free things to do in New York City
Free events for Friday, 09/20/24
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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 September 20, 2024?

41 free events take place on Friday, September 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 September 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 September . 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, September 20, 2024

All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Editor's Picks

free events nyc Grammy Nominated Afro-Cuban Singer and Composer
free events nyc Architectural Tour of Midtown
free events nyc Jazz with Brazilian and Spanish Flair and Art Exhibitions at a Museum
free events nyc Search Party: An Outdoor Audience-Led Poetry Event
More Editor's Picks for 09/20/24
        

Workshop | Tai Chi


Improve balance, strength and focus through gentle exercises. The sights and sounds of the river provide a serene background for the ancient flowing postures.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:30 am
Free

Conference | Environmental Economics and Policy


The event will feature a keynote presentation from Solomon Hsiang, Professor of Global Environmental Policy at the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability and director of the Global Policy Laboratory at Stanford University; academic paper presentations; and panel discussions with expert practitioners exploring environment-related dimensions and innovations in insurance and non-financial markets. The event will be of interest to academics, economists, financial services professionals, and leaders of community organizations, government agencies, and policy advocacy organizations.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:00 am
Free

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 Combined Greenwich Village Central Park Lower Manhattan Midtown Manhattan Graffiti and Street Art Tours
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:30 am
$4

Workshop | Adult Zumba


Exercise in disguise! Join in on the fun featuring easy-to-follow Latin dance choreography while working on your balance, coordination and range of motion. Bring your friends and come prepared for enthusiastic instruction, a little strength training and a lot of fun.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:30 am
Free

Park Walk | Island Walking Tour


Look into the past of the Island and learn about its excit-ing trans-for-ma-tion and future. In this walk-ing tour led by volunteer guides, you'll explore the Island's historic district and new 43-acre park. Tours exam-ine how his-toric preser-va-tion, inno-v-a-tive design, and envi-ron-men-tal stew-ard-ship make the Island what it is today: one of the most unique pub-lic places in New York City. The tour route is approximately 1 mile on paved, wheelchair accessible paths. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:45 am
Free

Film | Everyday Dignity (2023): Award-Winning Documentary


Everyday Dignity (2023, Netherlands, United States): Winner of Best Cinematography Award at the Black & Diversity Film Festival in Toronto, Canada. Documentary by Ida Does is about anti-racism pioneer Philomena Essed, who wrote a groundbreaking book on everyday racism forty years ago. Despite the controversy the book stirred at the time, it has since been regarded as the definitive anti-racism reference in the years that followed. The documentary highlights the ongoing commitment of Philomena Essed. Is the book still relevant after all these years? Duration: 75 minutes Language: Dutch with English subtitles
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free

Concert | Grammy Nominated Afro-Cuban Singer and Composer


A performance by Grammy Award-nominated Afro-Cuban singer and composer Dayme Arocena, who confronts traditional notions of Latin pop by blending Afro-Caribbean beats, modern pop, and neo-soul vocals with "seemingly limitless" range (The New York Times).
   New York City, NY; NYC
12:00 pm
Free

Screening | Hispanic Heritage Celebration: TV Show and Concert Recordings with Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Grammy Awards, and More


Immerse yourself in a curated selection of TV shows and musical programs celebrating some of the most influential and groundbreaking contributions by legendary Hispanic and Latino/a performers. Screenings will include the Latin Grammy Awards, Saturday Night Live with Desi Arnaz, performances by Celia Cruz and Tito Puente as well as children's shows such as Dora the Explorer, Go, Diego, Go, The Brothers Garcia, etc.
   New York City, NY; NYC
12:00 pm
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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12:00 pm
Free

Classical Music | Bach at Noon (In Person and Online)


Take a momentary respite from a busy day to enjoy a selection of organ works by Johann Sebastian Bach in an intimate venue.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:20 pm
Free

Gallery Talk | Crafting the Ballets Russes: Exhibition Talk (online)


A docent-led exploration and discussion of several works in the Morgan's exhibition Crafting the Ballets Russes: The Robert Owen Lehman Collection. Discover the history of the Ballets Russes ballet company and examine the creative process that brought their work to life.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
Free

Park Walk | Island Walking Tour


Look into the past of the Island and learn about its excit-ing trans-for-ma-tion and future. In this walk-ing tour led by volunteer guides, you'll explore the Island's historic district and new 43-acre park. Tours exam-ine how his-toric preser-va-tion, inno-v-a-tive design, and envi-ron-men-tal stew-ard-ship make the Island what it is today: one of the most unique pub-lic places in New York City. The tour route is approximately 1 mile on paved, wheelchair accessible paths. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:45 pm
Free

Film | American Fiction (2023) with Tracee Ellis Ross, Issa Rae, and Sterling K. Brown


Monk is a frustrated novelist who's fed up with the establishment that profits from Black entertainment that relies on tired and offensive tropes. To prove his point, he uses a pen name to write an outlandish Black book of his own, a book that propels him to the heart of hypocrisy and the madness he claims to disdain. Director: Cord Jefferson Cast: Jeffrey Wright, Tracee Ellis Ross, John Ortiz, Erika Alexander, Leslie Uggams, Adam Brody, Issa Rae, Sterling K. Brown Tracee Ellis Ross is an American actress. She is known for her lead roles in the television series Girlfriends (2000–2008) and Black-ish (2014–2022), receiving nominations for five Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy for the latter. Ross is a daughter of actress and Motown recording artist Diana Ross  Issa Rae is an American actress, writer, and producer. She achieved wide recognition as the co-creator, co-writer, and star of the HBO television series Insecure (2016–2021), for which she was nominated for multiple Golden Globes Awards and Primetime Emmy Awards. Sterling K. Brown is an American actor. Known for his leading roles on stage and screen, he has received numerous accolades including three Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award as well as a nomination for a Academy Award. He was included in Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2018.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Film | Ex Libris: The New York Public Library (2017): documentary


Filmmakers delve into the New York Public Library, discovering a world of devoted bibliophiles and beneficiaries across 92 branches. Director: Frederick Wiseman
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Book Discussion | The Art of Teaching Italian: An International Perspective (online)


Giulia Guarnieri's book is a comprehensive overview of contemporary Italian pedagogy from an international perspective blends empirical research with practical strategies for teachers
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

City Walk | Architectural Tour of Midtown


A walking tour in the 34th Street district, focusing on the rich history of iconic buildings in the area. Learn more about the buildings that surround our city life!
   New York City, NY; NYC
1:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Enjoy an afternoon of crafting and conversation


Bring your own project or choose something from a provided collection to work on during this freeform crafting workshop. The workshop will include materials for sewing, knitting, crochet, coloring, paper crafts, and puzzles.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:30 pm
Free

Film | Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024) with Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth


Snatched from the Green Place of Many Mothers, young Furiosa gets caught in the crossfire of two tyrannical warlords. As the tyrants fight for dominance, Furiosa soon finds herself in a nonstop battle to make her way home. Director: George Miller Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth, Tom Burke, Alyla Browne Anya Taylor-Joy is an actress who has won several accolades, including a Golden Globe Award. Taylor-Joy appeared in the fifth and sixth seasons of the television crime drama Peaky Blinders (2019–2022) and played Emma Woodhouse in the period drama Emma (2020), which gained her a Golden Globe Award nomination. Also in 2020, she received acclaim for her performance as chess prodigy Beth Harmon in the Netflix miniseries The Queen's Gambit, winning a Golden Globe Award and receiving a nomination for an Emmy Award. Taylor-Joy has since starred in the films Last Night in Soho (2021), The Northman, and The Menu (both 2022), earning another Golden Globe Award nomination for the last of these. Chris Hemsworth is an Australian actor. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Hemsworth starred as Thor in the 2011 film of the same name and reprised the role in several subsequent instalments, which established him among the world's highest-paid actors. Hemsworth's most critically acclaimed films include the comedy horror The Cabin in the Woods (2012), the biographical sports film Rush (2013) in which he portrayed James Hunt, and the action film Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024).
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Park Walk | Island Walking Tour


Look into the past of the Island and learn about its excit-ing trans-for-ma-tion and future. In this walk-ing tour led by volunteer guides, you'll explore the Island's historic district and new 43-acre park. Tours exam-ine how his-toric preser-va-tion, inno-v-a-tive design, and envi-ron-men-tal stew-ard-ship make the Island what it is today: one of the most unique pub-lic places in New York City. The tour route is approximately 1 mile on paved, wheelchair accessible paths. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:45 pm
Free

Discussion | AI and Decision Making in Global Governance


AI tools are being used by governments for decision-making. In some cases, AI can speed up administrative processes. In others, it can inject biases, damage faith in public institutions and threaten privacy.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free

Discussion | Intergenerational Leadership for Innovation and Sustainability (online)


A high-level dialogue on ways to leverage the power of intergenerational leadership in business and government. In light of critical challenges such as climate change and responsible AI, shifting from a short-term focus in decision-making to prioritizing societal impacts that will last for generations will be key. As research in organizations suggests, a better balance of different generational perspectives in the leadership structures of businesses and governments could help accelerate this shift. Yet, even though they hold the greatest stakes in the future, younger generations are largely excluded from the decision-making bodies shaping their lives. For example, only 18% of global parliamentarians are under 40, while the average age of corporate board directors stands at around 63. A key goal of the UN Summit of the Future, taking place on 22-23 September in New York, is to develop more ambitious measures on how the UN and member-states involve younger generations in political processes. Explore the potential and the practicalities of embracing more intergenerational leadership models to future-proof decision-making in the public and private sectors.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free

Poetry Reading | 2 Acclaimed Poets Read from Their Work


A reading by Michael Chang and Jennifer Tseng, followed by a reception/signing. Michael Chang is the author of TOY SOLDIERS (Action, Spectacle, 2024) & THINGS A BRIGHT BOY CAN DO (Coach House Books, 2025). They edit poetry at Fence. Poet and fiction writer Jennifer Tseng was born in Indiana and raised in California by a first generation Chinese immigrant engineer and a third generation German American microbiologist. Her flash fiction collection, The Passion of Woo & Isolde (Rose Metal Press 2017), was a Firecracker Award finalist and winner of an Eric Hoffer Book Award; her novel, Mayumi and the Sea of Happiness (Europa Editions 2015), was shortlisted for the PEN American Center's Robert W. Bingham Prize for Debut Fiction and the New England Book Award. MAYUMI is available in English, Italian, and Danish.
   New York City, NY; NYC
5:00 pm
Free

Museums | American History, Artifact Collections and Some Laughs in Between


Enjoy a stroll through galleries of an extensive collection of American art, learn about the history of New York and the USA. You can also catch a stand up comedy show from 6 pm to 7 pm. Last admission is at 7 pm.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Pay-what-you-wish admission, reservation...

Birdwatching | Fall Migration Birding Tour


Spot the wonderful diversity of birds that visit the park during migratory season, with guided tours led by environmental educator and urban naturalist Gabriel Willow. Located in the heart of Midtown, the park is a hotspot for avian visitors and birders alike. Past sightings include warblers, tanagers, vireos, thrushes, and even a Chuck-will’s-widow!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free

Jazz | Jazz with Brazilian and Spanish Flair and Art Exhibitions at a Museum


The instrumental ensemble BeBimBop performs jazz infused with Brazilian and Spanish flair. Visitors also have access to the museum's fine art galleries with rare and noteworthy collections and a wide variety of exhibitions.
   New York City, NY; NYC
5:00 pm
Free

Museums | Modern Art: From The 19th Century to the Present Day


Experience the exhibits in the museum galleries which include paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, photographs, films, videos, and much more.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free

Workshop | New Games Social - Outdoors


Curious about a board game or looking to try something new? Hosts will be teaching how to play a wide range of fun board games every Friday.
   New York City, NY; NYC
5:00 pm
Free

Book Discussion | Brassroots Democracy: Maroon Ecologies and the Jazz Commons


This book recasts the birth of jazz, and unearths vibrant narratives of New Orleans musicians to reveal how early jazz was inextricably tied to the mass mobilization of freedpeople during Reconstruction and the decades that followed. Black brass bands rehearsed participatory democracy through collective performance, and their militant spirit embodied the democratic ethos of Black Reconstruction--"Brassroots Democracy." Benjamin Barson presents a transnational "music history from below," tracing how the families of prominent early jazz traversed New Orleans, Mexico, and Haiti, as they built communes, performed at Civil Rights rallies, and participated in general strikes.  
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free

Book Discussion | Ransom Kidnapping in Italy: Crime, Memory, and Violence


Between the late 1960s and the late 1990s, almost 700 men, women, and children were kidnapped by members of the Sardinian banditry, Cosa Nostra, and the ’Ndrangheta. This book explores this Italian criminal phenomenon. Author Alessandra Montalbano argues that abduction is key to understanding modern Italy.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free

Workshop | Bingo in the Park


BYO food and beverages to this all ages, free to enter, B-I-N-G-O night. A mix of music plays as the numbers roll out and each game winner receives a prize.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free

Open Mike | Poetry Open Mic


Come and share your work with the world at this Poetry Open Mic. Participants can share their original work for up to five minutes. Space is limited to 15 readers; show up on time to get a slot! Registration saves you a seat; it does not guarantee mic time.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free

Film | Bacurau (2019): Contemporary Western from Brazil


After the death of her grandmother, Teresa comes home to her matriarchal village in a near-future Brazil to find a succession of sinister events that mobilizes all of its residents. Directors: Juliano Dornelles, Kleber Mendonca Filho Stars: Barbara Colen, Thomas Aquino, Silvero Pereira 131 min.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Movie in a Park | Barbie (2023): Classic Doll Enters Real World, with Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling


Barbie and Ken are having the time of their lives in the colorful and seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land. However, when they get a chance to go to the real world, they soon discover the joys and perils of living among humans. Director: Greta Gerwig Stars: Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, Issa Rae 114 min.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Film | The World Is Family (2023): Coming of Age During India's Independence


This documentary explores the personal background of Anand Patwardhan's parents and their connections to the key figures in the Indian independence movement. Director: Anand Patwardhan 96 min. In Hindi and Marathi with English subtitles
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Museums | Asia's Diverse Cultures: From Ancient to Contemporary


Discover art that traverses Asia's diverse cultures, regions, and narratives. The Museum's special exhibitions celebrate art forms that range from ancient to contemporary, including photography and multimedia, while its permanent collection galleries are focused primarily on art from the Himalayan region.
   New York City, NY; NYC
6:00 pm
Free

Concert | Music at the Crossroads of the World


Check out NYC's buzziest up-and-coming talent live. Musicians from New York City and beyond will present free concerts, ranging from indie, pop, and electronic, many of whom will be celebrating the debut of new work or an upcoming summer album release.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Screening | Secret Sixteen Screening


This event shows 16mm films from the archive with lo-fi gems, oddball curiosities, and pre-internet obscurities. There's a surprise here for everyone.
   New York City, NY; NYC
6:00 pm
Free

Book Discussion | In Utero by Chris Gooch


Twelve years after a disastrous explosion, young Hailey is dropped off by her mum at a holiday camp in a dilapidated shopping mall. Alienated from the other kids, she connects with an eerie older teen named Jen… but soon dark horrors awaken, and the two new friends are caught up in a cataclysmic battle between two terrifying creatures who have been lying dormant all this time. Join for a exciting conversation with author Chris Gooch.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:15 pm
Free

Poetry Reading | Heart Less: Poetry of Abundance


Carley Moore’s new poems give readers perspective on the pain and joy of living.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
$5

Poetry Reading | Search Party: An Outdoor Audience-Led Poetry Event


Award-winning poet and internationally acclaimed playwright Inua Ellams brings his chaotic, audience-led poetry event Search Party in its first-ever outdoor iteration. Pick a word, any word. Prompted by audience suggestion and open conversation, Ellams searches through his archive, unearths refined or raw gold, and presents his treasure in a spontaneous performance. It's an act of call and response that hearkens back to the birth of storytelling. At this uniquely futuristic and especially chaotic interactive event, the artist couldn't be more present. Born in Nigeria, Ellams is a poet, playwright & performer, graphic artist & designer. His playwriting credits include Barber Shop Chronicles, The Half God of Rainfall, and Three Sisters.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:30 pm
Free

Movie in a Park | A Bug's Life (1998): Ants vs Grasshoppers in Animated Fare


A misfit ant, looking for "warriors" to save his colony from greedy grasshoppers, recruits a group of bugs that turn out to be an inept circus troupe. Directors: John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton Stars: Kevin Spacey, Dave Foley, Julia Louis-Dreyfus 95 min.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:00 pm
Free
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to shows, concerts ... (CFT Deals!)

Dance Performance | High-Energy Dance by Acclaimed Choreographer

Regular Price: $49
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Play | Broadway Actors in a Modern Adaptation of The World Classic

Regular Price: $59
CFT Member Price: $0.00
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