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, August 21, 2025!
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Club Free Time is your perfect guide to Free Entertainment and Free Culture in the City That Never Sleeps.
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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
August 21, 2025. 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, August 21, 2025!
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, August 21, 2025!
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 (August 21, 2025) 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
38 free things to do in New York City (NYC) today:
Thursday, August 21, 2025
All events are free unless otherwise noted.Workshop | Pick-Up Pickleball
An exciting fusion of badminton and tennis, pickleball has been proven to strengthen muscles, boost cardiovascular health, and enhance brain function. First come first serve basis.
New York City, NY; NYC
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9:00 am
Free
Free
Festival | A Full Day of Dance, Drag & Celebration
Enjoy a full day of lively entertainment including live podcast recordings, DJ sets, surprise appearances, and more. Featured acts include Ballet Hispanico, Gotham Cheer, and two high-energy rounds of Drag Queen Bingo.
New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Free
Fair | Lively Summer Street Fair – Global Eats
Celebrate community, creativity, and culture at this vibrant street fair! There will be an array of vendor booths featuring a wide variety of food, arts and crafts, handmade treasures, merchandise, antiques, collectibles, and much more. Enjoy delicious food, live music, games, rides, and a variety of fun activities.
New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Free
Other | Watch Top Tennis Players Practice
Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at professional tennis players preparing for a major tournament. This special opportunity offers fans a chance to watch live practice sessions before the main competition begins.
New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Free
Film | Funny Girl (1968): Classic Musical Starring Barbra Streisand
The life of Fanny Brice, famed comedienne and entertainer of the early 1900s: her rise to fame as a Ziegfeld Girl, her subsequent career, and her personal life, particularly her relationship with Nick Arnstein. Director: William Wyler Cast: Barbra Streisand, Omar Sharif, Kay Medford, Anne Francis, Walter Pidgeon Barbra Streisand is an American singer and actress with a career spanning over six decades. She has achieved success in multiple fields of entertainment, and is among the few performers awarded an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony (EGOT).
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Free
Museums | Museum Tour on Stories of Making It in America
A museum educator guides a public gallery tour of the exhibition, With a Single Step: Stories in the Making of America, which provides an overview of the Chinese people in America from the 19th century through the present day. Items in the museum's collection are used to highlight the major themes of the exhibit. Tours leave from the main lobby.
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:30 am
Free
Free
Concert | Grammy-Nominated Flute Virtuoso Blending Different Sounds
Discover the vibrant fusion of jazz, Latin, and Middle Eastern rhythms with Grammy-nominated flutist and composer Itai Kriss. Praised for his "soaring technique" and eclectic style, Kriss blends Timba, salsa, funk, and Arabic influences into a dynamic musical journey. With two decades at the forefront of NYC's jazz and Latin scenes and collaborations with top artists worldwide, his performances offer a rich, lively cultural blending experience.
New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Mixed Media Portraiture with Local Artist
Explore identity through art in this weekly mixed media portrait workshop led by Annie Legnini. Participants will create meaningful portraits that reflect personality, energy, and beliefs--not just appearance.
New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
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 | Visual Anthropologist Talks Culture & Photography
Participate in an open discussion about culture, art and how artists can exercise creativity for the greater good. Photographer, visual anthropologist, and educator Joseane Daher has spent years telling the stories of Amazonian Indigenous peoples and small communities from Northeast Brazil through her images. Her series Rupture showcases archival images from her work within these communities that has been projected onto concrete specimens taken from construction sites—since she also photographs for engineering companies—which then creates a new piece of art to carry on the story.
New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free
Free
Jazz | Outdoor Music with Acclaimed Quartet
Enjoy the sounds of Jasper Shogo Dutz Quartet (Jasper Shogo Dutz, woodwinds, Robbie Lee, piano/voice, Adam Olszewski, bass, and Ben Zweig, drums) as the ensemble jams on the the plaza. Jasper Shogo Dutz is a distinguished multi-woodwind instrumentalist based in New York City, originally hailing from Los Angeles. In addition to playing freelance gigs in the NYC area, Jasper is the lead alto saxophonist in the Grammy-winning Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra directed by Arturo O'Farrill. He also leads his own quartet that blends Japanese folk influences with jazz, combining both his creative background and his heritage. In 2023, Jasper founded the J-Pop/Jazz cover band Catbus Collective, where he showcases his virtuosity on various woodwind instruments alongside several colleagues in a modular configuration. As both a leader and a sideman, Robbie Lee has graced several world class stages, including Dizzy's Club, Smalls Jazz Club, Birdland, Frederick P. Rose Hall, and Joe's Pub. He has also played in numerous jazz festivals across the globe including the Monterey Jazz Festival, The Umbria Jazz Festival, the Montreux Jazz Festival, and the Bern Jazz Festival. Throughout his career, Lee has earned recognition for both his performance and composition skills, receiving awards from Downbeat Magazine, YoungArts, The Essentially Ellington Festival and Competition, and The Next Generation Jazz Festival. Bassist, composer, arranger, and educator Adam Olszewski is a New York City based musician hailing from Ann Arbor, MI. Ben Zweig has had the opportunity to share the stage with some of these masters over the years - Randy Weston, Ira Coleman, Johnny O'Neal, Jerry Dodgion, Harold Mabern, Larry Ridley, David Williams, Deborah Davis, Grant Stewart, Joe Cohn, and Steve Nelson. Downbeat magazine has described his playing as "especially crisp and articulate" and All about Jazz, "Zweig steals it with his brush work." Ben strives for his playing to reflect a passion for performing simple, heartfelt music.
New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
Free
Free
Jazz | Piano in the Park: Stride, Boogie-Woogie, & Swing
Come on down and swing along to the best ragtime, stride, and jazz the Big Apple has to offer. Joel Forrester is a contemporary two-handed piano player, essaying the stride, boogie-woogie, and swing styles. He wrote the theme to NPR's Fresh Air, received the personal encouragement of Thelonious Monk, co-led the legendary Microscopic Septet, and produced music for the early films of Andy Warhol. Joel is currently playing and composing in south-central France; he recently completed his two-thousandth composition.
New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
Free
Free
Film | Boy Kills World (2025): Dystopian Action Comedy
A fever dream action film that follows Boy, a deaf person with a vibrant imagination. When his family is murdered, he is trained by a mysterious shaman to repress his childish imagination and become an instrument of death. Director: Moritz Mohr Cast: Bill Skarsgård, Jessica Rothe, Michelle Dockery, Brett Gelman, Isaiah Mustafa
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
2:00 pm
Regular: $30
Member: $0
Regular: $30
Member: $0
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2:00 pm
Regular: $58.50
Member: $0
Regular: $58.50
Member: $0
Join the Club!
Workshop | Photo-Based Creative Writing Session
This event is an afternoon of creative writing inspired by photographs. No formal writing experience is required - just enthusiasm and curiosity to see where writing takes you. Come write freely and meet other people who love writing for the sake of writing!
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:30 pm
Free
Free
Gallery Talk | Inside the Exhibition: Talk with Museum Experts
Join Clara Maria Apostolatos, Kress Interpretive Fellow in the Education Department, for an engaging talk on the art movement known as institutional critique. Discover how artists from the 1960s onward turned their focus to the role and power of museums and galleries themselves. Includes a close look at select works of art and time for audience questions. Space is limited; advance registration is recommended.
New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
registration recommended, free...
registration recommended, free...
3:30 pm
Regular: $91
Member: $0
Regular: $91
Member: $0
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Party | Thursday Night Vibes with Live DJ
Get ready for the ultimate Thursday night spot! Enjoy music from FKA Jazz, setting the perfect energetic and relaxed tone to kick off your weekend. There will be providing extra seating, open space for dancing, and a chill atmosphere for employees, neighborhood regulars, and anyone looking for a golden hour hangout.
New York City, NY; NYC
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4:30 pm
Free
Free
Concert | Live Music on a Historical Boat
Experience a magical evening of music aboard a historic ship. Stroll the decks at your own pace while taking in stunning skyline views and a live performance by musician and songwriter Blair Lamb, whose vocals and piano melodies will fill the ship with charm and atmosphere. Whether you're planning a romantic outing, a night with friends, or a solo adventure, this free after-hours event offers a perfect blend of music and maritime history. Sparkling wine and seltzer will be available on deck.
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Free
Museums | Thursday Evening Exploring the Photography Museum
This museum is the world’s leading institution dedicated to photography and visual culture. It was founded in 1974 to champion “concerned photography”—socially and politically minded images that can educate and change the world. Through its exhibitions, education programs, community outreach, and public programs, the museum offers an open forum for dialogue about the power of the image.
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Barre Fitness for All Levels on the Water
This barre class is for a low-impact joint-friendly exercise and targeted muscle toning achieved through small, controlled movements that focus on isometric holds and pulses, suitable for various fitness levels.
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free
Free
Movie in a Park | Hidden Figures (2016): Uplifting historical drama about unsung NASA pioneers
Synopsis: Based on true events, this inspiring film tells the story of three brilliant African-American women mathematicians who played vital roles at NASA during the space race—overcoming racism and sexism to help launch John Glenn into orbit. Director: Theodore Melfi Cast: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe, Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst, Mahershala Ali Pre-show entertainment will be provided. Guests are encouraged to bring their picnic blankets. Please note that chairs and dogs are not allowed on the lawn, and glass bottles, containers, and outside alcohol are prohibited in the Park. Visitors can bring their own food or purchase snacks at the movie concessions, which offer a variety of options including popcorn, candy, and ice cream.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Film | This Modern Age (1931): Romantic Comedy Drama
A young American woman reunites with her estranged divorcee mother living a chic, carefree life in Paris. She falls for Harvard football star on vacation, but his conservative parents disapprove of the demimonde lifestyle of the two expatriates. Director: Nick Grinde Cast: Joan Crawford, Pauline Frederick, Neil Hamilton Joan Crawford was an American actress, who, during the 1920s into the 30s, was one of Hollywood's most prominent movie stars and one of the highest paid women in the U.S.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Opening Reception | International Fine Art Competition Exhibition
Now in its 39th year, this annual juried exhibition highlights fresh voices in painting, sculpture, and mixed media. Selected by a panel of distinguished curators, the show celebrates emerging talent in contemporary art. On view August 20th–27th.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Film | Hungarian Movie Nights: The Exam
Part of a summer series featuring award-winning Hungarian films, this screening presents Peter Bergendy's The Exam. Set during the aftermath of the 1956 Revolution, the tense drama follows undercover National Security officer Jung and his superior Marko as loyalty is tested and dangerous secrets emerge. The movie is in Hungarian with English subtitles.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Jump into Double Dutch with the Pros
Learn to double dutch! Coach Kyra Lee and The Double Dutch Aunties will teach you the fundamentals of street-style and competitive jump rope.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Free
Book Club | Luddite Book Discussion: Tech Agnostic by Greg M. Epstein
Inspired by the students of Brooklyn's Luddite Club, this book club highlights material on the topic of technology's impact on our individual lives as well as society as a whole, followed by an open discussion to share recent experiences and observations. Tech Agnostic: How Technology Became the World's Most Powerful Religion, and Why It Desperately Needs a Reformation by Greg M. Epstein (2024) The humanist chaplain at Harvard and MIT explores what it means to be a critical thinker about this new faith centered around technology, and takes readers on a journey towards reasserting our common humanity.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Outdoor Yoga with Chelsea Piers Fitness
Take your practice outside this summer with Chelsea Piers Fitness during a free 60-minute yoga class open to all levels. This energizing session is led by expert instructors, invites you to stretch, strengthen, and reset in a scenic outdoor setting. Participants should bring their own mat and water bottle.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Sunset Yoga in the Park
Sweet Water Dance & Yoga instructors lead a multi-level sunset yoga practice. Suitable for all fitness levels. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring your own mat. 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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6:30 pm
Free
Free
7:00 pm
Regular: $30
Member: $0
Regular: $30
Member: $0
Join the Club!
Tour | Thursday Night Bike Ride
Get rolling with this weekly Thursday Night Bike Ride! Join fellow cyclists for a fun, social-paced loop through Central Park. All levels welcome--just bring your bike and good energy.
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Free
7:30 pm
Regular: $40
Member: $0
Regular: $40
Member: $0
Join the Club!
Movie in a Park | Cinema on the Waterfront: Love & Basketball (2000): Romantic Sports Drama
Monica and Quincy love and play basketball together through many life challenges from childhood to adulthood. Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood Stars: Sanaa Lathan, Omar Epps, Glenndon Chatman Open Captioned. 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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8:00 pm
Free
Free
Play | Shakespeare's Twelfth Night Outdoors
Revel in the midsummer madness as twins Sebastian and Viola survive shipwreck, revenge plots, and the trick doors of love. Written by William Shakespeare Directed by Tony Award nominee Saheem Ali Cast: Lupita Nyong'o, Khris Davis, Sandra Oh, Junior Nyong'o, Peter Dinklage, Moses Sumney, John Ellison Conlee, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, b, Joe Tapper, Kapil Talwalkar, and more.
New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free
Free
Comedy Club | Standup Show
Catch some of the best comedians at this free weekly stand-up show, featuring a lineup of rising stars and seasoned favorites. Past performers include Sheng Wang, Mark Normand, Dan Soder, Annie Lederman, and more. Lineup: Oscar Aydin - The Goat Emily Azreal - Broadway Comedy Club Ihea - UCB
New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free
Free
Classical Music | Outdoor Music: Acclaimed Pianist Performs Modern Masterpiece
Pianist Conor Hanick, regarded as one of his generation's most inquisitive interpreters of music new and old, and whose "technical refinement, color, crispness and wondrous variety of articulation benefit works by any master," (New York Times) will perform The Book of Sounds by Hans Otte.
New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 pm
Free
Free
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