free things to do in New York City
Free events for Saturday, 10/03/26
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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 October 3, 2026?

22 free events take place on Saturday, October 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 October 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 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!

22 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Saturday, October 3, 2026

All events are free unless otherwise noted.
        

Dancing | Bollywood and Bhangra Dance Workshop on the Pier (All Levels Welcome)


Ajna Dance Company leads an energetic dance workshop! Learn easy-to-follow dance moves inspired by vibrant ... more >> South Asian music and culture. Whether you’re trying Bollywood and Bhangra for the first time or looking to sharpen your skills, you’ll leave energized, inspired, and ready to hit the dance floor. No dance experience needed!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
free, registration required
Dancings, October 03, 2026, 10/03/2026, Bollywood and Bhangra Dance Workshop on the Pier (All Levels Welcome)

Park Walk | Discover the History & Design of One of New York's Most Unique Parks


Hear the story behind New York City's park in the sky: an insider's perspective on the park's history, ... more >> design, and landscape. Note: Spots are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
free, no reservation required
Park Walks, October 03, 2026, 10/03/2026, Discover the History & Design of One of New York's Most Unique Parks

Workshop | Drawing in Nature


Paint in watercolor or use pastels and other drawing materials to capture the magical vistas of the Hudson ... more >> River and the unique landscape of the park. An artist/educator will help participants of all levels with instruction and critique. Materials provided or bring your own.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
free, no reservation required
Workshops, October 03, 2026, 10/03/2026, Drawing in Nature

Workshop | Kayaking on the Hudson


A welcoming public kayaking experience and see New York City from the water. Guests will receive basic ... more >> paddling and safety instruction, be fitted with safety gear, and paddle in a protected area with trained volunteers nearby. No experience is needed, and children are welcome with a parent or guardian. Guests must know how to swim. First-come, first-served, sign-up line often closes early due to high demand.
   New York City, NY; NYC
10:00 am
free, no reservation required
Workshops, October 03, 2026, 10/03/2026, Kayaking on the Hudson

Workshop | Accessible, Grounding, & Restorative Yoga in the Park


Participants flow together and celebrate community through mindful movement with Yoga Sangraha. This ... more >> is not a new style of yoga, but a gathering of timeless practices — accessible, grounding, and deeply restorative. Led with science and tradition at the heart, this class will guide you through a sequence of postures designed to balance, stabilize, and calm the body and mind. The word Sangraha means “a collection,” and this practice brings together postures and breathwork that activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping you leave feeling focused, connected, and at ease. No prior experience needed — come as you are! Bring a bottled water. Organizers will provide the yoga mats. Weather permitting.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:30 am
free, registration required
Workshops, October 03, 2026, 10/03/2026, Accessible, Grounding, & Restorative Yoga in the Park

Museums | Jewish History: Centuries of Art


As one of the largest collections of art in Jewish culture globally, the venue features an extensive ... more >> array of historical Jewish artifacts as well as modern and contemporary art.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
free, reservation required
Museumss, October 03, 2026, 10/03/2026, Jewish History: Centuries of Art

Workshop | Learn to Juggle in the Park


This juggling class is ideal for a quick lesson, an extended practice session, or just enjoy watching ... more >> 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
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11:00 am
free, no reservation required
Workshops, October 03, 2026, 10/03/2026, Learn to Juggle in the Park

Festival | Contemporary Portuguese Arts Fest: Portuguese Cinema, Talks, & Live Music


A taste of Portugal's engaging cultural offerings. Kick off the day with Portuguese cinema at an animated ... more >> short film festival for audiences of all ages. Continue into the evening with a conversation featuring Luso American writer Katherine Vaz as she discusses her work and Portuguese heritage. Cap off the day with performances by Expresso Transatlântico, whose genre-defying sound blends Portuguese tradition with global rhythms and contemporary experimentation, followed by internationally acclaimed art-pop and rock band The Gift, whose dynamic live performances have captivated audiences around the world. 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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12:00 pm
free, fast-track available
Festivals, October 03, 2026, 10/03/2026, Contemporary Portuguese Arts Fest:&nbsp;Portuguese Cinema, Talks, & Live Music

Festival | Explore Manhattan's Only Lighthouse


Celebrate Manhattan's only remaining lighthouse (which is over 140 years old!) with readings of the eponymous ... more >> children's book, live music, and activities for all ages! The Little Red Lighthouse is beloved by New Yorkers and visitors alike. As in years past, tours will be first come, first served. To safely and comfortably accommodate visitors, organizers have reduced the total number of visitors they can accommodate. It's recommended that visitors looking to tour the lighthouse earlier in the day arrive before noon.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
free, tickets required
Festivals, October 03, 2026, 10/03/2026, Explore Manhattan's Only Lighthouse

Dance Performance | Site-Specific Duet, Physical Dialogue Finding Balance


This performance brings together dancers Asha Thomas and Robert Cornejo in an intimate dance that offers ... more >> a sensitive lecture on communication across generations. By placing these two artists at distinct, contrasting moments in their lives and careers, the choreography becomes a living conversation where maturity and youth meet. Their physical dialogue navigates the deep-seated difficulties of finding balance, letting the human relationship play out directly within the environment around them. While this duet is drawn from excerpts of Gounouj In Situ, it stands as a window into the core themes of Leo Lerus's broader choreographic work. His practice frequently draws inspiration from the Gwoka tradition and the lush natural beauty of his native Guadeloupe, exploring the island's natural and cultural ability to adapt to change. Through his movement research, Lerus explores environments in a delicate natural balance and examines how that equilibrium is altered by contemporary input. By weaving these ideas into the duet, the performance reflects the complex mix of feelings around environmental preservation--using the movement of two different generations to juxtapose disappointment and anger with an enduring hope and a shared movement toward a positive future.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
free, RSVP required
Dance Performances, October 03, 2026, 10/03/2026, Site-Specific Duet, Physical Dialogue Finding Balance

Performance | Absurdist Spectacle Performance in the Park


Artist Pat Oleszko hosts an exuberant picnic performance featuring dancers and prancers of Resist-Ants ... more >> as they take over the park. Oleszko’s work has recently been featured in the Whitney Biennial, the Sculpture Center, and Art Basel Miami Beach.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Performances, October 03, 2026, 10/03/2026, Absurdist&nbsp;Spectacle Performance in the Park

Workshop | Artmaking on the Plaza with a Professional Artist


Led by a local teaching artist, this drop-in class invites participants to explore creativity through ... more >> hands-on artmaking. Past mediums have included plein-air drawing, printmaking, cyanotypes, and more. All materials are provided.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Workshops, October 03, 2026, 10/03/2026, Artmaking on the Plaza with a Professional Artist

Workshop | Kayaking in a Hudson River Cove


This event provides the equipment, instruction, and oversight you need to experience a safe and fun afternoon ... more >> of kayaking on the Hudson River. The program is beginner-friendly, and no prior experience is required. Participants must be at least 18 years old (or accompanied by a parent or guardian) and know how to swim. Come dressed to get wet! Lockers and locks will be provided to keep valuables dry, and on-site changing rooms will be available for use. To save time, you can also sign a waiver before arriving to save time, available at the link provided. Be sure to allow time for waiting in line when planning your visit. You may not get a chance to kayak if you arrive less than an hour before the boathouse closes.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Workshops, October 03, 2026, 10/03/2026, Kayaking in a Hudson River Cove

Party | Play New Games & Make New Friends


Play your favorite contemporary board games! Featured games include but are not limited to Chameleon, ... more >> Wavelength, Avalon, Parade, Splendor, Century Spice Road, Mountain Goats, No Thanks, Codenames, Werewords, Spyfall, Azul, Letter Jam, Dixit, In Kahootz, and Captain Sonar. A new game will be selected each week.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Partys, October 03, 2026, 10/03/2026, Play New Games & Make New Friends

Film | Spielberg's E.T. (1982): Science Fantasy Film


An alien is left behind on Earth and saved by the 10-year-old Elliott who decides to keep him hidden ... more >> in his home. While a task force hunts for the extra-terrestrial, Elliott, his brother, and his little sister Gertie form an emotional bond with their new friend, and try to help him find his way home. Director: Steven Spielberg Cast: Dee Wallace, Peter Coyote, Henry Thomas Steven Spielberg is an American film director, writer, and producer. A major figure of the New Hollywood era and pioneer of the modern blockbuster, he is the most commercially successful director of all time. He is the recipient of various accolades, including three Academy Awards, two BAFTA Awards, and four Directors Guild of America Awards, as well as the AFI Life Achievement Award in 1995, the Kennedy Center Honor in 2006, the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2009, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015. Seven of his films have been inducted into the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
free, registration required
Films, October 03, 2026, 10/03/2026, Spielberg's E.T. (1982): Science Fantasy Film

Film | Cujo (1983): Horror Film 


Cujo, a friendly St. Bernard, contracts rabies and conducts a reign of terror on an American farm. ... more >> Director: Lewis Teague Cast: Dee Wallace, Daniel Hugh-Kelly, Danny Pintauro, Ed Lauter, Christopher Stone
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
free, registration required
Films, October 03, 2026, 10/03/2026, Cujo&nbsp;(1983): Horror 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, 1 drink...
Concerts, October 03, 2026, 10/03/2026, Afternoon Jam Sesh (Play Music or Just Listen)

Dance Performance | Site-Specific Duet, Physical Dialogue Finding Balance


This performance brings together dancers Asha Thomas and Robert Cornejo in an intimate dance that offers ... more >> a sensitive lecture on communication across generations. By placing these two artists at distinct, contrasting moments in their lives and careers, the choreography becomes a living conversation where maturity and youth meet. Their physical dialogue navigates the deep-seated difficulties of finding balance, letting the human relationship play out directly within the environment around them. While this duet is drawn from excerpts of Gounouj In Situ, it stands as a window into the core themes of Leo Lerus's broader choreographic work. His practice frequently draws inspiration from the Gwoka tradition and the lush natural beauty of his native Guadeloupe, exploring the island's natural and cultural ability to adapt to change. Through his movement research, Lerus explores environments in a delicate natural balance and examines how that equilibrium is altered by contemporary input. By weaving these ideas into the duet, the performance reflects the complex mix of feelings around environmental preservation--using the movement of two different generations to juxtapose disappointment and anger with an enduring hope and a shared movement toward a positive future.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
free, RSVP required
Dance Performances, October 03, 2026, 10/03/2026, Site-Specific Duet, Physical Dialogue Finding Balance

Workshop | Queer Poetry Celebration: Writing & Sharing (All Levels Welcome)


This event is a workshop where attendees will read, write, and celebrate queer poetry. The group will ... more >> spend the first 90 minutes reading and writing new work, and the rest of the meeting will be used for personal introductions and sharing works. Bring your authentic selves, your best (or worst!) poems, and a love for the written word. Open to all experience levels.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:30 pm
free, no reservation required
Workshops, October 03, 2026, 10/03/2026, Queer Poetry Celebration: Writing & Sharing (All Levels Welcome)

Party | Roller Dance Social In a Park with Live DJ


Get ready to roll into the excitement at an outdoor skate circle. With live DJs spinning the tunes, is ... more >> as much fun to watch as it is to join! Whether you're a seasoned skater or just starting out, bring your own skates and get ready to groove with roller dancing. All skill levels are welcome. This is a family-friendly atmosphere perfect for all ages. Children under 14 must wear helmets for safety.
   New York City, NY; NYC
2:45 pm
free, no reservation required
Partys, October 03, 2026, 10/03/2026, Roller Dance Social In a Park with Live DJ

Dance Performance | Site-Specific Duet, Physical Dialogue Finding Balance


This performance brings together dancers Asha Thomas and Robert Cornejo in an intimate dance that offers ... more >> a sensitive lecture on communication across generations. By placing these two artists at distinct, contrasting moments in their lives and careers, the choreography becomes a living conversation where maturity and youth meet. Their physical dialogue navigates the deep-seated difficulties of finding balance, letting the human relationship play out directly within the environment around them. While this duet is drawn from excerpts of Gounouj In Situ, it stands as a window into the core themes of Leo Lerus's broader choreographic work. His practice frequently draws inspiration from the Gwoka tradition and the lush natural beauty of his native Guadeloupe, exploring the island's natural and cultural ability to adapt to change. Through his movement research, Lerus explores environments in a delicate natural balance and examines how that equilibrium is altered by contemporary input. By weaving these ideas into the duet, the performance reflects the complex mix of feelings around environmental preservation--using the movement of two different generations to juxtapose disappointment and anger with an enduring hope and a shared movement toward a positive future.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:30 pm
free, RSVP required
Dance Performances, October 03, 2026, 10/03/2026, Site-Specific Duet, Physical Dialogue Finding Balance

Classical Music | Serene Organ Meditations in Intimate Venue (In Person AND Online!)


Enjoy a program of hymns, anthems, and voluntaries for the organ.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free, donations are...
Concerts, October 03, 2026, 10/03/2026, Serene Organ Meditations in Intimate Venue (In Person AND Online!)
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Complimentary Tickets

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

Performance | Erotic Burlesque Show

Regular Price: $135
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Jazz | Grammy-Nominated Jazzman at World Famous Venue

Regular Price: $45
CFT Member Price: $0.00