free things to do in New York City
Free events for Monday, 05/26/25
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Free Events, Free Things to Do in New York City!  Read More
14 free events take place on Monday, May 26 in New York City.
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14 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Monday, May 26, 2025

All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Editor's Picks

free events nyc Piano in the Park: Memorial Day Celebration with Kennedy Center Musician
free events nyc Sanguine Musical Selections in Museum Exhibition
free events nyc Art from All Over The World: Modern and Contemporary
free events nyc Live Jazz & Open Jam Night
More Editor's Picks for 05/26/25
        

Festival | Fleet Week Activities & Displays on the Water


In recognition of our men and women in uniform, this museum celebrates Fleet Week! Throughout the event, enjoy musical performances and explore a variety of displays, activities and demos from the military! All events on the pier are free and open to the public. 10:00am-5:30pm: Activities Workshops Enjoy workshops and hands-on activities frall day long. Activities include: Create a Corsair: Create a Corsair paper airplane with inverted gull wings like the one on display at the Intrepid Museum. Morse Code Bracelets: Create a bracelet that says your name or initials in Morse Code. Artifact Investigation Table: Discover artifacts from the Education Touch Collection. 10:00am: Memorial Day Ceremony Join us for a solemn ceremony honoring the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who have given their lives in defense of our nation. Civic and military leaders will offer remarks and join in a special wreath-laying ceremony in honor of the fallen. The ceremony concludes with a flyover by Navy fighter jets. 1:00pm: U.S. Army Drill Team  Watch breathtaking precision routines performed with bayonet-tipped 1903 Springfield rifles.  The U.S. Army Drill Team is a precision drill platoon with the primary mission of showcasing the U.S. Army both nationally and internationally. In celebration of the U.S. Army’s 250th Birthday with a theme of  “This We’ll Defend,” the Army’s elite precision drill platoon will perform. 2:00pm: U.S. Coast Guard Search and Rescue Demonstration.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:00 am
free, no reservation required

Museums | Remembrance, Reflection and Resilience


A place of commemoration: exhibition, artifacts, photographs, stories and more.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:00 am
free, reservation required

Fair | Memorial Day Street Fair 


Celebrate community, creativity, and culture at this vibrant street fair! Discover a colorful mix of artisan goods, live entertainment, and educational activities. This lively outdoor event highlights the diversity and spirit of the neighborhood while supporting local nonprofits, merchant associations, and community organizations.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
free, no reservation required

Workshop | Learn to Juggle, All Skill Levels Welcome


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, no reservation required

Concert | Piano in the Park: Memorial Day Celebration with Kennedy Center Musician


A five, six, seven, eight... Come on down and swing along to the best ragtime, stride, and jazz the Big Apple has to offer. The park is pleased to present a special performance in honor of Memorial Day, led by Isaac ben Ayala. Isaac ben Ayala has performed and recorded with many notable bands and greats, from Quincy Jones, Ray Charles, Louis and Bellson, to the New York City Ballet and The Sultans of Swing. He has scored numerous films and can be heard on the piano in Block Party, Evening, "The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor Honors - Carol Burnett", and more. His orchestral arrangement, Basin Street Blues, premiered at The Kennedy Center with The National Pops Orchestra and is currently being performed by orchestras around the world.
   New York City, NY; NYC
12:30 pm
free, no reservation required

Concert | Outdoor Memorial Day Concert Featuring Music by Leonard Bernstein and More


Grab a blanket, pack a picnic, and bring your friends to enjoy this beloved tradition that marks the unofficial start of summer. This year, organizers welcome back the talented musicians of the ISO Symphonic Band at Third Street, led by music director Paul Corn and guest conductor Brian P. Worsdale. The concert will feature stirring works that honor those who have served in the armed forces, while also spotlighting music by local stars, including James Weldon Johnson, Fred Ebb, and Leonard Bernstein. Plus, enjoy a selection of contemporary pieces by a diverse range of composers. It's a perfect way to commemorate the past while celebrating the beauty of music and community!
   New York City, NY; NYC
2:00 pm
free, tickets recommended

Concert | Sanguine Musical Selections in Museum Exhibition


Pop-up musical performances of Rashid Johnson's Sanguine (2024), enliven the museum and celebrate the vibrancy and abundant creativity of New York. Stage positioned just inside the museum exhibition. Pay-What-You-Wish hours reservations are available online only and released at 10 am the morning of the event.
   New York City, NY; NYC
4:00 pm
free with museum...

Museums | Art from All Over The World: Modern and Contemporary


Discover a vast collection of art from a diverse range of countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Italy, Russia, France, Spain, Japan, India, United States and more. Tickets for Pay-What-You-Wish hours are available online only and released at 10 am the morning of the event.
   New York City, NY; NYC
4:00 pm
$1 min pay-what-you-wish,...

Museums | Historical and Modern Design Spanning Centuries


The museum is dedicated to showcasing the history, influence, and importance of design in everyday life. Housed in a historic mansion, the museum features a diverse collection of design objects, including decorative arts, architecture, graphic design, textiles, and industrial design. Free admission is daily 5 pm - 6 pm.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
pay-what-you-wish...

Movie in a Park | Identity, Migration, and Memory: Three Short Documentaries Exploring American Chinatowns


Luka Yuanyuan Yang is a visual artist and filmmaker whose practice, characterized by interwoven documentary and archival materials, addresses themes of identity, migration, and memory, challenging conventional historical narratives and amplifying overlooked voices. During a year-long research trip across the US in 2018, Yang was captivated by the rich history of migration and adaptation in America's Chinatowns. From 1882 until the 1950s, due to the Chinese Exclusion Act and racial discrimination, Chinese Americans were largely confined to Chinatowns. During this same period, Yang began researching the stories of Chinese women in 20th-century American performing arts, seeking to uncover the experiences of Chinese women performers whose stories have been forgotten or misunderstood by history. Yang's exploration of these neighborhoods, the Chinese diaspora, and performing artists has become the central focus of her short films and feature film Chinatown Cha-Cha, and her recently published artist book Dance in Herland. In a time of rising threats to America's Chinatowns, the artist brings generations together through film, dance, and dialogue. For this screening, Yang presents Tales of Chinatown, an exhibition of three of her short films: Cantonese Tunes on Mott Street (2022), The Lady From Shanghai (2019), and Tales of Chinatown (2019). By following her protagonists on the streets, through their communities, and into their homes, Yang amplifies the voices of those often denied the chance to share their own stories--individuals who have been forgotten, silenced, or misinterpreted.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
free, no reservation required

Workshop | Hula Hooping Workshop for All Ages


Big Apple Hooping brings hooping fun to everyone. If you're looking to learn the fundamentals of hooping, work on refining your tricks, or meet fellow hoopers from the NYC area, this is the event for you. Hoopers of all experience levels, from beginner to advanced, are welcome, and all equipment is provided!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
free, no reservation required

Poetry Reading | Poetry in the Park


Hear award-winning poetry by established and emerging poets. Hosted by Jason Schneiderman, acclaimed poet who has author five poetry collections. Schneiderman is also the recipient of multiple awards and fellowships.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
free, no reservation required

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   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
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Jazz | Live Jazz & Open Jam Night


Experience the soul of the city underground at this free weekly jazz night where spontaneity and swing collide. A powerhouse house band sets the tone before opening the floor to an open jam session welcoming musicians of all levels. From seasoned pros to bold newcomers, the energy flows and the creativity never stops. An intimate, vibey setting makes this one of New York City's best-kept secrets for live music lovers.
   New York City, NY; NYC
8:00 pm
free, reservation required...
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Complimentary Tickets

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

Discussion | Major Political Correspondent in Conversation

Regular Price: $40
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Concert | Gospel, Pop, Folk Artist at a Major Venue

Regular Price: $40
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Performance | Erotic Burlesque Show

Regular Price: $135
CFT Member Price: $0.00