free things to do in New York City
Free events for Friday, 05/23/25
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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 May 23, 2025?

16 free events take place on Friday, May 23 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 May 23 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 May . 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!

16 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Friday, May 23, 2025

All events are free unless otherwise noted.
        

Museums | Asian Art and Culture Museum


The museum features a diverse collection of artworks, including traditional and contemporary pieces from various Asian cultures. 2 pm: guided tour.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Museumss, May 23, 2025, 05/23/2025, Asian Art and Culture Museum

Festival | Food Festival with Local Vendors


New York City's favorite outdoor food market, Smorgasburg, is back. Enjoy a variety of eats and treats from local vendors.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Festivals, May 23, 2025, 05/23/2025, Food Festival with Local Vendors

Tour | Historical House of The Distinguished American President of the Early 20th Century


This historic site honors the early life of a renowned American figure. The restored brownstone reflects late 19th-century architecture and offers insights into the family's daily life. Learn about various exhibits and artifacts that showcase the cultural and historical context of the era, providing a glimpse into the formative years of this visionary leader-to-be. First-come, first-served; this guided tour may reach capacity before your desired tour time, so please be sure to arrive early. Tour duration: 45 minutes. This tour takes place at 11 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Tours, May 23, 2025, 05/23/2025, Historical House of The Distinguished American President of the Early 20th Century

Concert | Piano in the Park: Jazz


A five, six, seven, eight… Come on down and swing along to the best ragtime, stride, and jazz the Big Apple has to offer.  The park is proud to present a special performance by Yuka Aikawa. Pianist and composer Yuka Aikawa began playing piano at the age of five in her native country, Japan. She's received the prestigious Michael Feinstein Award for “Outstanding Talent.” You can hear Yuka at various jazz clubs in and around the New York area, as an accompanist for jazz choir The Lance Hayward Singers, or 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.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
Free
Concerts, May 23, 2025, 05/23/2025, Piano in the Park: Jazz

Film | Wicked (2024): Broadway Fantasy Musical Adaptation with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande


Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz. Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power. And Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by priveledge and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart. Dircetor: John M. Chu Cast: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum Cynthia Erivo is a British actor and singer. She's appeared both on stage and on screen, and has been nominated for an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony Award (EGOT), winning the Emmy, Grammy, and Tony. As a solo singer, she has released one album. Ariana Grande is an American singer, songwriter, and actress, best known for her solo singing career. She has acted on Broadway, television, and film. Wicked is the first feature film she has played a major role in. She has two Grammy Awards, a Brit Award, two Billboard Music Awards, three American Music Awards, ten MTV Video Music Awards, and thirty-seven Guinness World Records. For her role in Wiched, she was nominated for an Oscar.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Films, May 23, 2025, 05/23/2025, Wicked (2024): Broadway Fantasy Musical Adaptation with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande

Museums | Tour - Arts and Cultural Heritage of Spain and Portugal: Goya, El Greco and Others


Explore the best items this museum has on display with this guided tour. Paintings, sculptures, ceramics, antiquities, and more by world-famous artists.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Museumss, May 23, 2025, 05/23/2025, Tour - Arts and Cultural Heritage of Spain and Portugal: Goya, El Greco and Others

Birdwatching | Evening Birding in the Park with NYC Audubon


Discover the surprising diversity of birds that call New York home during migratory season with guided tours by NYC Audubon, led by environmental educator and urban naturalist Gabriel Willow. This 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, May 23, 2025, 05/23/2025, Evening Birding in the Park&nbsp;with NYC Audubon

Museums | Friday Evening at the Art/History Museum


This museum is an assemblage of illuminated, literary, and historical manuscripts, early printed books, and old master drawings and prints inside a historic building. Registration opens 7 days in advance & does sell out.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Museumss, May 23, 2025, 05/23/2025, Friday Evening at the Art/History Museum

Museums | Friday Night Function at an Iconic Art Museum


Enjoy art, drinks, special programming, music, city views, and more! Throughout the night, there will be a few "15-minute tours," highlighting different parts of the collection.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Museumss, May 23, 2025, 05/23/2025, Friday Night Function at an Iconic Art Museum

Party | Play New Games like Blood on the Clocktower (BOTC)


Curious about a board game or looking to try something new? The Games Hosts will be teaching how to play a wide range of fun board games. Many come to play the social deduction game, Blood on the Clocktower (BOTC).
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Partys, May 23, 2025, 05/23/2025, Play New Games like Blood on the Clocktower (BOTC)

Museums | Friday Evening at the Art Museum


This special, all-ages evening celebrates the art and the city. Explore in the galleries, get creative with drop-in drawing sessions, and see a film in the theaters. Museum stores and café will be open, too, so you can grab a bite, get drinks, or shop for unique design objects. Free for New York State residents but must be reserved in advance (up to two adults), and are subject to availability and proof of residency. Tickets are released one week in advance.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free
Museumss, May 23, 2025, 05/23/2025, Friday Evening at the Art Museum

Classical Music | The Queen's Heart: A Distilled Performance of Handel's Opera, Radamisto (In Person AND Online!)


Performed by Opera Essentia musicians (Jeffrey Mandelbaum, countertenor; Kristin Renee Young, soprano; Hans Tashjian, bass-baritone; Rebecca Pechefsky, harpsichord; Serafim Smigelskiy, violoncello; and Amelia Sie, violin), this opera event is a meditation on obsession, betrayal, and self-sacrifice. The Queen's Heart is a distillation of George Frideric Handel's Radamisto, an opera seria, is a saga of familial treachery and marital love which unfolds in bittersweet beauty, one ravishing aria after another. What's in store for the hounded Zenobia or the wretched Queen?
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Concerts, May 23, 2025, 05/23/2025, The Queen's Heart: A Distilled Performance of Handel's Opera, Radamisto (In Person AND Online!)

Opera | Betrayal and Passion in Handel's Radamisto (1720)


A powerful, one-hour distillation of Handel's operatic masterpiece. Dive into a tale of intense familial drama, obsession, and self-sacrifice--brought to life through Handel's breathtaking arias. This reimagined, concise version of Radamisto explores timeless themes of devotion and betrayal, delivering an unforgettable operatic experience in a modern, accessible format. Performed by a diverse company of world-class musicians, this company transforms traditional opera by offering free, outdoor performances in community spaces, ensuring that this monumental Baroque music is available to all. With a focus on inclusivity, the performers invite you to experience Handel's expressive vocal compositions freshly and vibrantly.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Concerts, May 23, 2025, 05/23/2025, Betrayal and Passion in Handel's Radamisto (1720)

Classical Music | Opera by Handel


Opera Essentia features three company singers, a harpsichordist and violinist performing Handel's Admeto, a three-act opera written for the Royal Academy of Music.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Concerts, May 23, 2025, 05/23/2025, Opera by Handel

Theater | The Imaginary Invalid: Moliere's Comedy-Ballet Starring Broadway Actor


Argan is ill. But is he? Argan is dying. But aren't we all? Argan wants absolute control. But is that ever achievable? After a series of upside down attempts to snap him out of it, a solution is found. But will it save him? The Imaginary Invalid is the last play that legendary French playwright Moliere wrote and was originally conceived as a Comedy-Ballet where theater, dance, and music are intertwined. It explores the fear of disease and the exploitation it breeds through infinitely humorous dialogue and in-your-face satire. This production will feature original choreography by FlexN dancer Cal Hunt, original music by cellist Johnathan Moore, and stars Tony and Olivier Award nominee Sahr Ngaujah. Director and Translator: Lucie Tiberghien Choreographer and Dancer: Cal Hunt Composer and Cellist: Johnathan Moore Cast: Dante Bonner, Mary Bacon, Rory Furey-King, Doron JePaul, Naomi Lorrain, Sahr Ngaujah, Shayvawn Webster
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free
Theaters, May 23, 2025, 05/23/2025, The Imaginary Invalid: Moliere's Comedy-Ballet Starring Broadway Actor

Concert | Cuban Charanga Ensemble Performs Unique Combination of Charanga and Conjunto Musical Styles


The eclectic Cuban charanga ensemble Son Del Monte, led by Manuel Rivera, formerly of the Yambu Orchestra and Sonsublime, performs for a night of free social dance! The 12-piece Son Del Monte band incorporates trombones alongside lively vocals and soaring contributions from flute, violin, piano, and congas to merge charanga and conjunto musical styles into a uniquely New York sound that Rivera has dubbed chajunto. You'll call it "perfecto" as this talented cadre of musicians perform a hard-driving whirlwind of melodic power that pays homage to the son cubano greats of past and present. Featuring Featuring DJ Elviria.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:30 pm
Free
Concerts, May 23, 2025, 05/23/2025, Cuban Charanga Ensemble Performs Unique Combination of Charanga and Conjunto Musical Styles
Complimentary Tickets

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

Classical Music | Sacred Choral Works at a Landmark Venue

Regular Price: $50
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Musical | Hit Show Musical Parody

Regular Price: $58.50
CFT Member Price: $0.00
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