free things to do in New York City
Free events for Thursday, 04/17/25
<

April 2025

>
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
  12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
27282930   
Free Events, Free Things to Do in New York City!  Read More

Are you looking for free things to do in New York City (NYC) on April 17, 2025?

30 free events take place on Thursday, April 17 in New York City. Don't miss the opportunities that only New York provides! Exciting, high quality, unique and off the beaten path free events and free things to do take place in New York today, tonight, tomorrow and each day of the year, any time of the day: whether it's a weekday or a weekend, day or night, morning or evening or afternoon, December or July, April or November! These events will take your breath away!

New York City (NYC) never ceases to amaze you with quantity and quality of its free culture and free entertainment. Check out April 17 and see for yourself. Summer or Winter, Spring or Fall! Just click on any day of the calendar above and you'll find most inspiring and entertaining free events to go to and free things to do on each day of April . Don't miss the opportunities that only New York provides!

Some events take place all year long: same day of the week, same time there are there for you to take advantage of. One of the oldest free weekly events in Manhattan is Dixieland Jazz with the Gotham Jazzmen, which happen at noon every Tuesday. Another example of an event that you can attend all year round on weekdays is Federal Reserve Bank Tour, which takes place every week day at 1 pm (but advanced reservations are required). You can take at least 13 free tours every day of the year, except the New Year Day, July 4th, and the Christmas Day. If you are classical music afficionado, you can spend whole day in New York going from one free classical concert to another. If you love theater, then New York gives you an option to attend plays and musicals free of charge, or at deep discount. You just need to have information about it. And we are here to make that information available to you.
Join the Club!

Go!
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!

30 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Thursday, April 17, 2025

All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Editor's Picks

free events nyc Award-Winning Guitarist Performs Romantic Works (In Person AND Online!)
free events nyc Photography: From the Early 19th Century to Today
free events nyc Thrilled to Death: Audacious Short Stories
free events nyc Celebrating 100 Years of "Queen of Salsa" Celia Cruz with All-Star Musician Line-Up
More Editor's Picks for 04/17/25
        

Film | Taxi Driver (1976): Psychological Drama Film with Robert DeNiro, Directed by Martin Scorsese


Suffering from insomnia, disturbed loner Travis Bickle takes a job as a New York City cabbie, haunting the streets nightly, growing increasingly detached from reality. Director: Martin Scorsese Cast: Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Albert Brooks Robert DeNiro is an American actor who's known for collavorating with Scorsese. He's considered to be one of the most influential actors of his generation. De Niro has accrued many acheivements, including two Academy Awards, a Golden Globe, and more. In 2009, De Niro received the Kennedy Center Honor. He was awarded a Presidential Medal of Freedom from U.S. President Barack Obama in 2016. Martin Scorsese is an American film director who's considered one of the major figures of New Hollywood. He is the recipient of many major accolades, including an Academy Award, three Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award, and three Golden Globes. Five of his films have been inducted into the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as "culturally, historically or aesthetically significant."
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
11:00 am
Free
Films, April 17, 2025, 04/17/2025, Taxi Driver (1976): Psychological Drama Film with Robert DeNiro, Directed by Martin Scorsese

Workshop | Learn Juggling in the Park


Get in a quick lesson, stay for the whole time, or just enjoy watching them put their skills to the test. They're a friendly group and open to drop-ins, even if you catch them outside of the regular juggling lessons. All skill levels welcome. Equipment is provided.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
12:00 pm
Free
Workshops, April 17, 2025, 04/17/2025, Learn Juggling in the Park

Workshop | Fiber Art Crafts Studio


A fun afternoon of creativity and camaraderie. Bring your projects, which can include—but are not limited to—knitting, crocheting, embroidery and small-loom weaving.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
1:00 pm
Free
Workshops, April 17, 2025, 04/17/2025, Fiber Art Crafts Studio

Classical Music | Award-Winning Guitarist Performs Romantic Works (In Person AND Online!)


Canadian musician and "exceptionally fine soloist" Pascal Valois specializes in performing early Romantic pieces. This concert will feature works by Mauro Giuliani, Niccolo Paganini, and Fernando Sor. Mauro Giuseppe Sergio Pantaleo Giuliani (1781 - 1829) was an Italian guitarist, cellist, singer, and composer. He was a leading guitar virtuoso of the early 19th century. Niccolo Paganini (October 1782 - 1840) was an Italian violinist and composer. He was the most celebrated violin virtuoso of his time, and left his mark as one of the pillars of modern violin technique. Fernando Sor (1778 - 1839) was a Spanish classical guitarist and composer of the late Classical era and early Romantic era.
   New York City, NY; NYC
1:15 pm
Free
Concerts, April 17, 2025, 04/17/2025, Award-Winning Guitarist Performs Romantic Works (In Person AND Online!)

Talk | Meet the Beekeeper


A presentation and talk led by Alveole beekeepers. Learn more about the importance of urban beekeeping and it’s benefits to sustainability efforts in BPC and throughout the city.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
1:30 pm
Free
Talks, April 17, 2025, 04/17/2025, Meet the Beekeeper

Film | Gladiator II (2024): Historical Epic with Denzel Washington, Directed by Ridley Scott


Ridley Scott's sequel to the 2001 Best Picture Oscar winner. A warrior is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is destroyed by a tyrannical emperor. Director: Ridley Scott Cast: Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal Sir Ridley Scott is an English film director and producer with an intense visual style. He's best known for his sci-fi, crime, and historical epic films. He's well-decorated for his work, including the 2018 BAFTA Fellowship for Lifetime Achievement, two Primetime Emmys, and a Golden Globe. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II and appointed a Knight Grand Cross by King Charles III. Denzel Washington is an American actor, and filmmaker known for his dramatic roles. In 2020, he was named "the greatest actor of the 21st century" by the New York Times. He's very accomplished, receiving two Academy Awards, three Golden Globes, and a Tony Award, plus two Emmys and a Grammy Award. He was awarded the AFI Life Achievement Award in 2019, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2025.
   New York City, NY; NYC
2:00 pm
Free
Films, April 17, 2025, 04/17/2025, Gladiator II (2024): Historical Epic with Denzel Washington, Directed by Ridley Scott

Museums | Film and Television Industry: History, Artifacts, Interactive Displays


This museum is dedicated to the art, history, and technology of film, television, and digital media. It houses a diverse collection of industry related objects, including cameras, scripts, costumes, production materials, as well as interactive displays, and themed installations.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
2:00 pm
Free
Museumss, April 17, 2025, 04/17/2025, Film and Television Industry: History, Artifacts, Interactive Displays

Workshop | Mah Jongg & More


A dedicated group of adult American Mah Jongg enthusiasts for friendly and informal games, or try your hand at other card and board games. Make friends and catch up with neighbors. Sets, cards, and games provided, or bring your own.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
2:00 pm
Free
Workshops, April 17, 2025, 04/17/2025, Mah Jongg & More

Workshop | Story-within-a-Story Writing Workshop


Participants will read stories with an embedded narrative and practice writing a story within a story, similar to The Arabian Nights. Registration is recommended - drop-ins will be accepted based on space availability. 
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
4:30 pm
Free
Workshops, April 17, 2025, 04/17/2025, Story-within-a-Story Writing Workshop

Museums | Photography: From the Early 19th Century to Today


This renowned institution hosts a variety of exhibitions showcasing the work of both established and emerging photographers. The collections encompass the full range of the photographic medium, including the first techniques of the early 19th-century to modern technology and digital displays. Last entry is at 7:15 pm.
   New York City, NY; NYC
5:00 pm
Free
Museumss, April 17, 2025, 04/17/2025, Photography: From the Early 19th Century to Today

Opening Reception | The Architecture of Broadway: Photography


A collection of large-format photographs by Mark S. Kornbluth, captured mostly during the pandemic when the curtains were down. The exhibition highlights the architectural grandeur of Broadway’s iconic theaters in a rare moment of stillness.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
5:00 pm
Free
Opening Receptions, April 17, 2025, 04/17/2025, The Architecture of Broadway: Photography

Screening | 'City Symphony' Screenings, Discussion, and Q&A


In this film screening and discussion, the group will explore the spirit and structure of the “city symphony” genre of film, from Sheeler's and Strand’s Manhatta (1921) to Young Braves (1970), which is an exuberant celebration of city life made by teenagers in a Lower East Side film workshop. A thrilling mix of rare and unique works from the Reserve Film and Video Collection will be followed by a Q&A. 
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
5:30 pm
Free
Screenings, April 17, 2025, 04/17/2025, 'City Symphony' Screenings, Discussion, and Q&A

Classical Music | Dvorak's Masterpiece Performed by String Ensemble


Joshua Mhoon, piano, Maya Kilburn, violin, Benedetta Fiechter, violin, Sophia Ines Valenti, viola, and Namisa Sun, cello, perform one of Dvorak's essential pieces, considered a masterpiece of the form. Program Antonin Dvorak (1841-1904) Piano Quintet No. 2 in A Major, Op. 81
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
5:30 pm
Free
Concerts, April 17, 2025, 04/17/2025, Dvorak's Masterpiece Performed by String Ensemble

Classical Music | Pianist with 'Fascinating Playful Brilliance' Performs Works by Debussy and More (In Person AND Online!)


Prize-winning pianist Zhouhui Shen performs two pieces from the Romantic era. Program Claude Debussy (1862-1918) Images, Book I Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943) 13 Preludes, Op. 32
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
5:30 pm
Free
Concerts, April 17, 2025, 04/17/2025, Pianist with 'Fascinating Playful Brilliance' Performs Works by Debussy and More (In Person AND Online!)

Classical Music | Prize-Winning Cellist Performs Works by Beethoven, Dvorak, Chopin, and More (In Person AND Online!)


Angeline Kiang, cello, performs a series of pieces by significant composers from various musical periods. Program Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770-1827) Cello Sonata No. 4 in C Major, Op. 102, No. 1 Antonin Dvorak (1841-1904) Rondo in G Minor, Op. 94 Krzysztof Penderecki (1933-2020) Divertimento for Solo Cello Francis Poulenc (1899-1963) Cello Sonata, FP 143 Frederic Chopin (1810-1849) Cello Sonata in G Minor, Op. 65
   New York City, NY; NYC
5:30 pm
Free
Concerts, April 17, 2025, 04/17/2025, Prize-Winning Cellist Performs Works by Beethoven, Dvorak, Chopin, and More (In Person AND Online!)

Opening Reception | Move / Moving / Movement—Art Photography Show Curated by Editor of aCurator Magazine


This exhibition, curated by aCurator Magazine editor Julie Grahame, is themed Move / Moving / Movement to celebrate the gallery's new location. Some light refreshments will be served. All are welcome. 
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
6:00 pm
Free
Opening Receptions, April 17, 2025, 04/17/2025, Move / Moving / Movement&mdash;Art Photography Show Curated by Editor of aCurator Magazine

Book Discussion | Tales of a Not So Tiny House: Small-Space Living


Sumptuously designed and illustrated, this book is a wildly original story of small-space living: a lavish custom steampunk caravan in the wilds of New England, built by Chloe Barcelou and Brandon Batchelder almost entirely from their recycled film sets, thrift, flea market, and junkyard finds.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
6:00 pm
Free
Book Discussions, April 17, 2025, 04/17/2025, Tales of a Not So Tiny House: Small-Space Living

Film | The Proud and Profane (1956): Romantic Drama


In the Pacific during WWII, a Roman Catholic widow falls for a tough lieutenant colonel. Based on the 1953 novel The Magnificent Bastards by Lucy Herndon Crockett. Director: George Seaton Cast: William Holden, Deborah Kerr, Thelma Ritter, Dewey Martin
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
6:00 pm
Free
Films, April 17, 2025, 04/17/2025, The Proud and Profane (1956): Romantic Drama

Concert | Music for MIDI Organ (in-person and online)


The premiere of four pieces for MIDI organ by Laura Cetilla, Alyssa Regent, Seth Cluett, and Julian Bennett Holmes.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
6:00 pm
Free
Concerts, April 17, 2025, 04/17/2025, Music for MIDI Organ (in-person and online)

Screening | Screening of Bribe, Inc. with Claire Ward, Cinematographer


A special screening of Bribe, Inc., a thought-provoking documentary. "The greatest expose of bribery and corruption in modern history." -The Daily Mail After the film, stay for a discussion with Claire Ward, the cinematographer, who will share insights into her work on the film. It’s a great chance to learn more about the filmmaking process and the story behind Bribe, Inc..
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
6:00 pm
Free
Screenings, April 17, 2025, 04/17/2025, Screening of Bribe, Inc.&nbsp;with Claire Ward, Cinematographer

Film | Dahomey (2024): The Journey of Plundered Treasures of Benin


The journey of 26 plundered royal treasures from the Kingdom of Dahomey exhibited in Paris, now being returned to Benin. Diop artistically voices a new generation's demands. Director: Mati Diop 68 min.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
6:30 pm
Free
Films, April 17, 2025, 04/17/2025, Dahomey (2024): The Journey of Plundered Treasures of Benin

Book Discussion | Thrilled to Death: Audacious Short Stories


Author Lynne Tillman in conversation with Whitney Mallett A collection of selected stories across the career of America's most audacious writer. Among the vanguard of American literary writers, Lynne Tillman's work has defied categorization throughout her legendary career--a singular body of work that both redefined and reimagined the short story form entirely.
   New York City, NY; NYC
6:30 pm
$5
Book Discussions, April 17, 2025, 04/17/2025, Thrilled to Death: Audacious Short Stories

Workshop | Equilibrium: Game Night for Adults


A fun-filled, adults-only evening of mathematically rich games!  Whether you come alone or bring a friend, you’ll have fun playing games and connecting with mathematically-inclined adults, all while enjoying the unique evening atmosphere at the premier math museum in North America. Please note that Equilibrium is an event designed specifically for adults.  Children will not be admitted and tickets purchased for children will not be eligible for refund.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
6:30 pm
$5
Workshops, April 17, 2025, 04/17/2025, Equilibrium: Game Night for Adults

Talk | Understanding the Craft of Data Graphics & Persuasion (In Person AND Online!)


Data graphics wrangle the chaos of data into intriguing forms bursting with clarity. RJ Andrews, author of Info We Trust, in conversation with Ellen Lupton to discuss charts ranging from simple products of civilization to potent instruments of persuasion. The event will be followed by a reception in an associated gallery exhibition that traces the evolution of the book and broadens its lens to celebrate the field of information design as a whole. Works by leading figures such as Shirley Wu, Nadieh Brehmer, Nigel Holmes, Zan Armstrong, Mona Chalabi, Giorgia Lupi, Data Vandals, and Kenneth Field showcase today’s expanding visual vocabulary alongside historic examples chosen for aesthetic and thematic resonance. Copies of Info We Trust will be available for sale.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
6:30 pm
Free
Talks, April 17, 2025, 04/17/2025, Understanding the&nbsp;Craft of Data Graphics & Persuasion&nbsp;(In Person AND Online!)

Poetry Reading | World Poetry Salon: Nikola Madzirov with Becca Stevens and Patricio Ferrari (In Person AND Online!)


Experience words and music from around the globe at the World Poetry Salon, a new series. Each event features readings by a celebrated poet set to live music by a musician of the same cultural background.  This salon will feature a reading by poet Nikola Madžirov accompanied by musician Becca Stevens. Madžirov will read his poetry in Macedonian, and a chapbook will be available for attendees to follow along in English. Following the reading, Madžirov will be interviewed in English by event host Patricio Ferrari.  Nikola Madzirov (poet, essayist, translator) is one of the most powerful voices in contemporary European poetry. Madzirov's voice is a new 21st century voice in European poetry and he is one of the most outstanding figures of the post-Soviet generation. Over the course of his career so far, he has won the Hubert Burda European Poetry Award, the Miladinov Brothers poetry prize and has been a writer in residence at the University of Iowa’s International Writing Program and LiteraturRaum in Berlin. Twice GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter Becca Stevens has forged a unique career, blending pop, jazz, indie-rock, folk, and world music with her classical and Appalachian roots. Known for her versatile vocals and mastery of multiple string instruments, Stevens’ work transcends genres through intricate rhythms and harmonies.
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
6:30 pm
Free
Poetry Readings, April 17, 2025, 04/17/2025, World Poetry Salon: Nikola Madzirov with Becca Stevens and Patricio Ferrari&nbsp;(In Person AND Online!)

Book Discussion | Book Launch and Conversation with Artist Jane Euler


This event is a book launch for Exhibitionism by Jane Euler. The artist will be in conversation with Jay Sanders. Exhibitionism documents over fifteen years in the working life of Jana Euler, whose witty and exuberant painting practice is as stylistically varied as it is critically incisive—always attuned to the social and material bases of her chosen medium. This account highlights Euler’s unique approach to producing exhibitions, which the artist has likened to a kind of “body, made up of all the parts that go into the different aspects of exhibiting.” From her first forays as a student to major solo presentations at the Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam, WIELS, Brussels, and more, Exhibitionism traces her evolving practice through her own memories and studio archive: surfacing invitation cards, exhibition texts, posters and diagrams, alongside new drawings and collages made especially for the book. "This book is dedicated to my practice of exhibition making. I often think of an exhibition as a body, made up of all the parts that go into the different aspects of exhibiting. Exhibitionism does not give an exhaustive account of my work, but rather is a subjective expression of my own retrospection." —Jana Euler
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
7:00 pm
Free
Book Discussions, April 17, 2025, 04/17/2025, Book Launch and Conversation with Artist Jane Euler

Poetry Reading | Poetry Reading & Conversation: Mei-mei Berssenbrugge


A reading by Mei-mei Berssenbrugge hosted by MFA student Elijah Jackson, followed by a reception/signing.   Born in Beijing, Mei-mei Berssenbrugge is the author of fourteen books of poetry including Hello, the Roses, Empathy, I Love Artists, and A Treatise on Stars, shortlisted for the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award. Her collaborations include works in theater, dance, music, and the visual arts.  She received the Bollingen Prize for poetry in 2020. 
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
7:00 pm
Free
Poetry Readings, April 17, 2025, 04/17/2025, Poetry Reading & Conversation: Mei-mei Berssenbrugge

Concert | Celebrating 100 Years of "Queen of Salsa" Celia Cruz with All-Star Musician Line-Up


This concert is an installment of performance artist Migguel Anggelo's concert series Icons, which highlights artists who break barriers, challenge norms, and inspire us to see ourselves and the world in new ways. It celebratres the legendary Cuban singer Celia Cruz in honor of her 100th birthday year. Directed and developed by Adrian Alea, led by Musical Director Jaime Lozano and backed by talented live musicians--including GROOVEMENTfx, featuring Scarlett Medrano, Ariel Monserrate, and Jasmin Martinez, and Mireya Ramos--this concert pays tribute to the Queen of Salsa and delves into themes of Latine cultural identity, resilience, and the transformative power of music.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:30 pm
Free
Concerts, April 17, 2025, 04/17/2025, Celebrating 100 Years of "Queen of Salsa" Celia Cruz with All-Star Musician Line-Up

Classical Music | 'Gifted Cellist' Performs Works of Robert Schumann, Prokofiev, and More (In Person AND Online!)


Eliana Razzino Yang, cello, performs a series of pieces by notable composers from the Romantic and 20th Century periods. Program Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) Sonata for Cello and Piano in C Major, Op. 119 Gyorgy Ligeti (1923-2006) Sonata for Solo Cello Robert Schumann (1810-1856) Liederkreis Op. 39: No. 1 "In der Fremde" Robert Schumann (1810-1856) Dichterliebe, Op. 48 Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992) Le Grand Tango
   New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
Go!
8:00 pm
Free
Concerts, April 17, 2025, 04/17/2025, 'Gifted Cellist' Performs Works of Robert Schumann, Prokofiev, and More (In Person AND Online!)

Classical Music | Works by J. S. Bach and More for Baroque Violin (In Person AND Online!)


Jimena Burga Lopera, Baroque violin, performs works y composers from the Baroque musical era. Program Juan Perez de Bocanegra (1560-1645) (arr. Jimena Burga Lopera) Hanacpachap Cussicuinin Georg Muffat (1653-1704) Violin Sonata in D Major Jean-Fery Rebel (1666-1747) Pieces pour le violon, Premiere Suite en G J.S. Bach (1685-1750) Partita No.2 in D Minor BWV 1004 Giuseppe Tartini (1692-1770) Violin Concerto in E Minor, D.56
   New York City, NY; NYC
8:00 pm
Free
Concerts, April 17, 2025, 04/17/2025, Works by J. S. Bach and More for Baroque Violin (In Person AND Online!)
Complimentary Tickets

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

Play | Love Drama

Regular Price: $71.50
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Play | Drama About Legendary Figures of the 20 Century

Regular Price: $79
CFT Member Price: $0.00
Join the Club!

Go!