free things to do in New York City

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Street fairs, festivals and parades in New York City.
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 (Tue, 3/24/2026) and on.

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9 festivals/fairs in New York City (NYC) Tue, 03/24/2026 - 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 | 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

Parade | Easter Parade & Celebration

On Easter, celebrants don festive finery and show off their very best bonnets. Immortalized by Irving Berlin (with some help from Judy Garland and Fred Astaire), the pageant is a New York City tradition that stretches back to the 1870s.

New York City, NY; NYC

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Sun, Apr 5
10:00 am
Free

Parades, April 05, 2026, 04/05/2026, Easter Parade & Celebration

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

Parade | Greek Independence Day Parade

A day for Hellenic pride in New York.

New York City, NY; NYC

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Sun, Apr 26
1:30 pm
Free

Parades, April 26, 2026, 04/26/2026, Greek Independence Day Parade

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