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free things to do in New York City
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!
23 festivals/fairs in New York City (NYC) Tue, 09/29/2026 - 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.Festival | Contemporary Portuguese Arts Fest: Film Screening, Dance Performances, Live Music
A taste of Portugal's engaging cultural offerings. Enjoy a dance-on-film screening of Umbral, presented by Companhia de Danca Arte Total and choreographed by Francisco Camacho and Andre C. Macedo. Contemporary dance performances by Companhia Portuguesa de Bailado Contemporaneo, including Euridice e o Instante and Triad follow, offering a glimpse into the evolving language of Portuguese dance. The night ends with a performance by Noiserv, the long-standing project of Lisbon-based multi-instrumentalist David Santos, often called a "one-man orchestra" for his self-contained compositional approach. This diverse program has something for everyone. 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.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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Fri, Oct 2
5:00 pm
free, fast-track available
5:00 pm
free, fast-track available
Festival | Contemporary Portuguese Arts Fest: Portuguese Cinema, Talks, Live Music
A taste of Portugal's engaging cultural offerings. Kick off the day with Portuguese cinema at an animated short film festival for audiences of all ages. Continue into the evening with a conversation featuring Luso American writer Katherine Vaz as she discusses her work and Portuguese heritage. Cap off the day with performances by Expresso Transatlantico, whose genre-defying sound blends Portuguese tradition with global rhythms and contemporary experimentation, followed by internationally acclaimed art-pop and rock band The Gift, whose dynamic live performances have captivated audiences around the world. 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.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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Sat, Oct 3
12:00 pm
free, fast-track available
12:00 pm
free, fast-track available
Festival | Explore Manhattan's Only Lighthouse
Celebrate Manhattan's only remaining lighthouse (which is over 140 years old!) with readings of the eponymous children's book, live music, and activities for all ages! The Little Red Lighthouse is beloved by New Yorkers and visitors alike. As in years past, tours will be first come, first served. To safely and comfortably accommodate visitors, organizers have reduced the total number of visitors they can accommodate. It's recommended that visitors looking to tour the lighthouse earlier in the day arrive before noon.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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Sat, Oct 3
12:00 pm
free, tickets required
12:00 pm
free, tickets required
Festival | Celebration of Indigenous Music, Dance, & Living Tradition
This immersive event unites Cordilleran, Igorot, and other Indigenous and ethnic minority communities in a powerful showcase of cultural pride and artistic excellence. Featuring captivating performances, a youth presentation competition, and opportunities for cultural exchange, the festival fosters intergenerational learning and community connection. As a leading U.S. gathering, it honors ancestral heritage while inviting diverse audiences to engage with the richness of Cordilleran culture, strengthening unity across the diaspora, alongside other ethnic minorities, and celebrating the enduring spirit of Indigenous artistry. The festival coincides with the National Indigenous Peoples Month celebration in the Philippines, Filipino-American History Month and Indigenous People's Day on the Second week of October in the United States.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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Sat, Oct 3
2:00 pm
pay-what-you-wish, tickets required
2:00 pm
pay-what-you-wish, tickets required
Festival | Dia de Los Muertos Park Celebration (Poetry, Music, Food, & More)
Celebrate the Day of the Dead with a charcuterie spread, arts & crafts with Olga Ayala, and music by The Marilyn Castillo Trio, followed by a poetry open mic hosted by Caridad De La Luz, “La Bruja.”
Manhattan, New York, NY
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Sat, Oct 10
3:00 pm
free, no reservation required
3:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Parade | Annual Columbus Day Parade
Witness over 100 marching groups including musical bands and performers, various Italian American Cultural Institutions and colorful floats. The parade is a celebration of Italian American heritage, traditions and achievements. It is the largest celebration of Italian heritage globally.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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Mon, Oct 12
11:30 am
free, no reservation required
11:30 am
free, no reservation required
Festival | Explore Behind-the-Scenes Spaces of New York City
Discover the spaces of New York City that you've never had access to before--across all five boroughs! This weekend-long festival unlocks over 300 destinations across the city for special tours and activities. Enjoy visits to major new projects, explore neighborhoods in a new way, and discover why the city looks and works the way it does. Take a look at new buildings transforming the skyline, step inside infrastructure facilities keeping the city running, explore parks offering respite, discover state-of-the-art performance spaces, visit manufacturing workshops, browse private collections, and much more. Many museums, monuments, arts spaces, historical societies, architectural projects, and more are open for visitors. Many festival experiences are Drop-In--no tickets needed. Some require tickets for space or security reasons. Ticketing opens on October 3 at 12 pm.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
Fri, Oct 16
10:00 am
free for drop-in...
10:00 am
free for drop-in...
Festival | Explore Behind-the-Scenes Spaces of New York City
Discover the spaces of New York City that you've never had access to before--across all five boroughs! This weekend-long festival unlocks over300 destinations across the city for special tours and activities. Enjoy visits to major new projects, explore neighborhoods in a new way, and discover why the city looks and works the way it does. Take a look at new buildings transforming the skyline, step inside infrastructure facilities keeping the city running, explore parks offering respite, discover state-of-the-art performance spaces, visit manufacturing workshops, browse private collections, and much more. Many museums, monuments, arts spaces, historical societies, architectural projects, and more are open for visitors. Many festival experiences are Drop-In--no tickets needed. Some require tickets for space or security reasons. Ticketing opens on October 3 at 12 pm.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
Sat, Oct 17
10:00 am
free for drop-in...
10:00 am
free for drop-in...
Parade | Honoring Local Indigenous Culture (Ceremony + Celebration)
Enjoy the Annual Parade held by Tribes from the Americas. This celebration spreads unity, pride, cultural identity, sand self-esteem for local Indegenous peoples. Schedule:
10 am: Opening Ceremony
12:00 pm: Parade Starts--March to 17th Street & Broadway
2:00 pm: End of Closing Ceremony
Manhattan, New York, NY
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Sat, Oct 17
10:00 am
free, no reservation required
10:00 am
free, no reservation required
Festival | Hudson Estuary Celebration: Get Up Close to Local Marine Life (Live Music, Games, Fishing, & More)
Experienced anglers lead a catch-and-release fishing and learn about life in the Hudson River. Get up close to marine life in the Oyster Research Station, make music, and join fun fishy-themed games, while learning all about our harbor from visiting environmental education and conservation groups
Manhattan, New York, NY
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Sat, Oct 17
10:30 am
free, no reservation required
10:30 am
free, no reservation required
Festival | Harvest Festival on the Water: Live Music, Games, & More
A day of autumnal fun for the whole family. This family-friendly celebration offers live music, arts and crafts, storytelling, lawn games, face-painting, educational activities and more.
Brooklyn, New York, NY
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Sat, Oct 17
11:00 am
free, no reservation required
11:00 am
free, no reservation required
Festival | Indigenous Peoples' Week Celebration: Panels, Open Mic, Workshops, & More
Celebrate the intersection of climate and racial justice. Panels, prizes, exhibitions, and workshops. Lineup includes:
Food as Healing Workshop by Love Intersections
Cookout: Barbeque is an Amerindian Word (Open Mic + Potluck)
Manhattan, New York, NY
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Sat, Oct 17
11:00 am
free, donations welcome,...
11:00 am
free, donations welcome,...
Festival | Cheering on the New York Harbor for Climate Week (Marching Bands, Cheerleaders, Art-Making, Talks, & More)
Hundreds of New Yorkers gather for Homecoming: For the Harbor to cheer for the New York Harbor! Together with artists, musicians, and partner organizations, attendees wrap up Climate Week NYC 2026 with the full spirit of a Pep Rally--marching bands, cheerleaders, and art-making workshops, plus climate scientists and environmental advocates! This event invites everyone to combine climate action with pom-poms--proof that hope is overflowing and the water that connects our cities, our communities, deserves a cheering section!
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
Sat, Oct 17
1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Festival | Explore Behind-the-Scenes Spaces of New York City
Discover the spaces of New York City that you've never had access to before--across all five boroughs! This weekend-long festival unlocks over300 destinations across the city for special tours and activities. Enjoy visits to major new projects, explore neighborhoods in a new way, and discover why the city looks and works the way it does. Take a look at new buildings transforming the skyline, step inside infrastructure facilities keeping the city running, explore parks offering respite, discover state-of-the-art performance spaces, visit manufacturing workshops, browse private collections, and much more. Many museums, monuments, arts spaces, historical societies, architectural projects, and more are open for visitors. Many festival experiences are Drop-In--no tickets needed. Some require tickets for space or security reasons. Ticketing opens on October 3 at 12 pm.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
Sun, Oct 18
10:00 am
free for drop-in...
10:00 am
free for drop-in...
Festival | Harvest Fest for the Whole Family + Dog Costume Event: Pumpkin Patch, Music, Crafts, & More
Plenty of exciting fall activities for the whole family. Visit the pumpkin patch. Pick your own pumpkin and decorate it. While supplies last. Enjoy arts and crafts, tattoos, and take a stroll through the Spooky Trail. Don't miss a family concert in the playground with Patrick and the Rock-a-Silly Band. On the other side of the park, the HOWL Conservancy will be hosting its annual dog costume event. Over 200 creatively costumed pups strut their stuff before a blue-chip fashion industry coven of judges!
Manhattan, New York, NY
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Sun, Oct 18
1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Festival | Live Music in the Garden
Celebrate 45 years of this garden! Enjoy an afternoon of live music and community amid the beauty of the garden.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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Sun, Oct 18
1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Festival | Autumn Pumpkin Festival: Costumes, Pumpkins, Food, & More
Visitors are invited to pick out their own pumpkins. Costumes are highly encouraged, with trick-or-treating at the park's historic houses. Food vendors will be on-site with fall-themed food and drink available for purchase; vendors to be announced. Please limit pumpkins to one per person per household, and plan to bring your own tote bag/reusable bag to hold your pumpkins.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
Sat, Oct 24
10:00 am
free, no reservation required
10:00 am
free, no reservation required
Festival | Celebrate Diwali in the Heart of the City (Shopping Bazaar, Food, Performances, Kid Activities, & More)
This Diwali festival features a vibrant and engaging Diwali Bazaar as well as a dedicated Kids Zone, where children can paint diyas, create colorful Rangoli art, and enjoy interactive storytelling activities. The afternoon will feature the 'Colors of India' program, exhibiting spectacular dance performances from different cultures around the world. The celebration culminates in a signature Diya (lamp) Lighting Countdown, a moment that lights up the space with a message of hope, unity, and new beginnings.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
Sat, Oct 24
11:00 am
free, no reservation required
11:00 am
free, no reservation required
Fair | Street Fair Celebrating Social Justice (Dance, Food, Activities, & More)
A daylong event including performance, international food, ethical vendors, children’s activities, and more. Eco-Artist-in-Residency, Jody Sperling, and her Time Lapse Dance ensemble will present a short, visually-stunning program starting at 1:30pm. Enjoy works that illuminate the body’s connection to the urban wilderness while providing creative and ethical sustenance for the soul. All ages welcome!
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
Sat, Oct 24
12:00 pm
free, no reservation required
12:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Festival | Spooky Campfire Songs & Stories (Music, Lawn Games, & More)
Cozy up to a campfire for stories and songs with family and friends featuring a live performance, nature activity, art projects, lawn games, and so much more!
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
Sat, Oct 24
2:00 pm
free, no reservation required
2:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Festival | Autumn Pumpkin Festival: Costumes, Pumpkins, Food, & More
Visitors are invited to pick out their own pumpkins. Costumes are highly encouraged, with trick-or-treating at the park's historic houses. Food vendors will be on-site with fall-themed food and drink available for purchase; vendors to be announced. Please limit pumpkins to one per person per household, and plan to bring your own tote bag/reusable bag to hold your pumpkins.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
Sun, Oct 25
10:00 am
free, no reservation required
10:00 am
free, no reservation required
Parade | Family Halloween Parade in the Park
The annual Hippo Playground Halloween Parade invites costumed kids to gather and parade. Put on your favorite costume and enjoy the fun!
Manhattan, New York, NY
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Sat, Oct 31
3:30 pm
free, no reservation required
3:30 pm
free, no reservation required
Parade | Annual Halloween Parade
Witness NYC's most iconic Halloween celebration, where over 50,000 participants, zombies, ghouls, witches, robots, Jedis, giant puppets, and more, take to the streets in a night of spectacular costumed revelry.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
Sat, Oct 31
7:00 pm
free, no reservation required
7:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Join the Club!
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Classical Music | "Virtuoso" Pianist Performs Works by Liszt & More
Regular Price: $50CFT Member Price: $0.00
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