free things to do in New York City
Free events for Friday, 09/11/26
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Free Events, Free Things to Do in New York City!    Read More
45 free events take place on Friday, September 11 in New York City.
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45 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Friday, September 11, 2026

All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Editor's Picks

free events nyc An Evening of Standards, Jazz, & Pop Tunes in the Park
free events nyc An Evening of Music for Comfort & Meditation by Faure & More in a Historic Church (In Person AND Online!)
free events nyc American Symphony Orchestra Performs Works by Copland, Mahler, & More Honoring 9/11
free events nyc 9/11 Remembrance Concert: Orchestral & Choral Works by Beethoven & More
free events nyc 9/11 Remembrance Lyrical Concert
More Editor's Picks for 09/11/26
        

Installation | 9/11 Highlighting Lost Lives


Commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a dedicated day of remembrance. Visitors will find 2,753 vacant park chairs arranged across the grass. Each empty seat represents a life lost at the World Trade Center. The entire installation faces south to visually highlight the profound absence felt across our community. The public is welcome to walk through the display. You are encouraged to stop by, write a note of remembrance, and lay a carnation on a chair.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
8:00 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

Installation | Alignment of Architecture, Memory, and Light for 9/11 Remembrance


The Wedge of Light is a symbolic architectural concept designed to connect memory, time, and space through sunlight. The alignment was intended to create a meaningful relationship between light, remembrance, and the surrounding city. In Libeskind’s original vision for the rebuilt World Trade Center, public space would be shaped by the sun’s angles on September 11 between the time of the first attack and time of the collapse of the second tower: 8:46 AM -- when the first plane struck the North Tower   10:28 AM -- when the North Tower collapsed 
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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8:45 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

Workshop | Zumba Workout for All


Enthusiastic instruction and easy-to-follow Latin dance choreography working on balance, coordination, and range of motion.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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10:30 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

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

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


Today's Schedule: 12:00pm - 2:00pm Tennis- US Open Women's Semi Finals 3:00am - 10:00pm Tennis- US Open Men's Semi Finals *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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12:00 pm
free, no reservation required

Jazz | Piano in the Park: "Flame Keeper" of Jazz


Come on down and swing along to the best jazz the Big Apple has to offer. As both a pianist and a violinist, Dr. Victor Lin has performed at venues throughout NYC such as The Blue Note, Flushing Town Hall, The Asia Society, and The Knickerbocker. Victor is a passionate believer in the power of music performance and education to impact and influence society in a positive manner. "One of the foremost keepers of the flame in jazz today." - Jack Kleinsinger, Highlights in Jazz
   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 | The Reader (2008): Historical Romantic Drama with Kate Winslet & Ralph Fiennes


Years after having an affair with an older woman, a German law student encounters his former lover during a Nazi war-crime trial in which she is a defendant. Director: Stephen Daldry Cast: Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes, David Kross, Lena Olin, Bruno Ganz English actor Kate Winslet is known for playing strong, complicated women, especially in period films. She's won an Academy Award, a Grammy Award, two Primetime Emmy Awards, five BAFTA Awards, and five Golden Globes. In both 2009 and 2021, Time magazine named Winslet one of the 100 most influential people in the world. In 2012, she was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2012. Ralph Fiennes is an English actor, film producer, and director. A Shakespeare interpreter, Fiennes excelled onstage at the Royal National Theatre before having further success at the Royal Shakespeare Company. Widely regarded as one of Britain's most well-known and popular actors, he has received various accolades, including a BAFTA Award and a Tony Award, as well as nominations for two Academy Awards and an Emmy Award.
   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

Concert | Sounds of Remembrance


On the 25th anniversary of September 11th, 2001, the museum will host a reflective program featuring a special violin concert. Musicians Mioi Takeda & Lynn Bechtold will offer an hour-long, meditative performance of somber and uplifting pieces that remind us of New York City's strength and resilience in the wake of the tragedy. Visitors can come and go at their leisure. Before the concert, at 1:15 pm, join a curator tour of the galleries. Learn about the history of the site before and after 2001 and discover in-depth the models of the Twin Towers and the new One World Trade Center in the museum’s collection.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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1:15 pm
free, no reservation required

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.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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1:30 pm
free, registration required

Film | This Is 40 (2012): Romantic Comedy-Drama with Paul Rudd


Pete and Debbie are both about to turn 40, their kids hate each other, both of their businesses are failing, they're on the verge of losing their house, and their relationship is threatening to fall apart. Director: Judd Apatow Cast: Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann, John Lithgow, Megan Fox, Albert Brooks Paul Rudd is an actor, included on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list in 2019 and named People magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive" in 2021. The accolades he has received include a Critics' Choice Television Award, alongside nominations for a Golden Globe Award, two Primetime Emmy Awards, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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2:00 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 | 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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2:30 pm
free, registration required

Film | Bend It Like Beckham (2002): Sports Comedy-Drama with Keira Knightley


Jess Bhamra, the daughter of a strict Indian couple in London, is not permitted to play organized soccer, even though she is 18. When Jess is playing for fun one day, her impressive skills are seen by Jules Paxton, who then convinces Jess to play for her semi-pro team. Jess uses elaborate excuses to hide her matches from her family while also dealing with her romantic feelings for her coach, Joe. Director: Gurinder Chadha Cast: Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Anupam Kher, Archie Panjabi, Shaznay Lewis Keira Knightley is an English actress. Known for her work in independent films and blockbusters, particularly period dramas, she has received numerous accolades, including nominations for two Academy Awards, two BAFTAs, three Golden Globes, and a Laurence Olivier Award.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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3:15 pm
free, no reservation required

Classical Music | SOLD OUT - NY Philharmonic Performs Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Barber, & More Remembering 9/11( In Person AND Online!)


The New York Philharmonic joins the U.S. Army Field Band Soldiers' Chorus for a landmark concert commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Honoring the heroes who walk among us--from the families of the fallen to those inspired to serve in the years following September 11, 2001--we celebrate their legacy and what it means to answer the call. The program features moving music by Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Barber, and others, including the world premiere of a new work by Julia Adolphe with texts by Safiya Sinclair commissioned for the occasion.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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3:30 pm
free, registration required

Opening Reception | everyday royalty: Multi-Artist, Multi-Media Exhibition Celebrating Community 


Through photography, collage, painting, sewing, and embroidery, participants from the Henry Street Older Adult Center and Community Consultation Center create portraits that honor themselves as everyday royalty: visible, radiant, and powerful. Grounded in commemorative practices, the work reveals the extraordinary within the ordinary, transforming lived experience into our communities’ most valuable legacy. Developed through a summer-long residency, the exhibition celebrates community, ritual, and the quiet magnificence of being seen.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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4:00 pm
free, RSVP required

Dancing | Indian Classical Kathak & Garba Dancing for Moving, Listening, & Remembering


A percussive journey where rhythm becomes remembrance. This workshop welcomes the attendee into choreographer and kathak artist barkha's choreographic process, a practice rooted in dance that calls forward ancestral memory through movement. Drawing on both traditional and contemporary kathak alongside the folk form garba, participants will explore how footwork, spins, and circular patterns can become vessels for lineage, storytelling, and embodied history. All levels welcome and no prior dance experience required, just an openness to move, listen, and remember. Socks or bare feet optional.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
4:00 pm
free, no reservation 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 | 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

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

Author Reading | Pulitzer Finalist Authors Share Their Latest Work (+ Signing)


A reading by Anelise Chen, Noah Kumin, Lydia Mathis, Hallie Newton, hosted by faculty member Darin Strauss. Anelise Chen is the author of Clam Down: A Metamorphosis, a 2026 Pulitzer Finalist in Memoir or Autobiography, a New York Times Editor’s Choice selection, and named one of the best books of the year by Chicago Tribune, Vulture, and Electric Lit. Noah Kumin is a novelist, essayist, editor, and founder of the Mars Review of Books. His debut novel is called Stop All the Clock. He is also the author of The Machine War, a philosophical history of computing. Lydia Mathis is a black writer, editor, and creator. She is the recipient of A Public Space’s 2023 Editorial Fellowship and is currently an assistant editor at A Public Space. She has stories published in North American Review, Southeast Review, Torch Magazine, Stanchion, Five on the Fifth, and oranges journal. Hallie Elizabeth Newton is a recipient of NYU’s Goldwater Fellowship, she won first prize for fiction in Columbia Journal’s 2020 Winter Contest. Agnes Lives! is her debut novel. 
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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5:00 pm
free, RSVP required

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
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5:30 pm
free for New...

Workshop | How To Create & Maintain a Junk Journal: Make Friends, Share Ideas, & Craft


This event is an evening of junk journaling and community crafting. This session will offer an opportunity to meet friends, share ideas, and participate in a guided activity to add a new spread to your journal. Bring your own notebook; all other materials will be provided. A junk journal allows you to create an ongoing document of your life with found scraps and creative experiments. The theme of this workshop is stamping and masking.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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5:30 pm
free, registration required

Classical Music | An Evening of Music for Comfort & Meditation by Faure & More in a Historic Church (In Person AND Online!)


This event honors the lost with Gabriel Faure's Requiem and Morten Lauridsen's Lux Aeterna. Trinity Choir, Trinity Youth Chorus, Downtown Voices, and NOVUS; Melissa Attebury and Stephen Sands, conductors.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
6:00 pm
free, tickets required

Jazz | An Evening of Standards, Jazz, & Pop Tunes in the Park


A spirited sunset concert featuring Marcus Persiani and Trio Cachimbo. A modern version of the classic George Shearing piano trios, Trio Cachimbo draws from a repertoire of standards, jazz and pop tunes to seamlessly meld a beat that can move a crowd. Led by the versatile pianist Marcus Persiani, who has worked with a wide variety of major artists including Willie Colon, Mario Bauza, the Sugar Hill Quartet and George Coleman, the band also features the talented conguero Matthew Gonzalez.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
6:00 pm
free, no reservation required

Classical Music | Sonatas by J.S. Bach for Violin & Harpsichord


Josh Liu, violin, and Shuntaro Sugie, harpsichord. J.S. Bach (1685-1750) Program: Sonata for Violin and Obbligato Harpsichord in A Major, BWV 1015 Sonata for Violin and Obbligato Harpsichord in F Minor, BWV 1018 Sonata for Violin and Obbligato Harpsichord in B Minor, BWV 1014
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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6:00 pm
free, no reservation required

Classical Music | 9/11 Remembrance Concert: Orchestral & Choral Works by Beethoven & More


The Schiller Institute NYC Chorus and full orchestra will join with the Japanese Peace Chorus, the Daiku NY Singers, to perform Beethoven's monumental Symphony No. 9 "Ode to Joy," which has come to represent peace, reconciliation, and the brotherhood of mankind throughout the world. The FDNY Ceremonial Unit will open the program, which also includes works by Brahms, Dvorak, Mozart, and Spirituals.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
7:00 pm
free, donations welcome,...

Classical Music | American Symphony Orchestra Performs Works by Copland, Mahler, & More Honoring 9/11


The ASO presents a memorial concert on the 25th anniversary of September 11th. While serving as an occasion for remembrance and reflection, the evening's musical program also celebrates the enduring strength of the human spirit. The majesty of Aaron Copland's Fanfare for the Common Man, the anguished beauty of Gustav Mahler's Adagio from the composer's tenth symphony, the poignancy of George Walker's Lyric for Strings, and additional scores, together pay tribute to the resilience, dignity, and contributions of ordinary Americans, as well as the courage and sacrifice of the heroes of 9/11. Organizers lend out hundreds of free picnic blankets, provide ample bistro chairs, and offer a curated selection of food and drink to purchase from local vendors. No tickets are required, and there are no lines to enter: it's as easy as a walk in the park.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
7:00 pm
free, no reservation required

Party | Game Night on the Pier


Grab your friends and attend for bingo, quiz shows, and more, with prizes for winners! Hosted by the NYC Trivia League.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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7:00 pm
free, no reservation required

Concert | Improvisational Duet in an an Art Exhibition


This event features a sunset duet between improviser Wendy Eisenberg and composer and guitarist David Grubbs in the gallery. Instrument Object, an exhibition by artist Josiah McElheny pays homage to visionary musicians and composers from across the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. In works of sculpture, painting, installation, and drawing, ranging from 2014 to 2026 and never before exhibited in New York City, McElheny translates the work of ten musical artists into visual form. The exhibition is an experiment in animating the inanimate through sound and movement: transforming the loft space into an installation of image, sound, motion, and light, where works unpredictably activate, hum with the sound of motor gears, or encourage visitors to imagine an invisible music.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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7:00 pm
free, tickets required

Concert | Live Original Music Showcase


Enjoy a free evening of live, original music featuring local songwriters and composers.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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7:00 pm
free, RSVP required,...

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
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7:00 pm
free, tickets required

Jazz | Multi-Dimensional Vocal Performance Exploring Black Liberation, Generational Trauma, & Authenticity


Musician, author, and director Amyra León explores her multitudes in a performance that melds jazz with spoken word, poetry, and song. León's voice, tone, and perspective echo the likes of Nina Simone, and her often autobiographical work similarly focuses on Black liberation, generational trauma, and authenticity. León's solo work has been featured in an NAACP Award-nominated PBS American Masters documentary. Ahead of the release of her third album, Amyra León celebrates the art of survival and the healing power of music. 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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7:00 pm
free, fast-track option...

Party | Tap Dance Awards: Performances, Archival Clips, & More


This special event will honor recipients of the American Tap Dance Foundation Hoofer Awards, the Tap Preservation Awards, and inductees into the International Tap Dance Hall of Fame for 2026. The evening will include surprise guests, archival film clips, and live performances, celebrating the rich legacy and vibrant future of tap dance.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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7:00 pm
free, registration required

Classical Music | 9/11 Remembrance Lyrical Concert


Written by composer Colin Pip Dixon for soprano, baritone, and string trio, Invocation weaves together prayers, poems, and texts from across more than two thousand years around the themes of peace, violence, and faith. Its sources reach across Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, and secular traditions. In a lyrical, haunting, and deeply expressive score, words by Rumi, Frederick Douglass, St. Francis, Albert Einstein, Etty Hillesum, and others are brought together, allowing past and present to enter into a living conversation.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
7:30 pm
pay-what-you-wish, tickets required
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