free things to do in New York City
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Free Events, Free Things to Do in New York City! Read More
Where else but in New York City can you listen to a world-class musician, discuss a book with a famous author, take a part in poetry reading, have a glass of wine at an art exhibition opening, and all that on the same day, and all that free of charge, and all of that on any day of the year, whether it's December or July, April or November!
The trick is to know about those free events, free things to do BEFORE they happen, not after the fact. That's where Club Free Time comes in handy! Become a Club Free Time member and start using these unique New York City (NYC) opportunities today, February 21, 2026!
Join the Club!
Club Free Time is your perfect guide to Free Entertainment and Free Culture in the City That Never Sleeps.
Join the Club!
In addition to providing information about free events, free things to do in New York City (NYC), Club Free Time offers its members complimentary tickets to classical music concerts, dance performances and theater: when a producer wants that special buzz of the 'full house' - Club Free Time members are welcomed for their enthusiasm and sophistication!
Join the Club!
Get a taste of free culture and free entertainment in New York City (NYC)!
Join the Club!
Experience an entirely new perspective on New York. 'Open up a whole new cultural world... in one of the most vibrant capital cities in the world, sampling cultural delights beyond anyone's wildest dream.' Rupert Parker, journalist, photographer, cameraman, and TV producer
February 21, 2026. Free shows, free concerts, free movies, free tours, free readings, worshops, lectures, etc. are New York's best kept secret! Learn all about it and do not miss the unique opportunities that only New York provides: NYC never ceases to amaze you with quantity and quality of its free culture and free entertainment whether it's day or night, weekday or weekend, summer or winter, spring or fall, January or June, May or September. If you are looking for inexpensive things to do and where to go in Manhattan today, tonight, tomorrow, or any other time, or any other day of any week - you came to the right place: just click on any day on the calendar dispayed on the every page of our site and you will see how many events you can attend in Manhattan free of charge on that very day.
New York's cultural scene is at its busiest in October and March (and the same goes for free events, free things to do), but other months of the year still offer incredible amount of high quality, off the beaten path, unique free events, free things to do which will take your breath away! So if you looking for something to do in April or November, December or February, you will find tons of free things to do, free events to go to. (In June, July and August lots of those free events take place outdoors, of course).
So start using these unique New York City opportunities today, February 21, 2026!
Where else but in New York City can you listen to a world-class musician, discuss a book with a famous author, take a part in poetry reading, have a glass of wine at an art exhibition opening, and all that on the same day, and all that free of charge, and all of that on any day of the year, whether it's December or July, April or November!
The trick is to know about those free events, free things to do BEFORE they happen, not after the fact. That's where Club Free Time comes in handy! Become a Club Free Time member and start using these unique New York City (NYC) opportunities today, February 21, 2026!
Join the Club!
Club Free Time is your perfect guide to Free Entertainment and Free Culture in the City That Never Sleeps.
Join the Club!
Free things to do, free events that take place in New York City every day of the year are truly amazing. So if you're looking for something interesting to do today (February 21, 2026) or on any other day of the year don't miss those free-of-charge opportunities that only New York provides! You can find lots of high quality, off the beaten path, unique free events, free things to do which will take your breath away!
In addition to providing information about free events, free things to do in New York City (NYC), Club Free Time offers its members complimentary tickets to classical music concerts, dance performances and theater: when a producer wants that special buzz of the 'full house' - Club Free Time members are welcomed for their enthusiasm and sophistication!
Join the Club!
Get a taste of free culture and free entertainment in New York City (NYC)!
Join the Club!
Experience an entirely new perspective on New York. 'Open up a whole new cultural world... in one of the most vibrant capital cities in the world, sampling cultural delights beyond anyone's wildest dream.' Rupert Parker, journalist, photographer, cameraman, and TV producer
Join the Club!
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!
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!
Let New York City surprise, stimulate, entertain and excite you! Read More
Don't miss the unique opportunities that only New York provides:
- free concerts in NYC
- free movies in NYC
- free jazz in NYC
- free poetry readings in NYC
- free tours/hikes in NYC
- free city walks in NYC
- free Yoga /Tai Chi in NYC
- fairs and parades in NYC
- free theater in NYC
- free tickets to concerts, theater and dance performances in NYC
'New York is abuzz with so much culture that they're giving it away.' (The New York Times article about Club Free Time).
Editor's Picks
30 free things to do in New York City (NYC) today:
Saturday, February 21, 2026
All events are free unless otherwise noted.Workshop | Central Park Running Session (All Levels Welcome)
If you prefer not to run alone or are looking to improve your running performance, you can run with a club! Open to runners of all levels. Weekly changed routes through the park. Coaches, training, running company and inspiration!
New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 am
Free
Free
Workshop | Community Park 5K Run with New York Road Runners
New york Road Runners host a 5K community-led run,open to runners and walkers of all ages, abilities, and experience levels. Evidence of Inwood Hill Park’s formation exists as caves, valleys, and ridges left as the result of shifting glaciers. Evidence of its uninhabited state afterward remains as its forest and salt marsh (the last natural one in Manhattan), and evidence of its use by Native Americans continues to be discovered. Most of the park was largely untouched by wars and development. The park features a hiking trail and the Hudson River Bike Trail, and is one of the best places in NYC to spot a bald eagle. It also includes athletic fields, playgrounds, dog runs, and a barbecue area. The course is three loops on hilly trails and walkways through woods and along a salt marsh.
New York City, NY; NYC
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8:45 am
Free
Free
Book Club | Discuss Romance with Likeminded Readers
Calling all romance book lovers! If you love romance or want to get into it, come to the romance book club! We’ll be discussing our favorite romance books, current reads, and more!
New York City, NY; NYC
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10:15 am
Free
Free
Festival | Lunar New Year Celebration
Welcome the Year of the Horse and celebrate Lunar New Year at the park! Join a ribbon dancing class, watch a Lion Dance and other performances by the New York Chinese Cultural Center, and make a wish on the Wishing Trees.
New York City, NY; NYC
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10:30 am
Free
Free
Author Reading | Celebrating Black Girlhood: Storytime with Jaylene Clark Owens
Join award‑winning actress, poet, and author Jaylene Clark Owens for a daytime family storytime featuring her picture book A Black Girl and Her Braids. Enjoy a live reading, a lively Q&A, and the chance to have books signed.
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Free
Tour | Explore an Exhibition on Black Musical Theater History
Enjoy a guided tour of the new exhibition on Black musical theater history, Syncopated Stages: Black Disruptions to the Great White Way! This staff-led tour highlights the contributions of Black artists, shows, and theaters in the musical theater field, from pioneering artists of the 19th century to the great culture shapers and innovators of today.
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Free
Museums | Jewish History: Centuries of Art
As one of the largest collections of art in Jewish culture globally, the venue features an extensive 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
Free
Fair | Record Party with Live Music & Local Businesses
Attend a smaller version of the Brooklyn Flea Record Fair, bringing together music fans and collectors. Come shop from 10 specially curated record vendors from around New York and New Jersey and while you browse for your next exciting find, enjoy DJ sets and unique demos from our Music and Recorded Sound Division all for free! A more detailed schedule of the day will be coming soon.
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Free
Workshop | Origami Meet-Up
This event is for people to come together and share in the beautiful art of Origami--an ancient art of folding various mediums, most commonly paper. The word comes from the combination of the Japanese verb oru (to fold) and the noun kami (paper). Other materials often folded are fabric, wire mesh, sheet metal, tissue, thin plastic, cardboard, and straws.This group meets to teach each other new models and share paper, books, and tips. This meeting iopen to all level of folders from beginner to advanced. There will be free paper available to share. You may choose to bring your own paper and books and just show up and fold! If you have models you would like to learn, or teach, let the organizers know, and they will try our best to accommodate.
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:30 am
Free
Free
Film | Get Out (2017): Psychological Horror Film from Jordan Peele
A young African-American visits his white girlfriend's parents for the weekend, where his simmering uneasiness about their reception of him eventually reaches a boiling point. Director: Jordan Peele Cast: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Bradley Whitford, Caleb Landry Jones, Stephen Root, Catherine Keener Jordan Peele is an actor, comedian, and filmmaker. He is known for his film and television work in the comedy and horror genres. He has received various accolades, including an Academy Award and a Primetime Emmy Award. Peele started his career in comedy before transitioning to writing and directing psychological horror with comedic elements. In 2017, Peele was included on the annual Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world.
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Free
Performance | Lunar New Year Ribbon Twirling & Shaolin Kung Fu
Experience traditional cultural performances by the New York Chinese Cultural Center in celebration of the Lunar New Year.
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Free
Film | Green Book (2018): Biographical Comedy-Drama with Mahershala Ali
When Tony Lip, a bouncer from an Italian-American neighborhood in the Bronx, is hired to drive Dr. Don Shirley, a world-class Black pianist, on a concert tour from Manhattan to the Deep South, they must rely on The Green Book to guide them to the few establishments that were then safe for African-Americans. Confronted with racism, danger, as well as unexpected humanity and humor, they are forced to set aside differences to survive and thrive on the journey of a lifetime. Inspired by a true friendship. Director: Peter Farrelly Cast: Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali, Linda Cardellini Mahershala Ali is an actor who has received multiple accolades, including two Academy Awards, a British Academy Film Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Primetime Emmy Award. Films in which he has appeared have grossed over $3.3 billion worldwide. In 2020, The New York Times ranked him among the 25 greatest actors of the 21st century. Time magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2019.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
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
Free
Festival | Galloping Into the Year of the Horse
Celebrate the centennial of cultural exchange with immersive workshops, dazzling performances, and family‑friendly activities honoring the Year of the Horse. The festival showcases traditional arts, crafts, and music from China.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
Film | Paul Thomas Anderson's Boogie Nights (1997): Comedy-Drama with All-Star Cast
A family of filmmakers stuggles to redefine and revolutionize the adult entertainment industry. Idealistic producer Jack Horner aspires to elevate his craft into an artform. Teenager Eddie Adams discovers a talent that will propel him to celebrity as an adult entertainer. Now, at a time when disco and drugs are in vogue, fashion is in flux, and the party never seems to stop, dreams of stardom are about to collide with cold, hard reality. Director: Paul Thomas Anderson Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Julianne Moore, Burt Reynolds, Don Cheadle, John C. Reilly, William H. Macy, Heather Graham, Nicole Ari Parker, Philip Seymour Hoffman Paul Thomas Anderson is an American filmmaker. Often described as one of the preeminent filmmakers of his generation, his accolades include two Golden Globe Awards, a BAFTA Award, two Critics' Choice Awards, and nominations for eleven Academy Awards, and a Grammy. He is the only person to have won Best Director at the Cannes Film Festival, the Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival, and the Silver and Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Learn how to Play Indigenous Games from the Americas
Games play an essential role in Native community life. In this interactive program, Museum Educators introduce traditional Indigenous games from across the Americas. Participants will learn the cultural significance of each game and how to play them. The program is active, hands-on, and welcoming to all ages.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:30 pm
Free
Free
Reading | Read Proust's Final Work, Time Regained
Read or re-read Proust’s last volume, Time Regained, with Alex Klameth, Proust Center-JML Facilitator. If you are a re-reader, you may join... if you don't reveal any spoilers! Any translation or language is welcome.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:30 pm
Free
Free
Performance | Lunar New Year Ribbon Twirling & Shaolin Kung Fu
Experience traditional cultural performances by the New York Chinese Cultural Center in celebration of the Lunar New Year.
New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free
Free
Author Reading | Debut Author Shares His New Novella, Audition for the Fox
Enjoy this special author event. Martin Cahill, the author of Audition for the Fox, will be in attendance to talk to attendees about his 2025 debut fantasy novella! In this stellar debut fantasy, a trickster Fox god challenges an underachieving acolyte to save herself by saving her own ancestors. But are Nesi and her new friends from the past prepared to defeat the ferocious Wolfhounds of Zemin?
New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free
Free
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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4:00 pm
Free
Free
Performance | Lunar New Year Ribbon Twirling & Shaolin Kung Fu
Experience traditional cultural performances by the New York Chinese Cultural Center in celebration of the Lunar New Year.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
5:00 pm
Free
Free
Classical Music | Piano Music Celebrating Chinese Folk Song and Opera
Pianist Yingqi Wang presents a vibrant program inspired by Chinese folk songs and opera. The recital features works by Jianzhong Wang and Zhang Zhao's Pi Huang. Brief, audience-friendly introductions highlight the stories, regional styles, and instrumental imitations in the music.
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Free
Performance | Resisting Expiration: Endurance and Artistic Practice
Penny Arcade presents a performance in conjunction with the gallery's exhibition. Drawing on a five-decade career in performance, theater, and writing, Arcade confronts cultural expectations with wit and urgency, affirming endurance as an artistic practice that continues to evolve while resisting erasure and expiration.
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Free
Opening Reception | Multimedia Sculptures & Panel Works
A debut solo exhibition revealing six striking multimedia sculptures and a series of panel pieces born from a year of personal health crises. The works translate surgical gestures into poetic forms that expose fragile interiors while amplifying unanswered questions. Key pieces such as “Are You Still Strong Enough?” and “I Was Softer Then” embody the tension between alteration and revelation.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Jazz | Sir Kahil El'Zabar: Legendary Musical Visionary and Ethnic Heritage Ensemble ( jazz, improvisation, and cultural memory)
Witness Sir Kahil El'Zabar and his Ethnic Heritage Ensemble for a transformative performance blending jazz, improvisation, and cultural memory. Experience a musical journey that connects history and the enduring power of artistic expression. Sir Kahil El'Zabar is a legendary Chicago-born jazz multi-percussionist, composer, and bandleader, widely recognized as a pioneer of "spiritual groove" and avant-garde jazz. A former chairman of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM), he has led the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble and The Ritual Trio for over five decades, collaborating with artists like Dizzy Gillespie, Nina Simone, and Stevie Wonde
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Free
Concert | Immersive Multi-Genre Odyssey of Song with Broadway Performers
Step into the magical world of AVALONA, A Musical Legend, a multi-genre odyssey of song, storytelling, dance, and breathtaking digital imagery. Conceived by award-winning songwriter, producer, and storyteller Dina Fanai (Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Foreigner, Jackie Evancho, Rocktopia) and Executive Produced by Bob Kinkel (co-creator/producer, Trans-Siberian Orchestra), this immersive concert invites audiences into a realm where music and story breathe as one. Weaving the lyrical mysticism of Rumi with the archetypal wisdom of Joseph Campbell, AVALONA becomes a living tapestry of courage and transformation. Featuring powerful vocal performances and soaring anthems by Jenna Rubaii as Avalona (Jesus Christ Superstar, Groundhog Day, American Idiot), Maya Days as The Shaman (Rent, Jesus Christ Superstar, Aida), Dan Dommench as The Shadow (Rock of Ages, Glee, Rent, Heathers), Madeline Serrano as The Child (Evita, Annie, Matilda), and Fanai as The Weaver of Time, AVALONA invites audiences on a journey of self-discovery through music and myth. 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
Free
Musical | True Love Never Did Run Smooth: An Operetta of Shakespearean Songs
Enjoy Shakespeare's songs brought to life in a beautiful quartet. An hour of music and Shakespeare filled with love, heartbreak, and hope. Shakespeare alludes to or includes the text of well over one hundred songs in his works. Music was an integral part of Elizabethan life, as it is today. London publishers were constantly producing broadside ballads, madrigals, and consort pieces, and most educated people could read music and play a tune on a recorder, lute, or viola da gamba. Performers: Laura Whittenberger, Soprano Anna Willson, Soprano Alex Lyons, Tenor, Recorders Garald Farnham, Baritone, Lutes
New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free
Free
Classical Music | Violin Works by Beethoven, Brahms, & More (In Person AND Online!)
Theo Bockhorst, violin. Program: Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770-1827) Sonata No. 5 for Violin and Piano in F Major, Op. 24 Johann Brahms (1833-1897) Violin Concerto in D Minor, Op. 77 Henri Vieuxtemps (1820-1881) Souvenir D'Amerique
New York City, NY; NYC
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8:30 pm
Free
Free
Classical Music | Violin Works by Brahms, & More (In Person AND Online!)
Virgil Moore, violin. Program: Josef Suk (1874-1935) Four Pieces for Violin and Piano, Op. 17 Amy Beach (1867-1944) Romance for Violin and Piano, Op. 23 Emre Sener (2001-) Vigil Johann Brahms (1833-1897) Violin Sonata No. 1 in G Major, Op. 78
New York City, NY; NYC
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8:30 pm
Free
Free
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Classical Music | Orchestral Masterpieces by Haydn and more
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