free things to do in New York City
Free events for Monday, 09/21/26
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Free Events, Free Things to Do in New York City!  Read More

Street fairs, festivals and parades in New York City.
Monday, September 21, 2026 (Mon, 9/21/2026)
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19  festivals/fairs in New York City (NYC) Mon, 09/21/2026 - 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 | Autumnal Equinox Party: Music, Tea, & Face Painting


Celebration of the shifting seasons! Special musical performance by Laraaji. Seasonal tea from The Alchemists Kitchen. Face painting by ESG Volunteers .
   Manhattan, New York, NY
Tue, Sep 22
6:00 pm

free, no reservation required
Festivals, September 22, 2026, 09/22/2026, Autumnal Equinox Party: Music, Tea, & Face Painting

Festival | Hispanic Heritage Celebration 


This event celebrates the culture and artistic expression of  Latin American communities through music, performance, storytelling, and community. Curated by Charlotte Small and Amber Diaz, the program highlights the richness and global influence of Hispanic and Latin American culture, showcasing diverse talent.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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Fri, Sep 25
7:30 pm

free, registration required
Festivals, September 25, 2026, 09/25/2026, Hispanic Heritage Celebration&nbsp;

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
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Sat, Sep 26
10:00 am

free, no reservation required
Festivals, September 26, 2026, 09/26/2026, Cheering on the New York Harbor for Climate Week (Marching Bands, Cheerleaders, Art-Making, Talks, & More)

Festival | Learn about Ecological, Economic, & Cultural Importance of Hudson Canyon


The Wildlife Conservation Society’s New York Aquarium leads a family-friendly STEM festival! Learn about the ecological, economic, and cultural importance of Hudson Canyon and its connection to New York Harbor and communities across New York and New Jersey.
   Brooklyn, New York, NY
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Sat, Sep 26
11:00 am

free, no reservation required
Festivals, September 26, 2026, 09/26/2026, Learn about Ecological, Economic, & Cultural Importance of Hudson Canyon

Festival | Afternoon Celebration in the Park (Live Music & Activities)


Enjoy activities led by local groups and organizations, including crafts, face painting, and fun for all ages, plus performances from the Great American Songbook by the Tin Pan Alley American Popular Music Project!
   Manhattan, New York, NY
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Sat, Sep 26
12:00 pm

free, no reservation required
Festivals, September 26, 2026, 09/26/2026, Afternoon Celebration in the Park (Live Music & Activities)

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
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Sun, Sep 27
1:30 pm

free, no reservation required
Fairs, September 27, 2026, 09/27/2026, Street Fair Celebrating Social Justice (Dance, Food, Activities, & More)

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 Dança Arte Total and choreographed by Francisco Camacho and André C. Macedo. Contemporary dance performances by Companhia Portuguesa de Bailado Contemporâneo, including Eurídice 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
Festivals, October 02, 2026, 10/02/2026, Contemporary Portuguese Arts Fest: Film Screening, Dance Performances, & Live Music

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 Transatlântico, 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
Festivals, October 03, 2026, 10/03/2026, Contemporary Portuguese Arts Fest:&nbsp;Portuguese Cinema, Talks, & Live Music

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
Festivals, October 03, 2026, 10/03/2026, Explore Manhattan's Only Lighthouse

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
Festivals, October 10, 2026, 10/10/2026, Dia de Los Muertos Park Celebration (Poetry, Music, Food, & More)

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
Sat, Oct 17
10:30 am

free, no reservation required
Festivals, October 17, 2026, 10/17/2026, Hudson Estuary Celebration: Get Up Close to Local Marine Life (Live Music, Games, Fishing, & More)

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
Sat, Oct 17
11:00 am

free, no reservation required
Festivals, October 17, 2026, 10/17/2026, Harvest Festival on the Water: Live Music, Games, & More

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,...
Festivals, October 17, 2026, 10/17/2026, Indigenous Peoples' Week Celebration: Panels, Open Mic, Workshops, & More

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
Sun, Oct 18
1:00 pm

free, no reservation required
Festivals, October 18, 2026, 10/18/2026, Harvest Fest for the Whole Family + Dog Costume Event: Pumpkin Patch, Music, Crafts, & More

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
Festivals, October 18, 2026, 10/18/2026, Live Music in the Garden

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
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Sat, Oct 24
10:00 am

free, no reservation required
Festivals, October 24, 2026, 10/24/2026, Autumn Pumpkin Festival: Costumes, Pumpkins, Food, & More

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
Sat, Oct 24
2:00 pm

free, no reservation required
Festivals, October 24, 2026, 10/24/2026, Spooky Campfire Songs & Stories (Music, Lawn Games, & More)

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
Sun, Oct 25
10:00 am

free, no reservation required
Festivals, October 25, 2026, 10/25/2026, Autumn Pumpkin Festival: Costumes, Pumpkins, Food, & More

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
Sat, Oct 31
3:30 pm

free, no reservation required
Parades, October 31, 2026, 10/31/2026, Family Halloween Parade in the Park
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Complimentary Tickets

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

Jazz | Grammy-Winning Jazzman at a Major Concert Hall

Regular Price: $60
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Performance | Erotic Burlesque Show

Regular Price: $135
CFT Member Price: $0.00