free things to do in New York City
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Free Events, Free Things to Do in New York City! Read More
New York attracts world's best minds to its shores: they come here to interact with each other at conferences and seminars, and while they are here they are often invited to give a talk, a lecture, to be a part of a public discussion. We at Club Free Time give you an opportunity to be a part of it: to watch how those best minds in the world work! Don't miss the opportunities that only New York City (NYC) provides!
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!
66 free talks, lectures, discussions in New York City (NYC) Mon, 08/18/2025 - and on...
In New York City, you can talk with and listen to the best minds in the world without spending a dime! Just take a look at free talks, lectures, discussion, seminars, conferences listed on this page below!
Discussion | Lights, Camera, Action: Political Arthouse Cinema 1960-1990
Talks on movies, the culture of cinema, and filmmaking. Hosted by Scott Adlerberg, film connoisseur. This meeting will focus on Revolution in 35mm: Political Violence and Resistance in Cinema from the Arthouse to the Grindhouse, 1960-1990 This book examines examines how political violence and resistance was represented in arthouse and cult films from 1960 to 1990. This historical period spans the Algerian war of independence and the early wave of post-colonial struggles that reshaped the Global South, through the collapse of Soviet Communism in the late ‘80s. It focuses on films related to the rise of protest movements by students, workers, and leftist groups, as well as broader countercultural movements, Black Power, the rise of feminism, and so on.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Mon, Aug 18
12:30 pm
Free
12:30 pm
Free
Book Discussion | The Art Spy: WWII Resistance and the Fight to Save Masterpieces (Online!)
Discover the gripping true story of Rose Valland, an unsung WWII hero who spied on the Nazis from inside the Jeu de Paume museum in Paris to save priceless works of art. Based on newly uncovered documents, The Art Spy by Michelle Young recounts Valland’s daring undercover work against the Nazis’ massive art looting operation. Michelle Young, journalist, professor, and founder of Untapped New York, will discuss the book in conversation with Laurie Gwen Shapiro, award-winning journalist and author of The Aviator and the Showman.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Mon, Aug 18
7:00 pm
Free
7:00 pm
Free
Lecture | 7 Strategies for Retirement Investing (Online Series)
Erik Blake, CFP and founder of Blake Wealth Management, shares seven key strategies to help you invest for retirement with clarity and purpose. These strategies are ideal for those planning ahead, especially those seeking financial confidence.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Aug 19
12:00 pm
Free
12:00 pm
Free
Gallery Talk | Inside the Exhibition: Talk with Museum Experts
Delve into the art of preservation with Marlene Yandrisevits, Associate Conservator in the Department of Objects Conservation. Gain new insights into select works of art, explore behind-the-scenes techniques, and uncover the hidden stories revealed through conservation. Includes time for audience questions and discussion. Space is limited; advance registration is recommended.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Aug 19
3:00 pm
registration recommended, free...
3:00 pm
registration recommended, free...
Book Club | Discuss The Warrior: Rafael Nadal and His Kingdom of Clay with Fellow Readers
Read at your own pace, then attend a lively, moderator-led discussion with fellow readers. Whether you're a dedicated bibliophile or just looking to connect with others, this is a great way to share your love of reading. The Warrior: Rafael Nadal and His Kingdom of Clay by Christopher Clareyis a compelling portrait of one of tennis's greatest champions, focusing on his dominance on clay courts. The book delves into Nadal’s relentless work ethic, mental toughness, and emotional intensity, revealing how he forged an unmatched legacy at Roland Garros. It's a deep exploration of the man behind the legend and the surface that defined him. Space is available on a first-come-first-serve basis while space is available.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Aug 19
6:00 pm
Free
6:00 pm
Free
Discussion | Prize-Winning Authors Discuss the Art of Translating "Difficult" Books
Translator and writer Max Lawton is joined by Pultitzer Prize winner Joshua Cohen and New York Times-featured writer Christian Lorentzen for a conversation about "difficult" literature, celebrating the English publication of The Sugar Kremlin by Vladimir Sorokin, translated by Lawton. They’ll discuss Sorokin as well as Schattenfroh by Michael Lentz, big books, weird books, and the art of translating them. Presenting a wide variety of genres and tones, The Sugar Kremlin lays out a frightening vision of speculative mercilessness and carnivalesque political horror. It takes place in the New Medieval universe over the course of fifteen chapters that all return to the object of the title: replicas of the Moscow Kremlin made of sugar. Thousands of these creations are given away to children during the holidays, then make their way through each stratum of Russian society. Readers follow the trajectories of these candied gifts from the hands of harried paupers to secret political dissidents, from torture-obsessed civil servants to sex workers in a nearby bordello... As Sorokin shifts from story to story and style to style, he draws the reader through grotesquely Russian scenes, creating an aberrantly metaphysical encyclopedia of the New Medieval "Russian soul." The candy's sweetness is deceptive—underneath it, you may detect notes of blood. Doors open at 5:30 pm.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Aug 19
6:00 pm
Free
6:00 pm
Free
Book Club | Novella Discussion Group: Ask the Dust by John Fante
Ask the Dust is the story of Arturo Bandini, a young writer in 1930s Los Angeles who falls hard for the elusive, mocking, unstable Camilla Lopez, a Mexican waitress. Struggling to survive, he perseveres until, at last, his first novel is published. But the bright light of success is extinguished when Camilla has a nervous breakdown and disappears . . . and Bandini forever rejects the writer’s life he fought so hard to attain.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Wed, Aug 20
4:30 pm
Free
4:30 pm
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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Wed, Aug 20
6:00 pm
Free
6:00 pm
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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Thu, Aug 21
3:00 pm
registration recommended, free...
3:00 pm
registration recommended, 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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Thu, Aug 21
6:30 pm
Free
6:30 pm
Free
Discussion | Live Player Interviews with Top Tennis Stars
Get an inside look at the professional tennis world as top players from major international tours speak live on stage. Hear directly from the stars during this special media event.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Fri, Aug 22
12:00 pm
Free
12:00 pm
Free
Book Discussion | Modern Women, Fashion, and Identity in Impressionist Paris
Author Justine De Young discusses her new book, The Art of Parisian Chic, with Hilary Davidson. The talk explores how modern women in Second Empire and Belle Époque Paris used fashion and public perception to shape their identities. A book signing follows.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Sat, Aug 23
5:30 pm
Free
5:30 pm
Free
Book Discussion | Maritime Book Club: Literature, History & Preservation
Participate in this recurring maritime-themed book club. Join a lively discussion of The Doctors Blackwell, Janice P. Nimura’s compelling biography of Elizabeth and Emily Blackwell, sisters who shattered barriers in 19th-century medicine. The book traces their pioneering journey to becoming America’s first female physicians and founding the country’s first hospital staffed entirely by women. Stop by, whether you’ve read the full selection or are just curious to listen in.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Mon, Aug 25
6:30 pm
Free
6:30 pm
Free
Lecture | Equity Options: Core Concepts (Online Series)
Wrap up the series with Ken Keating of The Options Industry Council. This online session breaks down the basics of equity options—including terminology, strategies, and risks—to help you explore new ways to invest.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Aug 26
12:00 pm
Free
12:00 pm
Free
Gallery Talk | Inside the Exhibition: Talk with Museum Experts
Explore the installation with Carol B. Grossman, Curatorial Scholar in the Department of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts. This talk examines intricate enamel objects that reveal the daily rituals and global influences shaping life in England just before industrialization. Includes time for audience questions and close looking. Space is limited; advance registration is recommended.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Aug 26
3:00 pm
registration recommended, free...
3:00 pm
registration recommended, free...
Book Club | Dicuss the Book Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Join a lively discussion about the #1 New York Times Bestseller! Synopsis: Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing as an average woman. But it's the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute takes a very unscientific view of equality. Except for one: Calvin Evans; the lonely, brilliant, Nobel-prize nominated grudge-holder who falls in love with--of all things--her mind. True chemistry results. But like science, life is unpredictable. Which is why a few years later Elizabeth Zott finds herself not only a single mother, but the reluctant star of America's most beloved cooking show, Supper at Six. Elizabeth's unusual approach to cooking ("combine one tablespoon acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride") proves revolutionary. But as her following grows, not everyone is happy. Because as it turns out, Elizabeth Zott isn't just teaching women to cook. She's daring them to change the status quo.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Aug 26
4:00 pm
Free
4:00 pm
Free
Book Discussion | Pulitzer Prize–winning Critic Robin Givhan on Virgil Abloh’s Legacy
Robin Givhan presents her new book on visionary designer Virgil Abloh, the first Black artistic director at Louis Vuitton. Make It Ours traces Abloh’s rise and the cultural shift he helped ignite in fashion and beyond. A book signing follows the talk.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Aug 26
5:30 pm
Free
5:30 pm
Free
Book Discussion | Russell Shorto on the 1664 Turning Point & How New York Was Taken (Online!)
Join bestselling author Russell Shorto for a virtual talk on the dramatic 1664 English takeover that ended Dutch rule and marked the beginning of New York. Drawing from newly uncovered sources, Shorto explores how this pivotal moment not only reshaped the city but also laid the groundwork for the deep divisions that still define American society. This talk is based on his recently published book, Taking Manhattan, and offers a gripping account of the extraordinary events that changed the course of American history.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Aug 26
6:00 pm
Free
6:00 pm
Free
Book Discussion | From Generation to Generation: A Story of Survival, Identity, and Inherited Resilience (Online!)
In "From Generation to Generation: A Memoir of Food, Family, and Identity in the Aftermath of the Shoah," author Michelle Weinfeld traces the legacy of Holocaust survival through the story of her grandfather, Poppy, and her own journey as his granddaughter. Blending vivid family memories with reflections on inherited trauma and antisemitism, Weinfeld’s debut memoir reveals how the past lives on in future generations, and how love, history, and resilience shape identity.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Aug 26
7:00 pm
Free
7:00 pm
Free
Lecture | Art in Exile: Uncovering a Painter’s Journey Across Three Worlds (Online!)
This event explores the life and work of a German-born artist through three distinct periods of exile. Experts from Germany, the UK, and the US will discuss his early years in Frankfurt, his British exile, and the art he created after relocating to New York. A moderated discussion and Q&A will follow, shedding light on his transformation from a 1920s painter and stage designer to an artist shaped by displacement and new beginnings.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Wed, Aug 27
12:00 pm
Free
12:00 pm
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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Wed, Aug 27
6:00 pm
Free
6:00 pm
Free
Lecture | Understanding Eve Adams's Transatlantic Life and Queer Exile & Resistance (Online!)
Discover the remarkable story of Eve Adams, a defiant figure whose life bridged the bohemian enclave of Greenwich Village and the terrors of WWII Europe. This virtual presentation draws on new historical research to illuminate Adams’s fight for freedom of expression, queer identity, and immigrant survival in a world intent on erasing her. Both sanctuary and battleground, the Village becomes a focal point in this powerful exploration of exile, resistance, and the cost of living authentically.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Wed, Aug 27
6:00 pm
Free
6:00 pm
Free
Book Discussion | Inside While Israel Slept: Intelligence, Assumptions, and Surprise (In Person AND Online!)
Journalist Yaakov Katz discusses his new book, While Israel Slept: How Hamas Surprised the Most Powerful Military in the Middle East, co-authored with Amir Bohbot, in conversation with New York Times columnist Bret Stephens. The event examines questions surrounding Israeli intelligence and military preparedness ahead of the October 7 attacks, and considers how political and strategic assumptions shaped the response.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Wed, Sep 3
6:30 pm
Free
6:30 pm
Free
Discussion | Dance Theater Workshop: A Legacy in the Downtown Dance Scene
A panel of artists and collaborators reflects on the influential role of Dance Theater Workshop in shaping the downtown dance landscape. Moderated by Jeff Kazin, the discussion features David White, David Parker, Annie B. Parson, Kathryn Posin, and Reggie Wilson, offering firsthand insights into the venue’s history and enduring impact.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Thu, Sep 4
6:00 pm
Free
6:00 pm
Free
Discussion | Kennedy Yanko in Conversation
Join artist Kennedy Yanko, Rachel Gladfelter, and Douglas Dreishpoon for a thoughtful discussion on papermaking, abstraction, and the inspirations behind Yanko’s newest work. Held in conjunction with her latest exhibition, the talk explores the creative process and the legacy of abstract art. Seating is limited.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Sat, Sep 6
4:00 pm
Free
4:00 pm
Free
Discussion | Exploring History and Identity: Renée Green in Conversation
Join artist Renée Green in conversation with curator and scholar Mason Leaver-Yap, as they discuss Americas : Veritas—her immersive four-channel film installation. This event marks the culmination of the installation and connects to Green’s major solo exhibition.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Sat, Sep 6
4:30 pm
Free
4:30 pm
Free
Talk | Affirmative Action Discussion with Experts
Engage with this distinguished panel of authors, scholars, and journalists including Richard Kahlenberg, Jason Riley, Nicholas Lemann, and Justin Driver as they discuss three possible futures for affirmative action in college admissions: trying to preserve as much racial affirmative action as is legally possible, as Driver suggests; eliminating affirmative action altogether, as Riley suggests; or forging a middle path which provides a leg up to low-income and working-class students of all races, as Kahlenberg argues.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Sep 9
6:30 pm
Free
6:30 pm
Free
Book Discussion | John Efron: Meat, Identity & German-Jewish History (Online!)
Historian John Efron discusses his new book All Consuming: Germans, Jews, and the Meaning of Meat, exploring how meat shaped Jewish and Christian identities in Germany from the Middle Ages to today. From religion to politics, this conversation offers a unique lens on the complex and often painful history of this time. In conversation with history professor, Michael Brenner.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Sep 9
7:00 pm
Free
7:00 pm
Free
Talk | The Meaning of Home in a Changing USA: Conversation w/ Q&A
This conversation revolves around questions of belonging and the meaning of home within the vast geographic and social range of the U.S. The discussion is inspired by the New York Philharmonic’s performances that week of music by Bartók, a Hungarian expatriate on American soil; Ives, a maverick New Englander; and Leilehua Lanzilotti, whose work is receiving its world premiere—the newly commissioned of light and stone, a composition that honors her Hawaiian home. Moderated by renowned ethnomusicologist, historian, and Juilliard faculty member Fredara Hadley, each discussion is scheduled to last one hour and will be followed by an audience Q&A. There are two ways to access this event: 1. General Admission, first-come first-served. Just show up! 2. Fast Track opening the Monday before the event at noon.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Sep 9
7:00 pm
Free
7:00 pm
Free
Discussion | Tiger Slayer: The Story of Empress Nur Jahan
As part of the internationally celebrated Jaipur Literature Festival, artist Molly Crabapple and historian Ruby Lal explore the extraordinary life of Nur Jahan, the 17th-century empress who commanded armies, designed public buildings, and ruled the Mughal Empire with intelligence and audacity. Reservations do not guarantee entry. Coat check is limited. Please do not bring any large bags or backpacks.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Wed, Sep 10
11:00 am
Free
11:00 am
Free
Lecture | World-Renowned Jaipur Literature Festival: The Art of Enlightenment
Part of the internationally celebrated Jaipur Literature Festival, this talk by Buddhist scholar Andrew Quintman explores the Dharma's path to liberation through meditation and creative expression, showing how art can deepen self-discovery.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Wed, Sep 10
12:00 pm
Free
12:00 pm
Free
Gallery Talk | A Home for Art
Join a museum educator for a brief talk exploring how a historic mansion was transformed into a public art museum.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Wed, Sep 10
3:30 pm
Free
3:30 pm
Free
Gallery Talk | Inside Goya’s The Forge
Take a closer look at Goya’s powerful The Forge during this brief, focused talk led by a museum educator.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Wed, Sep 10
3:30 pm
Free
3:30 pm
Free
Gallery Talk | A Home for Art
Join a museum educator for a brief talk exploring how a historic mansion was transformed into a public art museum.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Wed, Sep 10
4:30 pm
Free
4:30 pm
Free
Gallery Talk | Inside Goya’s The Forge
Take a closer look at Goya’s powerful The Forge during this brief, focused talk led by a museum educator.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Wed, Sep 10
4:30 pm
Free
4:30 pm
Free
Book Club | Poetry Discussion: In a Time of Violence by Eavan Boland
The group will be analyzing and discussing Eavan Boland's 1994 poetry collection, In a Time of Violence, which was shortlisted for the 1994 T.S. Eliot Prize. Please bring a copy to the meeting. Eavan Boland (1944―2020) was the author of more than a dozen volumes of poetry, including Outside History, and several volumes of nonfiction, and was coeditor of the anthology The Making of Poem. Born in Dublin, Ireland, she was one of the foremost female voices in Irish literature. She received a Lannan Foundation Award and an American Ireland Fund Literary Award, among other honors.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Wed, Sep 10
4:30 pm
Free
4:30 pm
Free
Book Discussion | We Are Not Strangers: Graphic Novel on Jewish–Japanese American Solidarity in WWII (Online!)
Author Josh Tuininga shares the story behind We Are Not Strangers, his new graphic novel based on the true story of a Jewish grandfather who stood by Japanese American families during WWII incarceration. Set in 1940s Seattle, the book explores cross-cultural solidarity, identity, and what it means to be American in a time of crisis.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Wed, Sep 10
7:00 pm
Free
7:00 pm
Free
Lecture | Kinetic Artist Breakfast: Transforming Real-Time Data into Sculpture
Renowned kinetic artist Breakfast shares how he turns real-time data, like ocean waves, solar activity, and environmental changes, into mesmerizing, digitally controlled sculptures. Discover the artistic vision and engineering behind his dynamic installations that blur the line between physical and digital expression. Please note: RSVP does not guarantee entry—limited coat check. Large bags and backpacks are not permitted.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Thu, Sep 11
7:00 pm
Free
7:00 pm
Free
Discussion | Dive into the Museum Archive: Community & Gender Expression
Join award-winning novelist Torrey Peters (Detransition, Baby; Stag Dance) and Diana Merry-Shapiro, computer scientist and original member of the Casa Susanna network, for a robust conversation on community, memory, and the evolution of gender expression across generations. Moderated by curator Mia Fineman, this program offers rare behind-the-scenes stories from this time alongside reflections on how those experiences continue to inspire literature and culture today. Note: Space is limited; first-come, first-served.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Fri, Sep 12
6:00 pm
Free
6:00 pm
Free
Book Discussion | Matching Minds with Sondheim: Puzzles, Games & Genius
Author Barry Joseph explores Stephen Sondheim’s playful side through rare artifacts, archival clips, and interactive surprises inspired by his passion for puzzles and games. Featuring creations like The Great Conductor Hunt, The Game of Murder, and A Little Jurassic Treasure Hunt, this event offers a unique look at the inventive mind behind Broadway classics.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Fri, Sep 12
6:00 pm
Free
6:00 pm
Free
Discussion | 80 Years of Rock & Roll: Lennon, The Ramones & Tina Turner
Legendary rock photographer Bob Gruen marks his 80th birthday in a one-night-only conversation with musician and author Lenny Kaye. Hear raw, behind-the-scenes stories of music's biggest icons, told with grit and humor. Reservation does not guarantee entry. Coat check is limited. Please do not bring any large bags or backpacks.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Fri, Sep 12
7:00 pm
Free
7:00 pm
Free
Symposium | New Discoveries in the Archaeology of the Ancient Americas
Celebrate Hispanic/Latin Heritage Month by exploring groundbreaking archaeological discoveries that are reshaping our understanding of ancient American civilizations. From the Mexica and Maya to the Inca, Moche, and beyond, scholars will discuss how these findings illuminate the visual arts, culture, and enduring questions of pre-1600 Latin America. Note: Space is limited; first-come, first-served.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Sat, Sep 13
10:30 am
Free
10:30 am
Free
Forum | Philosophy Discussion for LGBTQ+ Community
This LGBTQ+ Philosophy Forum presents opportunities to participate in informal discussions of important works of philosophy.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Sat, Sep 13
2:45 pm
Free
2:45 pm
Free
Discussion | Death Cafe Discussion Group
An informal, group-directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives or themes. The purpose of Death Cafe is "to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives." This is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counseling session.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Sat, Sep 13
3:30 pm
Free
3:30 pm
Free
Book Club | Discuss Lessons in Chemostry with Others
Join fellow readers for lively discussion and thoughtful socializing! Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Sep 16
1:00 pm
Free
1:00 pm
Free
Book Discussion | Talking Poetry: Poetry in Translation
Participate with fellow poetry enthusiasts in unpacking the layered meanings of poetry through an informal group discussion. Journey across cultures and languages through discussing works of poetry in translation. Please note that contemporary poetry deals frankly with contemporary issues and all works discussed are artistic expressions selected for an adult audience.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Sep 16
2:30 pm
Free
2:30 pm
Free
Book Club | Group Discussion: The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom
Talk about and analyze The Stranger in the Lifeboat with others! Synopsis: Adrift in a raft after a deadly ship explosion, nine people struggle for survival at sea. Three days pass. Short on water, food and hope, they spot a man floating in the waves. They pull him in. Thank the Lord we found you, a passenger says. I am the Lord, the man whispers. Is this strange and quiet man really who he claims to be? What actually happened to cause the explosion? Are the survivors already in heaven, or are they in hell? The story is narrated by Benji, one of the passengers, who recounts the events in a notebook that is later discovered, a year later, when the empty life raft washes up on the island of Montserrat. It falls to the island's chief inspector, Jarty LeFleur, a man battling his own demons, to solve the mystery of what really happened.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Sep 16
4:00 pm
Free
4:00 pm
Free
Gallery Talk | A Home for Art
Join a museum educator for a brief talk exploring how a historic mansion was transformed into a public art museum.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Wed, Sep 17
3:30 pm
Free
3:30 pm
Free
Gallery Talk | A Home for Art
Join a museum educator for a brief talk exploring how a historic mansion was transformed into a public art museum.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Wed, Sep 17
4:30 pm
Free
4:30 pm
Free
Book Club | Discuss the Novella Paul Celan & the Trans-Tibetan Angel by Yoko Tawada
Analyze and talk about Paul Celan & the Trans-Tibetan Angel by National Book Award winner Yoko Tawada, translated from German by Susan Bernofsky. Synopsis: Originally published in 2020, Tawada's latest is presciently set in a pandemic-emerging Berlin. Her protagonist initially refers to himself as “the patient,” struggling with leaving his “own four walls.” He reveals a name, Patrik, possibly necessary for interfacing with (select) others. He recently walked out of his job as a research assistant for a professor of German literature, a self-denying narcissist who is particularly and vocally contemptuous of poet Paul Celan’s work. That derision fueled Patrik’s interest in Celan, inspiring him to register for a Celan conference in Paris. The organizers’ query, What is your nationality?, asked in order to potentially secure funding for Patrik’s participation, sends him on a spiraling search for identity as the German-born son of immigrants. His (maybe) chance meeting with Leo-Eric Fu, a “Trans-Tibetan” (a “Celan word,” Patrik acknowledges), provides comforting friendship over language, literature, books, ancestors, and, of course, Celan.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Wed, Sep 17
4:30 pm
Free
4:30 pm
Free
Lecture | Influential Dancer Explores Classical indian Dance Form, Bharatanatyam
Priyadarsini Govind is an influential dancer in the world of Bharatanatyam, one of the eight classical Indian dances. For this lecture, Govind presents and performs around Bharatanatyam, showing how universal human emotions are interpreted and transformed through the lens of classical dance.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Thu, Sep 18
6:00 pm
Free
6:00 pm
Free
Book Club | Luddite Book Club: The AI Con
Stop scrolling and put down your phone… this Offline Book Club is a space for in-person conversation about the role technology plays in our world. The AI Con: How to Fight Big Tech's Hype and Create the Future We Want by Emily M. Bender and Alex Hanna (2025) "A wide-ranging take-down of 'AI hype' across its many forms. Readers will be prepared to push back at work, as a consumer in the marketplace, as a skeptical newsreader, and as a citizen holding policymakers to account."
New York City, NY; NYC
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Thu, Sep 18
6:30 pm
Free
6:30 pm
Free
Talk | Panel Discussion: Celebrating Broadway Producer Tom Kirdahy (Gypsy, Just In Time, etc)
In this panel, attendees celebrate and reflect on the career of theater and film producer Tom Kirdahy, who produced the 2024 Broadway revival of Gypsy, the new Broadway musical Just in Time, and the film adaptation of the musical Kiss of the Spider Woman, among other productions. Kirdahy is joined by colleagues and friends to discuss how his work through the years has impacted the industry he holds dear and the emerging creators of tomorrow.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Fri, Sep 19
6:00 pm
Free
6:00 pm
Free
Talk | Panel DIscussion + Q&A on NYC Drag History
Historian Elyssa Maxx Goodman is joined by iconic New York City drag artists for a theatrical performance inspired by her National Bestseller book, Glitter and Concrete: A Cultural History of Drag in New York City. Following this never-before-seen interpretation of figures from the book's ode to drag throughout the ages, both Goodman and the drag artists participate in a panel discussion and audience Q&A. There are two ways to access this event: 1. General Admission, first-come first-served. Just show up! 2. Fast Track opening the Monday before the event at noon. Ages 14+
New York City, NY; NYC
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Fri, Sep 19
7:30 pm
Free
7:30 pm
Free
Talk | Panel Discussion: Black Musical Theater
This panel, moderated by scenic designer Riccardo Hernandez, features Broadway designers’ perspectives on the historical and current Black musical theater. Enjoy a lively discussion of both classic and contemporary Black musical theater works through the lens of scenic design, lighting design, costume design, sound design, and more. Tracing the evolution of Black musical theater from its early roots to contemporary works, the exhibition highlights the contributions of groundbreaking artists such as Eubie Blake, Vinnette Carroll, Micki Grant, George C. Wolfe, and Langston Hughes, along with iconic productions including Shuffle Along, Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope, The Wiz, and A Strange Loop.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Mon, Sep 22
6:00 pm
Free
6:00 pm
Free
Gallery Talk | A Home for Art
Join a museum educator for a brief talk exploring how a historic mansion was transformed into a public art museum.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Wed, Sep 24
3:30 pm
Free
3:30 pm
Free
Gallery Talk | Fragonard's The Progress of Love
Take a brief, focused look at Fragonard's romantic series with insights from a museum educator.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Wed, Sep 24
3:30 pm
Free
3:30 pm
Free
Gallery Talk | A Home for Art
Join a museum educator for a brief talk exploring how a historic mansion was transformed into a public art museum.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Wed, Sep 24
4:30 pm
Free
4:30 pm
Free
Gallery Talk | Fragonard's The Progress of Love
Take a brief, focused look at Fragonard's romantic series with insights from a museum educator.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Wed, Sep 24
4:30 pm
Free
4:30 pm
Free
Book Club | Discuss Virginia Woolf's Orlando
Enjoy a group analysis and talk about the classic novel Orlando by Virginia Woolf.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Thu, Sep 25
4:30 pm
Free
4:30 pm
Free
Discussion | Exploring the Universe: Astro Live (Online!)
Journey beyond our world in this monthly space science series. Meet astronauts, scientists, engineers, and space enthusiasts as they share insights into the mysteries of the cosmos. This interactive livestream brings together leading voices in astronomy and exploration for an afternoon of discovery and Q&A.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Sun, Sep 28
3:00 pm
Free
3:00 pm
Free
Book Discussion | Fashion and Identity in Puerto Rico
Join José Blanco F. and Raúl J. Vázquez-López in conversation with Tanya Meléndez-Escalante as they present their new book Dress, Fashion, and National Identity in Puerto Rico. The discussion explores Puerto Rican visual culture, nationhood, and identity. A book signing follows.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Oct 7
5:30 pm
Free
5:30 pm
Free
Discussion | Exploring the Universe: Astro Live (Online!)
Journey beyond our world in this monthly space science series. Meet astronauts, scientists, engineers, and space enthusiasts as they share insights into the mysteries of the cosmos. This interactive livestream brings together leading voices in astronomy and exploration for an afternoon of discovery and Q&A.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Sun, Oct 19
3:00 pm
Free
3:00 pm
Free
Book Club | Discuss The Housemaid with Fellow Readers
Read at your own pace, then attend a lively, moderator-led discussion with fellow readers. Whether you're a dedicated bibliophile or just looking to connect with others, this is a great way to share your love of reading. The Housemaid by Freida McFadden is a gripping psychological thriller about Millie, a woman with a troubled past who takes a live-in housekeeping job for a wealthy family. What seems like a dream opportunity quickly turns sinister as she uncovers disturbing secrets hidden behind the mansion’s polished exterior. With chilling twists and mounting suspense, Millie must fight to survive as the truth unravels. Space is available on a first-come-first-serve basis while space is available.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Oct 21
6:00 pm
Free
6:00 pm
Free
Book Discussion | Fashion, Fascism, and Italy’s Global Influence
Eugenia Paulicelli presents her book Fashion under Fascism: Beyond the Black Shirt in conversation with Valerie Steele. Explore how 1930s Italian dress shaped politics and continues to influence fashion worldwide. A book signing follows.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Thu, Nov 6
5:30 pm
Free
5:30 pm
Free
Discussion | Exploring Psychoanalysis in Music and Fashion
Moderator Jasmine Edwards leads a conversation with art therapist Ayde Rayas and violinist Njioma Chinyere Grevious, whose performance draws inspiration from Dress, Dreams, and Desire: Fashion and Psychoanalysis. This interdisciplinary event looks at psychoanalysis’s influence on contemporary music and culture.
New York City, NY; NYC
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Tue, Nov 18
5:30 pm
Free
5:30 pm
Free
Complimentary Tickets
to shows, concerts ... (CFT Deals!)
Jazz | "New Star" Blues Musician Plays Legendary Jazz Club
Regular Price: $44CFT Member Price: $0.00
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