free things to do in New York City
Free events for Wednesday, 09/16/26
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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 16, 2026?

20 free events take place on Wednesday, September 16 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 16 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!

20 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Wednesday, September 16, 2026

All events are free unless otherwise noted.
        

Workshop | Tai Chi (Outdoors)


Improve balance, strength, and focus through gentle exercises. The sights and sounds of the harbor provide a serene background for the ancient flowing postures.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:30 am
Free
Workshops, September 16, 2026, 09/16/2026, Tai Chi (Outdoors)

Workshop | Artist-Led Figure Drawing in the Park


Placed in a unique setting, a model will strike short and long poses for participants to sketch and draw. An artist/ educator will offer constructive suggestions and critique. Drawing materials provided, or bring your own.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Workshops, September 16, 2026, 09/16/2026, Artist-Led Figure Drawing 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 16, 2026, 09/16/2026, Discover the History & Design of One of New York's Most Unique Parks

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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12:00 pm
Free
Workshops, September 16, 2026, 09/16/2026, Learn to Juggle in the Park

Concert | Live Music in an Architectural Marvel


A live performance featuring a rotating lineup of artists curated by Sing for Hope.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free
Concerts, September 16, 2026, 09/16/2026, Live Music in an Architectural Marvel

Classical Music | An Afternoon of Organ Works by J.S. Bach in a Beautiful Church (In Person AND Online!)


Take a momentary respite from a busy day to enjoy a selection of organ works by Johann Sebastian Bach in an intimate venue.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:20 pm
Free
Concerts, September 16, 2026, 09/16/2026, An Afternoon of Organ Works by J.S. Bach in a Beautiful Church (In Person AND Online!)

Workshop | Adult Chorus Session Open to All


Directed by Church Street School of Music, the Downtown Beats adult chorus is open to all who love to sing! Learn contemporary and classic songs and perform at community events throughout the year.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Workshops, September 16, 2026, 09/16/2026, Adult Chorus Session Open to All

Film | La Bamba (1987): Biographical Drama about Ritchie Valens


A biography of Ritchie Valens, the young rocker who died in a 1959 plane crash with Buddy Holly and the Big Bopper. Director: Luis Valdez Cast: Esai Morales, Rosanna DeSoto, Elizabeth Peña, Joe Pantoliano
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Films, September 16, 2026, 09/16/2026, La Bamba (1987): Biographical Drama about Ritchie Valens

Workshop | Landscape Art Class (Outdoors)


Artists of all skill levels can be inspired by park surroundings to create with drawing materials, pastels, and watercolors. Embolden your artwork amidst the flower-filled and seasonally evolving palette of verdant gardens. An artist/educator will provide ideas and instruction. Materials provided, and artists are encouraged to bring their own favorite media.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Workshops, September 16, 2026, 09/16/2026, Landscape Art Class (Outdoors)

Workshop | An Evening of Rowing in New York Harbor


At this rowing session, after a brief orientation, participants will be assigned to a crew with an experienced coxswain to steer the boat and a mixture of experienced and new rowers. The boats, Whitehall gigs, are stable, traditional working boats for four rowers and a coxswain. No experience is necessary and rowers of all ability levels are welcome! The rowing sessions last several hours and are designed to be excursions: groups row against the tide to a destination, take a break onshore or in a protected cove, then return home with the tide. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Please complete the waiver before
   New York City, NY; NYC
5:00 pm
Free
Workshops, September 16, 2026, 09/16/2026, An Evening of Rowing in New York Harbor

Dancing | Intergenerational Mambo Dance Party on the Plaza


Live bands, DJs, dance lessons, and performances. Learn how to mambo like they used to in New York’s legendary Palladium Ballroom, where the social dance movement was born! Sekou McMiller & Friends host an intergenerational Mambo social dance party and lesson featuring elders from the Palladium with a live music performance by the Palladium Mambo Band. All are welcomed for this intergenerational celebration of dance and community.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Dancings, September 16, 2026, 09/16/2026, Intergenerational Mambo Dance Party on the Plaza

Party | Play Settlers of Catan: All Levels Welcome


Play one of the most popular board games in the world. Organizers welcome players of all levels to this social! These socials are limited to 16 players, with 2 rounds. Organizers ask that participants arrive 15 minutes early to sign up.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Partys, September 16, 2026, 09/16/2026, Play Settlers of Catan: All Levels Welcome

Opening Reception | The Tesseract: Solo Exhibition of Maximalist Pictures from United Nations-Featured Artist


This exhibition from Zio Ziegler swings the viewer in whirling, elliptical fashion from one aesthetic mode to another. From the thickly patterned world of his monumental and maximalist pictures, to the exploratory mark-making of his skeletal monochrome canvases. And from the visceral and layered forms of his so-called “Essential Figures,” to his similarly totemic three-dimensional figures whose dynamism he has stilled in bronze. Four modes, four artistic voices, four variations on a theme, each one giving rise to—yet also putting a kind of gravitational pressure on—the next.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Opening Receptions, September 16, 2026, 09/16/2026, The Tesseract: Solo Exhibition of Maximalist Pictures from United Nations-Featured Artist

Party | Board Games Meet-Up


This event features a variety of board games, including Scrabble, Chess, Boggle, Bananagrams, Scattergories, and more! Bring a friend or join on your own--all levels are welcome. Studies have shown that playing board games can have positive effects on your mental, emotional, and physical health, including: o Improving memory and focus o Enhancing critical thinking skills o Making connections o Reducing stress (and screen time!)
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Partys, September 16, 2026, 09/16/2026, Board Games Meet-Up

Book Discussion | Book Launch-- Telenovela: A Reader (with Researchers, Editors, & Contributors)


Celebrating the release of Telenovela: A Reader, featuring a panel conversation with the publication’s co-editors Aimé Iglesias Lukin and Mariano López Seoane. Telenovela: A Reader brings together artworks, archival documents, and multidisciplinary essays that examine telenovelas through the lenses of art history, sociology, anthropology, comparative literature, performance studies, and visual studies. Expanding on the themes explored in the exhibition, the publication considers the telenovela as a cultural form that has shaped collective imaginaries across Latin America and its diasporas. The program will feature a panel conversation with the publication’s co-editors Aimé Iglesias Lukin, director and chief curator of Art at Americas Society, and Mariano López Seoane, director of the Graduate Program and ISLAA fellow in Latin American Art at the Center for Curatorial Studies, Bard College, as well as the publication authors. Together, they will discuss the publication’s central themes, research, and the broader questions raised by Telenovela.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Book Discussions, September 16, 2026, 09/16/2026, Book Launch-- Telenovela: A Reader (with Researchers, Editors, & Contributors)

Workshop | Cardio & Strength Class for Endurance, Power, & Wellness with Live DJ


This class is a high-energy group workout for a fun, full-body session. Participants will be guided through intervals designed to boost endurance, power, and overall wellness. These sessions are accessible for all fitness levels and focus on helping participants move, feel, and perform better. A live DJ will help you warm up before each class begins. Please bring your own yoga mat or blanket. All classes are weather-dependent and are subject to change. Please arrive at least 5 minutes early to secure your spot, as walk-ups may be accommodated if space becomes available.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Workshops, September 16, 2026, 09/16/2026, Cardio & Strength Class for Endurance, Power, & Wellness with Live DJ

Book Discussion | Quiet Reading Meet Up


Bring a book or check one out of the library to read to yourself for one hour. After that, spend an hour socializing with those around you!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Book Discussions, September 16, 2026, 09/16/2026, Quiet Reading Meet Up

Classical Music | Baroque Masterworks for Voice & Piano


An evening of vocal artistry with acclaimed Austrian countertenor Alois Mühlbacher, accompanied by distinguished Austrian pianist Elias Gillesberger. Mühlbacher is a sought-after countertenor and has captivated audiences worldwide with his unmistakable voice, versatility, and expressive stage presence. Together with Gillesberger, he presents a carefully curated recital spanning Baroque masterworks, Romantic Lieder, and modern compositions, offering a program of emotional depth and musical refinement.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Concerts, September 16, 2026, 09/16/2026, Baroque Masterworks for Voice & Piano

Poetry Reading | Multilingual Poetry Night: Quantum Age


Discover the concepts of Quantum Age Poetry and Quantum Poetics with this multilingual poetry event exploringinnovative poetic frameworks.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Poetry Readings, September 16, 2026, 09/16/2026, Multilingual Poetry Night: Quantum Age

Workshop | Sculpting Workout on the Pier


Led by coaches and trainers from obé Fitness lead a class to deliver a full-body burn with energizing, low-impact toning work. Designed to be accessible and welcoming for all fitness levels.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Workshops, September 16, 2026, 09/16/2026, Sculpting Workout on the Pier
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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