free things to do in New York City
Free events for Sunday, 10/20/24
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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 October 20, 2024?

35 free events take place on Sunday, October 20 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 October 20 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 October . 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!

35 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Sunday, October 20, 2024

All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Editor's Picks

free events nyc Art Studio and Collection of a Renowned American Sculptor
free events nyc Tour - A Magnificent Architectural Landmark in Midtown
free events nyc Dog Costume Contest: Over 200 Dogs
free events nyc Works by Dvorak and More for Violin, Viola, and Cello
More Editor's Picks for 10/20/24
        

Tour | NYC Walking Tours: A Variety of Neighborhoods - Choose One Tour Or Many


These tours take place at various times. You can make reservations for as many tours as your schedule allows. See link for details: scroll down to find the daily scheduled tours at $4 (more costly tours are listed on top). Daily tours may include: Brooklyn Bridge SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown Lower Manhattan Harlem Downtown Greenwich Village Central Park Lower Manhattan Midtown Manhattan Graffiti and Street Art Tours
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:00 am
$4

Museums | Art Studio and Collection of a Renowned American Sculptor


Explore this 3-story sculpture studio and world-class art collection of one of America's foremost sculptors. The display includes African, American, European, and Pre-Columbian art pieces.
   New York City, NY; NYC
10:00 am
Free

Theater | European Marionette Theater: Performance, Peter Pan Screenings and Exhibit - Family Day


Marionette performances for families, exhibit, recorded presentation highliting the history of the theater and screenings of its "Peter Pan" show at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

Museums | General Grant National Memorial: Greco-Roman Architecture and History


General Grant National Memorial is a tribute to the person recognized for securing victory in the Civil War. Learn about the life of General Ulysses S. Grant, his role in the war and his achievements as the 18th President. 11:30am-12:15pm: Architecture tour 2:00-2:45pm: Memorialization & remembrance
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

Open Studios | Hudson Yards: Explore Architecture Exhibitions, Office Spaces and Watch a Documentary on Women Architects


This prominent architecture and design foundation opens its doors to visitors. You are welcome to explore the exhibitions and space. The short film A Girl is a Fellow Here: 100 Women Architects in the Studio of Frank Lloyd Wright (2009; 20 minutes) will be screened. During an era when most architectural firms were reluctant to hire women, Frank Lloyd Wright readily employed them, providing both training and the chance to practice their craft. In total, more than 100 women architects and designers collaborated with Wright. The fils highlites six of them: Marion Mahony, Isabel Roberts, Lois Gottlieb, Jane Duncombe, Eleanore Pettersen, and Read Weber. Screenings are at 12 pm and 1 pm. Photo ID is required to enter.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

Museums | Modern Museum in a Unique Location Accessible Through an Alleyway


This museum is located in a repurposed elevator shaft. Various artifacts convey stories from around the globe.
   New York City, NY; NYC
10:00 am
Free

Museums | Oyster Project: Increasing Water Quality, Engineered Ecosystems


Learn about the Billion Oyster Project which is working on restoring oyster populations to NY Harbor in order to better water quality and cultivate new marine life. Examine an oyster display of Harbor-grown oysters and learn about ecosystems and the engineers envolved in the project.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

Fair | Street Fair


Free fun for the whole family, including arts, crafts, antiques, plants, entertainment, games, and more.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

Museums | Tour - Castle Clinton Immigration Depot, Historical Fort


Join a guided tour of this nationanal monument, the first American immigrant processing facility which operated from 1855-1890. View long-forgotten images and hear stories of the building to learn how the experiences of 19th-century immigrants continue to influence our understanding of immigration issues today. 1-hour tours start at 10am, 12pm, & 2pm.
   New York City, NY; NYC
10:00 am
Free

Museums | Tour - Landmark Sanctuary: History, Architecture, Exhibitions (one hour tours on the hour)


Visit the 135 year old sanctuary, a historic site and cultural center that highlights immigration, Jewish culture and traditions. This landmark also hosts a variety of exhibitions. First tour is at 10am (last tour is at 4pm); tours are on the hour. Security check.
   New York City, NY; NYC
10:00 am
Free

Park Walk | Brooklyn Waterfront Walk


A docent-led walking tour of the park! Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery whilst learning about the history of the Brooklyn waterfront, the park’s sustainable design, and how the park came to life.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:30 am
Free

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
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11:00 am
Free

Museums | Tour - Stonewall National Monument


Learn about the 1969 Stonewall Uprising which started new civil right movement. This is an outdoor tour around uneven streets and sidewalks. .
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free

Gallery Talk | Tapestries by Shoshana Comet: From Survival to Strength: Exhibition Tour


Curator Ilana Burstein Benson leads a guided tour of the 5 tapestries made in the late 1960s by psychotherapist and Holocaust survivor, Shoshana Comet (1923 – 2011). She explores the themes of Holocaust history and trauma, psychological recovery, and affirmation of life.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:30 am
Free

Gallery Talk | From Survival to Strength: Art Works by Holocaust Survivor, Exhibition Tour


The five tapestries in this exhibition were created in the late 1960s by psychotherapist and Holocaust survivor, Shoshana Comet (1923 - 2011). Through the lens of these unique works and Shoshana's story, you explore the themes of Holocaust history and trauma, psychological repair, and affirmation of life. Guided tour by curator Ilana Burstein Benson.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:30 am
Free

Discussion | Artmaking and Multilingual Existence


Writers Grace Jung (K-Drama School: A Pop Culture Inquiry Into Why We Love Korean Television), Simon Wu (Dancing On My Own: Essays on Art, Collectivity, and Joy), and Dena Igusti (Cut Woman) talk about their multidisciplinary approaches to artmaking between spheres of identity, gender, race, culture, language, medium, and genre.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free

Other | Broadway Tribute Concert, Tours and More at a Landmark 1848 Church


This historic church has served as a sanctuary to visitors of all faiths from around the globe and functioned as a stop on the Underground Railroad. Theatre tour: 1:00pm, learn about the church's history with the theater community and renowned actors. Concert: 2:00pm, A Tribute to Broadway - favorite show hits, Broadway actors, and a sing-along with the audience. Tour in Spanish: 3:30pm, history and architecture of the church. Songwriter showcase: 5:00-8:00pm (at a rehearsal studio around the corner)
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free

Fair | Halloween Spook-Tacular Celebration: Games, Artcrafts, Photo Booth and More


Join the frightfully fun day filled with pumpkin decorating, games, a costume photo booth, art crafts, giveaways, candy, more. Witches, ghosts, and goblins! Rain or shine.
   New York City, NY; NYC
12:00 pm
Free

Museums | Tour - A Magnificent Architectural Landmark in Midtown


Step into the sanctuary to discover the history of its architecture and the community throughout the past, present, and future. Guided short tours will be ongoing.
   New York City, NY; NYC
12:00 pm
Free

Other | Historical Church: Explore the Romanesque Architecture with Gothic Influences, Tiffany Glass and Organ Music


Opening in 1854, this beautiful church is a city landmark with marble exterior and bell tower. The interier design includes a finely detailed stained glass windows (some designed by Tiffany) and a recently designed pipe organ. 1pm-2pm: organ performance.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
Free

Tour | Revitalizing the NY Harbor - Oyster Sites Walking Tour


Learn about the Billion Oyster Project, an ambitious environmental restoration initiative aimed at revitalizing the New York Harbor by reintroducing one billion oysters to its waters. Oysters play a crucial role in improving water quality by filtering pollutants and providing habitats for various marine species. Take 1.5-hour walking tour to learn about the program's operations on the island, including oyster sites and the shell pile. Tours are at 12:30, 1:30, & 2:30pm. Limited capacity, first-come first-served; arrive at least 10 minutes prior.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
Free

Festival | Dog Costume Contest: Over 200 Dogs


Witness the annual dog costume event. Over 200 pups show off before judges!
   New York City, NY; NYC
1:00 pm
Free

Museums | Folk Art: Ornamentation, Vibrant Drawings and Over 100 Handmade Gameboards - Tour


Join the tour to explore the art of the Shakers from the mid-19th century: colorful intricate ornamentation representing celestial imagery, vibrant drawings and much more. Another exhibition contains about 100 handmade gameboards, including chess, Parcheesi, checkers, Monopoly, Chutes and Ladders crafted between the mid-19 and early-20 centuries. The Shakers are a religious community founded in the 18th century in England. They are known for their unique beliefs, which include celibacy, communal living, and a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and simplicity. They are also recognized for their distinctive style of furniture and architecture, as well as their vibrant music and dance traditions. In the early 20th century, there were about 12 Shaker communities in the US and as of 2019, there is only one active Shaker village remaining, located in Maine.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Discussion | Editing as Writing: The Making of Narrative Film


Examine the art of filmic storytelling with this panel of filmmakers—Dev Benegal (Road Movie), Chai Vasarhelyi (Nyad), and He Shuming (Ajoomma). They will talk about the crafts of writing and editing. Learn how they use moving visuals to narrate lived experiences and see the political and ethical implications of shaping these stories on screen. Moderated by Ashish Ravinran (Chasing Cricket).
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:30 pm
Free

Museums | Coast Guard Museum Steamship: Family-Friendly Exploration


Explore the oldest lighthouse tender in the US and its on-board exhibits. The steamship delivered supplies to lighthouses and maintained buoys from 1933 to 1972. Activities for kids: art station, coloring sheets, trivia contest.
   New York City, NY; NYC
2:00 pm
Free

City Walk | Street Art Walk and Workshop


Join the presentation walk through of public artworks by Davina Hsu (Blessing Transmission) and Michelle Weinberg (River Semaphore). This place-specific imagery covers 1100 feet of construction fence. A family-friendly art workshop will follow the tour. 2PM-2:45PM: tour 2:45PM-3:30PM: workshop
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Concert | The Chol Hamoed Spectacular: The Yeshiva Boys Choir


Formed In 2003 by Eli Gerstner and Yossi Newman, the Yeshiva Boys Choir has been wowing audiences for more than 20 years with renditions of contemporary Jewish music, performing countless shows and recording seven albums, including 2014’s YBC 6—Thank You. This special performance is a celebration of Chol Hamoed, a Hebrew phrase referring to the intermediate days of the Jewish holidays of Passover and Sukkot.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Play | After the Revolution by Tony-Nominated Playwright


A bright, promising young activist must confront a shocking secret in her lauded family's past. "...smart, engrossing" - NY Times, "...laced with welcome wit" - Backstage. Written by Amy Herzog, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama (4000 Miles)
   New York City, NY; NYC
3:00 pm
Donation

Discussion | Adapting Classics for the Stage


Literary classics are supposed to be timeless, and yet they have been creatively reimagined for every new generation. What are the social, political, ethical, and artistic considerations for contemporary theatrical adaptations of classics from the East and West? Examine these questions with Ong Keng Sen (Becoming Salome), Rebecca Martínez (co-director, Public Theatre’s Mobile Unit: The Comedy of Errors), Damon Chua (Warrior Sisters of Wu), and moderator Zizi Majid (Milk).
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free

Classical Music | The Orchestra of The Bronx Performs Works by Mendelssohn, Mozart, and Beethoven


The Orchestra of The Bronx; Michael Spierman, conductor; Sharon Gunderson, violin. Program Mendelssohn (1809-1847), Overture to The Hebrides (Fingal's Cave) Mozart (1756-1791), Violin Concerto No. 5 Beethoven (1770-1827), Symphony No. 8 in F Major
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 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.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free

Classical Music | Works by Handel and More (In Person AND Online!)


Laurence Cummings, music director; members of Juilliard415. Program Handel (1685-1759), Oboe and Flute Concerto in G Minor, HWV 287 William Corbett (1680-1748), Le Bizzarie universali: L'inglese Handel (1685-1759), Arias for flute and strings: Verdi prati (from Alcina) and No, no, I'll take no less (from Semele) Handel (1685-1759), Concerto Grosso, Op. 3, No. 4 Charles Avison (1709-1770), Concerti Grossi after Scarlatti, Nos. 1 and 5 Please arrive 30-60 minutes in advance of the performance to sign in to the building and receive your visitor badge.
   New York City, NY; NYC
4:00 pm
Free

Staged Reading | Sisters of the Storm: A Bold Reimagining of King Lear


Sisters of the Storm is a chamber opera that reimaginess Shakespeare's King Lear within the context of an Asian-American family. Genevieve Wong is a retired Shakespeare professor grappling with dementia. As her condition worsens, Genevieve compels her three daughters to reenact the play, escalating the family's challenges in navigating eldercare. Librettist: Marcus Yi (Working for the Macbeths). Composer: Justine F. Chen (The Life and Death(s) of Alan Turing). Talkback with Marcus Yi and Shakespeare scholar Cordelia Zukerman.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free

Classical Music | Works by Dvorak and More for Violin, Viola, and Cello


Momenta Quartet (Emilie-Anne Gendron, Alex Shiozaki, violins; Stephanie Griffin, viola; Michael Haas, cello); Adrian Morejon, bassoon. Program Telemann (1681-1767), Fantasia No. 3 in f minor for violin solo, TW 40:16 Telemann (1681-1767), Fantasia No. 5 in A Major for violin solo, TW 40:18 Eun Young Lee (b. 1967), Pax Aeterna for bassoon and string quartet Enescu (1881-1955), Menetrier ("Folk Fiddler") for solo violin, from Impressions d'enfance, op. 28 Charles Ives (1874-1954), String Quartet No. 2
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:00 pm
Free

Dance Performance | Japanese Dance Theater Performance - Outdoors


A butoh performance with Akihito Ichihara and dancers. Akihito Ichihara is Japanese Butoh dancer. Ichihara started acting in his teenage years. In the 1980s, he was greatly influenced by watching the renowned Butoh troupe Sankai Juku on TV, which inspired him to explore a greater range of physical expression on stage. In 1993, he majored in theater at Nihon University College of Art. He was moved to pursue a Butoh career in 1994; in 1996, he studied under Semimaru, a founding member of Sankai Juku. In 1997, he appeared as a dancer in an opera directed by Ushio Amagatsu, the artistic director and choreographer of Sankai Juku, and later joined Sankai Juku. Since then, he has been featured in Sankai Juku’s entire repertoire and most of Sankai Juku’s world tours.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free
Complimentary Tickets

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

Theater | Family Theater Showcase

Regular Price: $49.50
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Dance Performance | High-Energy Dance by Acclaimed Choreographer

Regular Price: $49
CFT Member Price: $0.00
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