free things to do in New York City
Free events for Friday, 10/17/25
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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 October 17, 2025?

31 free events take place on Friday, October 17 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 October 17 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 October . 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!

31 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Friday, October 17, 2025

All events are free unless otherwise noted.
        

Workshop | Tai Chi on the Plaza


Improve balance, strength and focus through gentle exercises. The sights and sounds of the river provide a serene background for the ancient flowing postures. An ideal choice for participants of all ages.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:30 am
Free
Workshops, October 17, 2025, 10/17/2025, Tai Chi on the Plaza

Festival | Explore Behind-the-Scenes Spaces of New York City


Discover the spaces of New York City that you've never had access to before--across all five boroughs! This weekend-long festival unlocks over300 destinations across the city for special tours and activities. Enjoy visits to major new projects, explore neighborhoods in a new way, and discover why the city looks and works the way it does. Take a look at new buildings transforming the skyline, step inside infrastructure facilities keeping the city running, explore parks offering respite, discover state-of-the-art performance spaces, visit manufacturing workshops, browse private collections, and much more. Many museums, monuments, arts spaces, historical societies, architectural projects, and more are open for visitors. Many festival experiences are Drop-In—no tickets needed. Some require tickets for space or security reasons. Ticketing opens on October 3 at 12 pm.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:00 am
Free
Festivals, October 17, 2025, 10/17/2025, Explore Behind-the-Scenes Spaces of New York City

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, October 17, 2025, 10/17/2025, Friday at Pop Culture/Art Museum

Master Class | Learn the Ins-and-Outs of Double Bass Mastery


Double bassist Brendan Kane, former member of the MET Orchestra and current principal Bass of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, provides his expertise in the fine details of great double bass playing.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Concerts, October 17, 2025, 10/17/2025, Learn the Ins-and-Outs of Double Bass Mastery

Master Class | Met Opera Trombonist Teaches the Ins-and-Outs of Trombone Mastery


Sasha Romero, Principal Trombone of The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, provides her expertise in the fine details of great trombone playing via a distance learning lesson.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Concerts, October 17, 2025, 10/17/2025, Met Opera Trombonist Teaches the Ins-and-Outs of Trombone Mastery

Dance Lesson | Learn about Technique Approaches & Background: Merce Cunningham & Chance


In these dance classes teachers guide participants through technique and movement while informing about technique and historical background based on the teachings of renowned choreographers Elaine Summers and Merce Cunningham. These classes will be on a first come, first served basis. Anyone can attend--no dance experience necessary. Wear comfortable loose clothing and bring a blanket. Balls will be available to use.
   New York City, NY; NYC
10:30 am
Free
Dance Lessons, October 17, 2025, 10/17/2025, Learn about Technique Approaches & Background: Merce Cunningham & Chance

Workshop | Zumba Class for All-Levels


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, October 17, 2025, 10/17/2025, Zumba Class for All-Levels

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, October 17, 2025, 10/17/2025, Asian Art and Culture Museum

Fair | Discover Accessibility Services, Technologies, & Communities


At the Accessible Community, Culture, and Technology Fair, you can expect:  Tablers from diverse fields: education, employment, advocacy, arts, recreation, technology demonstrations, and support organizations A keynote speech by Disability Rights Advocate Anastasia Somoza Interactive demos and more! Some of the featured tablers: 3Doodler: Empowers hands-on learning and creative exploration in 3D. A Cubed Design: Developing a refreshable braille device that is affordable, repairable by users, and offers pathways to literacy and employment. Alice Austen House: A significant site of LGBTQ history and home of one of America's earliest and most prolific female photographers. American Association of People with Disabilities: A national disability-led and cross-disability rights organization working to increase the political and economic power of people with disabilities. American Museum of Natural History: One of the world’s preeminent scientific and cultural institutions. Google: A multinational corporation and technology company. Greater New York Council of the Blind: A self-help organization that advocates for equality of people who are blind and visually impaired, and connects us to education, resources, and each other to support our quality of life and independence. Helen Keller National Center: Provides comprehensive vocational and vision rehabilitation services to youth, working-age adults and seniors with combined vision and hearing loss. MTA: Safe, reliable, accessible, and fast transportation. NYC Department for the Aging: Provides programs and services to older New Yorkers and their Caregivers. Poster House: The only museum in the United States dedicated to the impact, design, and exhibition of posters. ReelAbilities: The leading independent nonprofit and the premiere global exhibitor of disability-focused cinema, challenging stereotypes, celebrating authentic disability representation in movies, and expanding opportunities for disabled creators worldwide. And many more!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Fairs, October 17, 2025, 10/17/2025, Discover Accessibility Services, Technologies, & Communities

Festival | Food Festival with Local Vendors


New York City's favorite outdoor food market, Smorgasburg, is back. Enjoy a variety of eats and treats from local vendors.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Festivals, October 17, 2025, 10/17/2025, Food Festival with Local Vendors

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, October 17, 2025, 10/17/2025, Serene Organ Meditations in Intimate Venue

Film | The Woman in the Yard (2025): Psychological Thriller


A mysterious woman repeatedly appears in a family's front yard, often delivering chilling warnings and unsettling messages, leaving them to question her identity and motives. Director: Jaume Collet-Serra Cast: Danielle Deadwyler, Okwui Okpokwasili, Peyton Jackson, Russell Hornsby
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Films, October 17, 2025, 10/17/2025, The Woman in the Yard (2025): Psychological Thriller

Tour | Art Deco Architecture Tour


Guides lead a walking tours focusing on iconic buildings in the area, focusing on Art Deco architecture.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Tours, October 17, 2025, 10/17/2025, Art Deco Architecture Tour

Jazz | Funky Afternoon Tunes


Lighten up your afternoon with a jazz concert performed by the Louis Armstrong Jazz Performance Program.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Concerts, October 17, 2025, 10/17/2025, Funky Afternoon Tunes

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, October 17, 2025, 10/17/2025, Crafting Community: Work on Personal Projects & Make New Friends

Talk | Learn about LGBTQ+ Wearable Buttons History & Significance


The Lesbian Herstory Archives' 2286-piece cataloged collection of buttons and pins spans the years 1973 to the present. In honor of National Coming Out Day and LGBTQ+ History Month, learn about the organizations' collection, NYPL's digital collections, as well as some insight into the history of buttons as protest and self-expression in queer spaces. You might also be able to walk out having made a button of your very own!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:30 pm
Free
Talks, October 17, 2025, 10/17/2025, Learn about LGBTQ+ Wearable Buttons History & Significance

Film | Once a Thief (1965): Crime Film 


Delon is an ex-con who ponders one last heist, while pursued by a cop with a vendetta against him. Director: Ralph Nelson Cast: Alain Delon, Ann-Margret, Van Heflin, Jack Palance, Tony Musante
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Films, October 17, 2025, 10/17/2025, Once a Thief (1965): Crime Film&nbsp;

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, October 17, 2025, 10/17/2025, Afternoon Jam Sesh (Play Music or Just Listen)

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, October 17, 2025, 10/17/2025, American History and Artifact Collections

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, October 17, 2025, 10/17/2025, 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, October 17, 2025, 10/17/2025, 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 café 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, October 17, 2025, 10/17/2025, Friday Evening at the Art Museum

Poetry Reading | Poetry Open Mic: Share Your Work or Listen to Emerging Writers


Participants can share their original work for up to five minutes. Space is limited to 15 readers; show up on time to get a slot!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free
Poetry Readings, October 17, 2025, 10/17/2025, Poetry Open Mic: Share Your Work or Listen to Emerging Writers

Screening | Dahomey (2024): Documentary about Stolen Histories, Art, & Colonization (+ Discussion)


Follow the journey of 26 plundered royal treasures from the Kingdom of Dahomey (now southern Benin) exhibited in Paris as they are returned to Benin. Explore how design can reclaim stolen histories, center ancestral narratives, and spark cultural repair in the present. How do design artifacts embody memory, advocacy, and justice? Director: Mati Diop Screening followed by a conversation with jewelry designer and educator Sewit Sium.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Screenings, October 17, 2025, 10/17/2025, Dahomey (2024): Documentary about Stolen Histories, Art, & Colonization (+ Discussion)

Opening Reception | Archival Photographs and Community Stories from the Lower East Side


This exhibition brings together photographs by Destiny Mata and images from the personal albums of Lower East Side residents collected through a community-wide open call. Presented as part of an archival photo and storytelling project, the works highlight the role of memory and documentation in shaping community history.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Opening Receptions, October 17, 2025, 10/17/2025, Archival Photographs and Community Stories from the Lower East Side

Poetry Reading | Indigenous Literary Voices: Night 1


A multi-day forum exploring issues and ideas around language, translingual borders, and the environment as experienced by indigenous communities throughout the country. Day 1 Schedule: 6pm Welcome Reception 7-8pm James Welch Prize Reading: Chris Hoshnic, Desireé Bewley Dallagiacomo, dg nanouk okpik. Hosted by Keetje Kuipers 8-9pm Night One Reading: Kimberly Blaeser, Bonney Hartley, m.s. RedCherries. Hosted by Rob Arnold
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Poetry Readings, October 17, 2025, 10/17/2025, Indigenous Literary Voices:&nbsp;Night 1

Movie in a Park | Watch Legally Blonde (2001) Outdoors: Comedy Film with Reese Witherspoon


Grab a seat or bring your own blanket and watch a screening of Legally Blonde on the big screen. The film follows Elle Woods, a sorority girl who attempts to win back her ex-boyfriend Warner Huntington III by getting a Juris Doctor degree at Harvard Law School, and in the process, overcomes stereotypes against blondes and triumphs as a successful lawyer. Director: Robert Luketic Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson, Selma Blair, Matthew Davis, Victor Garber, Jennifer Coolidge Seating is on a first-come first-serve basis.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Movie in a Parks, October 17, 2025, 10/17/2025, Watch Legally Blonde&nbsp;(2001) Outdoors: Comedy Film with Reese Witherspoon

Gallery Talk | Art in Focus: Slow Observance and Conversation


Take a moment to slow down and connect with a single work of art through guided observation and group discussion. No background in art is needed--just curiosity and openness. This relaxed, welcoming program invites all adult learners to engage deeply with one piece at a time. Note: Space is limited; first-come, first-served. Stickers are distributed 15 minutes before the program starts.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Gallery Talks, October 17, 2025, 10/17/2025, Art in Focus: Slow Observance and Conversation
7:30 pm
Regular: $25
Member: $0
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Concerts, October 17, 2025, 10/17/2025, Mozart, Gerswin, Bartok and More

Concert | Multi-Genre Music from Unconventional Singer


Multidisciplinary artist Sparklmami transcends mediums to build a world untethered to conventional structures in this presentation. Texas-raised, Chicago-based, of Mexican and Indian heritage, and nurtured singing in church, Sparklmami uses instinctual improvisation reminiscent of Brazilian jazz, experimental soul, Mexican bolero, and funk to express the sentient nature of being. Her debut album In This Body is composed of kaleidoscopic vignettes that tap into her confessional subconscious as Sparklmami explores how our perception of the past shapes our present identity. For ages 12+. There are two ways to access this event: 1. General Admission, first-come first-served. Just show up! 2. Fast Track opening the Tuesday before the event at noon.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free
Concerts, October 17, 2025, 10/17/2025, Multi-Genre Music from Unconventional Singer

Play | The Striker: Drama that Blends Fairy Tale, Psychological Tension, and Political Allegory


The Skriker is a bold, surreal, and poetic play that dives deep into themes of transformation, motherhood, and the fractured relationship between humans and the natural world. At its center is the Skriker—an ancient, shape-shifting demon who lures two young women into her uncanny realm. Blending fairy tale, psychological drama, and political allegory, Churchill’s visionary work unsettles and enchants through her signature language and fearless theatrical experimentation. Written by Caryl Churchill. Directed by Delia Dumont. Cast: India Shea, Pauline Lara, Katie Parkinson, Sophia Parker, Henry Sirota, Chloë Clark, Jordan Ward, and Amiere Bell. Please be advised that this production includes the following content: Mental illness & psychiatric hospitalization; Violence & threat of violence; Supernatural horror & psychological terror; Death & references to death ; Infanticide & child endangerment; Self-harm & suicidal ideation; Implied sexual violence; Abuse & manipulation; and Strong language.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free
Plays, October 17, 2025, 10/17/2025, The Striker: Drama&nbsp;that Blends Fairy Tale, Psychological Tension, and Political Allegory
Complimentary Tickets

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

Play | Broadway Actor in a Play About a Towering Figure in Media

Regular Price: $59
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Concert | Iconic Rock Band's Guitarist at a Legendary Jazz Club

Regular Price: $75
CFT Member Price: $0.00
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