free things to do in New York City
Free events for Saturday, 09/12/26
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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 12, 2026?

26 free events take place on Saturday, September 12 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 12 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!

26 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Saturday, September 12, 2026

All events are free unless otherwise noted.
        

Festival | 52nd Annual Art Show in the Park


Staged in one of the prettiest and most peaceful waterside parks in New York City, this art show attracts over 100 regionally and nationally celebrated artists. Buy one-of-a-kind paintings, photographs, and sculptures for your home and office. Bring the whole family for a day of inspiring activities. From 10 am to 12 pm, volunteers lead kids through hands-on art projects, teaching the basics of drawing and painting and expanding creative horizons.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Festivals, September 12, 2026, 09/12/2026, 52nd Annual Art Show in the Park

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, 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
Park Walks, September 12, 2026, 09/12/2026, 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 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
Workshops, September 12, 2026, 09/12/2026, Drawing in Nature

Workshop | Family Kayaking on the East River


Glide along the water this summer in an East River embayment with a kayaking session! All levels are welcome including first-time kayakers -- life vests and all equipment provided, as well as instruction. This program is specifically geared for kids and families, allowing younger paddlers to go solo in single kayaks! Kids aged 7 and older can paddle solo (as long as a guardian is present) thanks to additional on-water safety boaters from The Kayak Foundation who are specially trained to work with kids. Children under 18 must have an adult guardian present. Register for a 20-minute time slot. Please note this event is subject to change due to weather or other extenuating circumstances
   New York City, NY; NYC
10:00 am
Free
Workshops, September 12, 2026, 09/12/2026, Family Kayaking on the East River

Workshop | Famous Limon Dance Company Teaches Rhythm, Balance, & Recovery in the Park


Move to live accompaniment and experience the joy of dance with dancers from the Limón Dance Company. Open to all levels and ages - no experience required! Bring friends, family, water on hot days, and enjoy dancing on the grass.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Workshops, September 12, 2026, 09/12/2026, Famous Limon Dance Company Teaches Rhythm, Balance, & Recovery in the Park

Workshop | Kayaking on the Hudson


A welcoming public kayaking experience and see New York City from the water. Guests will receive basic 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
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10:00 am
Free
Workshops, September 12, 2026, 09/12/2026, 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 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
Workshops, September 12, 2026, 09/12/2026, Accessible, Grounding, & Restorative Yoga in the Park

Museums | Exhibition Tour on Legacy of Innovative Modern Dance Teacher/Choreographer


The history of Martha Graham and her dance company is explored in a guided tour of the exhibition, Martha Graham: The Mother of Psychological Dance. The staff-led tour highlights the legacy of Graham and her dance technique, as well as the company, which is the oldest continuously operating dance company in the United States.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Museumss, September 12, 2026, 09/12/2026, Exhibition Tour on Legacy of Innovative Modern Dance Teacher/Choreographer

Workshop | Learn to Juggle in the Park


This juggling class is ideal for a quick lesson, an extended practice session, or just enjoy watching 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
Workshops, September 12, 2026, 09/12/2026, Learn to Juggle in the Park

Park Walk | Outdoor Tree Walk Identifying Local Flora: Discover the Biodiversity of the City


A local nature team leads a guided tour. Near-ly 3,500 trees make up this area's canopy, pro-vid-ing essen-tial ben-e-fits all New York-ers: they cap-ture and remove pol-lu-tion from the air, help mit-i-gate cli-mate change by absorb-ing and seques-ter-ing car-bon diox-ide, reduce runoff and oth-er flood-ing dur-ing weath-er events, help cool com-mu-ni-ties, and fos-ter crit-i-cal bio-di-ver-si-ty. Please note: these tours are held entire-ly out-doors. Please dress with the weath-er in mind.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:45 am
Free
Park Walks, September 12, 2026, 09/12/2026, Outdoor Tree Walk Identifying Local Flora: Discover the Biodiversity of the City

Galleries | Exploring Conceptual, Minimalist, & Pop Multimedia ArtWorks


Experience David Lamelas: The Machine through a tour led by a gallery guide. Visitors are invited to engage with artworks as active participants and to bring their own questions and perspectives to the gallery experience. David Lamelas: The Machine is a comprehensive survey exhibition of the Argentine artist’s work and his first major solo presentation in New York. A foundational yet overlooked figure of 1960s and ’70s art, Lamelas has produced paintings, drawings, sculptures, installations, performances, and films, bridging Conceptual, Minimalist, and Pop approaches to art-making. Over six decades, he has created a diverse body of work while living across Buenos Aires, London, Los Angeles, and Paris, among other locations, developing a nomadic sensibility that profoundly shaped his practice.  
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Galleriess, September 12, 2026, 09/12/2026, Exploring Conceptual, Minimalist, & Pop Multimedia ArtWorks

Workshop | Kayaking in a Hudson River Cove


This event provides the equipment, instruction, and oversight you need to experience a safe and fun afternoon 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
Workshops, September 12, 2026, 09/12/2026, 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, 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
Partys, September 12, 2026, 09/12/2026, Play New Games & Make New Friends

Film | Man of La Mancha (1972): Broadway Musical Adaptation


An adaptation of the Broadway hit about Don Quixote, told through a story by its author Miguel de Cervantes. Director: Arthur Hiller Cast: Peter O'Toole, Sophia Loren, James Coco, Harry Andrews, John Castle
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Films, September 12, 2026, 09/12/2026, Man of La Mancha (1972): Broadway Musical Adaptation

Musical | The Root of It All: A Dentist’s Tale -- Surreal, Satirical Comedy Musical (Outdoors)


In a fantastical dream, the dentist enters a surreal world where dancing teeth, an activist Tooth Fairy, and a chorus of very “patient” patients battle the moral decay threatening America’s ideals. With ICE agents emerging from giant cavities as symbols of fear and division, the dentist envisions a quest to “root out” hatred instead of people. A brigade of unlikely heroes invokes the nation’s immigrant heritage–from its earliest settlers to generations of newcomers–celebrating America’s diversity, compassion, and shared humanity. The historic wisdom of the United States promises a future in which the cavities of war are filled with hope and the promise of cooperation and peace. The community awakens from its nightmare inspired and unites to protect its neighbors and secure the child’s release. The music will vary in style from Bossa Nova to Hip Hop to Musical Comedy to classical Cantata. The play is a bouncy joyride through the undulations of the body politic, with astute commentary couched in satire, song, and slapstick. Book, lyrics, and direction by Crystal Field. Music composed and arranged by Peter Dizozza.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Musicals, September 12, 2026, 09/12/2026, The Root of It All: A Dentist&rsquo;s Tale -- Surreal, Satirical Comedy Musical (Outdoors)

Performance | Live Medieval Combat in a Major New York Park


Knights in full armor battle it out in the heart of Manhattan. The performers bring medieval history to life with live-action combat, community fun, and outdoor excitement. Bring a picnic blanket and snacks, grab something on-site, and enjoy an afternoon outside.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Performances, September 12, 2026, 09/12/2026, Live Medieval Combat in a Major New York Park

Workshop | Mending Circle: Breathe New Life into Your Favorite Clothes


This clothing repair circle is the perfect opportunity to mend, repair, and alter your clothing and textiles. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced mender, this in-person event is open to all. Bring your favorite garments that need some love, and our friendly community of fellow menders will be there to offer guidance and support. A sewing machine and other supplies like embroidery needles and thread will be provided.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Workshops, September 12, 2026, 09/12/2026, Mending Circle: Breathe New Life into Your Favorite Clothes

Classical Music | Music on the Water: Works by Violin & Piano


Music of David Bottoms, Bach, and Barber. Performed by Mark Peskanov, violin, and David Bottoms, piano
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Concerts, September 12, 2026, 09/12/2026, Music on the Water: Works by Violin & Piano

Film | Spielberg's Disclosure Day (2026): Sci-Fi Thriller  with All-Star Cast


A television meteorologist and a cybersecurity analyst go on a mission to disclose the existence of extraterrestrial life to the world, while trying to evade the trail of a government contractor who tries to prevent them from getting the secret out. Director: Steven Spielberg Cast: Emily Blunt, Josh O'Connor, Colin Firth, Eve Hewson, Colman Domingo 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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2:00 pm
Free
Films, September 12, 2026, 09/12/2026, Spielberg's Disclosure Day (2026): Sci-Fi Thriller&nbsp; with&nbsp;All-Star Cast

Discussion | Death Cafe Discussion Group


An informal, group-directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives or themes. The purpose of Death Cafe is "to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives." This is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counseling session.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:30 pm
Free
Discussions, September 12, 2026, 09/12/2026, Death Cafe Discussion Group

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
Concerts, September 12, 2026, 09/12/2026, Serene Organ Meditations in Intimate Venue (In Person AND Online!)

Opening Reception | Burning in the Eyes of the Maker: Solo Exhibition by Whitney-Featured Painter


This exhibition shows recent paintings by Celeste Dupuy-Spencer. The project was conceived in close collaboration with the artist and opened shortly after her untimely death at age 46. The exhibition is an overview of the past four years of her work.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Opening Receptions, September 12, 2026, 09/12/2026, Burning in the Eyes of the Maker: Solo Exhibition by Whitney-Featured Painter

Dancing | Tango Dancing in the Park, All Levels Welcome


Local and international dancers and spectators meet for an unforgettable evening. The atmosphere is casual, inviting everyone to enjoy the music, the dance, and the romantic setting of the park at sunset. It's an experience you won't want to miss! Beginner lessons start around 7:00 PM, open to all. All levels welcome, from beginners to experts. No partner needed. The dance floor is paved with stones, so wear comfortable shoes. Chalk is provided to make shoes more slippery for easier dancing. In case of rain, the event is moved to a location available at the link provided.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Dancings, September 12, 2026, 09/12/2026, Tango Dancing in the Park, All Levels Welcome

Play | Moliere's Don Juan: Provocative Tragicomedy with Live Music (in the Park)


Don Juan has abandoned Elvira, whom he seduced into breaking her vows and marrying him. Over the course of a single adventure-filled day, he and his loyal sidekick, Sganarelle, encounter many of the people Don Juan has betrayed. As he seduces women, defies social conventions, mocks religion, and revels in provocation, his appetite for transgression seems impossible to satisfy. Yet the signs are unmistakable: the walls are closing in. Will he truly repent? Or will he just pretend to, like so many around him, and continue down the same path to the bitter end? Playwright: Moliere Translator/Adaptor: Stephen Wadsworth Director: Lucie Tiberghien Cast: Keshav Moodliar, Kaliswa Brewster, Naomi Lorrain, Daniel Pearce, Michelle Veintimilla This presentation will feature live original cello music by Drama Desk-nominated composer Johnathan Moore.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Plays, September 12, 2026, 09/12/2026, Moliere's Don Juan: Provocative Tragicomedy with Live Music (in the Park)

Dance Performance | Curriculum IV: Spin and Spin! Turn! Turn! Turn! -- Dance Meditation on Loss from 2X Tony Winning Choreographer


The world premiere of a new work from National Medal of the Arts and Kennedy Center Honoree, Bill T. Jones, a show that was originally scheduled to premiere on September 12, 2001 on the plaza of the Twin Towers.  This new work, with original music from composer Samora Pinderhughes, commemorates the 25th anniversary of that suspended moment—and all that has unfolded since. Jones, in collaboration with Pinderhughes, forge an intergenerational bridge as both artists search within themselves and their respective creative interests to meditate on loss, and their distinct responses to the 25-year aftermath of 9/11 and other cataclysms spiralling into our era of loss of freedom, speech, movement, and justice. Featuring performances from Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company and live musicians, Spin and Spin! Turn! Turn! Turn! brings dance back to Lower Manhattan, shaped by resilience and the passage of time.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free
Dance Performances, September 12, 2026, 09/12/2026, Curriculum IV: Spin and Spin! Turn! Turn! Turn!&nbsp;-- Dance Meditation on Loss from 2X&nbsp;Tony Winning Choreographer

Concert | Immersive Rock-Soul Experience


After surviving a life-changing stroke in 2025, The Ki Ki Experience emerges from the ashes of uncertainty carrying a renewed voice, a deeper purpose, and a frequency forged through fire. Phoenix Frequency is an immersive rock-soul experience of resilience, determination, healing, and rebirth. Through powerful music, vulnerable storytelling, and electrifying performance, audiences will witness an artist crossing the threshold from who she was into who she is becoming. This concert honors the journey, celebrates the release of new music, and serves as a declaration that purpose cannot be silenced, destiny cannot be delayed, and what is meant to rise will always rise. This is not a return. This is an arrival. 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, September 12, 2026, 09/12/2026, Immersive Rock-Soul Experience
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Complimentary Tickets

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

Concert | "Tough, Insightful Rock and Roll" at a Major Venue

Regular Price: $40
CFT Member Price: $0.00

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

Regular Price: $45
CFT Member Price: $0.00