51 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Saturday, September 18, 2010
All events are free unless otherwise noted.
One hour of walking, stretching, strengthening, and body toning using only the park, your own bodies, ...
more >> and gravity. All levels welcome; they modify the program to meet your level of ability.
Enjoy breathtaking views of NYC while kayaking on the Hudson River. Completely free. Must know how to ...
more >> swim. A changing room and shower and hose to rinse off with are available. They have a limited number of locks available. Please bring your own lock.
9:00 am
free, no reservation required
Sketch and paint the Hudson River and neighboring parks with a professional artist/educator. Materials ...
more >> provided or bring your own.
10:00 am
free, no reservation required
Join 20-minute instructional paddles, then explore the Hudson River firsthand. Please wear a bathing ...
more >> suit or shorts and a t-shirt, and know how to swim. Weather permitting. Daily Weather Status: 1-646-613-0740.
10:00 am
free, no reservation required
Walk through a scenic area on the western edge of the Park, much of which is off the beaten track for ...
more >> most visitors. See rolling meadows, lake views, bridges of different styles, and a garden with flowers and plants mentioned by Shakespeare.
10:00 am
free, no reservation required
Join historian Paul Rush on a fascinating tour of the history and architecture in and around the Park. ...
more >> All ages.
10:30 am
free, no reservation required
Explore the Cathedral's newly cleaned and restored Nave. Learn about the art, architecture and history ...
more >> of this great sacred space from 1892 to the present.
The tour highlights the history, design, and unique plantings of the 70-year-old Garden, led by staff. ...
more >> (Approximately 75 mins.) Features blooming perennial and annual borders (over 250 varieties) as well as ornamental trees and shrubs.
11:00 am
free, no reservation required
Compete to win while learning about the many benefits of trees. Have fun while showing off your street ...
more >> tree savvy, and leave with all the tools you'll need to care for the trees in your neighborhood. Bring along friends and fellow gardeners to learn about the MillionTreesNYC Stweardship Corps, and join afterward for lunch in the garden. They'll be giving out free supplies, including watering buckets or hoses, cultivators, trowels, gloves, trash bags, and a MillionTreesNYC Tree Care Handbook.
11:00 am
free, no reservation required
La Gran Manzana is an intriguing exhibition reveals that the powerful role that Latinos and Spanish-speaking ...
more >> countries have played over three centuries to help shape
New York into the most culturally vibrant city in the world. Art works,documents, printed books, artifacts, an installation by Puerto Rican artist Antonio Martorell, and a documentary by Ric Burns all serve as testaments to
this dynamic history.
Voces y Visiones features milestones in the
history of the museum through artwork, documentation and memorabilia from the Permanent Collection and archives.
Artist-educators guide visitors through the galleries. The tour is offered in English.
11:00 am
free, no reservation required
Walking tours are a great way to learn more about the High Line’s history, design, and distinct horticultural ...
more >> elements in an intimate setting.
Knit, purl & crochet too! Bring your knitting and crocheting needles and yarn to join the circle. All ...
more >> are welcome.
11:00 am
free, no reservation required
Learn to play petanque, the popular European game anchored in precision, patience, and camaraderie, from ...
more >> members of La Boule New Yorkaise, NYC's championship club.
11:00 am
free, no reservation required
Hone your ping pong skills at one of two state-of-the-art tables. Paddles and balls are provided free ...
more >> of charge. Sign up with an attendant in the park to reserve a time slot.
11:00 am
free, no reservation required
11:00 am
free, no reservation required
11:00 am
free, no reservation required
Explore the rich cultural history of the Park’s Greenwich Village section by taking a one-hour walking ...
more >> tour conducted by one of Friends’ knowledgeable volunteers. Discover everything from how the Dutch acquired New York to the ill-fated journey of the Titanic, scheduled to dock at Pier 54. You will also have a chance to learn more about the Park and its current development.
Learn about united New York City as you walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and return via the Manhattan ...
more >> Bridge. Tour will last approximately three hours, so wear comfortable shoes and bring water.
11:00 am
free, no reservation required
Inspired by the birth of her first child, Latin alternative band Pistolera's lead singer and songwriter ...
more >> Sandra Velasquez brings family-friendly songs in Spanish and English that continue the Pistolera's tradition of positive messages and toe-tapping beats. Moona Luna is the first female-led bilingual band of its kind, but most of all, it's fun, fun, fun!
12:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Olmsted and Vaux designed the North Woods to replicate the forests of the Adirondack Mountains with its ...
more >> crystal streams, calming cascades, and rustic bridges. This scenic and meditative walk is right in New York City's backyard. Tour will be approximately one hour.
12:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Designed to provide visitors with an overview of the exhibition's themes as well details about each artist ...
more >> and the works included, the tour will visit each of the ten figurative sculptures on view and last approximately 30 minutes.
Statuesque brings together a dynamic group of six international artists--Pawel Althamer, Huma Bhabha, Aaron Curry, Thomas Houseago, Matthew Monahan, and Rebecca Warren--whose work reinvigorates the tradition of figurative sculpture. This exhibition marks the New York debut of each work included and is also the first time this international group of artists has been shown together.
Get your hands a little dirty learning how to care for and beautify the street trees on your block. This ...
more >> clinic will cover all the basics including how to improve soil, watering tips, strategies for discouraging litter and pets, safe tree guard design, and planting a street tree bed garden. After the demonstration, you will have a chance for hands-on practice. Free supplies include watering buckets or hoses, cultivators, trowels, gloves, aprons, the MillionTreesNYC Tree Care Handbook, and plant material for tree bed planting.
12:45 pm
free, no reservation required
Design your own "Nueva York" Loteria card. Learn about the traditional Mexican game – and then you ...
more >> can stay and play Lotería.
1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
A family-friendly performance takes place on the beach and ends with a ritual walk to the water in which ...
more >> all can join. A host of drummers provides accompaniment on found and recycled objects including paint buckets and hub caps. Arrive at 12:30 to create your own rhythm instrument using provided recycled material, and join in the music-making.
1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Explore the Cathedral's newly cleaned and restored Nave. Learn about the art, architecture and history ...
more >> of this great sacred space from 1892 to the present.
A showing of the short films on the Native American food that changed the world: The Gift, Na Florentina, ...
more >> La Cumbia del Mole and Corn Is Who We Are. Starts at 1pm and 3pm.
1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
La Gran Manzana is an intriguing exhibition reveals that the powerful role that Latinos and Spanish-speaking ...
more >> countries have played over three centuries to help shape
New York into the most culturally vibrant city in the world. Art works,documents, printed books, artifacts, an installation by Puerto Rican artist Antonio Martorell, and a documentary by Ric Burns all serve as testaments to
this dynamic history.
Voces y Visiones features milestones in the
history of the museum through artwork, documentation and memorabilia from the Permanent Collection and archives.
Artist-educators guide visitors through the galleries. The tour is offered in English.
1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
A walking program that encourages New Yorkers of all ages to get fit while enjoying the outdoors. With ...
more >> funding provided by Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, Parks hired trained walking instructors who will keep participants active, exercising and having fun.
1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Join a National Park Ranger for this 45- to 60-minute walking tour experience and discover how the role ...
more >> of Governors Island evolved to meet the changing needs of New York City and the nation.
1:25 pm
free, no reservation required
Editor's Pick
Come out to the annual event. They've got 3 fantastic choirs, including David Letterman's official "The ...
more >> Late Show's Gospel Choir," discovered by Paul Schaffer. This will be rain
or shine (hopefully outdoors).
2:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Got knitting skills? If you are a pro or are just starting out join the Knitting Circle. They'll provide ...
more >> some materials but everyone is required to bring their own yarn. All ages are welcome!
2:00 pm
free, no reservation required
The tour explores the social and political history of the Union Square neighborhood through discussions ...
more >> of the people, history, architecture, and forces that have shaped this community. You’ll hear how Union 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 Metronome” sculpture and so much more!
2:00 pm
free, no reservation required
You'll be amazed at what you'll see.... a hidden bench that tells time, miniature boats powered by the ...
more >> wind, a magnificent sculpture celebrating fresh water, and a glorious drinking fountain for the city's equine population. These are just some of the the sites along the way on this east to west walk through the park. Tour is approximately one hour long.
2:00 pm
free, no reservation required
3:00 pm
free, no reservation required
La Gran Manzana is an intriguing exhibition reveals that the powerful role that Latinos and Spanish-speaking ...
more >> countries have played over three centuries to help shape
New York into the most culturally vibrant city in the world. Art works,documents, printed books, artifacts, an installation by Puerto Rican artist Antonio Martorell, and a documentary by Ric Burns all serve as testaments to
this dynamic history.
Voces y Visiones features milestones in the
history of the museum through artwork, documentation and memorabilia from the Permanent Collection and archives.
Artist-educators guide visitors through the galleries. The tour is offered in English.
3:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Carolina Morais Fonseca, Gypsy Duende and Flamenco dance teacher from Portugal, will hold an open house ...
more >> performance class focusing on various styles of Gypsy Duende and Flamenco.
She has has studied and taught throughout the world including techniques of Indian, Russian, Romanian, Hungarian, Turkish, Flamenco and Gypsy styles.
3:00 pm
free, no reservation required
In 2004, Lisa Kereszi and Andrew Moore photographed Governors island for a Public Art Fund project. See ...
more >> these wonderful images and hear ger talk about her work on the Island.
3:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Performed by Natalie Green, Sandy Tillett and Rebecca Wender, the work conjures alchemical portraits ...
more >> of women in different eras - their look, their movement, their behavior - stirring in imagery from Temple art, Hollywood, 1960's modern dance, and the future.
3:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Determined to deconstruct and demystify the cupcake craze and the consuming desire to consume, the Cupcake ...
more >> Cadet Corps return. Choreographed by Sue Hogan. It is suitable for tiny tots and everyone else.
3:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Join a National Park Ranger for this 45- to 60-minute walking tour experience and discover how the role ...
more >> of Governors Island evolved to meet the changing needs of New York City and the nation.
3:25 pm
free, no reservation required
A Latin band with an international flavor—its members are from Cuba, Argentina, Israel, Puerto Rico ...
more >> and the U.S.—that plays Cuban music (Son, Chachacha, Mambo, Bolero, Timba) infused with other influences (Jazz, Funk, Brazilian).
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 & Boody Organ Builders.
4:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Performed by Natalie Green, Sandy Tillett and Rebecca Wender, the work conjures alchemical portraits ...
more >> of women in different eras - their look, their movement, their behavior - stirring in imagery from Temple art, Hollywood, 1960's modern dance, and the future.
5:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Determined to deconstruct and demystify the cupcake craze and the consuming desire to consume, the Cupcake ...
more >> Cadet Corps return. Choreographed by Sue Hogan. It is suitable for tiny tots and everyone else.
5:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Editor's Pick
To celebrate Demetrius Oliver’s artwork Jupiter, musicians will be performing John Coltrane’s song ...
more >> of the same name.
6:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Experience the best of the 2010–2011 New York City performing arts season. This is an after-work performance ...
more >> featuring artists from NYC's premiere classical music, jazz, dance, and opera institutions. Performances to be announced. Tables, chairs and picnics are welcome.
6:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Editor's Pick
Brinkman's first solo show in New York comprises black-ink works on paper and blasting some rooms with ...
more >> colored light. Plus an advance previewing of selected work by various artists from a yet to be released Necro~Demonic Dungeon~Crawl~Warfare Boardgame.
6:00 pm
free, no reservation required
September will showcase poets collective *Grito de Poetas*, featuring Advocate of Wordz, Chance, Chilo, ...
more >> Majestik Originality, True, Tito, and Simply Rob. The program will be preceded by an open mic where the audience will share their own poetry onstage.
6:30 pm
free, no reservation required
With Matt Damon, Viggo Mortensen and Morgan Freeman.
A celebrity-studded look at America's struggles ...
more >> with war, class, race and women's rights.
7:00 pm
free, no reservation required
In 1975, the George Jackson Brigade burst into existence - bombing corporate and state property, robbing ...
more >> banks, and publishing a large body of communiqués to explain their intentions to the public. Its members came from other movements - women's rights, black liberation, gay rights - and drew upon anarchist and communist ideologies. Join
editor Burton-Rose and Bo Brown, former member of the George Jackson Brigade, for a reading and discussion.
7:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Weather permitting. These free, family-friendly events aim to spread the joys of the evening sky, and ...
more >> help you to learn more about the nature of our Solar System and current happenings in astronomy. Telescopes will be available for your use or bring your own.
This event is obviously dependent on a clear sky. Call for status before going.
8:30 pm
free, no reservation required