58 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Saturday, May 5, 2018
All events are free unless otherwise noted.
Editor's Pick
An annual weekend-long celebration featuring 200+ free “walking conversations” throughout the five ...
more >> boroughs, led by urban enthusiasts and local experts who care deeply about their neighborhoods. All of the walks combine the simple act of exploring neighborhoods with personal observations, local history, and civic engagement. A typical walk is 90 minutes.
New York City, NY; NYC
This is a 3-hour tour that begins with a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge, an icon of New York City for ...
more >> over 125 years, with spectacular views of Manhattan and Brooklyn. The tour then moves on to a stroll of Brooklyn Heights, America’s and New York City’s first suburb. The tour then explores the neighborhood DUMBO before ending at the Fulton Ferry landing.
New York City, NY; NYC
The 3-hour walking and subway tour covers the Financial District including Wall Street and the World ...
more >> Trade Center, SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown. These are neighborhoods that simply can’t be fully appreciated from a bus. There will be one or two opportunities to sample tasty treats.
New York City, NY; NYC
Morning Pilates, presented by the Pilates Initiative and Return to Life Center. Mats are provided by ...
more >> Balanced Body and are available to the first 30 attendees at each class.
New York City, NY; NYC
9:30 am
free, no reservation required
A moderately paced 7-mile hike on flat terrain via a combination of beaches and pathways. Visit Hanger ...
more >> B, displaying many vintage WW ll aircraft, some in stages of restoration. There will be access to some of the interiors of these aircraft. A continuation of this hike to Horseshoe Bay and beaches. A confluence of tides and currents have influxed this area with vintage bottles and glassware. Bring lunch and water. Call for hike status or information.
New York City, NY; NYC
Greenwich Village is among Manhattan's most desirable and expensive residential neighborhoods. It's history, ...
more >> however, betrays it's monied status. The Village, with it's quiet, shaded streets, lined with lovely brick and brownstone townhouses, was once the incubating ground of artistic, social and political movements that have helped shape US history. From the Beats to the Folk Movement, from workers rights to gay rights, the Village has often been the center of it all.
New York City, NY; NYC
Although world famous, Harlem may be New York's best kept secret with some of the city's best architecture, ...
more >> food, music and people. Harlem's history is also one of the city's most dramatic, having gone through many ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic changes over the past roughly 400 years, which have resulted in a diverse array of places of worship, theaters, homes and eating establishments.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join a Manhattan Street Art Tour and experience the Lower East Side - SoHo, NoHo, Nolita and Little Italy. ...
more >> The Lower East Side of Manhattan is a playground for street artists, Soho is known to be one of NYC first permit Joint Live-Work Quarters for artists and the area received landmark designation in 1973. Noho and Nolita’s street art is either hidden in courtyards or on the more prominent street art facades. Learn about the history of the art of many famous and unknown artist.
New York City, NY; NYC
You've seen the iconic skyscrapers, attended a Broadway show, visited Lady Liberty and relaxed in Central ...
more >> Park. Looking for a little more of the Big Apple? Maybe it's time to visit some of Manhattan's oldest and most enchanting historic districts. Take a relaxing stroll through SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown.
New York City, NY; NYC
A "visual history" of the 1968 Columbia University student protests, as pieced together from nearly seven ...
more >> hundred filmed interviews, archival footage, and a newly-assembled archive of 35,000 photos. This ten-chapter, seven-hour film will be screened in its entirety, intercut with discussion and contributions from audience members. The day will incorporate several breaks, including a lunch break (bring your own). Directed by Paul Cronin.
New York City, NY; NYC
10:00 am
free, no reservation required
Paint in watercolor, or use pastels, chalk, and charcoal to capture the magical vistas of the Hudson ...
more >> River and the unique landscape. An artist/educator will help participants of all levels with instruction and critique. Art materials provided. Please note that this program is for adult participants (age 18 and up).
New York City, NY; NYC
10:00 am
free, no reservation required
Learn the basics of fly fishing for free. Join expert instructors from Orvis. Equipment provided.
New York City, NY; NYC
10:00 am
free, no reservation required
10:00 am
free, no reservation required
Roosevelt House - the landmark former double townhouse of Franklin, Eleanor and Sara Delano Roosevelt, ...
more >> and now owned by Hunter College - offers visitors a chance to get closer to a family as unique as the city they inhabited, and to explore the private spaces where some of the most iconic public policy of the 20th century was shaped. Hear about FDR's rise to the presidency after his struggle with polio, Eleanor's activism for civil rights and human rights, and Sara's support for interracial and interfaith initiatives. Hear the voices of the Roosevelts and their visitors, and see Roosevelt memorabilia, photographs, and documents. ·
New York City, NY; NYC
Free fun for the whole family, including arts, crafts, antiques, plants, entertainment, games, and more.
New York City, NY; NYC
10:00 am
free, no reservation required
Free fun for the whole family, including arts, crafts, antiques, plants, entertainment, games, and more.
New York City, NY; NYC
10:00 am
free, no reservation required
Eugenio Dittborn invented the format of Airmail Paintings in 1984. An innovative form of expressive support, ...
more >> the Airmail Paintings consist of large sections of pliable materials, which are then folded, inserted into specially designed envelopes, and mailed to an international place of exhibition. When received, they are unfolded and pinned loosely to the wall, the creases of their travel carefully preserved. The envelopes in which they arrived are hung alongside the works, bearing the stamps and traces of the journey they undertook.
New York City, NY; NYC
11:00 am
free, no reservation required
Test your coordination and dexterity with juggling lessons in the park. All skill levels are welcome ...
more >> to join in the fun. Equipment is provided.
New York City, NY; NYC
11:00 am
free, no reservation required
It's Shape Up NYC's fun Zumba class! Colorful outfits are encouraged! Zumba is a fusion of Latin, International, ...
more >> and popular music dance themes creating a dynamic, exciting, and effective fitness system! The routines feature aerobic, fitness interval training with a combination of fast and slow rhythms that tone and sculpt the body with easy-to-follow dance steps.
New York City, NY; NYC
11:00 am
free, no reservation required
Data science and analytics is one sector of the job market that bucked the great recession. CEOs everywhere ...
more >> are urgently building data and analytics teams to cope with the world of Big Data. A leading jobs website estimated that the number of data analytics jobs quadrupled in the last six years. Kaiser Fung (directing the Applied Analytics program at Columbia University, founder of rSQUAREedge) provides insights, tips, and educational recommendations to help you break into these fast-growing career paths. Seating is on a first come, first seated basis.
New York City, NY; NYC
11:00 am
free, no reservation required
Who has a masterful understanding of Aguilar's community’s past and present history? A neighborhood ...
more >> librarian of course! The staff will lead you on an exploration of Aguilar's rich and changing history.
New York City, NY; NYC
11:00 am
free, RSVP required
Who has a masterful understanding of the neighborhood’s past and present history? A neighborhood librarian ...
more >> of course! Learn from these amazing experts who live and breathe community as they take you for a walk beyond their local library walls. The staff will lead you on an exploration of neighborhood's rich and changing history. Walk the blocks around the Library building. You’ll be surprised when we show you some neighborhood photographs from generations past that we’ve found in the Library’s collections. And, of course, we’ll share some anecdotes and observations along the way, too.
New York City, NY; NYC
Who has a masterful understanding of Mid-Manhattan community’s past and present history? A neighborhood ...
more >> librarian of course! Learn from these amazing experts who live and breathe community as they take you for a walk beyond their local library walls. The Library staff will lead you on an exploration of Mid-Manhattan's rich and changing history. Walk the blocks around the Library building. You’ll be surprised when we show you some neighborhood photographs from generations past that we’ve found in the Library’s collections. And, of course, they’ll share some anecdotes and observations along the way, too.
New York City, NY; NYC
Need a quiet space to write? Want to meet other writers in the neighborhood? Join the writing circle ...
more >> at Yorkville. Participants will free write and have the opportunity to discuss their work with other members of the group. Ages 18 and up.
New York City, NY; NYC
11:00 am
free, no reservation required
Who has a masterful understanding of Inwood's community’s past and present history? A neighborhood ...
more >> librarian of course! The staff will lead you on an exploration of Inwood's rich and changing history.
New York City, NY; NYC
Using collage, drawing, and hand lettering, this workshop will be focused on maternal themes. Presented ...
more >> by National Association of Women Artists. All are welcome—beginners or experienced artists. For ages 18+.
New York City, NY; NYC
12:00 pm
free, reservation required
Roosevelt House - the landmark former double townhouse of Franklin, Eleanor and Sara Delano Roosevelt, ...
more >> and now owned by Hunter College - offers visitors a chance to get closer to a family as unique as the city they inhabited, and to explore the private spaces where some of the most iconic public policy of the 20th century was shaped. Hear about FDR's rise to the presidency after his struggle with polio, Eleanor's activism for civil rights and human rights, and Sara's support for interracial and interfaith initiatives. Hear the voices of the Roosevelts and their visitors, and see Roosevelt memorabilia, photographs, and documents. ·
New York City, NY; NYC
An opportunity to get up close and personal with NYC’s wild residents. Learn about squirrels, raccoons, ...
more >> coyotes, skunks, deer, and more. Find out the best places in New York City and New York State to watch wildlife. There will be live animals with educational speakers, kid’s activities, and musical performances. Everyone is welcomed.
New York City, NY; NYC
12:00 pm
free, no reservation required
A celebration of all things comics! Celebrate one of America's most enduring art forms: the comic book. ...
more >> Stop by the Librarian Is In booth to pick up free comics and find your next great read. Tell them about your favorite comic or graphic novel, and swap recommendations with librarians and experts from local comic shop Montasy Comics NYC. Meet other comic and graphic novel fans at the monthly book social.
New York City, NY; NYC
1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Who has a masterful understanding of Seward Park community’s past and present history? A neighborhood ...
more >> librarian of course! Learn from these amazing experts who live and breathe community as they take you for a walk beyond their local library walls.
New York City, NY; NYC
Stars: Wood Moy, Marc Hayashi, Laureen Chew. Two cabbies search San Francisco's Chinatown for a mysterious ...
more >> character who has disappeared with their $4000. Their quest leads them on a humorous, if mundane, journey which illuminates the many problems experienced by Chinese-Americans trying to assimilate into contemporary American society. 80 min.
New York City, NY; NYC
1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Three award-winning classical actors and singers highlight the work of Paul Laurence Dunbar with monologues ...
more >> and scenes from Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, Antony and Cleopatra and Richard III along with moving images and songs of Paul Robeson.
New York City, NY; NYC
1:30 pm
Free-will offering...
Leslie Trager's book relates, for the first time, Cree and Inuit history as they encountered Hudson during ...
more >> his exploration of Hudson Bay, based upon information given to a pilot who flew many trips into the Hudson Bay area when he was transporting material to radar sites set up in Northern Canada during the late '50's and '60's.s.
New York City, NY; NYC
New York City is a mecca for graffiti and street art, making it a very attractive playground for artists ...
more >> from around the world. Bushwick, in a working class district on the north side of Brooklyn adjacent to Williamsburg, has been attracting artists for some time now. The neighborhood has a fair collection of art studios and galleries, but it’s Bushwick’s industrial landscape that’s attracting the street artist. If you came looking for 1960′s Greenwich Village, you’ll find something brewing in Bushwick.
New York City, NY; NYC
The tour explores the social and political history of the one of the most active and most famous squares ...
more >> in NYC through discussions about the people, history, architecture, and forces that have shaped its surroundings. You’ll hear how the square got its name, see where the legendary Tiffany & Co. once stood, and learn how to read the clock (yes, it’s a clock!) on the famous sculpture and so much more! The tour takes place every Saturday.
New York City, NY; NYC
2:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Editor's Pick
Vocalist Shavit Prince's ethnic compositions are based on a unique combination of influences, including ...
more >> Israeli and Afro - Cuban music. In a career spanning 11 years she has performed with diverse music groups in Spain, England, The Netherlands, and Israel.
New York City, NY; NYC
2:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Roosevelt House - the landmark former double townhouse of Franklin, Eleanor and Sara Delano Roosevelt, ...
more >> and now owned by Hunter College - offers visitors a chance to get closer to a family as unique as the city they inhabited, and to explore the private spaces where some of the most iconic public policy of the 20th century was shaped. Hear about FDR's rise to the presidency after his struggle with polio, Eleanor's activism for civil rights and human rights, and Sara's support for interracial and interfaith initiatives. Hear the voices of the Roosevelts and their visitors, and see Roosevelt memorabilia, photographs, and documents. ·
New York City, NY; NYC
Insulted by the regent of France, Britain’s King Henry V decides to wage war and claim the throne across ...
more >> the Channel. But Henry’s charm only distracts the soldiers for so long before the dire stakes of their task calls into question the King’s true motives and direction. Resonating from across the centuries—wherever there may be a kingdom for a stage, and royalty to act—Shakespeare’s drama about invasion, ego and leadership delves into history’s thorniest questions: What makes a person worthy of wearing the crown, and what do they owe the people they lead? Obie Award-winning director Robert O’Hara (Bootycandy, The Brother/Sister Plays (Part 2)) brings a warring King and his band of brothers to communities all across New York.
New York City, NY; NYC
You've seen the iconic skyscrapers, attended a Broadway show, visited Lady Liberty and relaxed in Central ...
more >> Park. Looking for a little more of the Big Apple? Maybe it's time to visit some of Manhattan's oldest and most enchanting historic districts. Take a relaxing stroll through SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown.
New York City, NY; NYC
Explore the southwest of Central Park with Central Park Conservancy tour guides, and see it like never ...
more >> before. From a planned military parade ground to the site commemorating a famous activist for peace, one of the most-visited areas of the Park has some secrets to share with even the most seasoned Park-goer. Highlights of this tour include: Maine Monument, the Children’s District, Sheep Meadow, Tavern on the Green, and Strawberry Fields.
New York City, NY; NYC
2:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Zavaglia has developed a technique which has been described as "Modern Pointillism," that allows her ...
more >> to blend colors and establish tonalities that truly resemble the techniques used in classical oil painting. The direction in which the threads are sewn mimic the way brush marks are layered within a painting which, in turn, gives the allusion of depth, volume, and form. Her stitching methodology borders on the obsessive.
New York City, NY; NYC
2:30 pm
free, no reservation required
Editor's Pick
Program: Rebecca Clarke Viola Sonata, Amy Beach Piano Quintet Mary Howe Three Pieces for String Quartet ...
more >> After Emily Dickinson The New York Classical Players continue their year-long exploration of American chamber music with a concert of women composes from the early 20th century.
New York City, NY; NYC
2:30 pm
free, no reservation required
Literary Studies senior Vogue Giambri presents two one-acts about people dealing with the many truths ...
more >> of wanting to change, needing to stay the same, and the violence that comes with it.
New York City, NY; NYC
3:30 pm
free, no reservation required
4:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Editor's Pick
Pianist and composer Theo Walentiny's compositions are inspired by the music he loves including Jazz, ...
more >> French Impressionism, and film scores. He has performed extensively both nationally/internationally at The Bern Jazz Festival, The Montreux Jazz Festival and The Tri-C Jazz Festival among many others.
New York City, NY; NYC
4:00 pm
free, no reservation required
The program features the great repertoire of the organ on the 101-rank Pipe Organ built by Herman Schlicker ...
more >> and the 5 stop chamber organ built by Taylor and Boody Organ Builders. Takes place every Saturday from Sept. 9, 2017 to May 27, 2018.
New York City, NY; NYC
4:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Literary Studies senior Vogue Giambri presents two one-acts about people dealing with the many truths ...
more >> of wanting to change, needing to stay the same, and the violence that comes with it.
New York City, NY; NYC
5:00 pm
free, no reservation required
At the monthly First Saturdays, thousands of visitors enjoy free programs of art and entertainment, including ...
more >> dynamic performances and participatory experiences.
New York City, NY; NYC
5:00 pm
free, no reservation required
6:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Editor's Pick
Vocalist Gabriella Rocha's music takes inspiration from the culture of her Brazilian roots and rural ...
more >> forest upbringing. She blends seamless storytelling into her music and lyrics, painting her own pictures of nature and emitting the universal emotions of the human condition.
New York City, NY; NYC
6:00 pm
free, no reservation required
The white power movement in America wants a revolution. It has declared all-out war against the federal ...
more >> government and its agents, and has carried out—with military precision—an escalating campaign of terror against the American public. Its soldiers are not lone wolves but are highly organized cadres motivated by a coherent and deeply troubling worldview of white supremacy, anticommunism, and apocalypse. In Bring the War Home, Kathleen Belew gives us the first full history of the movement that consolidated in the 1970s and 1980s around a potent sense of betrayal in the Vietnam War.
New York City, NY; NYC
7:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Editor's Pick
Insulted by the regent of France, Britain’s King Henry V decides to wage war and claim the throne across ...
more >> the Channel. But Henry’s charm only distracts the soldiers for so long before the dire stakes of their task calls into question the King’s true motives and direction. Resonating from across the centuries—wherever there may be a kingdom for a stage, and royalty to act—Shakespeare’s drama about invasion, ego and leadership delves into history’s thorniest questions: What makes a person worthy of wearing the crown, and what do they owe the people they lead? Obie Award-winning director Robert O’Hara (Bootycandy, The Brother/Sister Plays (Part 2)) brings a warring King and his band of brothers to communities all across New York.
New York City, NY; NYC
New York Ghost tours capture the spiritual side of the Big Apple through stories. famed explorers, native ...
more >> tribes, lost opportunities and political intrigue. With almost every step one takes through the West Village, one encounters the ghosts and spirits of New York City’s past. Every corner has its stories, every building has its haunted spirits.
New York City, NY; NYC
Editor's Pick
That Allen Ginsberg is thus far the one truly international poet that has ever lived, making of his person ...
more >> or speaker or point-dot of location in the poem a verticality or stack of conditions across the globe, as one knowing about any number of places and kinds of consciousness at once. Specific poems will be discussed. Speaker: Alice Notley Also, short readings by Adjua Gargi Nzinga Greaves and Filip Marinovich, and a closing reception.
New York City, NY; NYC
8:00 pm
free, no reservation required
New York is a skyscraper city and there is no better time to view Manhattan’s icons than after the ...
more >> sun sets and the lights go on. Fueled by competition and a dash of audacity, New York City is still producing one of mankind’s most remarkable skyline. NOTE** THIS TOUR SPENDS MUCH TIME INDOORS OR IN SUBWAYS AND GREAT FOR ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS. Please note they do utilize the subway on this tour so you will need $5 for subway.
New York City, NY; NYC
Jazz pianist Andrea Domenici plays standards from The American Song Book with a fresh approach and a ...
more >> variety of dynamics and tempos. He has collaborated, studied and performed with Harry Allen, Carol Fredette, Billy Harper, Dave Glasser, Charles Tolliver among others.
New York City, NY; NYC
8:30 pm
free, no reservation required
Viola player Emily Liu has performed at Alice Tully Hall and went on tour with the Juilliard Orchestra ...
more >> and the Sibelius Academy to Finland and Stockholm.
New York City, NY; NYC
8:30 pm
free, no reservation required