opens 30 minutes before showtime and is available on the grass or benches.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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5:00 pm
free, no reservation required

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).
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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5:00 pm
free, registration recommended

Party | Bingo Night in the Park


BYO food and beverages to this all ages, free to enter, B-I-N-G-O. A mix of music plays as the numbers roll out and each game winner receives a prize.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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5:30 pm
free, no reservation 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
5:30 pm
free for New...

Opening Reception | Weaving a Day, Mourning a Life -- Multi-Artist Multimedia Exhibition


This exhibition takes the quiet practice of weaving in Ph'c Sen, a village in Northern Vietnam, as its point of departure. It follows two generations of Nùng An women whose relationship to weaving reflects broader changes in contemporary rural life. As younger generations leave the village and daily rhythms shift, the future of this intimate tradition becomes increasingly uncertain. This exhibition translates this tradition into a contemporary art context. It presents how ritual, time, and memory can be physically woven into the fabric of existence, offering a poignant meditation on cycles of life and death that resonates universally. The exhibition will feature three independent bodies of work, each engaging with the core theme from a unique disciplinary perspective: photographic installation, sound installation, and text-based sculpture.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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6:00 pm
free, no reservation required

Concert | Grammy-Nominated Brass Bands in the Park


This festival brings together three brass ensembles to the main stage. From Brass Queens' female-led upbeat horns, to Aberdeen's inventive jazz/indie rock blend, and finishing with the New Orleans-born, Grammy-nominated New Breed Brass Band, this high-energy celebration of modern brass is the perfect way to herald in the end of summer. 
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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7:00 pm
free, no reservation required

Party | Pop Culture Trivia in the Park


Test your knowledge at this general knowledge pop culture trivia night, hosted by the NYC Trivia League. Seating 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.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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7:00 pm
free, no reservation required

Movie in a Park | Eternity (2025): Fantasy Rom-Com in the Park


In an afterlife where souls have one week to decide where to spend eternity, Joan is faced with the impossible choice between the man she spent her life with and her first love, who died young and has waited decades for her to arrive. Director: David Freyne Cast: Miles Teller, Elizabeth Olsen, Callum Turner, John Early, Olga Merediz, Da'Vine Joy Randolph Organizers strongly encourage you to bring your own blanket or mat to sit on and get comfortable. Glass bottles and alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited. In the event of heavy rain or extreme weather, the screening may be canceled.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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7:15 pm
free, no reservation required

Screening | Five Short Films: Contemporary Korean Animated Cinema


Through imaginative worlds and distinctive visual storytelling, this short film program explores relationships shaped by distance and separation, the boundaries that divide individuals and communities, and the fragile beliefs through which people understand themselves and one another. Moving between intimate romance, social allegory, and surreal journeys through memory and loss, these five works demonstrate the expressive range of contemporary Korean animation. The program includes: A Trip to the Ear, Boundaries, Statue, Society of Clothes, and Glasses.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
7:30 pm
free, RSVP required

Screening | Metropolitan Opera in HD: Bellini's I Puritani (Outdoors)


A world-beating quartet of stars takes the stage in the Met's first new production of Bellini's bel canto masterpiece in nearly 50 years. Includes full open captions. All guests will be welcomed at designated access points one hour prior before the movie begins. Seating is general admission on a first-come, first-served basis. Screening will go on as scheduled in the case of rain but will be canceled in the event of thunder/lightning or high wind.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
7:30 pm
free, no reservation required

Concert | Creating a Live Album Preserving the Sounds of NYC -- Recorded in Real Time with 100+ Participants


New Yorkers from all five boroughs are coming together on stage. This event brings together community members, musicians, and dancers into a cast of over 100 to capture how our city sings, moves, and tells its story in this moment. This new production stands as an act of collective hope, joy, and resistance. The album will be preserved by the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts forever, ensuring that long after summer fades, it will remain a reminder that the true record of a city isn't just its headlines--it's the sound of neighbors standing side by side. Written by Lisa Sanaye Dring. Co-Directed and Choreographed by Dan Canham. Directed by Emily Lim. This performance features audio descriptions and open captioning.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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8:00 pm
free, tickets required
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