free things to do in New York City
Free events for Thursday, 05/28/26
<

May 2026

>
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
     12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31      
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 May 28, 2026?

26 free events take place on Thursday, May 28 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 May 28 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 May . 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.
Join the Club!
Go!
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!

26 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Thursday, May 28, 2026

All events are free unless otherwise noted.
        

Workshop | Learn How To Play Mah-Jongg


Mah-Jongg is a four-person tile game of skill, strategy, and luck! Learn the rules and mechanics of American Mah-Jongg. Attend a two hour group lesson with instructor Susan Richards. Sets and a few cards provided, but you are encouraged to bring your own cards.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
10:00 am
Free
Workshops, May 28, 2026, 05/28/2026, Learn How To Play Mah-Jongg

Tour | New York City Hall Guided Tour


One of the oldest continuously used city halls in the nation that still houses its original governmental functions, New York's City Hall is considered one of the finest architectural achievements of its period. Constructed from 1803 to 1812, the building was an early expression of the City's cosmopolitanism. City Hall is a designated New York City landmark, and its rotunda is also a designated interior landmark. Note: When registering, choose the "Individual Tour" option.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
10:00 am
Free
Tours, May 28, 2026, 05/28/2026, New York City Hall Guided Tour

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
Join the Club!
Go!
12:00 pm
Free
Workshops, May 28, 2026, 05/28/2026, Learn to Juggle, All Skill Levels Welcome

Film | Seven Days in May (1964): Political Thriller with Star-Studded Cast


Military brass conspires at top levels to overthrow the president, but a whistleblowing colonel uncovers the coup. Director: John Frankenheimer Cast: Burt Lancaster, Kirk Douglas, Fredric March, Ava Gardner, Edmond O'Brien, Martin Balsam
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
1:00 pm
Free
Films, May 28, 2026, 05/28/2026, Seven Days in May (1964): Political Thriller with&nbsp;Star-Studded Cast

Classical Music | Early Ensemble Works from Charlemagne's Europe (In Person AND Online!)


Theotokos Ensemble (Elisse Albian, soprano, Elisa Sutherland, alto, leiken, tenor, Tracy Cowert, medieval harp, and Doug Balliett, psaltery and direction) performs a series of pieces associated with the time of Charlemagne and the Carolingian Renaissance. Special attention will be given to Notker the Stammerer, a 9th-century visionary monk, biographer of Charlemagne, and composer of works that some scholars call the birth of western drama.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
1:15 pm
Free
Concerts, May 28, 2026, 05/28/2026, Early Ensemble Works from Charlemagne's Europe (In Person AND Online!)

Film | The Cloud-Capped Star (1960): Bengali Political Drama


Nita struggles to support her siblings and elderly father on the outskirts of the poverty-stricken city. While her brother dreams of becoming a famous classical singer, Nita hopes one day to marry a young scientist, who appears to return her affections. However, when it becomes clear that the young man is more interested in Nita's sister, she falls dangerously ill, becoming a burden on her family. Director: Ritwik Ghatak Cast: Supriya Choudhury, Anil Chatterjee, Niranjan Ray, Gita Ghatak This film will be shown in its original language with English subtitles.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
2:00 pm
Free
Films, May 28, 2026, 05/28/2026, The Cloud-Capped Star (1960): Bengali Political Drama

Workshop | Handsewing 101: Build a Mindful, Creative Hobby


Participate in a class on learning to sew by hand using traditional handsewing techniques. For most of human history people have created stuff from fabric and fibers by hand. Almost everything we can sew using a machine can be done by hand. It just takes a little more mindfulness, patience, time, and a few simple tools and techniques to begin. Participants will learn about the tools needed for handsewing, the various types of stitches used in hand sewing, the terminology, basic fabric information, and more. You will also get an opportunity to practice what you have learned in the class by sewing a small project that can be completed during our sessions. No prior experience necessary. No need to purchase anything. All materials will be provided for the class. Just come in and start your journey to becoming a sewists. Handsewing, sometimes called slow stitching, can be a mindful hobby that allows you to slowly create beautiful and quality items in our fast paced world.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
2:30 pm
Free
Workshops, May 28, 2026, 05/28/2026, Handsewing 101: Build a Mindful, Creative Hobby

Workshop | Play Mah Jongg on the Plaza


Play Mah Jongg with players of all skill levels! Socials are hosted and organized by Linda Fisher, and players play the National Mah Jongg League style.  Participants are welcome to borrow equipment, or bring their own Mah Jongg sets. Mah Jongg lessons are currently unavailable at this time.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
3:00 pm
Free
Workshops, May 28, 2026, 05/28/2026, Play Mah Jongg on the Plaza

Museums | Thursday Evenings at a Living Memorial Museum


Explore a museum dedicated to Holocaust remembrance, Jewish life, and education. View expansive galleries, survivor testimonies, and tens of thousands of artifacts. The museum also offers a theater, a genealogy center, an outdoor memorial, and a cafe.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
4:00 pm
Free
Museumss, May 28, 2026, 05/28/2026, Thursday Evenings at a Living Memorial Museum

Birdwatching | Evening Birding Tour


Discover the surprising diversity of birds that call the park home during migratory season, with guided tours led by environmental educator and urban naturalist Gabriel Willow. The park is a hotspot for avian visitors and birders alike. Past sightings include warblers, tanagers, vireos, thrushes, and even a Chuck-will's-widow!
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
5:00 pm
Free
Birdwatchings, May 28, 2026, 05/28/2026, Evening Birding Tour

Museums | Three Floors. Hundreds of Images. One Unforgettable Way to See


This museum is the world's leading institution dedicated to photography and visual culture. It was founded in 1974 to champion "concerned photography"--socially and politically minded images that can educate and change the world. Through its exhibitions, education programs, community outreach, and public programs, the museum offers an open forum for dialogue about the power of the image.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
5:00 pm
$5, tickets required
Museumss, May 28, 2026, 05/28/2026, Three Floors. Hundreds of Images. One Unforgettable Way to See

Opening Reception | Bold Strokes: Bridging Tradition & Innovation in Art


This exhibition celebrates fresh perspectives, fearless experimentation, and bold artistic voices poised to make their mark. Bridging tradition and innovation, the exhibition connects an artistic historic legacy with the dynamic energy of today’s art scene. Bold Strokes showcases emerging talent while fostering connection, mentorship, and the next generation of the creative community.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
6:00 pm
Free
Opening Receptions, May 28, 2026, 05/28/2026, Bold Strokes: Bridging Tradition & Innovation in Art

Opening Reception | Humans26: Exploring the Human Figure 


Enjoy a showcase of exceptional contemporary figurative art. Situated in the heart of New York City’s vibrant art world, this exhibit is an overview of representational art that focuses on the human figure and face, as seen in the context of New York City and contemporary life. This array of painting, photography, drawing, and sculpture explores themes of portraiture, nudes, clothed figures, and narratives that center on the human form.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
6:00 pm
Free
Opening Receptions, May 28, 2026, 05/28/2026, Humans26: Exploring the Human Figure&nbsp;

Film | Secret Behind the Door (1947): Classic Psychological Horror Thriller from Fritz Lang


After a whirlwind romance, a woman and her new husband settle in an ancient mansion on the East coast, and she discovers that he may want to kill her. And what can be hidden in the room he always keeps locked...? Director: Fritz Lang Cast: Joan Bennett, Michael Redgrave Fritz Lang was an Austrian filmmaker who worked in Germany and later in the United States. One of the best-known émigrés from Germany's school of Expressionism, he was dubbed the "Master of Darkness" by the British Film Institute. He has been cited as one of the most influential filmmakers of all time.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
6:00 pm
Free
Films, May 28, 2026, 05/28/2026, Secret Behind the Door (1947): Classic Psychological Horror Thriller from Fritz Lang

Discussion | Mental Health and Community Resilience After Crisis


This conversation explores how the mental health impacts of 9/11 have shaped approaches to supporting first responders and communities in crisis. Bringing together experts and responders, the panel reflects on lessons learned and on evolving strategies to build resilience in the face of tragedy.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
6:00 pm
Free
Discussions, May 28, 2026, 05/28/2026, Mental Health and Community Resilience After Crisis

Opening Reception | Relxaded Presentation of New Figure Drawing Pieces by Local Artists


Done spur of the moment, this exhibition's pieces are raw and unpolished; but an authentic state of the artist’s attention to detail. This exhibition offers a relaxed presentation of figurative work created by artists who have been an active part of the local artistic community.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
6:00 pm
Free
Opening Receptions, May 28, 2026, 05/28/2026, Relxaded Presentation of New Figure Drawing Pieces by Local Artists

Concert | Danceable Blend of Bhangra, Funk, Jazz, & Rock in the Park


A Brooklyn-based global dance explosion, Red Baraat blends Bhangra, funk, jazz, and rock into a wild, joy-filled party led by dhol master Sunny Jain. They turn every show into a full-on celebration of joy, dance, and togetherness. 6:30 PM l DJ SET with DJ Reagonomics 7:30PM l Show No assigned seating, first-come, first-served on the event terrace. No additional seating will not be provided. Lawn chairs are permitted. If the venue gets crowded, patrons may be asked to make room to allow for more guests. Food and beverage will be available for purchase, picnics are allowed.
   New York City, NY; NYC
6:30 pm
Free
Concerts, May 28, 2026, 05/28/2026, Danceable Blend of Bhangra, Funk, Jazz, & Rock in the Park

Discussion | Award-Winning Directors Explore the World of Generative AI & Film


In this conversation, award-winning directors Michaela Ternasky-Holland and Aaron Santiago share how they use generative AI, motion capture, 360° cinematography, projection mapping, and volumetric capture to tell stories that cross lines of culture, ability, and lived experience. From Emmy-winning VR documentaries screened at Tribeca and Cannes to experimental AI films created with OpenAI's SORA, Ternasky-Holland and Santiago work where technology stops being a tool and starts becoming a language. They'll discuss their solo projects, their collaborations, and the question at the heart of their practice: Does technology inspire art, or does art give technology meaning? Whether you're a creator, technologist, or simply curious about where storytelling is headed, this is a rare chance to hear from two artists shaping the future of how we connect.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
7:00 pm
Free
Discussions, May 28, 2026, 05/28/2026, Award-Winning Directors Explore the World of Generative AI & Film

Concert | Chamber & Vocal Works by Leo Zeitlin and Others (In Person AND Online!)


Performances by Julian Schwarz, cello, Marika Bournaki, piano, Peter Sirotin, violin, and Daniel Kurganov, violins, Colin Brookes, viola, and Ori Marcu, mezzo-soprano, will feature a variety of chamber and vocal music by Leo Zeitlin, alongside works by composers with whom he was in dialogue, including Joseph Achron, Alexander Krein, Joachim Stutschewsky, Mikhail Gnesin, Lazare Saminsky, Joel Engel, Alexander Zhitomirsky, and Michael Lewin.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
7:00 pm
Free
Concerts, May 28, 2026, 05/28/2026, Chamber & Vocal Works by Leo Zeitlin and Others (In Person AND Online!)

Museums | Contemporary Art, Open Doors: Thursday Nights at NYC's Leading Museum


Contemporary art is a vital social force that advances questioning, learning, and working towards a better society. This weekly program offers an accessible opportunity to explore groundbreaking exhibitions by emerging and established artists from around the globe. Engage with current artistic dialogues and help expand the definition of art.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
7:00 pm
pay-what-you-wish, reservation required
Museumss, May 28, 2026, 05/28/2026, Contemporary Art, Open Doors: Thursday Nights at NYC's Leading Museum

Jazz | NPR-Featured Trombonist with a Swinging Band on the Green


Traditional jazz, swinging band, energetic trombonist and vocalist Wycliffe Gordon.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
7:00 pm
Free
Concerts, May 28, 2026, 05/28/2026, NPR-Featured Trombonist with a Swinging Band on the Green

Jazz | Traditional Rythms and Swing Trombone


Trombonist and vocalist Wycliffe Gordon brings an evening of hard-swinging, straight-ahead jazz to a lively outdoor performance. Known for his mastery of the plunger mute, virtuosic technique, and signature rich sound, Gordon is widely regarded as one of the leading trombonists of his generation. A longtime collaborator with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Gordon blends deep roots in traditional jazz with dynamic energy, offering a program featuring classic swing, original compositions, and vibrant improvisation.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
7:00 pm
Free
Concerts, May 28, 2026, 05/28/2026, Traditional Rythms and Swing Trombone

Performance | Spoken Word Inspired by the Works of Howard Zinn


Experience a night of readings and performances inspired by the work of author and historian Howard Zinn, particularly the classic bestsellers A People's History of the United States and Voices of a People's History of the United States. Zinn's works continue to shine a light on the extraordinary history of those engaged in struggles for freedom and justice in America. Voices of a People's History is a non-profit organization of artists and educators who seek to keep Zinn's message of grassroots egalitarianism alive. Artists to be announced soon. 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
Join the Club!
Go!
7:30 pm
Free
Performances, May 28, 2026, 05/28/2026, Spoken Word Inspired by the Works of Howard Zinn

Open Mic | Poetry, Music, and Comedy Showcase (Online!)


Join a weekly online showcase featuring poems, songs, and comedy. Performers can sign up for a 4-minute spot by reserving one of 20 Artist-RSVP tickets, available starting Wednesdays at 8:00 PM ET. If all spots are filled, performers may join the “good-luck round” at the end of the session. Audience members are welcome to watch live via Zoom.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
8:00 pm
Free
Open Mics, May 28, 2026, 05/28/2026, Poetry, Music, and Comedy Showcase (Online!)

Play | Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet: Broadway & Film Actors in a Timeless Tale of Starcrossed Lovers


Never was there a story of more woe, or more romance, than the Bard’s timeless tale of two young lovers from warring families. As the Montagues and Capulets are torn apart by ideology and simmering violence spills into the streets of the border town of Verona, Romeo and Juliet dare to defy a world determined to keep them apart. In this bold new staging, the play unfolds in English, but Romeo and Juliet speak to one another in Spanish, a language reserved only for their shared world. Don’t miss this thrilling new production, essential viewing for lovers of Shakespeare, theater, and the enduring power of love itself. Written by William Shakespeare Directed by Saheem Ali Cast: Ra'Mya Latiah Aikens, Sergio Mauritz Ang (TV: Crutch, Law & Order: SVU), Daniel Bravo Hernández (Broadway: Romeo + Juliet), Reece dos Santos, Caleb Joshua Eberhardt (Broadway: An Enemy of the People, Choir Boy), Glenn Fleshler (Broadway: Good Night, and Good Luck, Death of a Salesman, Arcadia, Guys and Dolls, Spring Awakening; Film: Joker, A Most Violent Year; TV: Billions, Barry, True Detective, Boardwalk Empire), Francis Jue (Tony, Outer Critics Circle, Lucille Lortel, and Obie Awards for Yellow Face)
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
8:00 pm
Free
Plays, May 28, 2026, 05/28/2026, Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet: Broadway & Film Actors in a Timeless Tale of Starcrossed Lovers

Comedy Club | Standup Show


Catch some of the best comedians at this free weekly stand-up show, featuring a lineup of rising stars and seasoned favorites. Past performers include Sheng Wang, Mark Normand, Dan Soder, Annie Lederman, and more.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
8:00 pm
Free
Comedy Clubs, May 28, 2026, 05/28/2026, Standup Show
Join the Club!
Go!
Complimentary Tickets

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

Play | Broadway Actor in a Family Comedy

Regular Price: $66
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Concert | Motown Hits Performed A Cappella

Regular Price: $30
CFT Member Price: $0.00