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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, May 17, 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
May 17, 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, May 17, 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, May 17, 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 (May 17, 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
37 free things to do in New York City (NYC) today:
Sunday, May 17, 2026
All events are free unless otherwise noted.Workshop | Tai Chi in the Park
Silvana Pizzuti leads a session to learn and practice Tai Chi, a slow-moving martial art with health benefits for all fitness levels. If there is heavy rain at the time of the event, the event will be canceled.
New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 am
Free
Free
Screening | Most Watched International Sporting Events on the Big (30-foot!) Screen Outdoors: Tennis, Golf, & Basketball
Today's Schedule:
10:00am - 1:00pm Italian Open
1:00pm - 7:00pm Golf PGA Championship
7:00pm - 8:00pm Tennis Courtside
8:00pm - 11:00pm NBA Playoffs
*Scheduled programming subject to change. Seating is open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis. Wells Fargo customers receive priority seating.
New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Free
Workshop | Outdoor Sketching Session: Draw NYC Architecture
Park educators and other like-minded people concentrate on different subjects and stretch their sketching skills. This is an informal session with some instruction for those who are new to the practice, as well as an open exchange of ideas, techniques, and materials.At this session, the group will concentrate on architecture (the NYC skyline, the Manhattan Bridge, etc). Organizers encourage you to bring your own, favorite sketching materials, but they will provide some for those who don’t have. This program is intended for adults, although older teens are welcome as well.
New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Free
Museums | Sunday at Pop Culture/Art Museum
Through temporary exhibitions, a growing permanent collection, and educational events, this museum explores the enormous impact of posters on society and culture, and how they have been adapted to contemporary use. As the first poster museum in the United States, it provides a space for inquiry for all those interested in design, advertising, and public interventions, with the aim of improving design literacy among the general public. Works explore:
mass communication and persuasion
the intersection of art and commerce
control of the public domain
New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Free
Workshop | Tai Chi in the Park: Movement, Balance, and Longevity
Join a certified Tai Chi Instructor for an hour-long class focused on nourishing the body, calming the mind, and supporting long-term health and vitality.
This class is welcoming, accessible, and highly effective, guiding you step by step into a solid, authentic foundation in Tai Chi, with a special emphasis on health, balance, and longevity.
New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Free
Park Walk | Walk along the East River: Learn about History, Architecture, & Ecology
Experienced park docents lead a walking tour exploring the history of the Brooklyn waterfront, the area's sustainable design and ecology, and how the park came to life!
New York City, NY; NYC
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10:30 am
Free
Free
Film | Weekend Rebels (2023): German Sports Comedy-Drama (Family Movie)
As ten-year-old Jason struggles to keep up in school because of his autism, his parents Mirco and Fatime struggle to keep up with him. When faced with being transferred to a special school against his will, Jason makes a deal with his dad: he’ll do his best to fit in, but to do so he’ll need a soccer team to root for, and Mirco will help him find one. But how will he decide before seeing every team play? All 56 of them, that is. Jason’s request sets him and Mirco off on weekly adventures across Germany to find the perfect team: one whose players don’t all wear different colored shoes, or whose fans don’t pour beer on each other, or whose mascots aren’t too silly, or... Director: Marc Rothemund Cast: Florian David Fitz, Aylin Tezel, Cecilio Andresen In German with English subtitles.
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Free
Parade | AAPI Heritage Month Festival & Parade
Celebrate NYC's diverse Asian American & Pacific Islander cultures with floats, performers, cars, and food trucks!
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Free
Museums | Family Art-Making and Gallery Activities
Spend your Sunday at a museum with free talks, art-making workshops, storytimes, and family gallery tours. Designed for visitors of all ages, these Sunday sessions offer a welcoming space to explore art and creativity together.
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Free
Festival | Photography Celebration in the Park
Nonprofit photography organization Photoville presents community weekend of a visual storytelling event welcoming various artists, featuring 65 exhibitions and public programming from VSCO, the Penumbra Foundation, Doctors Without Borders, Creatively Wild, and Cynthia Santos Briones.
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Free
Museums | Tiffany Glass and Other Exhibitions
The museum is dedicated to showcasing the history, art, and culture of its area with a permanent collection of 10,000 items. One of the exhibitions includes famous Tiffany's leaded glass objects and a valuable insight into the development of the inuctry in the US at the turn of the 20th century.
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Pay-what-you-wish, reservation required
Pay-what-you-wish, reservation required
Museums | Sunday 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
Museums | 400+ American Masterpieces on View: Day 2
Explore over 400 works exhibited by 18th-21st century American artists. The fair, which is marking its 19th year, features exhibitions by 18 premier specialists. It runs through May 19th.
New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free
Free
Festival | Greek Jewish Heritage Celebration
The 11th annual Greek Jewish gathering celebrates the rich Romaniote and Sephardic heritage of Greek Jewish communities. The day features kosher Greek cuisine and pastries, live music and dance performances, an outdoor marketplace, cooking demonstrations, and family-friendly activities.
With international performers and community partners from across the U.S. and beyond, this unique event combines music, food, and traditions from the Mediterranean region.
New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free
Free
Park Walk | Women's Walk in the Park
This group brings together women from all walks of life to bond, exercise, and embrace the beauty of their surroundings. Hundreds of women of all different ages and backgrounds meet to simply go for a walk in Central Park. About 80% of the women show up alone, so feel free to give it a try! Walk locations sometimes change, so make sure to check the group's Instagram page @citygirlswhowalk stories the day before and on Sunday to confirm the meet/walk spot. You are welcome to bring your leashed dog.
New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free
Free
Parade | Celebrate Nepali Culture & Traditions
New York's Nepali community celebrates its heritage at the Nepal Day Parade. Enjoy cultural performances, floats, traditional attire, and representation of Nepal's diverse ethnic groups, including the Rai, Limbu, and various other indigenous communities.
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Free
Park Walk | Discover the History of Seneca Village
Enjoy a tour of Seneca Village, a predominantly Black community that existed along what is now Central Park’s perimeter. Attendees will gain insight into the Seneca Village community, including its three churches, and learn about the events that resulted in the displacement of residents for the construction of a new Park.
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Solar Gazing on the Pier with Special Equipment
The Amateur Astronomers Association and solar gazing bring solar telescopes specifically designed to safely look at the sun and see sunspots and prominences under a summer sky. Seating is limited, unreserved, and available on a first-come, first-served basis. If there is heavy rain at the time of the event, the event will be canceled.
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Free
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.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
Book Discussion | Artist Explores the Ancient Tradition of Alchemy in Her New Book, The Alchemical Imagination
Enjoy this special talk, celebrating the release of Eliza Swann's The Alchemical Imagination, a book that outlines the stages of creating the Philosopher's Stone, as we explore this enduring mystery. Synopsis: The Alchemical Imagination reintroduces the ancient tradition of alchemy through the lens of contemporary creativity. Both practical guide and historical exploration, the book makes this often-misunderstood subject approachable and relevant for today's readers. Swann brings together stories of influential alchemists -- including often-overlooked women and queer figures -- and traces alchemy's impact on early science, healing practices, psychology, visual art, and literature. With thoughtful exercises and reflections, the book encourages readers to deepen their relationship to their own creative process and discover what medieval practitioners once called "The Great Art."
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
Jazz | Concerts on the Overlook: Brazilian-Inspired Jazz Trio
A faculty ensemble from the Bloomingdale School of Music presents a jazz trio with a Brazilian flair.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
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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2:00 pm
Free
Free
Jazz | Let the Music Play in the Park: Local Jazz Artists
Berta Indeed presents "Let the Music Play", a community jazz concert featuring an array of local musicians and vocalists. Seating is limited, unreserved, and available on a first-come, first-served basis. If there is heavy rain at the time of the event, the event will be canceled.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
Classical Music | Music on the Water: Mozart and Beethoven's String Quartets and Quintets
Mark Peskanov, violin, and the Semplice Players (Katya Moeller, violin, Beatrice Chen, viola, Margo Shohl, viola, and Noah Chen, cello) perform selections from Mozart String Quintets and Beethoven Opus 18 String Quartets.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
Open Studios | Performance, Ritual Sound, and Embodied Memory
Experience a live, evolving exhibition combining performance, sound, and choreography in a series of weekly events that reimagine historical Vietnamese musical traditions. Developed through collaboration with master musicians of Ca Tru, a once-suppressed form of northern Vietnamese chamber music, the work explores themes of inheritance, transformation, and cultural memory through voice, rhythm, and live performance.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
Park Walk | Discover the History of Seneca Village (Cemeteries)
Enjoy a tour of Seneca Village, a predominantly Black community that existed along what is now Central Park’s perimeter. Attendees will gain insight into the Seneca Village community, including its three churches, and learn about the events that resulted in the displacement of residents for the construction of a new Park. This tour will highlight the cemeteries of Seneca Village, featuring Elizabeth D. Meade, Ph.D.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:30 pm
Free
Free
Museums | Art from All Over The World in the Most Amazing Museum
Discover a vast collection of art from a diverse range of countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Italy, Russia, France, Spain, Japan, India, United States and more. Tickets for Pay-What-You-Wish hours are available online only and released at 10 am the morning of the event.
New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
$1 min pay-what-you-wish,...
$1 min pay-what-you-wish,...
Book Discussion | Black Photography, Home, and Belonging
Join scholars Leigh Raiford and Salamishah Tillet for a conversation celebrating the release of When Home Is a Photograph. Exploring the work of Black artists, activists, and photographers, the discussion examines how photography shapes ideas of home, identity, memory, and belonging across generations.
New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Creative Writing Session: Practice the Craft
Become a better writer! Suitable for all levels.
Writing exercises
Personal attention
Peer Workshop
Guest Lectures
New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free
Free
Concert | Selections from the Hit Musical Godspell ("Day by Day" & More)
Trinity Youth Chorus honors the 50th anniversary of the Broadway hit Godspell, a dramatic collection of biblical parables with music and lyrics by Wicked composer Stephen Schwartz and book by John-Michael Tebelak. This performance of the evocative pop-rock score includes choral arrangements of such beloved songs as "Day by Day," "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord," and "All Good Gifts."
New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free
Free
Classical Music | Serene Organ Meditations in Intimate Venue (In Person AND Online!)
Enjoy a program of hymns, anthems, and voluntaries for the organ.
New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free
Free
Screening | Short Film Fest: 6 Pieces of Cinema by Emerging Filmmakers (Screening 6)
This film festival brings dynamic programming highlighting the thesis work of the MFA Film Program. Program: Chicken Lady Anatomy of a Lost Sound Theys of Our Lives The Church's Daughter Winners & Losers Delay
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Free
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.
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
pay-what-you-wish from 5pm...
pay-what-you-wish from 5pm...
Classical Music | Organ Works by Handel & More in Gothic-Style Church
Emmanuel Duperrey, organ. Program: George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) The arrival of the Queen Sheba Enrico Pasini (1953-) Cantabile No. 2 Giovanni Morandi (1777-1856) Offertoire en fa mineur Emmanuel Duperrey (1972-) Triptyque Naji Hakim (b. 1955) Final (Hommage Igor Stravinsky)
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:15 pm
Free
Free
Opera | Puccini's Suor Angelica Exerpts and More in a Beautiful Cathedral
Enjoy a fun and educational musical experience with The Opera Collective, a vibrant evening of soaring voices, blooming melodies, and a first glimpse of Suor Angelica by Giacomo Puccini. This joyful concert celebrates the season with lush operatic highlights. Whether you're an opera lover or just opera-curious, come bask in music that's as fresh and radiant as spring itself. Wine reception to follow.
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free
Free
Screening | Short Film Fest: 6 Pieces of Cinema by Emerging Filmmakers (Screening 7)
This film festival brings dynamic programming highlighting the thesis work of the MFA Film Program. Program: I'm Here A House Is Not Always a Home All Day Is a Long Time Panther by the Tail Metropolis of the Mind Oh Happy Day!
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Free
Performance | The Tale of a Poet's Love: Tragic Love Story with Music by Robert & Clara Schumann
Experience a performance of The Tale of a Poet's Love: a staged reimagining of Robert Schumann's "Dichterliebe". This cycle tells the story of a poet who mourns the loss of a romantic relationship, fighting deep emotional turmoil as he deals with the aftermath of being suddenly left for another man. In this concept, a writer writes a fairytale in which a lonely knight falls in love with a mystical fairy bride. He writes this while reminiscing on old memories with his beloved as we begin to see parallels between this fairytale and the real events of his own tragic love story. Becoming lost in his writing, Liam starts believing these creations to be reality and experiences a spiraling rollercoaster of emotions that muddies truth with fantasy. Music by Robert Schumann Poetry by Heinrich Heine Additional Music by Clara Schumann
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free
Free
Join the Club!
Complimentary Tickets
to shows, concerts ... (CFT Deals!)
Classical Music | Faure's Masterpiece and More at a Landmark Venue
Regular Price: $65CFT Member Price: $0.00
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