free things to do in New York City
Free events for Friday, 03/20/26
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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 March 20, 2026?

31 free events take place on Friday, March 20 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 March 20 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 March . 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!

31 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Friday, March 20, 2026

All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Editor's Picks

free events nyc Friday at Pop Culture/Art Museum
free events nyc Afternoon Jam Sesh (Play Music or Just Listen)
free events nyc Friday Evening at the Famous Art Museum
free events nyc Riffs & Rebellion: A Night of Punk Memories
free events nyc Black Burlesque & Drag Showcase Exploring Cultural Hybridity and Black Diaspora
More Editor's Picks for 03/20/26
        

Workshop | Morning Tai Chi


Improve balance, strength and focus through gentle exercises. The sights and sounds of the river provide a serene background for the ancient flowing postures.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:30 am
Free
Workshops, March 20, 2026, 03/20/2026, Morning Tai Chi

Workshop | Chess Open Play


Make your move at a chess event featuring strategy, fun, and friendly competition for players of all ages and skill levels. Explore the game through open play. Grab a friend or co-worker and play the game on our giant indoor chess board underneath the palm trees. Whether you're making your first move or mastering your endgame, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Workshops, March 20, 2026, 03/20/2026, Chess Open Play

Museums | Friday at Pop Culture/Art Museum


Through temporary exhibitions, a growing permanent collection, and educational events, this museum examines the significant influence of posters on society and culture, and how they are adapted for modern use. As the first poster museum in the United States, it offers a space for inquiry for anyone interested in design, advertising, and public interventions, with the goal of enhancing 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
10:00 am
Free
Museumss, March 20, 2026, 03/20/2026, Friday at Pop Culture/Art Museum

Workshop | Adult Zumba


Featuring easy-to-follow Latin dance choreography. Work on your balance, coordination and range of motion.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:30 am
Free
Workshops, March 20, 2026, 03/20/2026, Adult Zumba

Museums | Asian Art and Culture Museum


The museum features a diverse collection of artworks, including traditional and contemporary pieces from various Asian cultures. 2 pm: guided tour.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Museumss, March 20, 2026, 03/20/2026, Asian Art and Culture Museum

Workshop | Crafting Community


Bring your own craft or art project to work on!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Workshops, March 20, 2026, 03/20/2026, Crafting Community
11:00 am
Regular: $45
Member: $0
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Plays, March 20, 2026, 03/20/2026, The Story of Resilience and Courage

Classical Music | Modern Coming-of-Age Piano Works


A Long Journey Called Home is a solo piano recital program and therapeutic coming of age story. Anne Lovering Rounds' recital first revisits the past, presenting canonical repertoire from formative years at the instrument, including works by Mozart and Mendelssohn. The second half of the program offers pieces that became newly emotionally and technically available in adulthood, ending with Missy Mazzoli's stunningly cathartic 2022 work, Forgiveness Machine, originally commissioned for pianist Adam Tendler’s elegiac Inheritances project. Through performance, personal essays as program notes, medical records, and images, the recital tells the story of growing up musically and invites listeners to be part of a journey still unfolding.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free
Concerts, March 20, 2026, 03/20/2026, Modern Coming-of-Age Piano Works

Classical Music | Afternoon Bach


Take a momentary respite from a busy day to enjoy a selection of organ works by Johann Sebastian Bach in an intimate venue.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:20 pm
Free
Concerts, March 20, 2026, 03/20/2026, Afternoon Bach

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, March 20, 2026, 03/20/2026, Crafting Community: Work on Personal Projects & Make New Friends

Film | Bugonia (2025): Black Comedy Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, Starring Emma Stone


Two conspiracy-minded young men kidnap the high-powered CEO of a major company, convinced that she is an alien bent on destroying the Earth. Director: Yorgos Lanthimos Cast: Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Aidan Delbis, Stavros Halkias, Alicia Silverstone Yorgos Lanthimos is an acclaimed Greek filmmaker, having received multiple accolades, including a BAFTA Award, and a Golden Lion, plus nominations for five Academy Awards and a Golden Globe Award. Lanthimos started his career in experimental theatre before directing film. Emma Stone is an American actress and film producer. Over her career so far, she's earned such accolades as two Academy Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, and two Golden Globes. In 2017, she was the world's highest-paid actress and named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
   New York City, NY; NYC
2:00 pm
Free
Films, March 20, 2026, 03/20/2026, Bugonia (2025): Black Comedy Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, Starring Emma Stone

Film | Now You See Me: Now You Don't (2025) -- Heist Film with Star-Studded Cast


A diamond heist reunites a team of young illusionists to expose a global money laundering scheme. Director: Ruben Fleischer Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Isla Fisher, Justice Smith, Dominic Sessa, Ariana Greenblatt, Rosamund Pike, Morgan Freeman
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Films, March 20, 2026, 03/20/2026, Now You See Me: Now You Don't (2025) -- Heist Film with Star-Studded Cast

Screening | Speaking in Pairs: Dialogue, Memory & Representation


This day-long interdisciplinary program brings together artists, scholars, conservators, and performers in paired conversations exploring portraiture, history, memory, and the power of representation. The program opens with a screening of Hommage à August Sander (1977), a 21-minute documentary film by Pavel Schnabel, followed by the day's paired talks. Vocalist Beth Griffith performs an English rendition of Marieluise: A Report by Kerstin Specht, joined by dancer Yehuda Hyman, weaving embodied performance into the day's layered exchanges.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Screenings, March 20, 2026, 03/20/2026, Speaking in Pairs: Dialogue, Memory & Representation

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
2:00 pm
Free
Concerts, March 20, 2026, 03/20/2026, Afternoon Jam Sesh (Play Music or Just Listen)

Talk | Maple Harvest: Native Food & Spring Traditions


Celebrate the arrival of spring and nature's gift of sweetness. This time of year, Native peoples of the Northeast harvest maple sap and make maple syrup and other sweet treats. Learn about this Native food and the ingenious process that Native people developed and have shared with the world. Visitors of all ages are welcome.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Talks, March 20, 2026, 03/20/2026, Maple Harvest: Native Food & Spring Traditions

Tour | Curator Insights: Rail, Real Estate & Urban Identity


Join the Museum's director for a gallery tour of The Invention of Park Avenue, which explores how the creation of Grand Central and an avenue out of thin air became the key link between railroads and real estate, shaping Park Avenue's unique and evolving New York identity.
   New York City, NY; NYC
3:00 pm
Free
Tours, March 20, 2026, 03/20/2026, Curator Insights: Rail, Real Estate & Urban Identity

Workshop | Play Chess


Sharpen your mind, meet new people, and enjoy this timeless game. Chess sets and timers are provided. Adults only.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free
Workshops, March 20, 2026, 03/20/2026, Play Chess

Museums | American History and Artifact Collections


Enjoy a stroll through galleries of an extensive collection of American art, learn about the history of New York and the USA. Last admission is at 7 pm.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Pay-what-you-wish, reservation required
Museumss, March 20, 2026, 03/20/2026, American History and Artifact Collections

Museums | Friday Evening at the Art/History Museum


This museum is an assemblage of illuminated, literary, and historical manuscripts, early printed books, and old master drawings and prints inside a historic building. Registration opens 7 days in advance & does sell out.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Museumss, March 20, 2026, 03/20/2026, Friday Evening at the Art/History Museum

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
5:00 pm
Free
Museumss, March 20, 2026, 03/20/2026, Friday Night Function at an Iconic Art Museum

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
5:30 pm
Free
Museumss, March 20, 2026, 03/20/2026, Friday Evening at the Famous Art Museum

Concert | DJ MD Spins Innovative Tracks Honoring African Diaspora


DJ MD (Marcy DePina) curates vibes and sounds that reflect her passion for music, art, and the cultures of the world. Celebrating music as the universal language, DJ MD spins tracks from Africa and its expansive and innovative Diaspora, with the purpose of raising frequencies and promoting unity through sound. For over a decade, DJ MD has been a radio host, producer, deejay, and host of the FORSA!
   New York City, NY; NYC
6:00 pm
Free
Concerts, March 20, 2026, 03/20/2026, DJ MD Spins Innovative Tracks Honoring African Diaspora

Discussion | Evening of Readings and Conversation with Poets and Authors


Join an author talk with poets Amy Barone, Elizabeth Morse, and author/host Eleni Traganas. The event features a reading by published Woodside Writers authors. Books will be available for purchase and author signings, and the evening will celebrate poetry, prose, and the literary community.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Discussions, March 20, 2026, 03/20/2026, Evening of Readings and Conversation with Poets and Authors

Opening Reception | Multi-Artist Spring Exhibition


Enjoy refreshments and mingling amongst a display of fine art from talented artists. See award winners! Soft drinks and platters will be provided for your enjoyment.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Opening Receptions, March 20, 2026, 03/20/2026, Multi-Artist Spring Exhibition
7:00 pm
Regular: $50
Member: $0
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Concerts, March 20, 2026, 03/20/2026, Piano Works by Debussy, Sibelius, & More

Book Discussion | Riffs & Rebellion: A Night of Punk Memories


Join author Angela Jaeger for a vibrant reading from I Feel Famous: Punk Diaries 1977-1981, where she recounts her coming-of-age in the heart of New York's punk scene. Her memoir weaves together identity politics, downtown culture, fashion, and the raw energy of punk music, offering a fresh perspective on how style and sound shaped a generation. After the reading, Jaeger will field questions and discuss the interplay of fashion, media, and fandom in the era. Books will be available for purchase, and attendees are encouraged to embrace punk style for the event.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:00 pm
Free
Book Discussions, March 20, 2026, 03/20/2026, Riffs & Rebellion: A Night of Punk Memories

Film | The Philosopher’s Kitchen (2026): Korean Culinary Documentary


Buddhist nun and chef Jeong Kwan is a devoted Buddhist practitioner and a world-renowned ambassador of Korean cuisine. The Philosopher’s Kitchen follows her daily life through the four seasons, capturing the rhythm and intimacy of her practice. The film reveals her radical culinary philosophy—one that breaks from convention—while embracing her unmistakably human presence as someone who laughs and cries within the monastery walls. Directors: Baek Heon-seok, Jeong Ui-tae, Ko Yun-seong
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free
Films, March 20, 2026, 03/20/2026, The Philosopher&rsquo;s Kitchen (2026): Korean Culinary Documentary

Performance | Black Burlesque & Drag Showcase Exploring Cultural Hybridity and Black Diaspora


This event showcases burlesque at its finest. Empowered, illustrious, and fierce. An evening of live performance and multimedia experiences, Hairology brings together some of today's most innovative Black burlesque and drag performers in an exploration of cultural hybridity within the global Black diaspora. Featuring a star-studded lineup including: Foxy Belle Afriq, Abby Fantastic, Thee Suburbia, Rain Supreme, Junior Mintt, ILOV GRATE, and special guests Jack Rabbit Slims and Susie Dahl. Please note: This performance contains partial nudity and other adult themes. Audience discretion is advised. 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
7:30 pm
Free
Performances, March 20, 2026, 03/20/2026, Black Burlesque & Drag Showcase Exploring Cultural Hybridity and Black Diaspora

Open Mic | Hear from Emerging Writers or Perform Your Own Work


Hear original work by local, emerging writers of all genres, or share some of your own pieces! All performers welcome! Hosted by novelist Ed Lin. Sign ups start from 7:30PM. 5-minute time slots.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free
Open Mics, March 20, 2026, 03/20/2026, Hear from Emerging Writers or Perform Your Own Work

Concert | Underground Voices: Czech & Slovak Rap, Punk & Electronic


A joint concert by three young Czech and Slovak artists, Arleta, Berlin Manson, and FVCK_KVLT, brings the current underground scene to New York, combining rap, synth-punk, and socially engaged music. Their music shares a strong social dimension and addresses themes of identity, generational experience, and post-industrial reality. Each employs a distinct musical language, ranging from rap and punk to electronic music.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free
Concerts, March 20, 2026, 03/20/2026, Underground Voices: Czech & Slovak Rap, Punk & Electronic
11:30 pm
Regular: $30
Member: $0
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Concerts, March 20, 2026, 03/20/2026, "Soulful, Electric, and Timeless" Rock at Legendary Club
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Complimentary Tickets

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

Musical | Famous Musical with Broadway Director

Regular Price: $30
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Dance Performance | Irish Music and Dance at a Major Venue

Regular Price: $39.50
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Concert | Multi-Grammy Nominee and The Great American Songbook

Regular Price: $67
CFT Member Price: $0.00