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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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
33 free things to do in New York City (NYC) today:
Wednesday, January 21, 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
Museums | New York City: History, Architecture, Social Movements, Cultural Diversity
This museum holds over 1,5 million artifacts, including photographs, paintings, decorative arts, costumes, and documents that tell the story of New York's development and its inhabitants. Explore the galleries and discover the rich history and vibrant culture of New York City!
New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Free
Tour | All About the Garment District: Fashion, History, Immigrants
Join born and raised New Yorker, Mike, in exploring the Garment District of New York. Learn about the apparel industry developed in New York and how it came to be located in its current district. Expect to hear about iconic designers Ralph, Oscar, and Calvin, as well as the Gangsters and Labor Unions that shaped New York and this District. Tour Guide Mike has spent the greater portion of his life working in the Garment industry himself -- expect first-hand anecdotes and wisdom
New York City, NY; NYC
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10:30 am
Free
Free
Workshop | Create Your 2026 Vision Board
Using old newspapers, books, and magazines, come and create your own vision board collage! You can envision your goals and ideas for the new year and create a visual masterpiece. Feel free to experiment with the materials and make your own unique work of art. All materials provided, limited to 10 participants. First come, first served.
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Free
Tour | Historical House of The Distinguished American President of the Early 20th Century
This historic site honors the early life of a renowned American figure. The restored brownstone reflects late 19th-century architecture and offers insights into the family's daily life. Learn about various exhibits and artifacts that showcase the cultural and historical context of the era, providing a glimpse into the formative years of this visionary leader-to-be. This guided tour is first-come, first-served. It may reach capacity before your desired tour time, so please be sure to arrive early. Tour duration: 45 minutes. This tour takes place at 11 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm.
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Free
Museums | Wednesday 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
Tour | New York City Hall Guided Tour
One of the oldest continuously used city halls in the nation that still houses its original governmental functions, New York's City Hall is considered one of the finest architectural achievements of its period. Constructed from 1803 to 1812, the building was an early expression of the City's cosmopolitanism. City Hall is a designated New York City landmark, and its rotunda is also a designated interior landmark. Note: When registering, choose the "Individual Tour" option.
New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Lunchtime Meditation (in-person and online)
The sessions are non-denominational and will focus on the basics: meditation to quiet the mind, to focus the quiet mind, using the focused mind for analysis, and using the focused mind to create and uphold a positive vision of and outlook on the world. Other more specific uses of meditation may be discussed however the class is meant for all, beginners and those with a regular practice.
New York City, NY; NYC
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12:15 pm
$7
$7
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
Workshop | Adult Chorus Session Open to All
Directed by Church Street School of Music, the Downtown Beats adult chorus is open to all who love to sing! Learn contemporary and classic songs and perform at community events throughout the year.
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Free
Jazz | Live Jazz Standards
Relax to the sounds of classic jazz as guitarist Bill Wurtzel and guests perform timeless standards from the American Songbook. This lively midweek set offers a perfect musical break, blending smooth melodies and swing in an intimate setting.
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Free
Concert | Weekly Outdoor Bagpipe Tribute: Honoring 9/11 Lives and Legacies
A moving weekly bagpipe tribute honors those who lost their lives on 9/11, as well as individuals affected by the lasting health impacts of that day. The tribute begins with a performance near a symbolic column preserved from the site, followed by a second performance in a nearby outdoor space.
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Free
Museums | Afternoon in a Magnificent Small Museum
Internationally recognized as a premier museum and research center, this museum is known for its distinguished Old Master paintings and outstanding examples of European sculpture and decorative arts.
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:30 pm
Pay-What-You-Wish, reservation required
Pay-What-You-Wish, reservation required
Film | Charlie Chaplin's Last Film A Countess from Hong Kong (1967): Romantic Comedy with All-Star Cast
Tale of a shipboard romance between a diplomat and a Russian stowaway. . Director: Charlie Chaplin Cast: Marlon Brando, Sophia Loren, Sydney Chaplin, Tippi Hedren, Patrick Cargill Charlie Chaplin was an English comic actor, filmmaker, and composer who rose to fame in the era of silent film. He became a worldwide icon through his screen persona, the Tramp, and is considered one of the film industry's most important figures. His career spanned more than 75 years, from his childhood in the Victorian era until a year before his death in 1977. His films are characterised by slapstick combined with pathos, typified in the Tramp's struggles against adversity. Many contain social and political themes, as well as autobiographical elements. He received an Honorary Academy Award for "the incalculable effect he has had in making motion pictures the art form of this century" in 1972, as part of a renewed appreciation for his work.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
Master Class | Learn the Ins & Outs of Great Double Bass Playing
Derek Zadinsky, double bassist with The Cleveland Orchestra, imparts skills and techniques for cello pastery.
New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free
Free
3:00 pm
Regular: $84
Member: $0
Regular: $84
Member: $0
Join the Club!
Gallery Talk | Learn How a Historic Mansion Turned into a Museum
Join a museum educator for a brief gallery talk tracing how a Gilded Age mansion was transformed into a world-class art museum.
New York City, NY; NYC
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3:30 pm
Free
Free
Book Club | Discuss The Employees by Olga Ravn
Enjoy this novella discussion on The Employees by Olga Ravn, translated from the Danish by Martin Aitken. The Employees reshuffles a sci-fi voyage into a riotously original existential nightmare. Aboard the interstellar Six Thousand Ship, the human and humanoid crew members complain about their daily tasks in a series of staff reports and memos. The Employees probes into what makes us human, while delivering a hilariously stinging critique of life governed by the logic of productivity.
New York City, NY; NYC
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4:30 pm
Free
Free
Discussion | Harlem Renaissance-Style Salon with Artist & Designer Jon Key
Enjoy this event organized in the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance's famed salons that brought together communities of artists and intellectuals to foster creativity. The galleries invite you to view and gain inspiration from the exhibition, hear from one of the architects behind the Schomburg's centennial branding artist, designer, educator, and writer Jon Key. Key is also the author of Black, Queer, & Untold: A New Archive of Artists, Designers, and Trailblazers. He will be in an intimate conversation atop of the famed Houston Conwill cosmogram Rivers, and will sign books following the conversation.
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Free
Classical Music | Piano Works by Debussy & More (In Person AND Online!)
Collaborative pianist Rodrigo Garcia Vargas performs a series of pieces by composers of the Romantic and Modern musical periods. Program: Gaspar Cassado (1897-1966) Requiebros Samuel Barber (1910-1981) Hermit Songs Claude Debussy (1862-1918) Ariettes Oubliees Joaquin Rodrigo (1901-1999) Cuatro madrigales amatorios
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free
Free
Concert | Showtunes & More with Musician Trio
Don Sakulprasertying Trio (Don Sakulprasertying, guitar, Alisson Lee, bass, Karl Wind Seyer-Hansen, drums), performs a series of upbeat pieces and tunes. Program: Jerome Kern (1885-1945) I Won't Dance Duke Pearson (1932-1980) Sweet Honey Bee King Rama IX (1927-2016) Alexandra King Rama IX (1927-2016) Still on My Mind Lester Lee (1903-1956) Blue Gardenia Don Sakulprasertying Donny's Riff
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free
Free
Party | Board Games Meet-Up
Play a variety of board games, including Scrabble, Chess, Boggle, Bananagrams, Scattergories, and more! Bring a friend or join on your own--all levels are welcome. Studies have shown that playing board games can have positive effects on your mental, emotional, and physical health, including: o Improving memory and focus o Enhancing critical thinking skills o Making connections o Reducing stress (and screen time!)
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Cardio Circuit Blast: Full-Body Workout
Boost your endurance and get your heart pumping in this high-energy, full-body workout. Participants move through fun and challenging bodyweight circuits designed for all fitness levels. Bring water and a towel.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Opening Reception | Film, Ritual, and Memory in Central Asia and the African Diaspora
This pair of concurrent exhibitions features new work by Saodat Ismailova and Tiran Willemse. In Amanat, Uzbek artist and filmmaker Saodat Ismailova presents films and installations exploring ritual, myth, migration, and memory across Central Asian landscapes shaped by empire and cultural transformation. The exhibition centers on the world premiere of Amanat (2026), the first iteration of a newly commissioned film that reflects on inheritance, responsibility, and belief through Ismailova's long-term engagement with the sacred walnut forests of Arslanbob in present-day Kyrgyzstan.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Opening Reception | Mixed Media Exhibition of Works by Konstantin Bokov Exploring the New York Cityscape
Enjoy the exhibit Konstantin Bokov’s Journey Through the New York Cityscape, which features a selection of works on paper and objects from the Kolodzei Art Foundation’s collection by the prominent mixed media artist, Konstantin Bokov, which offers a glimpse into his creative process and celebrates his artistic journey. Konstantin Bokov was born in Shostka, Ukraine, to the Soviet poet and songwriter, Victor Bokov, in 1940. Pursuing a career as an artist was encouraged by his family, and at a young age, he attended the Art Academy of Leningrad in St. Petersburg. After his studies, Bokov moved to Moscow, where he discovered the works of Vincent Van Gogh and knew he had found his calling. Feeling the urge for freedom and artistic expression, Bokov immigrated to New York City in 1974, where the atmosphere of the art world was on the brink of change. A talented draftsman, he is always drawing, capturing the energy and mood of a scene with his impressions and observations of the surroundings. With his vivid imagination, Bokov also utilizes paint, fabric, plastic, and everyday found objects to explore his creative ideas.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Book Discussion | Quiet Reading Meet Up
Bring a book or check one out of the library to read to yourself for one hour. After that, spend an hour socializing with those around you!
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Dancing | Learn New Moves with Local Dance Instructors
Learn new moves from New York City’s finest dance instructors, then show off your style on the dance floor with a full hour of social dancing! Participants are welcome to bring their own partner, continue to dance solo, or dance with someone new!
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Free
Book Discussion | Tracing Moderism Through War & Survival (Online!)
This discussion examines the Nazis’ aggressive campaign against modern art and their vast looting of Jewish-owned collections across Europe. Through the perspective of a writer, art historian, and Holocaust survivor whose own life intersected with these events, the discussion explores how stolen works resurfaced, what survived in American museums, and how exiled artists and scholars helped shift the center of the art world from Europe to the United States.
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Free
7:30 pm
Regular: $30
Member: $0
Regular: $30
Member: $0
Join the Club!
Classical Music | Orchestral Works by Britten & Rachmaninoff (In Person AND Online!)
Manhattan School of Music's OPUS130 orchestra performs two pieces by famous composers of the Modern era. Program: Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) Piano Concert No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 83 Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943) Symphonic Dances, Op. 45
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free
Free
Classical Music | Piano Works by Schubert (In Person AND Online!)
Enjoy a concert of music by Franz Schubert, featuring students of the Collaborative Piano Department at the Manhattan School of Music.
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free
Free
Classical Music | Clarinet Works by Beethoven, Robert Schumann, & More (In Person AND Online!)
Clarinetist Joshua Choi performs three works by composers of the Classical musical period. Program: Robert Schumann (1810-1856) Violin Sonata No. 1 in A Major, Op. 105 Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770-1827) Trio in B-flat Major, Op. 11 "Gassenhauer-Trio" Carl Maria von Weber (c. 1786-1826) Grand Duo Concertant, Op. 48
New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free
Free
9:30 pm
Regular: $25
Member: $0
Regular: $25
Member: $0
Join the Club!
Join the Club!
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