free things to do in New York City
Free events for Friday, 11/21/25
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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 November 21, 2025?

33 free events take place on Friday, November 21 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 November 21 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 November . 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!

33 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Friday, November 21, 2025

All events are free unless otherwise noted.
        

Lecture | NYT Artist & Designer Explores His Craft & Career (In Person AND Online!) 


Spanish designer and artist Pablo Delcan shares his insights into leading an artistic career. Delcan is the creator of Prompt-Brush 1.0, a project and forthcoming book exploring the first non-AI generative image model. He has designed many book covers for major publishers and authors and is a visual contributor to The New York Times, where he creates images for the Opinion section and The New York Times Magazine. His work has also appeared in Le Monde, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal. Forbes included him in its “30 Under 30 in Art and Style,” and he joined the Alliance Graphique Internationale in 2019. 
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:30 am
Free
Lectures, November 21, 2025, 11/21/2025, NYT Artist & Designer&nbsp;Explores His Craft & Career&nbsp;(In Person AND Online!)&nbsp;

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, November 21, 2025, 11/21/2025, Morning Tai Chi

Colloquium | Explore the Intersection of Democracy & Psychiatry (In Person AND Online!)


In what ways can the critics of psychiatry and psychiatric institutions teach us new ways of thinking about democracy today? This colloquium will attempt to answer this question by reflecting on both historical and contemporary approaches to the psychiatric institution. Speakers will discuss in particular the figure of Franco Basaglia, the prominent Italian psychiatrist who sought to revolutionize his own discipline and practice, and who inspired the so-called Legge Basaglia (1978), which ultimately led to the closure of psychiatric hospitals in Italy, long regarded as sites of socio-economic oppression. Basaglia also founded an association of psychiatrists— Psichiatria Democratica (Democratic Psychiatry)—whose very name signals the deep interconnection he envisioned between psychiatry and democracy. The colloquium will approach these complex issues from both inside and outside psychiatry: the parentheses around “(Anti)” in the title are meant to suggest precisely this ambiguity.  Speakers: Mario Colucci, Psychiatrist - Dipartimento di salute mentale di Udine - Pierangelo Di Vittorio, Philosopher and writer - Fabian Freyenhagen, University of Essex - Silvia Lippi, Psychoanalyst - François Noudelmann, NYU Professor of French Literature, Thought, and Culture
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Colloquiums, November 21, 2025, 11/21/2025, Explore the Intersection of Democracy & Psychiatry (In Person AND Online!)

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
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10:00 am
Free
Museumss, November 21, 2025, 11/21/2025, 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, November 21, 2025, 11/21/2025, 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, November 21, 2025, 11/21/2025, Asian Art and Culture Museum

Classical Music | Serene Organ Meditations in Intimate Venue


Enjoy a program of hymns, anthems, and voluntaries for the organ.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:20 pm
Free
Concerts, November 21, 2025, 11/21/2025, Serene Organ Meditations in Intimate Venue

Film | Brewster's Millions (1985): Comedy Starring Richard Pryor


A minor-league baseball player must spend $30 million in 30 days in order to inherit $300 million. However, he's not allowed to own any assets, destroy the money, gift it, give it to charity, or tell anyone about the deal. Director: Walter Hill Cast: Richard Pryor, John Candy, Lonette McKee, Stephen Collins, Hume Cronyn Richard Pryor was an American stand-up comedian and actor. Known for reaching a broad audience with his trenchant observations and storytelling style, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential comedians of all time. Pryor won a Primetime Emmy Award and five Grammy Awards. He received the first Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 1998 and the Writers Guild of America Award in 1974. He was listed at number one on Comedy Central's list of all-time greatest stand-up comedians. In 2017, Rolling Stone ranked him first on its list of the 50 best stand-up comics of all time. Short film discussion to follow.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Films, November 21, 2025, 11/21/2025, Brewster's Millions (1985): Comedy&nbsp;Starring Richard Pryor

Film | Carol (2015): Historical Romantic Drama with Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara


A female department-store employee in 1950s New York falls for a woman stuck in a loveless marriage. Unfortunately, the latter's husband threatens to take their child if the relationship between the two women continues. Director: Todd Haynes Cast: Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Sarah Paulson, Jake Lacy, Kyle Chandler Australian actor and producer Cate Blanchett has received much recogniton, including two Academy Awards, four British Academy Film Awards, four Golden Globes, and three Screen Actors Guild Awards. She's also been nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Tony Award. Among her honors are the 2001 Australian Centenary Medal, and an appointment to the Companion of the Order of Australia. Both a film and stage actor, Blanchett has been in 20 theater productions. Rooney Mara is an actress whose accolades include nominations for two Academy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards ,and a British Academy Film Award. Mara is known for her charity work and oversees the Uweza Foundation, which supports empowerment programs for children and families in the Kibera slum of Nairobi. She is also the founder of the vegan clothing line Hiraeth Collective.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Films, November 21, 2025, 11/21/2025, Carol (2015): Historical Romantic Drama with Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara

Classical Music | Works by J.S. Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, & Tchaikovsky


This concert  will feature students from Columbia's Music Performance Program performing works by J.S. Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, and Tchaikovsky.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Concerts, November 21, 2025, 11/21/2025, Works by J.S. Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, & Tchaikovsky

Classical Music | Works by Significant Composers


Listen to the works of many famous composers performed by Columbia students.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Concerts, November 21, 2025, 11/21/2025, Works by Significant Composers

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, November 21, 2025, 11/21/2025, 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, November 21, 2025, 11/21/2025, Afternoon Jam Sesh (Play Music or Just Listen)

Tour | Weekend Guided Museum Walk: Explore Art, History, and Collections


Join these guided tours every Friday and Saturday at 2 PM to explore a museum’s history, special collections, and landmarked spaces. Led by educators, the tours last 45–60 minutes and provide an engaging introduction to the artworks and archives on view.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Tours, November 21, 2025, 11/21/2025, Weekend Guided Museum Walk: Explore Art, History, and Collections

Festival | Celebrate NYC's Famous Bodega Cats


This event features a celebration of our neighborhood bodegas, the cats that reside in them, and the people that make them special. Screenings in the auditorium, information about area animal shelters, and Bodega snacks and refreshments will be served.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free
Festivals, November 21, 2025, 11/21/2025, Celebrate NYC's Famous Bodega Cats

Opening Reception | "Museum-Worthy" Exhibition & Awards Ceremony (+ Live Music)


The Grand National Exhibition is a gathering of the finest paintings and sculptures from across the country in a museum-worthy exhibition organized by the American Artists Professional League. This comprehensive exhibition features oil & acrylic paintings, watercolors, sculpture, and drawings from 100 artists. At the recpetion,the remarkable 13-year-old pianist Brielle Logel will perform to kick off the awards ceremony before Aki Kano, the president of the AAPL, presents the awards and reads a special statement by Rick Brosen.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Opening Receptions, November 21, 2025, 11/21/2025, "Museum-Worthy" Exhibition & Awards Ceremony (+ Live Music)

Museums | A Night of Live Music, Drinks & 5,000 Years of Art


Enjoy a stylish evening of art, live music, and engaging talks every Friday and Saturday night. From 5-9 PM, sip on drink specials, sample light fare, and take in the museum's vast collection spanning millennia. Grab a friend, a partner, or come solo--this after-hours experience offers something for everyone.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Museumss, November 21, 2025, 11/21/2025, A Night of Live Music, Drinks & 5,000 Years of Art

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, November 21, 2025, 11/21/2025, American History and Artifact Collections

Party | Award Ceremony Celebrating Climate Activist Luisa Neubauer


NYU's Department of German presents the 2025 Ulfers Foundation Award to Luisa Neubauer, climate activist and key organizer of Germany's "Fridays for Future" movement.  She has mobilized millions for mass protests, leading to Germany's coal exit and the first national climate law. Under her leadership, the movement showcased the power of youth-led activism and pushed for a European Green Deal.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Partys, November 21, 2025, 11/21/2025, Award Ceremony Celebrating Climate Activist&nbsp;Luisa Neubauer

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, November 21, 2025, 11/21/2025, 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
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5:00 pm
Free
Museumss, November 21, 2025, 11/21/2025, Friday Night Function at an Iconic Art Museum

Museums | Friday Evening at the 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, November 21, 2025, 11/21/2025, Friday Evening at the Art Museum

Film | High Art (1998): Indie Romantic Drama


Twenty-four year old Syd is working her way up the editorial ladder at a New York art magazine. When she befriends her neighbor, the famous photographer Lucy Berliner, Syd is drawn into the risky professional and romantic world of high art. Director: Lisa Cholodenko Cast: Ally Sheedy, Radha Mitchell, Gabriel Mann, Patricia Clarkson
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Films, November 21, 2025, 11/21/2025, High Art (1998): Indie Romantic Drama

Classical Music | Contemporary Ensemble Works Inspired by Myths


Exponential Ensemble, led by clarinetist Pascal Archer, returns to the stage for their Origins concert, which features works by American composers inspired by folklore and nature. Program: Paul Schoenfield (1947-2024) Trio Reena Esmail (1983-) Tasveer Robert Paterson (1970-) Summit Trio Lowell Liebermann (1961-) Trio for clarinet, viola, and piano
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Concerts, November 21, 2025, 11/21/2025, Contemporary Ensemble Works Inspired by Myths

Concert | Showtunes and More for Trombone & Guitar


This performance celebrates the release of Almost Like Being In Love, the debut album from jazz duo trombonist Thomas Laubhan and guitarist Silvan Joray. Program: Cole Porter (1891-1964) All of You Gus Arnheim (1897-1955), Charles N. Daniels (1878-1943), and Harry Tobias (1895-1994) Sweet and Lovely Jule Styne (1905-1994) Time After Time Cy Coleman (1929-2004) Witchcraft  Lee Morgan (1938-1972) Ceora Frederick Loewe (1901-1988) Almost Like Being in Love Thomas Laubhan Introspection
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Concerts, November 21, 2025, 11/21/2025, Showtunes and More for Trombone & Guitar

Lecture | The Art of Tailoring: Inside the World of Paul Stuart


Participate in an evening celebrating the evolution, style, and craftsmanship of Paul Stuart. Known for its fusion of Savile Row precision, Old Hollywood glamour, and classic New York sophistication, this brand has defined timeless American elegance for generations. With over three decades in menswear, including a decade at Ralph Lauren, the Creative Director will share insights into the creative process behind Paul Stuart's tailored clothing, sportswear, footwear, and the Phineas Cole collection. Paul Stuart style is encouraged. Note: RSVP does not guarantee entry; coat check is limited.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Lectures, November 21, 2025, 11/21/2025, The Art of Tailoring: Inside the World of Paul Stuart

Play | Top Girls: Dark Feminist Comedy by Caryl Churchill


Frequently regarded as one of the greatest plays of all time, Top Girls is a revolutionary work that asks: what does it cost to succeed in a man's world? Written by Caryl Churchill Directed by Jaclyn Biskup
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free
Plays, November 21, 2025, 11/21/2025, Top Girls: Dark Feminist Comedy by Caryl Churchill

Dance Performance | Multi-Genre Dance Showcase with Multimedia Works


These  dance performances will feature four works by Hunter College faculty, including classical modern dance by Alwin Nikolais, as well as Salsa, Afro-contemporary, and multimedia works.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free
Dance Performances, November 21, 2025, 11/21/2025, Multi-Genre Dance Showcase with Multimedia Works

Classical Music | Pieces by Composers from the 15C Through oday. (In Person AND Online!)


Performed by the faculty members of the Manhattan School of Music. Program: Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767) Sonata in F Minor Bernard Garfield (1924-2025) Poeme Philipp Friedrich Boddecker (1607-1683) Sonata Sopra "La Monica" Josquin des Prez (c. 1450-1455-1521) Selected Motets Jeff Scott Elegy for Innocence Amanda Harberg (1973-) Trio (World Premiere)
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:30 pm
Free
Concerts, November 21, 2025, 11/21/2025, Pieces by Composers from the 15C Through oday. (In Person AND Online!)

Concert | Rich Traditions of Cuban Charanga Tunes


Alí Bello & The Charanga Syndicate bring a fresh spark to the rich traditions of charanga music, blending the soulful roots of Cuba with the vibrant energy of New York City. With a lineup that features violin, flute, and a powerhouse rhythm section, they mix timeless sounds with modern flair—think infectious grooves, playful improvisation, and beats that make it hard to stay in your seat. Whether you're a lifelong fan of Latin music or just discovering it, The Charanga Syndicate celebrates their new album by offering a joyful, high-energy experience that honors tradition while pushing it into exciting new territory. It’s charanga like you’ve never heard—bold, danceable, and full of life. 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
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7:30 pm
Free
Concerts, November 21, 2025, 11/21/2025, Rich Traditions of Cuban Charanga Tunes

Performance | Traditional Korean Spiritual Performance for Gratitude, Harmony, & Prosperity


Experience a traditional Korean shamanistic ritual performance that embodies the purest form of Korea's total art, combining music, dance, and spiritual expression. This event of Cheolmuri-GUT bridges art and life, humanity and divinity, offering audiences a profound encounter with Korea's centuries-old spiritual tradition. It stands as an expression of gratitude for the warm support of New Yorkers, a celebration of harmony shared among diverse communities, and a collective blessing for peace and prosperity in the years ahead. Led by master Park Jeongwook, one of the foremost contemporary practitioners of Cheolmuri-GUT and a recognized preserver of Korea's intangible cultural heritage, the performance carries deep authenticity and spiritual resonance. Far beyond a staged performance, it represents a living art -- where music, dance, and spirit converge in a shared act of healing and connection.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free
Performances, November 21, 2025, 11/21/2025, Traditional Korean Spiritual Performance for Gratitude, Harmony, & Prosperity

Dance Performance | Various Dance Works (In Person AND Online!)


Enjoy a series of dance works choreographed and performed by students at NYU Tisch.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free
Dance Performances, November 21, 2025, 11/21/2025, Various Dance Works (In Person AND Online!)

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, November 21, 2025, 11/21/2025, Hear from Emerging Writers or Perform Your Own Work
Complimentary Tickets

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

Play | Highly-Regarded Actor in a Critically Acclaimed Drama

Regular Price: $99
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Concert | GRAMMY-Winning Soul Artists at Major NYC Venue

Regular Price: $72.50
CFT Member Price: $0.00
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