free things to do in New York City
Free events for Thursday, 09/03/26
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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 September 3, 2026?

15 free events take place on Thursday, September 3 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 September 3 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 September . 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!

15 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Thursday, September 3, 2026

All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Editor's Picks

free events nyc The Single Standard (1929): Classic Romantic Drama Starring Greta Garbo
free events nyc Sunset Salsa on the Pier
free events nyc Kennedy Center-Featured Artists Bring Singer-Songwriter, R&B, & Electropop Music to the Park
free events nyc Metropolitan Opera in HD: Wagner's Tristan und Isolde, Acts II and III (Outdoors)
More Editor's Picks for 09/03/26
        

Jazz | Piano in the Park: Big Band Pianist


Come on down and swing along to the best jazz the Big Apple has to offer, with musician Kuni Mikami and special guests. “He plays with soul!” - Lionel Hampton Kuni Mikami has played for many of the top big bands. He has performed with bands such as The Duke Ellington Orchestra, Cab Calloway. Illinois Jacquet, and the New Lionel Hampton Orchestra, to name a few. Kuni is also the author of two jazz piano instructional books in Japanese: Jazz Piano New York Style Volume I and Volume II. He also wrote a book My Life as a Jazz Pianist in NY.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
Free
Concerts, September 03, 2026, 09/03/2026, Piano in the Park: Big Band Pianist

Jazz | Swing & Blues on the Plaza


The Duke Ellington Ensemble performs an afternoon of outdoor music.
   New York City, NY; NYC
12:30 pm
Free
Concerts, September 03, 2026, 09/03/2026, Swing & Blues on the Plaza

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
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3:00 pm
Free
Workshops, September 03, 2026, 09/03/2026, Play Mah Jongg on the Plaza

Workshop | Relaxing & Educational Fishing on the Hudson (Equipment Provided, All Ages)


At this Hudson River catch-and-release event, make a fish wish--you might just get a bite! Over 200 species of fish are found in the Hudson Rive. Anglers ages 5 and up are invited to participate at this program, with parental supervision required. The organizer team provides all the necessary equipment and an on-site fishing tutorial. Participation is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Beginners and experts alike are encouraged to join for a relaxing and educational experience at the water's edge.
   New York City, NY; NYC
3:00 pm
Free
Workshops, September 03, 2026, 09/03/2026, Relaxing & Educational Fishing on the Hudson (Equipment Provided, All Ages)

Birdwatching | Evening Birding with NYC Audubon


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
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5:00 pm
Free
Birdwatchings, September 03, 2026, 09/03/2026, Evening Birding&nbsp;with NYC Audubon

Workshop | Full-Body Fitness Class in the Park (All-Levels Welcome)


An outdoor workout in the park for building strength, balance, and community. This full-body fitness class is designed to energize your week, boost your mood, and build community in the heart of Lower Manhattan. Every movement can be modified, making it perfect for beginners, returning exercisers, and parents looking to reset after school drop-off.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free
Workshops, September 03, 2026, 09/03/2026, Full-Body Fitness Class in the Park (All-Levels Welcome)

Workshop | Jump into Double Dutch with the Pros


Learn the fundamentals of street-style and competitive jump rope with the Double Dutch Aunties.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free
Workshops, September 03, 2026, 09/03/2026, Jump into Double Dutch with the Pros

Film | The Single Standard (1929): Classic Romantic Drama Starring Greta Garbo


Arden Stuart is a feminist ahead of her time, believing that a "single standard" should be applied to both sexes. Instead of marrying and settling down, she juggles numerous suitors. She moves from the lovelorn Tommy to a playboy prizefighter with artistic intentions, Packy. Arden and Packy sail the South Seas together, but after a falling-out she returns home, marries Tommy and has a child. But are Arden's old ways really behind her? Director: John S. Robertson Cast: Greta Garbo, Nils Asther, Johnny Mack Brown Greta Garbo was a Swedish-American actress. Regarded as one of the greatest screen actresses of all time, she was known for her melancholic, somber persona, her film portrayals of tragic characters, and her subtle, understated performances. In 1999, the American Film Institute ranked Garbo fifth on its list of the greatest female stars of classic Hollywood cinema
   New York City, NY; NYC
6:00 pm
Free
Films, September 03, 2026, 09/03/2026, The Single Standard (1929): Classic Romantic Drama Starring Greta Garbo

Workshop | Muay Thai Lessons: Hands-On Instruction To Improve Your Fitness


This summer, learn the fundamentals of Thai Boxing and kickboxing with Patrick Stout; starting with: stance, footwork, then moving on to offense, defense, and techniques. This is a great opportunity to receive hands-on instruction and hone your craft. Whether you’re looking to learn the fundamentals, improve your fitness, or challenge yourself with something new, the instructors will guide you every step of the way. Expect a dynamic mix of drills, conditioning, and technique. No experience is required.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Workshops, September 03, 2026, 09/03/2026, Muay Thai Lessons: Hands-On Instruction To Improve Your Fitness

Workshop | Try Out Age-Old Printing Techniques in a History Museum


This open house features a breadth of printing equipment that you are invited to use. See how the designers at Bowne lock up limited-edition designs that showcase some of the more eccentric parts of the museum’s printing and graphic arts collection. Established in 1775, the original Bowne & Co., Inc. was one of New York’s oldest printing firms. The Bowne that you experience today at the museum is an offshoot of the original and continues the age-old tradition of job (or small-batch) printing. All participants get to take home the items they print during the afternoon.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
$5, tickets required
Workshops, September 03, 2026, 09/03/2026, Try Out Age-Old Printing Techniques in a History Museum

Workshop | Evening Yoga on the Water: Relax, Stretch, & Reset


Unwind and find your balance along the waterfront with Chelsea Piers Fitness. This class is the perfect place to relax, stretch out and reset. A great fit for any fitness level.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Workshops, September 03, 2026, 09/03/2026, Evening Yoga on the Water: Relax, Stretch, & Reset

Dancing | Sunset Salsa on the Pier


Get ready to dance the night away! Sunset Salsa returns for summer rhythm, hosted by acclaimed dancer and choreographer Talia Castro-Pozo, hailed by Latina Magazine as "The Woman of Salsa." Each evening begins with a beginner-friendly salsa lesson and a vibrant open dance party under the setting sun. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a curious first-timer, all are welcome to join this joyful, high-energy celebration of Latin dance. 6:30 PM: Beginner Lessons 7:15 PM: Open Dance
   New York City, NY; NYC
6:30 pm
Free
Dancings, September 03, 2026, 09/03/2026, Sunset Salsa on the Pier

Concert | Kennedy Center-Featured Artists Bring Singer-Songwriter, R&B, & Electropop Music to the Park


Two different acts on the lawn, hosted by the Asian America Arts Alliance. Enjoy music from Grace Kelly and Ashni. Grace Kelly is a saxophonist, singer, songwriter, and bandleader who has performed over 1,500 concerts in more than 40 countries. As a bandleader, she has appeared at major venues and festivals, including the Kennedy Center, Moscow Symphony Hall, and the Montreal, Newport, and Montreux Jazz Festivals. Early in her career, she performed at Barack Obama's 2009 Presidential Inauguration and later joined Jon Batiste's house band on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. She has released 15 albums and is known for a genre-crossing sound blending jazz, pop, and electronic influences. She has collaborated with artists including Dave Brubeck, Wynton Marsalis, Harry Connick Jr., Gloria Estefan, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Questlove. She has appeared in film and television, including the Amazon Prime series Bosch, and is an official Yamaha Artist featured in the Emmy Award-winning production The Right Note. Ashni is a New York City-based singer, songwriter, and pianist. Weaving jazz, R&B, and pop, with a thread of North Indian folk music, she evokes the incisiveness and soul of Fiona Apple and Hiatus Kaiyote with the genre-crossing, form-expansion of Arooj Aftab. With over 3.8 million streams and a growing audience, Ashni has captivated sold out rooms at renowned venues like Lincoln Center, Joe's Pub at The Public Theater, Public Records, Joshua Tree Music Festival, Sunset Sunside in Paris, The Quarter at the Royal Opera House Mumbai, and more. Her music has been featured in the acclaimed, Emmy-nominated web series Brown Girls.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:00 pm
Free
Concerts, September 03, 2026, 09/03/2026, Kennedy Center-Featured Artists Bring Singer-Songwriter, R&B, & Electropop Music to the Park

Movie in a Park | In the Heights (2021): Musical Drama, Broadway Adaptation


In Washington Heights, N.Y., the scent of warm coffee hangs in the air just outside the 181st St. subway stop, where a kaleidoscope of dreams rallies a vibrant and tight-knit community. At the intersection of it all is a likable and magnetic bodega owner who hopes, imagines, and sings about a better life. Director: Jon M. Chu Cast: Anthony Ramos, Corey Hawkins, Melissa Barrera, Leslie Grace, Olga Merediz, Daphne Rubin-Vega Grab a blanket and come enjoy a movie. In the event of heavy rain or extreme weather, the screening may be canceled. 
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:15 pm
Free
Movie in a Parks, September 03, 2026, 09/03/2026, In the Heights (2021): Musical Drama, Broadway Adaptation

Screening | Metropolitan Opera in HD: Wagner's Tristan und Isolde, Acts II and III (Outdoors)


Wagner's transcendent meditation on love and death features a powerhouse pair as the Irish princess Isolde and the love-drunk Tristan in a revelatory new production by director Yuval Sharon. Includes full open captions. All guests will be welcomed at designated access points one hour prior before the movie begins. Seating is general admission on a first-come, first-served basis. Screening will go on as scheduled in the case of rain but will be canceled in the event of thunder/lightning or high wind.
   New York City, NY; NYC
8:00 pm
Free
Screenings, September 03, 2026, 09/03/2026, Metropolitan Opera in HD: Wagner's Tristan und Isolde, Acts II and III (Outdoors)
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Complimentary Tickets

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

Concert | Oscar and Grammy Nominee at One of the World's Most Famous Venues

Regular Price: $45
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Concert | Soul, R&B Powerhouse Vocalist at a Major Venue

Regular Price: $50
CFT Member Price: $0.00