free things to do in New York City
Free events for Thursday, 09/17/26
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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 17, 2026?

18 free events take place on Thursday, September 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 September 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 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!

18 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Thursday, September 17, 2026

All events are free unless otherwise noted.
        

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 17, 2026, 09/17/2026, Learn to Juggle in the Park

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 17, 2026, 09/17/2026, An Afternoon of Organ Works by J.S. Bach in a Beautiful Church (In Person AND Online!)

Jazz | Piano in the Park: Lincoln Center-Featured Jazz Musician (+ Tap-A-Long Dance Performance)


Come on down and swing along to the best jazz the Big Apple has to offer, with musician Yuka Aikawa. "Yuka is a dedicated pianist/composer with worlds of talent." - Jimmy Heath Pianist and composer Yuka Aikawa is a frequent performer in NYC jazz clubs. You can hear her on Carline Ray's beautiful album, Vocal Sides. Yuka's new trio album, Clouds and Water, has been released in Japan, where she tours every year. During this special Tap-A-Long performance, host Toes Tiranoff and his repertoire of featured dancers will be your guides through dancing to this live music.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
Free
Concerts, September 17, 2026, 09/17/2026, Piano in the Park: Lincoln Center-Featured Jazz Musician (+ Tap-A-Long Dance Performance)

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
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3:00 pm
Free
Workshops, September 17, 2026, 09/17/2026, 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 17, 2026, 09/17/2026, 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 17, 2026, 09/17/2026, 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 17, 2026, 09/17/2026, Jump into Double Dutch with the Pros

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, September 17, 2026, 09/17/2026, Poetry Open Mic: Share Your Work or Listen to Emerging Writers

Opening Reception | Best by 07/21/2026: Multi-Artist, Multimedia Exhibition Exploring "Ectogenesis" in the Art World


An exhibition featuring artists Clare Hu, Tianyi Sun, and Shaan Ken Rao. The three artists, working in various mediums such as sculpture, weaving, painting, and photography, will create entirely new bodies of work using the gallery as their studio.  If artistic production generates its own forms of excretion, Best by borrows from the language of a system that organizes such distinctions: product packaging, where expiry dates sort the viable from the expired. These dates make disposal feel inevitable and predetermined, as though an object’s ending was written the moment of its making. The art world is no exception to expiry logic. In a climate of rising costs, contracting budgets, and institutional retrenchment, galleries are shedding artists and staff, recalibrating toward the marketable—what some might call a search for the institution's "soul.” Yet it is rarely the boldfaced names that go. Biennials and art fair cycles operate on the same logic, determining who and what is current, emerging, and relevant—and by extension, what has been spent.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Opening Receptions, September 17, 2026, 09/17/2026, Best by 07/21/2026: Multi-Artist, Multimedia Exhibition Exploring "Ectogenesis" in the Art World

Film | Secret Beyond the Door (1947): Psychological Horror Thriller with Joan Bennett, from Fritz Lang


A playgirl marries a mysterious stranger with a disturbing obsession with murder in this expressionistic, psychological thriller. Director: Fritz Lang Cast: Joan Bennett, Michael Redgrave Joan Bennett was a stage, film, and television actress. Beginning her career on the stage, Bennett appeared in more than 70 films from the era of silent films, well into the sound era. She is best remembered for her film noir femme fatale roles in director Fritz Lang's films and for her television role as matriarch Elizabeth Collins Stoddard in the gothic 1960s soap opera Dark Shadows, for which she was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement in Daytime Programming at the 20th Primetime Emmy Awards in 1968.  Fritz Lang was an Austrian film director, screenwriter, and producer who worked in Germany and later the United States. One of the best-known émigrés from Germany's school of Expressionism, he was dubbed the "Master of Darkness" by the British Film Institute. He has been cited as one of the most influential filmmakers of all time.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Films, September 17, 2026, 09/17/2026, Secret Beyond the Door (1947): Psychological Horror Thriller with Joan Bennett, from Fritz Lang

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 17, 2026, 09/17/2026, Muay Thai Lessons: Hands-On Instruction To Improve Your Fitness

Workshop | Collage Night


Repurpose old book materials and create some art. Base supplies will be provided. Additional materials are available for purchase at PWYC prices.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Workshops, September 17, 2026, 09/17/2026, Collage Night

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 17, 2026, 09/17/2026, Evening Yoga on the Water: Relax, Stretch, & Reset

Lecture | Re-Examining the History & Legacy of the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island


A talk from Chérie Adrienne Butler, Deputy Superintendent of the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island. Chérie has served as Superintendent of the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park and now as Deputy Superintendent - Park Operations for the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island. America’s past becomes palpably alive as she discusses these extraordinary sites, integral to our Nation’s history and very soul.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Lectures, September 17, 2026, 09/17/2026, Re-Examining the History & Legacy of the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

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 17, 2026, 09/17/2026, Sunset Salsa on the Pier

Screening | Zoolander (2001): Comedy Film with All-Star Cast (on the Plaza)


Clear the runway for Derek Zoolander, VH1's three-time male model of the year. His face falls when hippie-chic Hansel scooters in to steal this year's award. The evil fashion guru Mugatu seizes the opportunity to turn Derek into a killing machine. It's a well-designed conspiracy and only with the help of Hansel and a few well-chosen accessories like Matilda can Derek make the world safe for male models everywhere. Director: Ben Stiller Cast: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Will Ferrell, Christine Taylor, Milla Jovovich Bring your own blankets or portable chairs and enjoy this cinematic experience. Limited seating will be provided on a first come, first serve basis, with or without a ticket.This movie screening will have a special surprise activation, photo opportunity, or freebie to create a memorable experience for attendees.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Screenings, September 17, 2026, 09/17/2026, Zoolander (2001): Comedy Film with All-Star Cast (on the Plaza)

Festival | Immersive Outdoor Light Festival


Step into a park where interactive art, dazzling installations, and live DJs transform the night. Explore, play, and dance under the stars in a luminous experience.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Festivals, September 17, 2026, 09/17/2026, Immersive Outdoor Light Festival

Classical Music | Song Cycle Featuring Grammy-Winning Musicians + Dancing & Visual Arts


Equally praised for his work as a composer and advocate for the art of opera, baritone Will Liverman has been called “a voice for this historic moment” by The Washington Post. The NYC premiere of Liverman's latest large-scale composition, Songs of Humanity & Peace, integrates dance from choreographer/performer Amina Vargas, unique illustrations from visual artist Marcela Avelar, and musical accompaniment from Grammy-nominated pianist Adam Tendler. Lyrical poetry crafted by Liverman, Jonathan King, Tesia Kwarteng, and Sara Teasdale anchors this ambitious, nine-movement song cycle. An optimistic musical exploration into finding meaning in the small things can evoke our humanity, helping us move forward collectively and in beauty. 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 17, 2026, 09/17/2026, Song Cycle Featuring Grammy-Winning&nbsp;Musicians + Dancing & Visual Arts
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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