free things to do in New York City
Free events for Friday, 05/31/19
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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 May 31, 2019?

41 free events take place on Friday, May 31 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 May 31 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 May . 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.
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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!

41 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Friday, May 31, 2019

All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Editor's Picks

free events nyc Thomas Rhett: Country Crooner
free events nyc A Triple-Threat Powerhouse Who Plays Trumpet, Sings, and Composes
free events nyc Alvin Ailey Revelations Celebration Community Workshop
free events nyc The Importance of Being Earnest: Oscar Wilde's Classic Comedy Done Two Ways
free events nyc Works For Two Pianos
free events nyc Coco Before Chanel (2009): Oscar-Nominated Biography
More Editor's Picks for 05/31/19
        

Concert | Ciara: Texas-Born Pop Star


Ciara is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and model. Born in Austin, Texas, she has sold over 23 million records since 2004, including the hits "Goodies," "1, 2 Step" and "Oh."  Her just-released seventh album is Beauty Marks. Attendees are advised to arrive early.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 am
Free

Concert | Thomas Rhett: Country Crooner


The Georgia-born singer has released four studio albums: It Goes Like This (2013), Tangled Up (2015), Life Changes (2017). and Center Point Road (2019). These albums have produced seventeen singles on the Hot Country and Country Airplay charts, with twelve reaching the No. 1 position on the latter. In addition to much of his own material, Rhett has written singles for Jason Aldean, Lee Brice, Florida Georgia Line, LoCash and Michael Ray, among others. Attendees are advised to arrive at 5am.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:00 am
Free

Workshop | Meditation on the Lawn


Known benefits of a regular meditation practice include stress reduction, improved concentration, increased self-awareness and sense of happiness, improved cardiovascular and immune health, and more. This class is designed to introduce brand new beginners to the practice of mediation. Please bring a mat or blanket to sit on. Fridays, May 31-August 30, 2019
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 am
Free

Workshop | Tai Chi Outdoors


Improve balance, strength and focus through gentle exercises. The sights and sounds of the river provide a serene background for the ancient flowing postures. Tai Chi results in strength and focus of body and mind. An ideal choice for participants of all ages. Instructor: Alex Hing Fridays, May 3-July 12, 2019
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 am
Free

Conference | Remembering Ernst Toller (1893-1939): Exiles and Refugees between Europe and the US


The spring of 1919 saw the brutal end of the Bavarian soviet republic that had emerged as part of Germany’s November Revolution. Twenty years later, on May 22, 1939, Ernst Toller, one of the leaders of that revolution and republic, committed suicide at the Mayflower Hotel in New York, where he was living in exile from Nazi Germany. This conference is on German-speaking émigrés in New York and the United States, and their legacy for the exiles and refugees who are arriving in the U.S. and Europe today. Presenters from Austria include Helga Schreckenberger (University of Vermont), Frank Stern (University of Vienna), Veronika Schuchter as well as Irene Zanol (University of Innsbruck).
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:00 am
Free

Tour | 13 Tours, All City Neighborhoods, Any Time Of The Day, Choose One Tour Or Many


These free tours take place at various times during the day, all day long. You can make reservations for as many tours as your schedule allows. SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights + DUMBO 3 Hour Lower Manhattan Harlem Chelsea and the High Line 6 Hour Downtown Combined Greenwich Village Central Park Lower Manhattan Midtown Manhattan Grand Central Terminal Graffiti and Street Art Tours World Trade Center
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

Tour | Southern Park Welcome Tour


An introduction to some of the southern Park highlights, including Grand Army Plaza, the Pond, Gapstow Bridge, Wollman Rink, Chess and Checkers House, and the Dairy.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Beekeeping Workshop


Visit the park’s apiary, enjoy a honey tasting, and learn about the lives of honeybees from the New York City Beekeepers Association.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
Free

Workshop | Community Choir For Beginners


This beginner, non-auditioned group welcomes all who love to sing. You will learn healthy singing habits, warmups, and how to find your own voice as your sing with a group. The choir members sing and study music of many styles and genres like jazz, latin, soul, choral, gospel, folk, and music from around the world. Everyone is welcome no experience necessary! The class will culminate with a final public performance at the library. Registration is required.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
Free

Tour | Grand Central and Its Neighborhood Tour


Discover architecture and social history of Grand Central neighborhood; learn secrets of Whispering Gallery in Grand Central Terminal; gaze upon hubcaps and roadsters on side of Chrysler Building; discover favorite Midtown Manhattan hangout of Mercury, Hercules, and Minerva; learn why Pershing Square isn’t really square; visit original Lincoln Memorial by Daniel Chester French. Award-winning tour led by urban historians Peter Laskowich and Madeleine Levi. This tour takes place every Friday.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
Free

Jazz | Piano in the Park: Ragtime, Stride, and Jazz


Summertime, and the livin’ is easy... so swing on by for toe-tappin’ performances by New York’s finest, playing ragtime, stride, and jazz to your heart’s delight. Larry Ham is jazz pianist, composer, and educator.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
Free

Film | Upgrade (2018): Technology Controls The World


Set in the near-future, technology controls nearly all aspects of life. But when Grey, a self-identified technophobe, has his world turned upside down, his only hope for revenge is an experimental computer chip implant called Stem. 100 min. Director: Leigh Whannell. Starring Logan Marshall-Green, Melanie Vallejo, Steve Danielsen.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Lunchtime Meditation


Take a mid-day pause to refresh your mind and re-establish your center in the midst of bustling city life. Meditation is a powerful tool to eliminate stress, to heal the body, mind, and brain, and to enhance your personal well-being and positive relationship with the world.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
$10 suggested donation

Workshop | Fencing Workshop


Learn the basics with masters from Manhattan Fencing Center. Must be 16 or older to participate. Every Friday.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:30 pm
Free

Film | A Serious Man (2009): Two Time Oscar Nominated Black Comedy Drama By Coen Brothers


Larry Gopnik, a Midwestern physics teacher, watches his life unravel over multiple sudden incidents. Though seeking meaning and answers amidst his turmoils, he seems to keep sinking. 106 min. Directors: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen. Starring Michael Stuhlbarg, Richard Kind, Sari Lennick.  A Serious Man had two Academy Award nominations for Best Motion Picture and Best Original Screenplay. 
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Film | Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004): Third Of The Series By Alfonso Cuaron


It's Harry's third year at Hogwarts; not only does he have a new "Defense Against the Dark Arts" teacher, but there is also trouble brewing. Convicted murderer Sirius Black has escaped the Wizards' Prison and is coming after Harry. 142 min. Director: Alfonso Cuarón. Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was nominated for two Academy Awards, Best Original Music Score and Best Visual Effects at the 77th Academy Awards in 2004.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Film | High Art (1998): Intern At A Magazine Falls In Love With A  Photographer


A young female intern at a small magazine company becomes involved with a drug-addicted lesbian photographer, both of whom seek to exploit each other for their respective careers, while slowly falling in love with each other. 101 min. Director: Lisa Cholodenko. Starring Radha Mitchell, Ally Sheedy, Patricia Clarkson. 
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Film | Lost in the Stars (1974): Zulu Preacher Searching His Missing Son


Brock Peters is Stephen Kumalo, a black South African minister searching the unfamiliar back alleys and shantytowns of Johannesburg for his son, Absalom. 97 min. Director: Daniel Mann. Starring Brock Peters, Melba Moore, Raymond St. Jacques.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Film | Purple Rain With Prince (1984): Oscar Winning Musical Drama


A young musician, tormented by an abusive situation at home, must contend with a rival singer, a burgeoning romance, and his own dissatisfied band, as his star begins to rise. 111 min. Director: Albert Magnoli. Starring Prince, Apollonia Kotero, Morris Day.  Purple Rain won an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score.  
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Film | Sid and Nancy (1986): The Story Of Famous British Punk Group Member


The relationship between Sid Vicious, bassist for British punk group Sex Pistols, and his girlfriend Nancy Spungen is portrayed. 112 min. Director: Alex Cox. Starring Gary Oldman, Chloe Webb, David Hayman. 
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Tour | Heart of the Park Tour


Walk straight through the heart of Central Park on this east-to-west tour led by guides. Enjoy a great variety of the scenic, sculptural, and ar chitectural elements the Park has to offer. Visit some of the Park's most famous landmarks, including Conservatory Water, Loeb Boathouse, Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, Cherry Hill, The Lake, and Strawberry Fields.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Live Model Figure Drawing


This class will provide students with simple instructions to create solid drawings from life. The instructor will deconstruct the figure drawing process into a few basic steps:  Initial landmarks, gesture, structure and anatomy.  A live model will stand in a series of poses. Guided group instruction is followed by individual consultations. The techniques discussed can be applied for future practice. All levels of experience are welcome to attend. Limited materials will be provided. Class will be taught by Sandra Sanchez, an instructor at Grand Central Atelier.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Adult Coloring Club


Come in, relax, color and meditate! All materials are provided.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Game Nights in the Park


Weekly Game Nights are the perfect place to learn a new game, challenge yourself with new opponents, swap strategies, and meet like-minded people. Mondays through Fridays, May 1-August 31, 2019 Mondays: Mah Jongg Tuesdays: Word Game Night Wednesdays: Catan Game Night Thursdays: Mah Jongg (3pm-5pm); Beginner Chess (5pm-7pm) Fridays: Learn a New Game Night
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free

Concert | 3 Folk Music Acts


5:30 pm Jason Howell - Indie folk/Americana 6:05 pm Treya Lam - Chamber folk multiinstrumentalist 6:40 pm Jason Myles Goss - Mellifluous heartbreak jams
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free

Opening Reception | Clare Grill, Lauren Luloff, Kathia St. Hilaire: 3 Artists


A three person exhibition featuring new works by Clare Grill, Lauren Luloff and Kathia St. Hilaire. Finding inspiration from textile-based craft like needlepoint, tapestry, and silk dyeing, these artists share an interest in process and materiality. Natural forms and personal narratives are weaved throughout the work in subtle yet distinctive ways, and each artist crafts a unique story about how to see, perceive and interrogate our world.   
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Opening Reception | Earthy Anecdote: Group Show on Working in Nature


Named for Wallace Steven's 1923 poem, the exhibition is inspired by the mind-expansive state found while working in nature. Reflection in nature, and the mentality of the "pastoral" is found in chosen works, such as Joe Brainard's pansy painting and mushroom collage, or in Fred & Marilyn Buss' carved wooden boxes. Their interest in and appreciation for wood led them to become involved in harvesting, milling and seasoning hardwoods and burls for their projects, taking specific satisfaction in salvaging and using trees that had been damaged by storms, fire or "progress."
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Jazz | A Triple-Threat Powerhouse Who Plays Trumpet, Sings, and Composes


An outdoor concert with Ginetta M., a triple-threat female powerhouse who plays pocket trumpet, sings, and composes, while leading her acclaimed band Ginetta's Vendetta around the world. An alumna of the famed music school at North Texas State University, she has released four CDs, three of which have been on the Grammy ballot in 10 categories. The band recently did a sold-out tour of the Russian Far East, including a special performance for the U.S. Ambassador to Moscow. She is a native New Yorker and plays in and around NYC in between tours.
   New York City, NY; NYC
6:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Alvin Ailey Revelations Celebration Community Workshop


Alvin Ailey’s Revelations is the world’s most popular work of modern dance. Learn excerpts from this masterpiece conducted by former Ailey company member Nasha Thomas, with live music with a drummer and selected props. Bring your friends and family – all ages are welcome! Dance for a moment, remember it for a lifetime.
   New York City, NY; NYC
6:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Art Workshop


Come create your own masterpiece inspired by work from famous artists and various techniques. The series will include an overview of the artist or technique, followed by a hands-on workshop.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

City Walk | Historic Greenwich Village Tour: Beats, Bohemians And Icons From The 1950's To Today


Bob Dylan, Richard Pryor, Edgar Allen Poe, Jane Jacobs, James Baldwin, Jack Kerouac, Dave Attell, Patti Smith, Joan Baez, and Truman Capote are just a few of the thousands of accomplished artists, writers, radicals, and performers who made their way through Greenwich Village. This tour, primarily focusing on the 1950s onward, visits the hangouts that have defined legendary people and the spirit of this iconic neighborhood.
   New York City, NY; NYC
6:00 pm
Free

Film | A Coffee in Berlin (2012): German Comedy-Drama


An aimless university dropout attempts to make sense of life as he spends one fateful day wandering the streets of Berlin. Director: Jan Ole Gerster   86 min.   In German with English subtitles.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Author Reading | Oval: Life on an Artificial Mountain


In Elvia Wilk’s debut novel, set in the near future, Berlin’s real estate is being flipped in the name of “sustainability,” only to make the city even more unaffordable; artists are employed by corporations as consultants; and the weather is acting strange. In search of affordable housing, Anja and Louis move into a community on an artificial mountain, The Berg—yet another “eco-friendly” initiative run by a corporation called Finster. They’re offered a home rent-free in exchange for keeping quiet about the seriously malfunctioning infrastructure of the experimental house.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Play | The Importance of Being Earnest: Oscar Wilde's Classic Comedy Done Two Ways


In New York Classical Theatre's production, the entire cast will swap roles (and genders) every other performance. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays are traditional casting. Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays are reversed. This production is staged in their signature Panoramic Theatre style, and the audience will move twice during the performance—once for each scene change. Tuesdays through Sundays, May 28-June 16, 2019
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:00 pm
Free

Concert | A Rhythmic Journey of Melodic R&B


Singer/songwriter iamchelseaiam uses her guitar to deliver melodic riffs, taking audiences on a rhythmic journey. Inspired human connection, everyday conversations and relationships are what drives iamchelseaiam to create music. As a writer she’s had the opportunity to write for The Voice contestant Kenny Araujo, actress Taryn Manning as well as several independent artists.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Film | Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk (2017): 3-Time Oscar Winner (outdoors)


Allied soldiers from Belgium, the British Empire and France are surrounded by the German Army, and evacuated during a fierce battle in World War II. Stars: Fionn Whitehead, Barry Keoghan, Mark Rylance. 106 min. Movie begins at sunset, weather permitting.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Sunset Singing Circle


Singer/songwriter Terre Roche leads this weekly singing program with the beautiful backdrop of the setting sun in NY Harbor. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned crooner, the singing circle is perfect for mellow melodies and healthy harmonizing. Fridays, May 1-June 28, 2019
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Classical Music | Works For Two Pianos


Pianists Victor Dizon and Racquel Borromeo share an eclectic mix of music arranged for two pianos. Victor Dizon performs regularly both in solo and ensemble recitals at Em Lee Concert Hall of Turtle Bay Music School, Ann Goodman Recital Hall at Kaufman Center, Steinway Hall, and as accompanist at Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall. Racquel Borromeo has performed in Philippines, Japan, Italy, Russia, and the United States.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:00 pm
Free

Comedy Club | An Evening of Standup Comedy


A standup comedy show featuring comics who have appeared on NBC, TruTV, Comedy Central and more.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
No cover, no...

Play | Much Ado About Nothing: Shakespeare's Comedy of Romantic Retribution and Miscommunication


Tony Award winner Kenny Leon (American Son, A Raisin in the Sun) directs a bold new take on Shakespeare’s cherished comedy of romantic retribution and miscommunication. In this modern production, find the community of Messina celebrating a break from an ongoing war. But not all is peaceful amid the revelry, as old rivals engage in a battle of wits, unexpected foes plot revenge, and young lovers are caught in a tumultuous courtship – until love proves the ultimate trickster, and undoes them all.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free

Movie in a Park | Coco Before Chanel (2009): Oscar-Nominated Biography


The story of Coco Chanel's rise from obscure beginnings to the heights of the fashion world. Director: Anne Fontaine Stars: Audrey Tautou, Benoît Poelvoorde, Alessandro Nivola 110 min.
   New York City, NY; NYC
8:30 pm
Free
Complimentary Tickets

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

Theater | Family Theater Showcase

Regular Price: $49.50
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Play | "Absorbing" Drama at a Major NYC Theater

Regular Price: $89
CFT Member Price: $0.00
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