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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!
19 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Monday, September 21, 2026
All events are free unless otherwise noted.Editor's Picks
Birdwatching | Park Birdwatching Outing
Learn the basics of bird watching in this fun outing for beginners, hobbyists, and lifelong birders alike. Together, the group will explore NYC parks, and see what makes this spot a hang-out for resident urban birds and marvelous migrators! Binoculars and field guides provided, or bring your own.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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9:30 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Museums | Exploring Art, History, and Global Cultures in a Landmark Museum
Spend time exploring a world-renowned collection spanning centuries of art, design, and cultural history. From ancient artifacts to iconic masterpieces, these galleries invite slow looking, discovery, and reflection across works that connect global traditions, artistic innovation, and human stories. Note: Some galleries are closed for renovation.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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10:00 am
pay-what-you-wish for NY...
pay-what-you-wish for NY...
Tour | Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: Brooklyn Bridge, Financial District, 9/11 Memorial
This complimentary shuttle loops through more than 30 locations across Lower Manhattan, covering major sites from the Brooklyn Bridge to the Financial District and the World Trade Center area. Busses arrive about every 15 minutes throughout the day. Riders can board or exit at any marked stop, with unlimited trips at no cost. Dayly service.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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10:00 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Screening | International Events on the Big (30-foot!) Screen Outdoors: Golf & Football
Today's Schedule:
10:00am - 4:00pm Golf- PGA Tour Champions Golf
4:00pm - 7:00pm Golf- Live from the President's Cup
7:00pm - 8:15pm NFL- Monday Night Countdown
8:15pm - 11:15pm NFL- Giants vs Los Angeles
*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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10:00 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Workshop | Open Play Pickleball for All Ages
Enjoy casual, drop‑in pickleball at the park. An exciting fusion of badminton and tennis, pickleball has exploded in popularity. Open play encourages rotating games, social fun, and friendly competition for players of all skill levels. First‑come, first‑served.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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10:00 am
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Workshop | Creative Writing Session
This walk and writing session is led by Author and Poet Jon Curley. Participants will be encouraged to use observations as a way to enhance their writing styles in any preferred mode.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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10:30 am
free, registration required
free, registration required
Tour | Explore a Major NYC Park
Discover how "Needle Park" of the 1970s successfully transformed into Manhattan's Town Square of today. The guides are loaded with expertise on the park's rich history, award-winning design, distinct amenities, and ongoing maintenance efforts. Tours will continue as scheduled in light rain, but will be cancelled in heavy rain or inclement weather. Bring an umbrella if needed!
Manhattan, New York, NY
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11:00 am
free, registration required
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
free, no reservation required
Jazz | Piano in the Park: Boogie-Woogie & Barrelhouse Elvis Costello Collaborator
Come on down and swing along to the best ragtime, stride, and jazz the Big Apple has to offer. "Peter Yarin's piano work is a rhythmic marvel...Yarin's solos are concert hall virtuosic." - Jersey Jazz Peter Yarin is a New York-based pianist and composer working across genres in jazz and classical music. He is the pianist for Vince Giordano and The Nighthawks, an 11-piece repertory Jazz Orchestra, leads a jazz trio of his own, and has written several works for musical theater. Peter's work has been featured on many soundtracks, including movies Killers of the Flower Moon and Joker, as well as television series such as The Queen's Gambit, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and Boardwalk Empire. He has accompanied popular artists St. Vincent, Rufus Wainright, Elvis Costello, and Bette Midler, and many more.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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12:30 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Party | Fiber/Textile Arts Social
Are you a knitter? Do you like to crochet? Maybe you like a different type of fiber art? Whichever it is, bring your supplies and lose yourself in the meditative world of creating art with fiber. Invite your friends, or make new connections there. This is a meet-up, not a class.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Workshop | French Petanque-Playing in the Park
Members of NYC’s oldest-running Petanque club guide a Petanque-playing session. This French lawn bowling game from the early 20th century is easy to learn, and the boules will be provided. Just bring yourself!
Manhattan, New York, NY
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1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Workshop | Self-Reflective Writing Session
In this first unit of the creative writing class, the group will be focus on life-writing wherein patrons will be writing creative nonfiction based on their own memories. As it will be Back to School season and the oncoming fall, the session will focus primarily on childhood memories, and developing these into stories by doing the following: 1) focusing on memory selection and developing into a detailed episode, 2) taking real life persons and developing them into characters in their narrative, and 3) crafting them into stories through an outlining/drafting process.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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4:45 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Museums | Step Inside a Historic Mansion and Explore Centuries of Design Evolution
The museum is dedicated to showcasing the history, influence, and importance of design in everyday life. Housed in a historic mansion, the museum features a diverse collection of design objects, including decorative arts, architecture, graphic design, textiles, and industrial design. Please note that the museum is currently undergoing an exhibition changeover, and the third-floor galleries are closed.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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5:00 pm
pay-what-you-wish from 5pm...
pay-what-you-wish from 5pm...
Film | Three Coins in the Fountain (1954): Old Hollywood Romantic Comedy-Drama
The film follows three American women working in Rome who dream of finding romance in the Eternal City. Director: Jean Negulesco Cast: Clifton Webb, Dorothy McGuire, Jean Peters, Louis Jourdan, Maggie McNamara, Rossano Brazzi
Manhattan, New York, NY
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5:30 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Museums | Explore Memorial Museum and Reconnect with History
Reconnect with the feeling of community and cohesion that blanketed our city and nation in the wake of 9/11. This is a monument to human dignity, courage, and sacrifice. This museum honors the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and February 26, 1993, recognizes the courage of those who survived, and salutes those who risked their lives to help others.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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5:30 pm
free, tickets required...
free, tickets required...
Film | Funny Face (1957): Classic Musical Rom-Com with Audrey Hepburn & Fred Astaire
A shy Greenwich Village book clerk is discovered by a fashion photographer and whisked off to Paris where she becomes a reluctant model. Director: Stanley Donen Cast: Audrey Hepburn, Fred Astaire, Kay Thompson, Michel Auclair, Robert Flemyng Audrey Hepburn was an actress recognized as a film and fashion icon. Ahe was ranked by the American Film Institute as the third-greatest female screen legend from the Classical Hollywood cinema, inducted into the International Best Dressed Hall of Fame List, and is one of a few entertainers who have won competitive Academy, Emmy, Grammy and Tony Awards. Ginger Rogers was an actress, dancer and singer during the Golden Age of Hollywood. She won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her starring role in Kitty Foyle (1940), and performed during the 1930s in RKO's musical films with Fred Astaire. Her career continued on stage, radio and television throughout much of the 20th century. Rogers's nine films with Fred Astaire are credited with revolutionizing the genre. Rogers was recognized at the Kennedy Center Honors and she ranks number 14 on the AFI's "100 Years...100 Stars" list of female stars of classic American cinema. She made 73 films in total.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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6:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Workshop | Learn & Practice Chess with an Expert
Learn to play chess or develop your strategies with chess expert Tamar Chanadiri from the Marshall Chess Club. Participants are encouraged to attend all sessions, as each one builds on the previous. Bring a friend or join on your own--all levels and ages are welcome! Chess sets are provided but you're welcome to bring your own. From 6-7 PM Tamar will provide instruction for beginner-level players. From 7-8 PM there will be open play for all levels.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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6:00 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Workshop | Full-Body Conditioning Workout on the Pier
Enjoy a conditioning class on the Hudson: a full-body workout designed to build your strength, endurance, and agility. This conditioning class will be led by coaches and trainers from PureGym. Please note that participants should bring their own water bottle to class.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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6:30 pm
free, registration required
free, registration required
Classical Music | Orchestral Works from Operas by Rossini, Puccini, & More in the Park
Opera Italiana Orchestra. Program: Goffredo Mameli (1827-1849) & Michele Novaro (1818-1885) Il Canto degli italiani Francis Scott Key (1779-1843) & John Stafford Smith (1750-1836) The Star-Spangled Banner Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868) "Sinfonia" from Il Barbiere di Siviglia Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924) "Che gelida manina" from La Boheme Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924) "Si, mi chiamano Mimi" from La Boheme Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924) "O soave fanciulla" from La Boheme Ethan HSU Everwander Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924) "Tu, tu, amore? Tu?" from Manon Lescaut Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924) "Intermezzo Act III" from Manon Lescaut Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924) "Tu che di gel sei cinta" from Turandot Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924) "Nessun Dorma" from Turandot Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868)"Sinfonia" from William Tell
Manhattan, New York, NY
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6:30 pm
free, no reservation required
free, no reservation required
Join the Club!
Complimentary Tickets
to shows, concerts ... (CFT Deals!)
Classical Music | J.S. Bach and Beethoven by Prominent Orchestra
Regular Price: $30CFT Member Price: $0.00
Concert | "Electrifying, Groove-Heavy" Band at Revered Venue
Regular Price: $35CFT Member Price: $0.00
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