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 13, 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 13, 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 13, 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 13, 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 13, 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).
28 free things to do in New York City (NYC) today:
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
All events are free unless otherwise noted.Workshop | Central Park Running Session (All Levels Welcome)
If you prefer not to run alone or are looking to improve your running performance, you can run with a club! Open to runners of all levels. Weekly changed routes through the park. Coaches, training, running company and inspiration!
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 am
Free
Free
Workshop | Adult Zumba
Featuring easy-to-follow Latin dance choreography. Work on your balance, coordination and range of motion.
New York City, NY; NYC
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10:30 am
Free
Free
Workshop | Learn How To File & Digitize Your Documents/Photos
Learn about taking care of different types of personal memorabilia while sharing the history of items in your collection. Make sure to leave items you are interested in conserving at home. Bring a digital photograph of the item and/or a detailed description. Bringing both is ideal!
New York City, NY; NYC
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10:30 am
Free
Free
Museums | Tuesday at a Unique Art Museum
Candid, genuine, and unexpected, this is New York City's only museum dedicated to folk & self-taught artists. The Museum celebrates the creativity of individuals whose singular talents have been refined largely through personal experience rather than formal artistic training. The museum's collection includes more than seven thousand works of art from four centuries and nearly every continent--from compelling portraits and dazzling quilts to powerful works by living artists in a variety of mediums. From critically acclaimed exhibitions and publications to inspiring educational programs and robust community outreach, the museum's mission is to be the leading forum shaping the understanding and appreciation of folk and self-taught art across time and place.
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:30 am
Free
Free
Workshop | Hear from a Famous Industrial Landscape Photographer about His Work
Hear from Stephen Mallon, who is widely known for his larger-than-life images, as he tells stories covering twenty years of chasing trains and ships—and how a bridge delivery launched his career into motion. Mallon’s work has been commissioned and published by National Geographic, The New York Times Magazine, The New York City Dept of Transportation, and NPR to name a few! The work has been exhibited in galleries, museums, universities, public space, and festivals from Rome to LA, NYC, to London.
New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free
Free
Classical Music | Afternoon Bach
Take a momentary respite from a busy day to enjoy a selection of organ works by Johann Sebastian Bach in an intimate venue.
New York City, NY; NYC
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12:20 pm
Free
Free
Film | Lion (2016): Australian Biographical Drama Film with Dev Patel
This film follows the true story of how Brierley, 25 years after being separated from his family in India, set out to find them. It was a joint production between Australia and the United Kingdom. Director: Garth Davis Cast: Dev Patel, Sunny Pawar, Rooney Mara, David Wenham, Nicole Kidman Dev Patel is an English actor and filmmaker. He has received various accolades, including a BAFTA and nominations for an Academy Award and two Golden Globe Awards. In 2024, Patel was included in Time's list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Learn To Play Mah Jongg with Bonnie Tchapraste
Learn to play Mah Jongg or enjoy open play! All experience levels welcome. A fixture of New York’s social and cultural scene, Bonnie Tchapraste has redefined Mah Jongg for a modern audience. Through Bonnie’s Mah Jongg Table, she has brought the game back into the spotlight, infusing this classic pastime with new life through her passion, thoughtful instruction, and signature warmth. Engaging players of all ages, Bonnie curates experiences that feel both timeless and contemporary. She has been featured on PIX11 and hosts monthly Mah Jongg sessions at Superfly Dispensary. Bonnie is delighted to share her craft and love of the game with discerning audiences across New York.
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:30 pm
Free
Free
Book Discussion | Maggie O'Farrell Celebrates the Adaptation of Her Book, Hamnet (+ Signing)
Attend a conversation to celebrate the author Maggie O'Farrell and her book, Hamnet, on behalf of the recent release of the film adaptation. The discussion will be followed by a signing. From Academy Award® winning writer/director Chloé Zhao, Hamnet tells the powerful story of love and loss that inspired the creation of Shakespeare’s timeless masterpiece, Hamlet. Hailed as one of the best films of 2025, Hamnet was co-written by Maggie O’Farrell and Zhao and stars Jessie Buckley (The Lost Daughter) and Paul Mescal (Aftersun). The film has recently been nominated for six Golden Globe Awards, eleven Critics Choice Awards, and was shortlisted for Best Cinematography, Best Casting, and Best Original Score for the 2026 Academy Awards®.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
Concert | Organ Music at a Beautiful Venue
Enjoy a performance by organist and YoungArts winner Marco Jimenez on a beautifully preserved early-19th-century organ known for its rich tonal character and historic craftsmanship.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
Film | F1: The Movie (2025): Sports Drama with Brad Pitt
In the 1990s, Sonny Hayes was Formula 1's most promising driver until an accident on the track nearly ended his career. Thirty years later, the owner of a struggling Formula 1 team convinces Sonny to return to racing and become the best in the world. Driving alongside the team's hotshot rookie, Sonny soon learns that the road to redemption is not something you can travel alone. Director: Joseph Kosinski Cast: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, Javier Bardem Brad Pitt is an American actor and film producer who has received various accolades, including two Academy Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, two Golden Globes, and a Primetime Emmy. As a public figure, Pitt has been cited as one of the most powerful and influential people in the American entertainment industry.
New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free
Free
Gallery Talk | Behind the Scenes with Ancient American Art
Join museum experts for an insider's look at a selection of objects from the Ancient Americas galleries. Curators, conservators, and scholars share new insights and untold stories, offering a closer look at the works of art and their histories. Visitors are encouraged to ask questions and engage directly with the experts in this interactive gallery experience.
New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free
Free
Discussion | Exploring Body and Mind in Theater
Join a panel of theater artists as they examine the separation of body and mind in U.S. theater traditions and share approaches to integrating physicality and intellect on stage.
New York City, NY; NYC
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3:15 pm
Free
Free
Opening Reception | Paintings of Childhood and Spiritual Landscapes
This exhibition features recent paintings that explore childhood, memory, and painterly freedom through depictions of figures amid expansive banyan trees—plants revered across cultures, especially in South Asia, as symbols of spiritual significance and enlightenment. Human figures appear small beneath the broad trunks and branches, highlighting scale, introspection, and a sense of quiet separation from the everyday world.
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Free
Discussion | Experts Talk about Donald Trump's National Security Strategy
At this talk, experts will discuss what Donald Trump's new national security strategy means for Western Hemisphere governments, businesses, and regional stability. U.S. President Donald Trump's new National Security Strategy places the Western Hemisphere first, and promises to "reassert and enforce the Monroe Doctrine," along with a corollary aimed at countering China's influence.
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free
Free
Screening | Tracing the Global Hip-Hop Revolution: Screenings & Discussion
This event traces the evolution of Black sound across decades and continents, highlighting how Black music has scored social and cultural movements through the moving image, shaping global popular culture. Since its inception in the South Bronx in 1973, Hip-Hop has echoed across borders, informing music genres across the African diaspora and beyond, from the Caribbean's reggaeton to Brazil's baile funk. Enjoy an evening of screenings of Lisandro Perez Rey's La Fabri_k/ The Cuban Hip Hop Factory and Hali Halisi: Rap as an Alternative Medium in Tanzania. These two works capture Hip-Hop as not simply a genre, but an instrument of people's power, vital to social and political movement work from Cuba to Tanzania. Screenings will be followed by talkback with Hip-Hop Education Center founder Martha Diaz, with Schomburg Curatorial Specialist, Daniella Brito and Archivist, Ornella Baganizi.
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free
Free
Screening | The Librarians (2025): Documentary about Book Banning (+ Filmmaker Discussion)
Enjoy a special screening of the internationally celebrated documentary, The Librarians, followed by a conversation with director Kim A. Snyder, producer Maria Cuomo Cole, and librarian Martha Hickson, moderated by ALA President-Elect Dr. Maria McCauley. In Texas, the Krause List targets 850 books focused on race and LGBTQIA+ stories—triggering sweeping book bans across the U.S. at an unprecedented rate. As tensions escalate, librarians connect the dots from heated school and library board meetings nationwide to lay bare the underpinnings of extremism fueling the censorship efforts. Despite facing harassment, threats, and laws aimed at criminalizing their work—the librarians’ rallying cry for freedom to read is a chilling cautionary tale. Director: Kim A. Snyder
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Discussion | Early Photography and Celebrity Culture in 19th-Century New York (Online!)
Learn about the rise of carte-de-visites and cabinet cards, the role of prominent photography studios, and how photographs circulated within domestic life during the late 19th century. The program will also examine how the Tredwell family engaged with emerging celebrity culture and how photographic trends shaped personal histories over time.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Book Discussion | Opera Librettist Caitlin Vincent Shares Her New Book, Opera Wars
Hear a conversation with librettist and lyricist Caitlin Vincent to celebrate her new book, Opera Wars: Inside the World of Opera and the Battles for Its Future, a powerful up close look at the opera industry, its roots, its resistance to change, and why it remains a beloved and evocative art form. She will be in conversation with Michael Korie, followed by a signing.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Party | Play Bridge in a Stress-Free Environment
The card game of Bridge requires four people to play: two teams of two people. Join the group with your bridge partner, or you will be matched with someone to play as a pair. If you would like to learn how to play bridge, organizers can offer some instruction, and you can observe others.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Foundations & Frameworks: Crafting a Slam Poem (Online!)
Sharpen your voice and elevate your poetry in this monthly poetry workshop. Each session begins with a brief lesson on poetic craft, followed by guided writing time and personalized feedback to strengthen both your writing and performance. Perfect for poets looking to refine their skills and deepen their stage presence.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Origami Group Meet-Up
This event is for people to come together and share in the beautiful art of Origami--an ancient art of folding various mediums, most commonly paper. The word comes from the combination of the Japanese verb oru (to fold) and the noun kami (paper). Other materials often folded are fabric, wire mesh, sheet metal, tissue, thin plastic, cardboard, and straws.This group meets to teach each other new models and share paper, books, and tips. This meeting is free and open to all level of folders from beginner to advanced. There will be free paper available to share. You may choose to bring your own paper and books and just show up and fold! If you have models you would like to learn, or teach, let the organizers know, and they will try our best to accommodate.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Free
Screening | Simon Estes: A Heart & a Voice (2025) | Documentary and Conversation with Trailblazing Musician Simon Estes
As part of an evening cohosted by legendary mezzo-soprano and distinguished visiting faculty member Denyce Graves, this documentary film celebrates the remarkable life and career of trailblazing bass-baritone, Juilliard alum, and 2022 honorary doctorate recipient Simon Estes. Estes’ career has spanned more than one hundred roles at opera houses around the world, alongside albums of arias, Broadway songs, and traditional spirituals. The film explores how Estes broke through barriers for Black men in opera and captures his life beyond his operatic acclaim, highlighting his devout faith and service to others. A conversation with Simon Estes, moderated by Juilliard President Damian Woetzel, will follow the screening.
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Free
Discussion | Behind the Scenes of Conservation Storytelling (Online!)
A look at how BirdNote creates its two-minute episodes and how storytelling supports bird conservation. Executive director Nick Bayard and producer Ariana Remmel share insights into writing, editing, and producing BirdNote Daily, as well as the development of BirdNote en Español and its role in engaging diverse audiences.
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Free
Lecture | Light, Time & the Materiality of Photography
Visual artist Rachelle Bussieres discusses her practice exploring light, time, perception, and photographic materiality. Based in New York, Bussieres has exhibited internationally and participated in major residencies, with work held in public and private collections.
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Free
Talk | Photographer & Sculptor Rachelle Bussières Discusses Her Craft & Career
Enjoy a talk with Rachelle Bussières, a French-Canadian artist based in New York whose practice investigates perception, time, and the natural world through a sensory and material exploration between photography and sculpture. Holding an MFA from the San Francisco Art Institute, she has exhibited across North America and Europe—including the United States, Canada, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Turkey—and has participated in residencies such as the Banff Centre, Penumbra Foundation, Headlands Center for the Arts, and Silver Art Projects. Grounded in analog darkroom processes, her work integrates scientific observation and intuitive experience by treating time and light as collaborators. Using silver gelatin paper exposed to controlled light sources over durations ranging from seconds to days, she allows images to form through the direct influence of light, time, and environmental conditions. The resulting surfaces record.
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Free
Party | Vinyl DJ Night: DJ Misbehaviour & Kenny Parker
Dance the night away at as DJs spin classic mixes of disco, hip-hop, funk and more - all on vinyl. The party continues on the blue rink deck and on ice, too. Experience what it was like to party in NYC in the early 70s to the 90s when DJ's played strictly vinyl. Dance to the hits that shaped NYC--: disco, funk, soul, house, boogie, latin, freestyle, and 80's & 90's hip-hop. Spun off from the legendary Mobile Mondays! all 45s night, Vinyl Nights is a vibrant, joyful, inclusive dance party & a celebration of "Everything New York" presented by Rebecca Lynn.
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Free
Book Discussion | Reproductive Rights Advocate Shares Her New Book, The Abortion Companion
The book launch and reading of The Abortion Companion by Becca Rea-Tucker. A warm, accepting, non-judgmental, and stigma-free companion for your abortion journey. Whether you’re planning to have an abortion soon or you had one thirty years ago, whether you’re feeling relief or grief (or both!), and even if you haven’t decided yet and just want to untangle how you feel about it, this book is a safe and supportive resource. Becca Rea-Tucker is a reproductive rights advocate, baker, and author whose work merges activism and dessert. Through her platform @TheSweetFeminist, she shares resources and writing that challenge shame and anti-abortion misinformation. Her work explores stigma, self-compassion, and bodily autonomy.
New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free
Free
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Complimentary Tickets
to shows, concerts ... (CFT Deals!)
Concert | Met Opera Singers Perform Spirituals, Opera Selections and More
Regular Price: $25CFT Member Price: $0.00
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