free things to do in New York City

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Street fairs, festivals and parades in New York City.
Thursday, March 19, 2026 (Thu, 3/19/2026) and on.

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9 festivals/fairs in New York City (NYC) Thu, 03/19/2026 - and on...

New York City street fairs are good reflection of the City: the offerings are sofisticated and amusing, and you always can find something that fits your budget. Please see street fairs/festivals schedule below.

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Festival | Spring Equinox Celebration

Celebrate spring with a performance by a 5-piece rock 'n' roll band, face painting, a sound bath, and tea. Reflect on this time of renewal and welcome the new season with the garden community.

New York City, NY; NYC

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Fri, Mar 20
5:00 pm
Free

Festivals, March 20, 2026, 03/20/2026, Spring Equinox Celebration

Festival | Irish-American Heritage Month Cultural Performances (Live Music & More)

Celebrate Irish-American Heritage Month with a night full of beautiful performances. Irish-American Heritage Month was designated in 1991 to recognize the rich history and cultural impact the Irish brought to America through their deep devotion to the arts. Tonight, we celebrate these contributions with multiple mediums and performers--the great Irish-born chanteuse Mary Deady, who has appeared with us before, and her talented musical director, Jeff Cubeta, presents a medley of poignant Irish and American songs, while the program also features a scene reading from Brian Friel's Philadelphia, Here I Come.

New York City, NY; NYC

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Mon, Mar 23
6:30 pm
Free

Festivals, March 23, 2026, 03/23/2026, Irish-American Heritage Month Cultural Performances (Live Music & More)

Festival | Commedia dell'Arte Celebration (Songs, Scenes, & More)

Enjoy an evening celebrating the rich comedic legacy of Commedia dell'Arte, born during the Italian Renaissance but still very much alive in the comic traditions of today. The evening of songs, scenes, and music features works inspired by Commedia dell'Arte; everything from Mozart to Moliere, and Chaplin to Freddy Mercury. Students from Mannes, Jazz, and Drama will perform both extant and original works in this hilarious, zany and joyous event. Directed by Matthew A.J. Gregory

New York City, NY; NYC

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Wed, Mar 25
7:30 pm
Free

Festivals, March 25, 2026, 03/25/2026, Commedia dell'Arte Celebration (Songs, Scenes, & More)

Festival | Celebration of Centemporary Italian Literature, Music, & More

Enjoy a special evening dedicated to contemporary Italian literature, bringing together authors for readings, music, and audience engagement. The program combines literary readings, a live musical performance, and a collective signing aperitivo in one immersive experience. A unique opportunity to experience multiple voices of contemporary Italian literature in one evening of books, music, and shared culture.

New York City, NY; NYC

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Sun, Mar 29
4:30 pm
Free

Festivals, March 29, 2026, 03/29/2026, Celebration of Centemporary Italian Literature, Music, & More

Festival | Annual Gathering of Holocaust Remembrance (In Person AND Online!)

Join thousands of New Yorkers for the Annual Gathering of Remembrance, delivered by a city home to one of the world's largest communities of Holocaust survivors. This annual tribute holds power that echoes across generations. Observe Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) with a program featuring music, remarks from survivors and descendants, and a solemn candle-lighting ceremony. Come, collectively vow never to forget.

New York City, NY; NYC

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Sun, Apr 12
1:30 pm
Free

Festivals, April 12, 2026, 04/12/2026, Annual Gathering of Holocaust Remembrance (In Person AND Online!)

Festival | Welcome Spring with Music, Games, Art, & More (All Ages)

After a long and snowy winter, welcome the arrival of spring with a joyful day for all ages. The green at the Davis Center opens for the season with music, games, art, and more--open to all. Bring neighbors, families, and friends!

New York City, NY; NYC

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Sat, Apr 18
12:00 pm
Free

Festivals, April 18, 2026, 04/18/2026, Welcome Spring with Music, Games, Art, & More (All Ages)

Festival | Park-Wide Earth Day Art Showcase

Enjoy a park-wide exhibition that highlights the rich ecology of the park and showcases the Conservancy’s work to strengthen and sustain the park for the future. The Showcase is organized around seven topical stations with information, images, and QR codes providing access to varied supplementary resources.

New York City, NY; NYC

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Sun, Apr 26
1:00 pm
Free

Festivals, April 26, 2026, 04/26/2026, Park-Wide Earth Day Art Showcase

Festival | Nuyorican Life: Art, Community, and Everyday Photography

Enjoy a family-friendly afternoon celebrating art and everyday life through the innovative photography of Sophie Rivera. Visitors of all ages can explore Rivera's portraits, documentary photos, and images of New York City's subway and graffiti scenes from the late 1970s through interactive, participatory activities. These include guided gallery discussions, drop-in portrait photography, art-making workshops, movement exercises, and storytelling.

New York City, NY; NYC

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Sat, May 16
12:00 pm
Free

Festivals, May 16, 2026, 05/16/2026, Nuyorican Life: Art, Community, and Everyday Photography

Festival | Greek Jewish Heritage Celebration

The 11th annual Greek Jewish gathering celebrates the rich Romaniote and Sephardic heritage of Greek Jewish communities. The day features kosher Greek cuisine and pastries, live music and dance performances, an outdoor marketplace, cooking demonstrations, and family-friendly activities. With international performers and community partners from across the U.S. and beyond, this unique event combines music, food, and traditions from the Mediterranean region.

New York City, NY; NYC

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Sun, May 17
12:00 pm
Free