free things to do in New York City
Free events for Saturday, 09/05/26
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Free Events, Free Things to Do in New York City!    Read More
28 free events take place on Saturday, September 5 in New York City.
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28 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Saturday, September 5, 2026

All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Editor's Picks

free events nyc Outdoor Public Art Walkthrough: In-Depth Look at New Works
free events nyc Music on the Water: Chamber Works by Stravinsky & More
free events nyc An Afternoon of Latin & Contemporary Jazz
free events nyc Tango Dancing in the Park, All Levels Welcome
free events nyc Moliere's Don Juan: Provocative Tragicomedy with Live Music (in the Park)
free events nyc Metropolitan Opera in HD: Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin (Outdoors)
More Editor's Picks for 09/05/26
        

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

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

Workshop | Famous Limon Dance Company Teaches Rhythm, Balance, & Recovery in the Park


Move to live accompaniment and experience the joy of dance with dancers from the Limón Dance Company. Open to all levels and ages - no experience required! Bring friends, family, water on hot days, and enjoy dancing on the grass.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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10:00 am
free, no reservation required

Workshop | Kayaking on the Hudson


A welcoming public kayaking experience and see New York City from the water. Guests will receive basic paddling and safety instruction, be fitted with safety gear, and paddle in a protected area with trained volunteers nearby. No experience is needed, and children are welcome with a parent or guardian. Guests must know how to swim. First-come, first-served, sign-up line often closes early due to high demand.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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10:00 am
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

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

Performance | Pinnochio: NYC Adaption of a Classic Fairytale, Puppet Musical


In this new telling, Geppetto is a New York City kid with a talent for invention, going as far as creating a robot friend in the form of Pinocchio. The story follows the pair as they tour around classic locales, from the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre in Central Park to the Victorian Gardens Amusement Park, and the hijinks they get into along the way. The production features hand-made marionettes. Written by Julia Darden. Directed by Bruce Cannon.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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11:00 am
free, no reservation required

Birdwatching | Accessible Birding on the Cliffside


Led by birding guide and educator Alexandra Wang (Avian Alex), M.S. Ed., this inclusive outing offers specialized resources such as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) pamphlets, Braille guides, and plush bird replicas, ensuring an enjoyable and enriching birdwatching experience for everyone. Stunning views of the Palisades and Hudson River from its soaring cliffs of bedrock. Spanning 67 acres, the park features many well-paved walkways designed to accommodate a wide range of mobility needs for birders with stroller, wheelchair, walker, cane, and other mobility aids.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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11:00 am
free, registration required

Workshop | Get in Shape: Dance Fitness Class for All Ages


Colorful outfits encouraged at this creative workout that fuses dance and aerobics! 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.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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11:00 am
free, no reservation 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

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

Workshop | Sketching in the Park


Bring your favorite art supplies to this observational drawing event led by artist and illustrator Ishita Jain. No registration required, some basic supplies provided.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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11:00 am
free...

Dancing | Swing Dancing in the Park


Whether you just want to survive on the dance floor or stand out in the crowd, learning to dance has never been easier. Lead by Arthur Murray Dance Studios.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
11:00 am
free, no reservation required

Tour | Outdoor Public Art Walkthrough: In-Depth Look at New Works


With 120 acres of open space, this area is dot-ted with site-spe-cif-ic art. These works are meant to prompt con-tem-pla-tion and encour-age vis-i-tors to engage with our var-ied land-scapes and histories. This guided tour is meant to give you an in-depth look at the space's pub-lic art-works, with the 2026 sea-son's new works focused on the theme of movement. Please note: these tours are held entire-ly out-doors. Please dress with the weath-er in mind.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
11:45 am
free, donations welcome,...

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

Workshop | Kayaking in a Hudson River Cove


This event provides the equipment, instruction, and oversight you need to experience a safe and fun afternoon of kayaking on the Hudson River. The program is beginner-friendly, and no prior experience is required. Participants must be at least 18 years old (or accompanied by a parent or guardian) and know how to swim. Come dressed to get wet! Lockers and locks will be provided to keep valuables dry, and on-site changing rooms will be available for use. To save time, you can also sign a waiver before arriving to save time, available at the link provided. Be sure to allow time for waiting in line when planning your visit. You may not get a chance to kayak if you arrive less than an hour before the boathouse closes.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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1:00 pm
free, no reservation required

Party | Play New Games & Make New Friends


Play your favorite contemporary board games! Featured games include but are not limited to Chameleon, Wavelength, Avalon, Parade, Splendor, Century Spice Road, Mountain Goats, No Thanks, Codenames, Werewords, Spyfall, Azul, Letter Jam, Dixit, In Kahootz, and Captain Sonar. A new game will be selected each week.
   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...

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...

Classical Music | Music on the Water: Chamber Works by Stravinsky & More


Ensemble Derive, a collective of young musicians, performs complex works with the audience. Program: Elliott Carter (1908-2012) Fragments for String Quartet Pierre Boulez (1925-2016) Derive Augusta Read Thomas (1964-) Scat Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971) Three Pieces for String Quartet Elliott Carter (1908-2012) Con Leggerezza Pensosa New Work To Be Premiered
   Brooklyn, New York, NY
2:00 pm
free, no reservation required

Park Walk | Island Birdwatching: Discover Local Avians


Whether you’re an expert birder or a beginner, this tours is designed to help you discover what makes this island an excellent place for birding. Did you know that nearly 240 bird species have been spotted here? Did you know that nearly 240 bird species have been spotted
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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2:15 pm
free, registration required

Performance | Absurd Puppet Show Celebrating the People of NYC


Enjoy giant flying cardboard pizza, a magic puzzle, dozens of dancing devils, a grandma who battles the wolves of real estate, and a bunch of Bodega items that remind us of the importance of standing up for our neighbors. This show, with its 30-person cast and live brass band (The Filth Harmonic Orchestra), will lift your spirits as it celebrates the city we love and the people who make it that way.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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3:00 pm
free, no reservation required

Jazz | An Afternoon of Latin & Contemporary Jazz


Mar-ta Blan-co and her mini big band host an after-noon of live music cel-e-brat-ing com-mu-ni-ty, cre-ativ-i-ty, and con-nec-tion to the envi-ron-ment. Fea-tur-ing orig-i-nal music and fresh arrange-ments inspired by Latin and con-tem-po-rary jazz, this per-for-mance offers an engag-ing musi-cal expe-ri-ence for audi-ences of all ages.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
3:00 pm
pay-what-you-wish, 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: Hilary Leichter, Mychal Denzel Smith, Nicolaia Rips, Eric Kim Conversation with: Ifrah F. Ahmed 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

Dancing | Tango Dancing in the Park, All Levels Welcome


Local and international dancers and spectators meet for an unforgettable evening. The atmosphere is casual, inviting everyone to enjoy the music, the dance, and the romantic setting of the park at sunset. It's an experience you won't want to miss! Beginner lessons start around 7:00 PM, open to all. All levels welcome, from beginners to experts. No partner needed. The dance floor is paved with stones, so wear comfortable shoes. Chalk is provided to make shoes more slippery for easier dancing. In case of rain, the event is moved to a location available at the link provided.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
6:00 pm
free. donations suggested

Play | Moliere's Don Juan: Provocative Tragicomedy with Live Music (in the Park)


Don Juan has abandoned Elvira, whom he seduced into breaking her vows and marrying him. Over the course of a single adventure-filled day, he and his loyal sidekick, Sganarelle, encounter many of the people Don Juan has betrayed. As he seduces women, defies social conventions, mocks religion, and revels in provocation, his appetite for transgression seems impossible to satisfy. Yet the signs are unmistakable: the walls are closing in. Will he truly repent? Or will he just pretend to, like so many around him, and continue down the same path to the bitter end? Playwright: Moliere Translator/Adaptor: Stephen Wadsworth Director: Lucie Tiberghien Cast: Keshav Moodliar, Kaliswa Brewster, Naomi Lorrain, Daniel Pearce, Michelle Veintimilla This presentation will feature live original cello music by Drama Desk-nominated composer Johnathan Moore.
   Brooklyn, New York, NY
7:00 pm
free, tickets 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.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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8:00 pm
free, tickets required

Screening | Metropolitan Opera in HD: Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin (Outdoors)


A timeless story of love and regret, Tchaikovsky's ardent adaptation of Pushkin follows the naive country girl Tatiana, whose youthful passion for the aloof Onegin is rejected--until they meet again years later. 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
8:00 pm
free, no reservation required
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Regular Price: $35
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