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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!
25 festivals/fairs in New York City (NYC) Fri, 10/16/2026 - 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 | Discover NYC Behind the Scenes: 300+ Places to Explore! Hidden Spaces, Untold Stories! Explore the Extraordinary!
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 | Discover NYC Behind the Scenes: 300+ Places to Explore! Hidden Spaces, Untold Stories! Explore the Extraordinary!
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!
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)
Join experienced anglers for 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 the 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
Parade | Hallowen Costume Dog Parade + Costume Contest
Now in its 36th year, what began in Manhattan's first dog run has grown into what many celebrate as the world's largest dog parade. The event includes a dog parade, a high stakes costume contest, along with a festival block for participants and spectators to enjoy. Spectators are encouraged to find a viewing spot beginning around 10:00-10:30 AM.
Manhattan, 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 | 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 | Autumnal Festival: Halloween & Fall Activities for All Ages (+ Costume Parade)
Enjoy music, dancing, arts & crafts. The day includes an interactive performance for children called The Garden, presented by Flying Leap Productions, along with a lively lineup of hands-on art activities inspired by the creativity of Halloween on the Lower East Side. Come dressed to impress for the costume parade! The Garden showtimes:
1:30pm
2:45pm
The Garden is an outdoor performance created for children between the ages of 3 and 5 and their caregivers. Through movement and play shared in multiple languages, audiences are invited on a journey through nature's life cycle using all five senses. This event is free and open to the public.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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Sat, Oct 17
12:00 pm
free, RSVP required
12:00 pm
free, RSVP required
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, Oct 17
1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
1:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Festival | A Symbolic Journey of Taiwanese Culture
An interactive performance inspired by Matsu, Taiwan’s revered sea goddess and protector of travelers. Hui-Ying Tsai leads participants on a symbolic journey across the island to Taiwanese American Arts Council’s historic house in the park. Through movement and collective participation, the performance connects migration, protection, memory, and journeys between islands. Following the procession’s arrival in the park, visitors are invited to stay for an afternoon of live music.
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
Sat, Oct 17
2:00 pm
free, no reservation required
2:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Festival | Discover NYC Behind the Scenes: 300+ Places to Explore! Hidden Spaces, Untold Stories! Explore the Extraordinary!
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!
Sun, Oct 18
10:00 am
free for drop-in...
10:00 am
free for drop-in...
Parade | Disability Pride Celebration: Parade, Dancing, & Performances
This event is a celebration of history, identities, creativity, leadership, and the collective power to create change. This year, as the country looks toward the 50th anniversary of the historic 1977 Section 504 sit-ins, the disability community honors the disabled activists whose leadership helped transform disability rights in America. Their courage and collective action remind us that access, equality, and justice are won through organizing, solidarity, and disabled people leading the way. Whether you're marching or rolling with a group, cheering along, bringing signs and advocacy, creating art, volunteering, dancing, or joining online, there's a place for you!
Manhattan, New York, NY
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Sun, Oct 18
10:30 am
free, no reservation required
10:30 am
free, no reservation required
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, there is an 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
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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
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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
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Sat, Oct 24
12:00 pm
free, no reservation required
12:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Festival | K-Pop Halloween Party in the Park
A Spooky K-Pop Day! Dress your best for the costume contest, check out live performances, and join the Random Play Dance. Schedule:
12:30pm: Bracelet and keychain making, photo ops, and glitter tattoos
1pm: Dance performances presented by K-Pulse NYC and other local cover groups
1:30pm: Costume contest showcase
2pm: Costume contest awards ceremony
2:30pm: Random Play Dance
Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
Sat, Oct 24
12:30 pm
free, registration recommended
12:30 pm
free, registration recommended
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
Festival | Music & Storytelling Festival
Connecting through music and storytelling, showcasing the neighborhood and curated with a global vision. Expect original music from across all genres, stories from our neighbors, and food from the local restaurants. Costumes welcome! All ages and pets welcome!
Manhattan, New York, NY
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Sat, Oct 31
2:00 pm
free, no reservation required
2:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Festival | Halloween Costume Celebration: Theater Performances, Costume Contests, & More
Outdoor attractions:
Variety performances by Carol Tandava, Arley Trice, George Belleci, Joe Bendik, and musical group Star '69.
Child Costume and others. Emceed by Mary Tierney.
Children's Costume Contest judged by Crystal Field, T. Scott Lilly and Terry Lee King. Winners will receive prizes.
The Red and Black Masque: an annual Medieval ritual ensemble theater piece which is performed by torchlight with audience participation.
Manhattan, New York, NY
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Sat, Oct 31
3:00 pm
free, no reservation required
3:00 pm
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
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Sat, Oct 31
7:00 pm
free, no reservation required
7:00 pm
free, no reservation required
Festival | Dia de Muertos Celebration of Mexican Art & Culture
This event celebrates a Mexican cultural tradition representing a time to honor and revere deceased family members and ancestors. You can help create a community ofrenda ("offering") in collaboration with Mano a Mano: Mexican Culture Without Borders by bringing copies of photographs, notes, and letters to honor your loved ones throughout this celebration. The night will feature a performance by Guachinangos. The unique sound of Guachinangos is born in Mexico from folk roots and has manifested in the diaspora, with an exciting presentation and electrifying instrumentation of son jarocho, cumbia, champeta, rancheras, and other rhythms of Latin America. Through music and dance, this group transmits stories of the many maestros who have kept these traditions alive in Mexico and beyond. Guachinangos is presented in collaboration with Mexico Now Festival, New York City's first and only independent festival spotlighting contemporary Mexican art and culture. 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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Sun, Nov 1
6:00 pm
free, fast-track option...
6:00 pm
free, fast-track option...
Join the Club!
Complimentary Tickets
to shows, concerts ... (CFT Deals!)
Classical Music | J.S. Bach and Beethoven by Prominent Orchestra
Regular Price: $30CFT Member Price: $0.00
Concert | "Electrifying, Groove-Heavy" Band at Revered Venue
Regular Price: $35CFT Member Price: $0.00
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