free things to do in New York City
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Free Events, Free Things to Do in New York City! Read More
Where else but in New York City can you listen to a world-class musician, discuss a book with a famous author, take a part in poetry reading, have a glass of wine at an art exhibition opening, and all that on the same day, and all that free of charge, and all of that on any day of the year, whether it's December or July, April or November!
The trick is to know about those free events, free things to do BEFORE they happen, not after the fact. That's where Club Free Time comes in handy! Become a Club Free Time member and start using these unique New York City (NYC) opportunities today, January 19, 2026!
Join the Club!
Club Free Time is your perfect guide to Free Entertainment and Free Culture in the City That Never Sleeps.
Join the Club!
In addition to providing information about free events, free things to do in New York City (NYC), Club Free Time offers its members complimentary tickets to classical music concerts, dance performances and theater: when a producer wants that special buzz of the 'full house' - Club Free Time members are welcomed for their enthusiasm and sophistication!
Join the Club!
Get a taste of free culture and free entertainment in New York City (NYC)!
Join the Club!
Experience an entirely new perspective on New York. 'Open up a whole new cultural world... in one of the most vibrant capital cities in the world, sampling cultural delights beyond anyone's wildest dream.' Rupert Parker, journalist, photographer, cameraman, and TV producer
January 19, 2026. Free shows, free concerts, free movies, free tours, free readings, worshops, lectures, etc. are New York's best kept secret! Learn all about it and do not miss the unique opportunities that only New York provides: NYC never ceases to amaze you with quantity and quality of its free culture and free entertainment whether it's day or night, weekday or weekend, summer or winter, spring or fall, January or June, May or September. If you are looking for inexpensive things to do and where to go in Manhattan today, tonight, tomorrow, or any other time, or any other day of any week - you came to the right place: just click on any day on the calendar dispayed on the every page of our site and you will see how many events you can attend in Manhattan free of charge on that very day.
New York's cultural scene is at its busiest in October and March (and the same goes for free events, free things to do), but other months of the year still offer incredible amount of high quality, off the beaten path, unique free events, free things to do which will take your breath away! So if you looking for something to do in April or November, December or February, you will find tons of free things to do, free events to go to. (In June, July and August lots of those free events take place outdoors, of course).
So start using these unique New York City opportunities today, January 19, 2026!
Where else but in New York City can you listen to a world-class musician, discuss a book with a famous author, take a part in poetry reading, have a glass of wine at an art exhibition opening, and all that on the same day, and all that free of charge, and all of that on any day of the year, whether it's December or July, April or November!
The trick is to know about those free events, free things to do BEFORE they happen, not after the fact. That's where Club Free Time comes in handy! Become a Club Free Time member and start using these unique New York City (NYC) opportunities today, January 19, 2026!
Join the Club!
Club Free Time is your perfect guide to Free Entertainment and Free Culture in the City That Never Sleeps.
Join the Club!
Free things to do, free events that take place in New York City every day of the year are truly amazing. So if you're looking for something interesting to do today (January 19, 2026) or on any other day of the year don't miss those free-of-charge opportunities that only New York provides! You can find lots of high quality, off the beaten path, unique free events, free things to do which will take your breath away!
In addition to providing information about free events, free things to do in New York City (NYC), Club Free Time offers its members complimentary tickets to classical music concerts, dance performances and theater: when a producer wants that special buzz of the 'full house' - Club Free Time members are welcomed for their enthusiasm and sophistication!
Join the Club!
Get a taste of free culture and free entertainment in New York City (NYC)!
Join the Club!
Experience an entirely new perspective on New York. 'Open up a whole new cultural world... in one of the most vibrant capital cities in the world, sampling cultural delights beyond anyone's wildest dream.' Rupert Parker, journalist, photographer, cameraman, and TV producer
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!
Let New York City surprise, stimulate, entertain and excite you! Read More
Don't miss the unique opportunities that only New York provides:
- free concerts in NYC
- free movies in NYC
- free jazz in NYC
- free poetry readings in NYC
- free tours/hikes in NYC
- free city walks in NYC
- free Yoga /Tai Chi in NYC
- fairs and parades in NYC
- free theater in NYC
- free tickets to concerts, theater and dance performances in NYC
'New York is abuzz with so much culture that they're giving it away.' (The New York Times article about Club Free Time).
Editor's Picks
17 free things to do in New York City (NYC) today:
Monday, January 19, 2026
All events are free unless otherwise noted.Festival | MLK Day Arts & Community Building (Stortelling, Dance, Music, & Workshops for All Ages)
In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of justice, dignity, and beloved community, experience a multigenerational afternoon of celebration, reflection, and action rooted in the arts. This MLK Day program brings together music, storytelling, dance, and participatory workshops that invite all ages to listen deeply, move together, and imagine more just futures. Program: 10:00 Youth & elder dialogues about racial justice- workshop led by Writopia (with 12:30 story share) 12:00-6:00pm Main Program Begins with Deed Tables, crafts, snacks 12:00-1:30pm - Family circle with stories, songs, and art 1:00pm Ethical Welcome with Ubuntu Dance Parade 1:30-3:00pm Concert: Every Voice Choir 2:30-3:30pm "I Have a Dream-ZINE" workshop/story circle 2:30-3:30pm Ubuntu Drum & Dance Workshop 3:15-4:15pm Ethical Voices Open Mic with Opening by Ubuntu Dance and Drum Workshop 4:15-4:30pm MLK Birthday Cake 4:30-5:30pm Workshop & Performance: Songs for Racial Justice culminating in a singing peace march 5:30-6:00pm Peace March
New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
registration required, donations...
registration required, donations...
Park Walk | Volunteer for MLK Day in the Park
Celebrate the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by volunteering to protect wetland areas ! Volunteers will contribute to ongoing restoration work and learn the importance of species diversity to ecosystem health, as well as remove debris in order to help restore the wetland and create a healthier ecosystem. Come dressed in sturdy boots or shoes, long sleeves, long pants, and clothing that can get dirty. Face masks may be worn at your discretion. Space is limited and registration is required. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by a chaperone. This event has been funded in part by NYC Service. To sign up a group of 10 or more volunteers please reach out to stewardship@parks.nyc.gov.
New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Free
Festival | Celebrate MLK Day with Performances & Community Activities
Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at this quintessential Brooklyn tradition. This inspiring annual celebration features powerful remarks by Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II; a special solo performance from Grace by Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE, A Dance Company; a musical performance by The Fire Ensemble; and more. Link arms with friends, neighbors, artists, and civic leaders for a day of reflection, family-friendly activities, and celebration of all who carry Dr. King's vision of justice and equality forward. Tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 8am on January 19 in the lobby. Please note that providing an RSVP does not guarantee entry.
New York City, NY; NYC
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10:30 am
Free
Free
Museums | A Day of Art, Reflection, and Collective Futures Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a day of programming that includes curator-led gallery tours, art-making workshops, screenings, and readings. Through exhibitions, talks, and participatory activities, the day explores themes of care, resistance, justice, and collective futures inspired by Dr. King's lasting legacy.
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Free
Party | Fiber/Textile Arts Meetup
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.
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Learn How To Build Depth in Portrait Photography
In this workshop, you’ll learn how to build strong visual depth in your portraits using lighting, lenses, and composition. The instructor will break down real-world examples to show what truly makes an image feel three-dimensional — and what doesn’t. Through clear comparisons, hands-on tips, and a live shooting demonstration, you’ll walk away with practical techniques you can apply immediately. What you’ll learn: - How great depth transforms the impact of a portrait - Common mistakes that make images look flat - How to use flash to sculpt depth and separate your subject - How wide apertures enhance background and dimensionality - How to use foreground elements to add layering and visual interest - Live portrait shoot demo with real-time explanation and audience interaction - Perfect for photographers who want to elevate their portraits with stronger depth, mood, and storytelling.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
Festival | Evening Light and Sound Experience
Until February 17th, explore a unique light-and-sound installation after dark. Enjoy the vibrant city energy, with entertainment and special offers from local businesses, turning your visit into a full evening out.
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Free
Museums | Historical and Modern Design Spanning Centuries
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.
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
pay-what-you-wish from 5pm...
pay-what-you-wish from 5pm...
Workshop | Zumba: Latin-Inspired Dance Fitness
Get your heart pumping with Zumba, a dynamic workout set to Latin, international, and popular music. This fun, easy-to-follow class combines fast and slow rhythms for aerobic interval training that challenges both heart and muscles. Perfect for all fitness levels.
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:15 pm
Free
Free
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.
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free
Free
Book Discussion | Conservator/Restorer Shares His New Book, Gardens of Venice (+ Signing)
Attend a conversation with Toto Bergamo Rossi, conservator-restorer and author, to celebrate his book, Gardens of Venice, a stunning illustrated look at the vibrant history and botanical details of Venice's gardens. He will be joined in conversation by fashion designer and philanthropist Diane Von Furstenberg, and Rizzoli publisher Charles Miers, followed by a signing.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Low Impact Bodyweight Circuit Training
Build strength and endurance with this full-body circuit workout using only your bodyweight. This low-impact class combines resistance and conditioning exercises for an effective, easy-on-the-joints session. Perfect for all fitness levels.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Move, Groove, and Sweat to 2000s Classics
Get moving in this high-energy dance fitness class that combines cardio, choreography, and fun. Groove to 2000s R&B, reggaeton, and pop hits while building strength and confidence. No dance experience is required.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Talk | Ask a Mathematician Anything! (Online!)
Join Dr. Arthur Benjamin for a one-hour interactive online session. Bring your questions about math, ideas, or curious concepts, and hear Dr. Benjamin share insights from his work as a mathematician, magician, NYT bestselling author, and TED speaker with over 50 million views.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Free
7:00 pm
Regular: $40
Member: $0
Regular: $40
Member: $0
Join the Club!
Workshop | Retro Music Dance Fitness
Come dance to classic pop tunes: Top 40, Disco, Electronic and more! This class is 45 minutes of peppy beats to enhance your cardio conditioning. A low-impact and fun workout; it is open to any fitness level. Let's dance away blue Monday! Instructor: Patricia Collins
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Free
9:00 pm
Regular: $40
Member: $0
Regular: $40
Member: $0
Join the Club!
Join the Club!
Complimentary Tickets
to shows, concerts ... (CFT Deals!)
Concert | Grammy-Winning Singer and Acclaimed Musicians: Genre Fusion
Regular Price: $45CFT Member Price: $0.00
Classical Music | Schubert, Mendelssohn and More at a Landmark Venue
Regular Price: $45CFT Member Price: $0.00
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