free things to do in New York City
Free events for Saturday, 10/21/23
<

October 2023

>
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031    
Free Events, Free Things to Do in New York City!    Read More
32 free events take place on Saturday, October 21 in New York City.
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!

32 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Saturday, October 21, 2023

All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Editor's Picks

free events nyc Open House New York: An Extraordinary Opportunity to Experience the City
free events nyc Harvest Festival in the Park
free events nyc Hallowscream Fright Walk and Fall Festival
free events nyc Dancing at Lughnasa: Tony-Winning Play About Survival During Revolution
free events nyc 1,000 Drones Over the Park
More Editor's Picks for 10/21/23
        

Conference | Translated Desires: Ibn al-ʿArabī and the Multilingual Islamic Past


The writings of Ibn al-ʿArabī (d. 1240), one of the most influential Sufi Muslim theoreticians of the medieval period, touched all aspects of knowledge in Asia and Africa in the centuries after his death. This workshop will take as its objective a global history of translation and language in both the dissemination and reception of Ibn al-ʿArabī's writings through discourse, music, and art.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
Go!
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
   Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
Go!
10:00 am
free

Workshop | Drawing in the Park


Paint in watercolor or use pastels and other drawing materials to capture the magical vistas of the Hudson River and the unique landscape of South Cove. An artist/educator will help participants of all levels with instruction and critique. Materials provided, and artists are encouraged to bring their own favorite media
   Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
Go!
10:00 am
free...

Festival | Open House New York: An Extraordinary Opportunity to Experience the City


Open House New York Weekend is an annual festival that opens hundreds of noteworthy or significant places across the five boroughs to foster discovery and delight for New Yorkers and visitors alike. On October 20-22, 2023, the 21st annual OHNY Weekend festival will offer a mix of in-person experiences, self-guided explorations, and digital content--inviting you to get an insider's look at everything from single rooms, studios, factories, and public spaces to entire buildings, blocks, bike corridors, and waterways. See link for details.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
10:00 am
free...

Park Walk | Park Tour: From Freight to Flowers


Hear the story behind New York City's park in the sky: an insider's perspective on the park's history, design, and landscape.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
Go!
10:00 am
free...

Fair | Street Fair


Free fun for the whole family, including arts, crafts, antiques, plants, entertainment, games, and more.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
Go!
10:00 am
free...

Gallery Talk | Something Beautiful: Reframing La Colección


A tour to explore and discuss the on-view sections of the exhibition, the gallery's most ambitious presentation of its unique, complex, and culturally diverse permanent collection in over two decades. Start times on the hour.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
Go!
11:00 am
Pay-what-you-wish

Festival | Fall Festival


A family-friendly event including crafts, games, music, and more.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
Go!
11:00 am
free...

Festival | Hallowscream Fright Walk and Fall Festival


A spooky celebration with an interactive haunted house, games, inflatables, and more! Wear your best costume and get ready for the scariest party in town! You can experience the fright walk at any point between the allotted time for the day. For your safety and others', please exercise caution during the fright walk. Please wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes, and refrain from wearing jewelry. Participants cannot run or touch props and actors. No bags or belongings are allowed inside, so please plan accordingly. Parental discretion and supervision, especially for participants under 13, are highly recommended. Waivers must be signed by an adult. The Fright Walk features frightening images and special effects, sudden movements and jump scares, loud and intense audio, varying light conditions (such as flashing lights and low visibility), and fog in a potentially physically and emotionally demanding environment. Enter at your own risk.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
11:00 am
free

Festival | Harvest Festival in the Park


Celebrate the changing of the seasons. This family-friendly festival includes a kick off procession with live music and entertainers, arts and crafts, storytelling, lawn games, and more - including their signature mini pumpkin patch! Numerous partners will be there with tabling, crafts, and activities on-site, for all-day fun.
   Brooklyn, New York, NY
11:00 am
free...

Workshop | Learn Juggling in the Park


Jugglers use the park throughout the year to provide free classes to the public. Stop by for 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.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
Go!
11:00 am
free...

Workshop | Origami Meetup


OMG NYC (Origami Meetup Group! New York City) is a group for people to come together and share in the beautiful art of Origami - an ancient art of folding various mediums, most commonly paper. The word comes from the combination of the Japanese verb oru (to fold) and the noun kami (paper). Other materials often folded are fabric, wire mesh, sheet metal, tissue, thin plastic, cardboard, and straws.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
Go!
11:30 am
free, registration required

Film | Belle (2021): Anime from Japan


Suzu is a shy high school student living in a rural village. For years, she has only been a shadow of herself. But when she enters "U", a massive virtual world, she escapes into her online persona as Belle, a globally-beloved singer. Director: Mamoru Hosoda Stars: Kaho Nakamura, Ryo Narita, Shôta Sometani 120 min.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
Go!
12:00 pm
free

Party | MetFest 2023 Outdoor Block Party (in-person and online)


Calling all boroughs: get ready to rock the block. A people-powered block party is back with live music, energizing performances, and artist-led experiences for all ages. Enjoy an afternoon of cultural adventures--from Afrobeats and global street food to hands-on art activities--all celebrating the creative spirit of New York City.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
12:00 pm
free...

Festival | Prelude Festival 2023


Dozens of performances, panels, artists talks, and more at various venues across the city from October 7-27. See link for details.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
Go!
1:00 pm
free, no reservation required

Film | A Quiet Place (2018) with John Krasinski and Emily Blunt


If they hear you, they hunt you. A family must live in silence to avoid mysterious creatures that hunt by sound. Knowing that even the slightest whisper or footstep can bring death, Evelyn and Lee are determined to find a way to protect their children while desperately searching for a way to fight back. Director: John Krasinski Cast: Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe John Krasinski is an American actor and filmmaker. He is known for his role as Jim Halpert on the NBC sitcom The Office. He also served as a producer and occasional director of the series throughout its nine-season run. Emily Blunt is a British actress. She is the recipient of several accolades, including a Golden Globe Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award, in addition to nominations for three British Academy Film Awards. Forbes ranked her as one of the highest-paid actresses in the world in 2020.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
Go!
2:00 pm
free, registration required

Play | Dancing at Lughnasa: Tony-Winning Play About Survival During Revolution


In Brian Friel's Tony-winning play, a revolution began, but nobody called it a revolution. They were just some steps, incoherent, hesitant, and aimless. An animalistic ballet against something that didn't seem right. An amorphous instinct. Brian Friel's Tony-winning play recalls those who, more out of courage and survival than belief, took the first moves to claim a fair space to be themselves. It's the story of five sisters surviving in a world that doesn't dance. It is a choreography of struggle, minor victories, and sorrows, composed through the blurred memories of a 7-year-old child in the summer that changed his life. A student production.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
2:00 pm
free

Film | House of Gucci (2021) Directed by Ridley Scott, Starring Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Jared Leto, Jeremy Irons, Salma Hayek, Al Pacino


When Patrizia Reggiani, an outsider from humble beginnings, marries into the Gucci family, her unbridled ambition begins to unravel the family legacy and triggers a reckless spiral of betrayal, decadence, revenge -- and ultimately murder. Director: Ridley Scott Cast: Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Jared Leto, Jeremy Irons, Salma Hayek, Al Pacino Lady Gaga is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She is known for her image reinventions and versatility in the entertainment industry. Adam Driver is an American actor. Recognized for his collaborations with auteur filmmakers, he is the recipient of various accolades, including nominations for two Academy Awards, four Primetime Emmy Awards, and a Tony Award. Jared Leto is an American actor and musician. Known for his method acting in a variety of roles, he has received numerous accolades over a career spanning three decades, including an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award. Jeremy Irons is an English actor and activist. He is one of the few actors who have achieved the "Triple Crown of Acting" in the US, winning an Oscar for film, an Emmy for television and a Tony Award for theatre. Salma Hayek is a Mexican and American actress and film producer. She began her career in Mexico with starring roles telenovelas and quickly established herself in Hollywood with appearances in films such as Desperado (1995), From Dusk till Dawn (1996), Wild Wild West (1999), and Dogma (1999). Hayek's portrayal of painter Frida Kahlo in the biopic Frida (2002), which she also produced, made her the first Mexican actress to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress. Al Pacino is considered one of the greatest and most influential actors of the 20th century. He has received numerous accolades: including an Academy Award, two Tony Awards, and two Primetime Emmy Awards, making him one of the few performers to have achieved the Triple Crown of Acting.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
2:00 pm
free, no reservation required

Play | Sometimes the Rain, Sometimes the Sea: A Reimagining of The Little Mermaid


Once upon a time, a rain cloud fell in love with a human. Dolan, who bears an uncanny resemblance to author Hans Christian Andersen, tries to tell this simple and sweet story, but characters in the story keep turning into figures from Dolan’s own history of turbulent relationships. An adaptation, a reimagining, and a critique of The Little Mermaid, Julio Izumi's play is a story of romantic, obsessive, and unrequited love. A student production.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
Go!
2:00 pm
free

Birdwatching | Island Bird Tour


Nearly 240 bird species have been spotted on Governors Island, which provides excellent habitat all year round. Whether you’re an expert birder or a beginner, these tours will help you discover all of the birdlife the island has to offer. Binoculars are available to borrow.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
Go!
2:00 pm
free...

Screening | Silent Clowns Film Showcase: Sherlock Jr. (1924) with Buster Keaton


Silent Clowns, New York’s longest-running regularly scheduled silent film showcase hosts an afternoon of hoots and hijinks! Presenting the silent comedies of Chaplin, Keaton, Laurel & Hardy, Lloyd, and many others, all with live musical accompaniment by renowned silent-film accompanist Ben Model. Every program features a spoken introduction and Q&A by film historians Steve Massa and Model. For classic-film fans young and old alike! While The General (1926) and The Navigator (1924) are possibly Buster Keaton’s best known films, Sherlock Jr. (1924) may be his most groundbreaking and original comedy, where he plays with the very grammar of filmmaking. A nominal spoof of detective films, it features hilarious gags, breathtaking stunts, and many “how did he do that?” moments. Opening the program is a Keaton favorite, the two-reeler The Goat (1922). Registration required.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
Go!
2:30 pm
free, reservation required

Festival | Day of the Dead | Dia de Muertos


Celebrate the lively and vibrant traditions of the Day of the Dead. Immerse yourself in this beloved holiday's unique customs and culture through interactive workshops and a lively musical performance. Participate in hands-on activities and enjoy the captivating rhythms of live music.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
3:00 pm
free

Classical Music | Works by J.S. Bach and More for Accordion


Lore Amenabar Larrañaga, accordion. Program César Franck (1822-1890), Pastorale op. 19 Jouni Kaipainen (1956-2015), Placido op. 68 J.S. Bach (1685-1750), Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 659 Christopher Fox (b. 1955), Die Stimme der Stadt Michael Finnissy (b. 1946), Permissible Self-Expression Veli Kujala (b. 1976), L’eaurelle
   Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
Go!
3:00 pm
free, no reservation required

Film | The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993): Animated Holiday Crossover


Jack Skellington, king of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town, but his attempts to bring Christmas to his home causes confusion. Director: Henry Selick Stars: Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara 76 min.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
Go!
4:00 pm
free

Classical Music | Serene organ meditations in an intimate venue (In Person AND Online)


Enjoy a program of hymns, anthems, and voluntaries for the organ.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
Go!
4:00 pm
Free, donations are...

Classical Music | Works by Martinu and More for Viola, Violin, and Cello (In Person AND Online)


Luis Enrique Casal, viola; Anna Majcherczyk, violin; John Popham, cello. Program Luis Enrique Casal, Duo for Violin and Viola Martinů (1890-1959), Three Madrigals for Violin and Viola David Soley (b. 1962), 4 movements for string trio  Emiliano Pardo-Tristan, Fantasía Mesana
   Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
Go!
6:00 pm
free, no reservation required

Performance | 1,000 Drones Over the Park


1,000 lit-up drones designed to mimic the flight patterns of starlings will fly over the park in a performance by Studio Drift, an Amsterdam-based artist duo specializing in choreographed sculptures and kinetic installations. Performances will be held at 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9 p.m.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
7:00 pm
free...

Play | Sometimes the Rain, Sometimes the Sea: A Reimagining of The Little Mermaid


Once upon a time, a rain cloud fell in love with a human. Dolan, who bears an uncanny resemblance to author Hans Christian Andersen, tries to tell this simple and sweet story, but characters in the story keep turning into figures from Dolan’s own history of turbulent relationships. An adaptation, a reimagining, and a critique of The Little Mermaid, Julio Izumi's play is a story of romantic, obsessive, and unrequited love. A student production.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
Go!
7:30 pm
free

Dance Performance | Second Avenue Dance Company October Concert (in-person and online)


The SADC goves an October October concert.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
Go!
7:30 pm
free

Movie in a Park | Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021): Adventure-Comedy with Paul Rudd


When a single mom and her two kids arrive in a small town, they begin to discover their connection to the original Ghostbusters and the secret legacy their grandfather left behind. Director: Jason Reitman Stars: Carrie Coon, Paul Rudd. Finn Wolfhard 124 min.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
Go!
7:45 pm
free...

Play | Dancing at Lughnasa: Tony-Winning Play About Survival During Revolution


In Brian Friel's Tony-winning play, a revolution began, but nobody called it a revolution. They were just some steps, incoherent, hesitant, and aimless. An animalistic ballet against something that didn't seem right. An amorphous instinct. Brian Friel's Tony-winning play recalls those who, more out of courage and survival than belief, took the first moves to claim a fair space to be themselves. It's the story of five sisters surviving in a world that doesn't dance. It is a choreography of struggle, minor victories, and sorrows, composed through the blurred memories of a 7-year-old child in the summer that changed his life. A student production.
   Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
Go!
8:00 pm
free

Classical Music | Piano Works by Chopin, J.S. Bach, and More (In Person AND Online)


Antoinette Cheng, piano. Program Alisa Zaika "Shpol", sounds of poetry for piano solo Chopin (1810-1849), Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35 J.S. Bach (1685-1750), Aria variata alla maniera italiana, BVW 989 Einojuhani Rautavaara (1928-2016), Piano Sonata No. 2 "The Fire Sermon", op. 64
   Manhattan, New York, NY
Join the Club!
Go!
8:30 pm
free, no reservation required
Join the Club!
Go!
Complimentary Tickets

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

Performance | Award-Winning Actor in Critically-Acclaimed Performance

Regular Price: $60
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Classical Music | "Virtuoso" Pianist Performs Works by Liszt & More

Regular Price: $50
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Performance | Erotic Burlesque Show

Regular Price: $135
CFT Member Price: $0.00
More CFT Deals
Today's Events All 1063 Events Free Events This Week Free Events This Weekend
Contact FAQ Reviews About Terms of Use Privacy Policy
All events are free unless otherwise stated. All programs subject to change. Please confirm before going.
© Copyright Club Free Time. All rights reserved.