free things to do in New York City
Free events for Friday, 07/17/26
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Free Events, Free Things to Do in New York City!  Read More

Are you looking for free things to do in New York City (NYC) on July 17, 2026?

28 free events take place on Friday, July 17 in New York City. Don't miss the opportunities that only New York provides! Exciting, high quality, unique and off the beaten path free events and free things to do take place in New York today, tonight, tomorrow and each day of the year, any time of the day: whether it's a weekday or a weekend, day or night, morning or evening or afternoon, December or July, April or November! These events will take your breath away!

New York City (NYC) never ceases to amaze you with quantity and quality of its free culture and free entertainment. Check out July 17 and see for yourself. Summer or Winter, Spring or Fall! Just click on any day of the calendar above and you'll find most inspiring and entertaining free events to go to and free things to do on each day of July . Don't miss the opportunities that only New York provides!

Some events take place all year long: same day of the week, same time there are there for you to take advantage of. One of the oldest free weekly events in Manhattan is Dixieland Jazz with the Gotham Jazzmen, which happen at noon every Tuesday. Another example of an event that you can attend all year round on weekdays is Federal Reserve Bank Tour, which takes place every week day at 1 pm (but advanced reservations are required). You can take at least 13 free tours every day of the year, except the New Year Day, July 4th, and the Christmas Day. If you are classical music afficionado, you can spend whole day in New York going from one free classical concert to another. If you love theater, then New York gives you an option to attend plays and musicals free of charge, or at deep discount. You just need to have information about it. And we are here to make that information available to you.
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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!

28 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Friday, July 17, 2026

All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Editor's Picks

free events nyc Salsa-Soul Hits with "King of Latin Soul"
free events nyc Orchestral Works by Felix Mendelssohn & More at a Major NYC Concert Hall
free events nyc Silent Disco: House Music with Internationally Recognized DJ
More Editor's Picks for 07/17/26
        

Workshop | Tai Chi (Outdoors)


Improve balance, strength, and focus through gentle exercises. The sights and sounds of the harbor provide a serene background for the ancient flowing postures.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:30 am
Free
Workshops, July 17, 2026, 07/17/2026, Tai Chi (Outdoors)

Workshop | Zumba Workout for All


Enthusiastic instruction and easy-to-follow Latin dance choreography working on balance, coordination, and range of motion.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:30 am
Free
Workshops, July 17, 2026, 07/17/2026, Zumba Workout for All

Museums | Asian Art and Culture Museum


The museum features a diverse collection of artworks, including traditional and contemporary pieces from various Asian cultures. They typically have guided tours at 2 pm.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Museumss, July 17, 2026, 07/17/2026, Asian Art and Culture Museum

Festival | Food Festival with Local Vendors


New York City's favorite outdoor food market, Smorgasburg, is back. Enjoy a variety of eats and treats from local vendors.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Festivals, July 17, 2026, 07/17/2026, Food Festival with Local Vendors

Workshop | Learn to Juggle in the Park


This juggling class is ideal for a quick lesson, an extended practice session, or just enjoy watching jugglers put their skills to the test. They're a friendly group and open to drop-ins, even if you catch them outside of the regular juggling lessons. All skill levels welcome. Equipment is provided.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free
Workshops, July 17, 2026, 07/17/2026, Learn to Juggle in the Park

Jazz | Piano in the Park: Carnegie Hall-Featured Musician


Come on down and swing along to the best ragtime, stride, and jazz the Big Apple has to offer, with performer Roy Eaton. Classically trained pianist Roy Eaton has a most impressive career. Deemed a child prodigy, he first performed at Carnegie Hall in 1937 at the age of seven, paving the way for several later performances in legendary institutions. He has since released several albums, with his latest being I Play for Peace.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
Free
Concerts, July 17, 2026, 07/17/2026, Piano in the Park: Carnegie Hall-Featured Musician

Film | Jackie (2016): Historical Drama with Natalie Portman


Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis fights through grief and trauma to regain her faith, console her children, and define her husband's historic legacy. Director: Pablo Larrain Cast: Natalie Portman, Peter Sarsgaard, Greta Gerwig, Billy Crudup, John Hurt Natalie Portman is an actress who has had a prolific film career, starring in various blockbusters and independent films since her teenage years, receiving multiple accolades, including an Academy Award and two Golden Globe Awards. Short film discussion to follow.
   New York City, NY; NYC
1:00 pm
Free
Films, July 17, 2026, 07/17/2026, Jackie (2016): Historical Drama with Natalie Portman

Workshop | Crafting Community: Work on Personal Projects & Make New Friends


Freeform crafting and conversation! Bring your own project or choose something from the collection to work on. The organizers have materials for sewing, knitting, crochet, coloring, and paper crafts. All programs are subject to change or cancellation.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:30 pm
Free
Workshops, July 17, 2026, 07/17/2026, Crafting Community: Work on Personal Projects & Make New Friends

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
Concerts, July 17, 2026, 07/17/2026, Afternoon Jam Sesh (Play Music or Just Listen)

Festival | Community Summer Celebration (Live Music, Food, Local Businesses, & More)


Enjoy an open-air night market bringing food, music, and community in a historic part of Harlem.  Come for dinner, stay for the music, bring friends, or pull up solo. What to expect: Local food vendors, rotating weekly Live DJs and performances Open-air summer night market Community-first, family-friendly vibe Easy access via subway and bus
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Festivals, July 17, 2026, 07/17/2026, Community Summer Celebration (Live Music, Food, Local Businesses, & More)

Museums | Friday Night Function at an Iconic Art Museum


Enjoy art, drinks, special programming, music, city views, and more! Throughout the night, there will be a few "15-minute tours," highlighting different parts of the collection.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Museumss, July 17, 2026, 07/17/2026, Friday Night Function at an Iconic Art Museum

Poetry Reading | Live Music & Poetry with Eileen Myles & More (Outdoors)


An evening of poetry and music in the park! This event features Eileen Myles, Yaissa Jiménez, and musician Samantha Crain.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Poetry Readings, July 17, 2026, 07/17/2026, Live Music & Poetry with Eileen Myles & More (Outdoors)

Party | Play New Games like Blood on the Clocktower (BOTC)


Curious about a board game or looking to try something new? The Games Hosts will be teaching how to play a wide range of fun board games. Many come to play the social deduction game, Blood on the Clocktower (BOTC).
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Partys, July 17, 2026, 07/17/2026, Play New Games like Blood on the Clocktower (BOTC)

Workshop | Soccer-Inspired Freestyle Footwork Performance


The NYC freestyle football community presents a performance that blends athleticism, rhythm, imagination, and gravity-defying precision with just a soccer ball. This outdoor pop-up event features a mix of highly choreographed footwork and improvisation from international stars and local freestyle legends like Nick Seyda, Laura Biondo, Pat Shaw, Spinny Vinny, and Gabe Luzbet. Keep your head up and you may even find yourself in on the action.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Workshops, July 17, 2026, 07/17/2026, Soccer-Inspired Freestyle Footwork Performance

Museums | Friday Evening at the Famous Art Museum


This special, all-ages evening celebrates the art and the city. Explore in the galleries, get creative with drop-in drawing sessions, and see a film in the theaters. Museum stores and cafe will be open, too, so you can grab a bite, get drinks, or shop for unique design objects. Free for New York State residents but must be reserved in advance (up to two adults), and are subject to availability and proof of residency. Tickets are released one week in advance.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free
Museumss, July 17, 2026, 07/17/2026, Friday Evening at the Famous Art Museum

Discussion | Arts, Wellness, & Policy Experts Discuss How Artistic Engagement Contributes to Wellbeing (+ Live String Quartet Music)


Against the backdrop of the world's celebration of soccer, this conversation explores how creativity can be understood as a health-creating behavior alongside physical activity, supporting not only individual wellbeing, but the health of our cities. While sport and exercise are widely recognized for protecting physical and mental health, growing evidence shows that engagement in music, dance, storytelling, and the visual arts also strengthens stress regulation, emotional wellbeing, social connection, and community resilience. Bringing together voices from the arts, sports, public health, and policy, this event examines how creative participation can advance World Health Organization (WHO) global health targets while aligning with New York City's priorities around prevention, equity, and neighborhood-level wellbeing. The conversation highlights how arts engagement can support mental health, reduce health disparities, and foster the social cohesion that underpins healthy, thriving communities. This event will begin with members of the Festival Orchestra of Lincoln Center playing a selection from Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel's String Quartet in E-flat major.
   New York City, NY; NYC
6:00 pm
Free
Discussions, July 17, 2026, 07/17/2026, Arts, Wellness, & Policy Experts Discuss How Artistic Engagement Contributes to Wellbeing (+ Live String Quartet Music)

Dancing | Famous Limon Dance Company Teaches Rhythm, Balance, & Recovery (+ Live Music)


The world-renowned Limon Company Dancers teach the energetic and ease-filled Limon Technique, accompanied by live music. Limon Technique is used in contemporary dance, focusing on the rhythms of falling and recovering balance and the importance of good breathing to maintaining flow in a dance.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Dancings, July 17, 2026, 07/17/2026, Famous Limon Dance Company Teaches Rhythm, Balance, & Recovery (+ Live Music)

Jazz | Jazzy Tunes on the Plaza


A warm summer evening with jazz from standout local artists. This evening features Tris10 and Vanessa Camacho, and Zacchae’us Paul & band. You're welcome to bring your whole family to enjoy music under the open sky.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Concerts, July 17, 2026, 07/17/2026, Jazzy Tunes on the Plaza

Screening | Short Athletic Dance Film Cinematic Showcase on the Plaza


In celebration of the global soccer community and the extraordinary grace of the athletes, there will be a screening of international short-form dance films, including Carmen, a street performance by flamenco artist Carmen Avilés with fast footwork to rival any soccer player; Yeah the Boys, a choreographic observation of Australian masculine identity and its relationship with sports culture; the world premiere of WITH LOVE by EICHTERLING, volleying dance moves across a tennis court; the U.S. premiere of Manège, 3,000 still images of sports-inspired choreography; and BOLERO.S, a hyper-athletic display honoring diversity of bodies and choreographic aesthetics. 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 for all.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Screenings, July 17, 2026, 07/17/2026, Short Athletic Dance Film Cinematic Showcase on the Plaza

Dancing | Salsa-Soul Hits with "King of Latin Soul"


Joe Bataan performs an evening of classic hits. Born and raised in El Barrio, Bataan was among the pioneers of Latin soul and boogaloo music--which fused Latine and Caribbean sounds with soul and R&B--in the mid 1960s. After leaving Fania, Bataan helped coin the phrase "salsoul" and recorded multiple salsa-soul records for the Salsoul record label; his releases from this period remain classics of a crossover genre and also include early rap songs such as "Rap-O Clap-O." DJ set at 6:30 pm Dance lesson at 7:00 pm Live music at 7:30 pm 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 for all.
   New York City, NY; NYC
6:30 pm
Free
Dancings, July 17, 2026, 07/17/2026, Salsa-Soul Hits with "King of Latin Soul"

Classical Music | Luoisiana-Style Zydeco Dance Music in the Park


Experience zydeco, the fast and furious, accordion-driven Creole dance music of South Louisiana. With its trademark rubboard percussion, electric guitars, and R&B influences, this is an exciting and modern roots music that's nearly impossible to resist--and from festival stages to Louisianan dance halls, Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas has been one of the most celebrated zydeco bands of the past 40 years.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Concerts, July 17, 2026, 07/17/2026, Luoisiana-Style Zydeco Dance Music in the Park

Concert | Multi-Genre DJ Set with DJ Tali


DJ Tali heats up the evening with 15+ years of experience behind the decks and a deep love for all genres of music. With roots in Long Island, DJ Tali focuses on reading the room and shaping a soundtrack that feels effortless, elevated, and genuinely fun. His motivation is simple: seeing people happy--so the energy stays warm, the transitions stay smooth, and the vibe stays right. Expect a thoughtfully researched mix with no limits, designed to complement this special night and keep the vibe right.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Concerts, July 17, 2026, 07/17/2026, Multi-Genre DJ Set with DJ Tali

Performance | asmr4apocalypse: Geological Events & Mass Extinctions Explored through Performance


In asmr4apocalypse, zavé martohardjono’s gives an interdisciplinary performance set to four-channel immersive audio. Audiences are guided through Deep Time and the many geological events and mass extinctions the Earth has endured. By activating the audience's senses and employing ecological research, the artist asks: Can we remember our interdependence with the earth? Can we remember our inherent ability to heal and transform the worlds we have built? 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 for all.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free
Performances, July 17, 2026, 07/17/2026, asmr4apocalypse: Geological Events & Mass Extinctions Explored through Performance

Classical Music | Orchestral Works by Felix Mendelssohn & More at a Major NYC Concert Hall


A journey through music that speaks to reflection, resilience, and triumph in this Festival Orchestra of Lincoln Center program led by Chloe Van Soeterstede. Enter the world of Valentin Silvestrov's Hymn - 2001, a meditation that unfolds with quiet reverence and suspended beauty, inviting listeners into a space of stillness and contemplation. Violinist Simone Lamsma then brings passion and brilliance to Bruch's Violin Concerto No. 1, a staple of the violin repertoire that shows the instrument at its most soulful and stirring. The evening culminates in Felix Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 5, the "Reformation," a work of grandeur and conviction that builds towards a triumphant finale inspired by a historic hymn. Program: Valentin Silvestrov (1937-) Hymn - 2001 Max Bruch (1838-1920) Violin Concerto No. 1 Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) Symphony No. 5, "Reformation"
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:30 pm
pay-what-you-wish, tickets required
Concerts, July 17, 2026, 07/17/2026, Orchestral Works by Felix Mendelssohn & More at a Major NYC Concert Hall

Play | Shakespeare's As You Like It: Pastoral Comedy (Outdoors)


As You Like It follows heroine Rosalind as she flees persecution in her uncle's court, accompanied by her cousin Celia to find safety and, eventually, love, in the Forest of Arden. In the forest, they encounter a variety of memorable characters, notably the melancholy traveller Jaques. Written by William Shakespeare. Directed by Hamilton Clancy. Cast: Christopher Martel, David Marantz, Aria Martinelli, Adama Joy Sall, Bob Arcaro, Lizabeth Allen, Marion Stenfort, Lia Bonfilio, Emmanuel Elpenord, Andy Rowell, Patrick Hart.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free
Plays, July 17, 2026, 07/17/2026, Shakespeare's&nbsp;As You Like It: Pastoral Comedy (Outdoors)

Screening | Infinite Football (2018): Romanian Sports Documentary (Outdoors)


The latest documentary feature is a comedic and incisive portrait of a bureaucrat who dreams of radically revising the rules of the beautiful game of soccer, in a bid to revolutionize the world’s most popular sport. Director: Corneliu Porumboiu In Romanian with English subtitles. 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 for all.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free
Screenings, July 17, 2026, 07/17/2026, Infinite Football (2018): Romanian Sports Documentary (Outdoors)

Play | Skakespeare's Othello: Tragedy of Betrayal


Shakespeare's searing tragedy of love, jealousy, power, and betrayal. Set in Venice and Cyprus, Othello follows the Moorish military commander Othello as he is manipulated by his ensign, Iago, into suspecting his wife Desdemona of infidelity. Written by William Shakespeare. Directed by Carl Cofield.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:30 pm
Free
Plays, July 17, 2026, 07/17/2026, Skakespeare's Othello: Tragedy of Betrayal

Dancing | Silent Disco: House Music with Internationally Recognized DJ


A Friday celebration of sports, music, and dance with headlining artist DJ Hector Romero. Romero brings over 40 years of experience to the decks with memorable residencies and performances at Red Zone, Limelight, Palladium, Save The Robots, The Roxy, Cielo, and Output. As an A&R executive at Def Mix Productions, he has worked alongside GRAMMY Award-winning DJs David Morales, Frankie Knuckles, and Satoshi Tomiie. Hector regularly DJs globally at dance floors in Italy, Greece, Japan, and Spain. 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 for all.
   New York City, NY; NYC
10:00 pm
Free
Dancings, July 17, 2026, 07/17/2026, Silent Disco: House Music with Internationally Recognized DJ
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Complimentary Tickets

to shows, concerts ... (CFT Deals!)

Performance | "Epic" True Story with Broadway Actor

Regular Price: $69
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Theater | Storytelling at its Best from Far Away

Regular Price: $51
CFT Member Price: $0.00