free things to do in New York City
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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 3, 2025?
59 free events take place on Saturday, May 3 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 3 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.
Are you looking for free things to do in New York City (NYC) on May 3, 2025?
59 free events take place on Saturday, May 3 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 3 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.
Join the Club!
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!
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!
59 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Saturday, May 3, 2025
All events are free unless otherwise noted.Editor's Picks
Tour | Art Hopping on the Upper West Side
Visit a few beautiful art sites on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The guide will focus on telling attendees about the history and story behind the sites. Attendees will walk a distance of about a mile.
New York City, NY; NYC
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9:00 am
Free
Free
Tour | Pigeon-Lovers Tour
Pigeons (Rock Doves) are indelibly intertwined with NYC. From their introduction in the 1600s, pigeons have found ways to thrive in the largest city in America. Led by the author of The New York Pigeons, the group will walk along a route that will show where pigeons live their lives, look for food, and sleep at night. The guide will discuss the 8,000 year history of the human-pigeon connection, pigeon anatomy, feather variations and behavior. The group will visit many pigeon haunts, including Grand Army Plaza, the Plaza Hotel, the Pulitzer Fountain, and Maine Monument. Binoculars or a camera & telephoto lens recommended. The walk should be about 3/4 of a mile on flat sidewalks.
New York City, NY; NYC
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9:00 am
Free
Free
Tour | Supremely Slender Supertalls: Exploring Billionaire's Row
What is Billionaires' Row--and how did it reshape the NYC skyline? On this walk, the group will explore the rise of the city's super-skinny skyscrapers along the 57th Street corridor and their dramatic impact on the skyline, streetscape, and public realm. Attendees will unpack the architectural innovations that made these towers possible, how zoning laws shaped their form and why this stretch of Midtown became known as "Billionaires' Row." Along the way, the group will consider the public and critical response to these striking additions to the cityscape. The walk is approximately 2 miles and will take place entirely on paved sidewalks and park pathways.
New York City, NY; NYC
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9:00 am
Free
Free
Tour | Zoning and D[y]splacement: Frederick Douglass Boulevard in Central Harlem
This walking tour explores how a single rezoning plan transformed both an avenue and its surrounding streets in Harlem. The plan emerged from grassroots leadership operating under the direction of then Manhattan Borough President C. Virginia Fields, rather than from outside developers. As the group walks, it will examine how this initiative marked a significant break from the historical use of underdevelopment as a protective barrier against change, particularly notable because this new approach came from within the community’s own leadership. The tour highlights how community leaders chose to catalyze change by adopting new models to reimagine Harlem’s future. The tour covers approximately 12 blocks. The total walking distance is approximately 1.6 mile (2.6 km). Terrain and Mobility: All sidewalks along the route are paved and wheelchair accessible with curb cuts at intersections. The route is generally flat with slight inclines typical of Manhattan streets. Multiple benches and resting spots are available along the route. No public restrooms.
New York City, NY; NYC
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9:00 am
Free
Free
![Tours, May 03, 2025, 05/03/2025, Zoning and D[y]splacement: Frederick Douglass Boulevard in Central Harlem](https://www.clubfreetime.com/image_cache/242470_1.jpg)
Park Walk | Discover the History & Design of One of New York's Most Unique Park
Hear the story behind New York City's park in the sky: an insider's perspective on the park's history, design, and landscape.
New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
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.
New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Free
Fair | Earth Day Celebration
Enjoy a full day of live music, games, hands-on activities for kids and adults, and vital Earth Day resources. Dive deeper with a dynamic Art & Activism panel discussion and a powerful film screening.
New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Free
Concert | Hudson Jams: Professional Drumming Demonstration in the Park
Rhythm and grooves fill the air at this Saturday morning drumming program. Follow the lead of professional drummers as they guide you through the pulsating beats of traditional African drumming techniques and methods. Drums provided, dancing welcome!
New York City, NY; NYC
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10:30 am
Free
Free
Tour | Born on the Bowery: NYC’s Tattoo History
The group will meet at Daredevil Tattoo for a private viewing of their museum collection that includes artwork and machines from some of the earliest and most influential tattooers over the last 100 years. Then, the guide will bring the group through the Lower East Side and Chinatown discussing the rich immigrant history of the area and the notorious slum and gangland it became. The group will walk through Chatham Square and up the Bowery where the first electric tattoo machine was invented and where the old time Bowery tattooers worked until tattooing was banned in 1961.
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Free
Tour | Brutal Architecture of the Upper East Side
From the imposing to the inspiring, this tour delves into the Brutalist gems--both known and overlooked--of the Upper East Side. Over the course of a 2 mile walk, the group will explore five buildings, examining the architects' visions, their original purposes, and how they function today. Through discussion and interior imagery, attendees will gain a deeper appreciation for this architecture's place in the city's architectural landscape. This tour is all street level but the group will be walking or standing for 90 minutes.
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Free
Workshop | Dance Fitness Class for All Ages
Colorful outfits encouraged at this creative workout that fuses dance and aerobics! Space is limited, unreserved, and available on a first-come, first-served basis. If there is heavy rain at the time of the event, the event will be canceled.
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Free
Tour | Exploring the Gardens of Fort Tryon Park
This event is a springtime walk in Fort Tryon Park, a designated NYC Scenic Landscape! On this walk in this upper Manhattan park, the group will see plants that are blooming and hear some stories they hold. After the walk, consider staying to enjoy more of the grounds, visit the nearby Cloisters museum, or dine at the restaurant in the park. W. Take A train to 190th, exit the station via elevator. After exiting station, go up the outdoor stairs. At street level, look for the Ft Tryon Park sign to your right. Walk leader will be at the pedestrian entrance to the park. This route in Fort Tryon Park includes hills and some stairs. Walk is entirely outdoors. The group will keep a slow-moderate pace to enjoy the scenery. All paths are paved. Distance is approximately one mile.
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Free
Tour | History Tour of The Battery
Guides lead an extended walking tour of the park, with a focus on the history of the area. Learn about the park's rich history, many important landmarks and monuments, SeaGlass Carousel, beautiful perennial gardens designed by renowned Dutch garden designer Piet Oudolf, and so much more!
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Free
Museums | Jewish History: Centuries of Art
As one of the largest collections of art in Jewish culture globally, the venue features an extensive array of historical Jewish artifacts as well as modern and contemporary art.
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Free
Tour | Stuff in Soho Sidewalks
In a city full of towering skyscrapers, everyone looks up—but on this tour, you'll be looking down! Soho’s sidewalks are packed with endless bits of history and art that most people step right over. On this tour, the group will see old vault lights, sneaky engravings, and other sidewalk oddities that tell the story of the neighborhood—its industrial past, artistic heyday, and everything in between. This walk takes place on fairly well-paved sidewalks. However, please note that this neighborhood can get quite busy, especially on weekends.
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Free
Talk | Panel Discussion with Prize-Winning Authors on Changing Political Environments and Identity
Divides shape our lives–across eras, borders, and political landscapes. But how do these shifts of time, place, and circumstance impact who we are? Authors Daniel Kehlmann (The Director), Amitava Kumar (My Beloved Life), and Reyna Grande (A Ballad of Love and Glory) participate in an exciting conversation with writer Sam Sussman. Together, they’ll explore how changing political environments reflect the shifting nature of personhood. Following characters going from Hollywood’s golden age to Nazi propaganda offices, from pre-independence India to a newly independent nation, and from 19th-century America to a Mexican battlefield--these stories span nations and generations, united by one question: How do the worlds around us shape our choices, identities and our lives?
New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
Free
Free
Discussion | World Voices Festival: Shifting Perspectives, From One World to Another
Divides shape our lives-across eras, borders, and political landscapes. But how do these shifts of time, place, and circumstance impact who we are? This event features authors Daniel Kehlmann (The Director), Amitava Kumar (My Beloved Life), and Reyna Grande (A Ballad of Love and Glory) in an exciting conversation with writer Sam Sussman. Together, they'll explore how changing political environments reflect the shifting nature of personhood. Following characters going from Hollywood's golden age to Nazi propaganda offices, from pre-independence India to a newly independent nation, and from 19th-century America to a Mexican battlefield - these stories span nations and generations, united by one question: How do the worlds around us shape our choices, identities and our lives?
New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
Free
Free
Tour | Art Deco Architecture Tour (Jane's Walk)
Guides lead a walking tours focusing on iconic buildings in the area, focusing on Art Deco architecture.
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Free
Tour | Exploring the Harlem Renaissance in Sugar Hill
During the Harlem Renaissance, the Harlem neighborhood was where some of the biggest names in music, art, literature, politics, and philosophy thrived. The synergy of the African American community in the Sugar Hill neighborhood during this era has impacted American culture in lasting ways. You may have noticed that various buildings in the neighborhood are marked by vibrant purple plaques highlighting the groundbreaking individuals who lived there, placed by the organization While We Are Still Here, to preserve African American history. This Harlem museum is hosting a neighborhood walking tour with While We Are Still Here to that attendees can experience it through the stories of the many legends who made this their home, like Paul Robeson, Sonny Rollins, Langston Hughes, Faith Ringgold, and more! At the conclusion of the tour, step into the museum for a self-guided tour of its history.
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Free
Hike | Hike the Hudson River Trail
This will be a walk along the car-free, traffic-light free Hudson River Trail. It will connect two disasters: it will start at the World Trade Center, and will be a two mile walk to Pier 59 at Chelsea Piers, where the Titanic was to arrive in 1912. There are over 20 talking points along the way, including: How close were the World Trade Center towers to the original edge of the island? Why do they call the Hudson “the river that runs both ways”? The Hudson River along Manhattan is not actually a river… what body of water is it? What was Robert Moses going to do to the West Side Highway, and how did Jane Jacobs stop him? How long has the New York City street grid system been in effect? This is a completely flat hike, no stairs at all
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Free
Party | Play Contemporary Games & Make New Friends
Play your favorite contemporary board games! Featured games include but are not limited to Chameleon, Wavelength, Avalon, Parade, Splendor, Century Spice Road, Mountain Goats, No Thanks, Codenames, Werewords, Spyfall, Azul, Letter Jam, Dixit, In Kahootz, and Captain Sonar. A new game will be selected each week.
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Free
Film | Our Man in Havana (1959): Spy Comedy
A salesman who travels to Cuba needs extra money to support the habits of his spendthrift daughter, so he takes an unexpected job as a spy. Director: Carol Reed Cast: Alec Guinness, Burl Ives, Ralph Richardson, Noël Coward
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
2:00 pm
Regular: $52
Member: $0
Regular: $52
Member: $0
Join the Club!
Discussion | An Inspiring Dialogue between Two Women who Shaped Today's Chinatown
In celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, this museum and New York Archives Magazine are hosting a special conversation honoring two trailblazing Chinese American women: Virginia Kee and May Ying Chen. This inspiring dialogue will highlight their groundbreaking contributions from advancing education and social services in Chinatown to championing immigrant rights across New York City. Kee and Chen will reflect on decades of civic engagement and activism, and explore the vital role of personal archives in preserving community history.
Virginia Kee's story is featured in the Spring issue of New York Archives Magazine in the article Chinese American Women Pioneers: Theodora Chan Wang and Virginia Kee. All attendees will receive a complimentary copy of the magazine. Following the conversation, there will be a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum's archives.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
Classical Music | Music on the Water: Violinist with 'Technique, Temperament, and Taste' Performs Works of Mozart with Ensemble
Violinist Mark Peskanov and the Semplice Players perform Mozart quintets. All-Mozart Program: Quintet in B-flat Major, K. 174 Quintet in G minor, K. 516
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
Jazz | Spring Jazz Festival with Multiple Acts
This festival day's performances will feature: 2 PM - Victor Lin Jazz Ensembles 4 PM - Vince Cherico Jazz Ensembles 5 PM - Don Sickler Jazz Ensembles
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
Museums | Tour - Arts and Cultural Heritage of Spain and Portugal: Goya, El Greco and Others
Explore the best items this museum has on display with this guided tour. Paintings, sculptures, ceramics, antiquities, and more by world-famous artists.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
Classical Music | Uplift Your Spirit with the Musicians of the NY Philharmonic
Explore how music influences and shapes our sense of well-being with the NY Philharmonic musicians.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
Screening | Raymond Griffith's Silent Films, Featuring Live Music & Discussion with Film Historians
The Silent Clowns Film Series is New York's longest-running regularly scheduled silent film showcase. The programming reaches the serious film buff by including rarely-screened titles and rare prints, yet it also introduces kids and new audiences to the classics of the silent screen. Screenings feature live piano accompaniment by MoMA's Ben Model, with an introduction and Q&A by film historians Model and Steve Massa. Silent film actor Raymond Griffith is one of the most overlooked silent comics of the 1920s. You'd Be Surprised (1926) stars the top-hatted bon vivant as a police coroner who's called in to solve the murder of an important district attorney. Dorothy Sebastian plays the leading lady who helps sort through the numerous red herrings to find the killer. The film Movie Night (1929) sets the stage as our feature--its the last silent short from fan favorite Charley Chase.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:30 pm
Free
Free
Tour | 250 Years of History along the East River
The group will lead participants through the evolution of Sutton Place, York Avenue, and the ever-changing landscape that grew near the banks of the East River. “Meet” the former famous residents of this tony area, visit a 1799 carriage house-turned day hotel-turned museum that once belonged to the daughter of President John Adams, discover the site of the worst maritime disaster in NYC history and learn about one of America’s first spies who helped spark a famous spy ring created by George Washington. Once a vast expanse of farmland that later drew the masses of crowded, lower Manhattan up to the “country” for a relaxing escape, this UES neighborhood brims with historic highlights spanning well over 250 years. Fully accessible, no stairs, approx. 2 miles on flat sidewalks.
New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free
Free
Tour | Culture & History of Tompkins Square
Nowhere in NYC is so much history, culture, and activity packed into such a tiny urban footprint. And yet so little is known about Tompkins Square Park. No more! During this compact, comfortable stroll, led by the East Village Community Coalition’s Artist-in-Residence, the group will learn about New York’s first dog run and the beloved Halloween Dog Parade; the memorial to the greatest human disaster in NYC before 9/11; the annual Charlie Parker Jazz Festival; the American birth of Hare Krishna; the open space where live rock meets punk rock meets salsa meets drag (Wigstock!), and the group will drop by monuments to statesmen and soldiers, see birders, ballers, and more. Attendees will even find out about the mystery man who lends the Tompkins name to this vibrant little corner of New York. Bring eyes, ears, and perhaps a camera to capture the City in microcosm. Leisurely paced stroll of approximately eight blocks, with frequent stops, benches available, and entire route accessible to wheelchairs. Some uneven paving.
New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free
Free
Tour | Exploring the Harlem Renaissance in Sugar Hill
During the Harlem Renaissance, the Harlem neighborhood was where some of the biggest names in music, art, literature, politics, and philosophy thrived. The synergy of the African American community in the Sugar Hill neighborhood during this era has impacted American culture in lasting ways. You may have noticed that various buildings in the neighborhood are marked by vibrant purple plaques highlighting the groundbreaking individuals who lived there, placed by the organization While We Are Still Here, to preserve African American history. This Harlem museum is hosting a neighborhood walking tour with While We Are Still Here to that attendees can experience it through the stories of the many legends who made this their home, like Paul Robeson, Sonny Rollins, Langston Hughes, Faith Ringgold, and more! At the conclusion of the tour, step into the museum for a self-guided tour of its history.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
3:00 pm
Free
Free
Gallery Talk | In Conversation: Artists Jim Shaw and Tony Oursler
This event is a conversation between Jim Shaw and fellow artist Tony Oursler inside an exhibition of Shaw's drawings . Made between 2012 and 2024, the works on view find the artist continuing his journey through the maelstrom of American society, taking inspiration from such sources as vintage advertisements and borrowing from the aesthetics of comic books and album covers. Moderated by gallery director Jessica Beck, the conversation will focus on Shaw's practice of dream drawing and on drawing in general as a consistent aspect of his work, the two artists' shared interest in spiritual and religious histories and propaganda, and their time as students at CalArts in the late 1970s. Doors open at 2:30.
New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free
Free
Master Class | Masterclass with Prize-Winning Pianist
Step into an inspiring afternoon with pianist Yekwon Sunwoo, the first Korean to win the gold medal at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and one of the most compelling artists of his generation. Known for his expressive depth and refined artistry, Yekwon brings his international experience to a special master class. Tailored for emerging classical pianists, this unique program blends individual coaching and public instruction—offering invaluable insight into interpretation, technique, and musical storytelling. Audiences are invited to witness the next generation of pianists refine their craft under Sunwoo Yekwon’s expert mentorship. Experience how artistry, precision, and imagination come together to elevate the concert stage.
New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free
Free
Tour | New York Writers Tour & Writing Session
The group will explore the areas that accommodated poets like Dorothy Parker, Langston Hughes and Edgar Allan Poe, whose writing provide an intimate glimpse of history during their lifetime. On this tour, the group will discover how to tell their own climate stories–in their own words. Climate change may be the defining issue of this era. Throughout this 90min/2 hr tour, attendees will pause between sites to read, write, and connect with nature. This tour will likely include sitting on the ground, climbing steps, and walking on uneven terrain. Please bring what you need to be comfortable, ex: water bottle, sneakers, sit-upon cushion. Writing exercises may include reading, listening and writing; all experience levels welcome. Will be conducted in English. Please feel free to bring your own notebook and supplies, otherwise basic supplies (pens and worksheets?) will be provided.
New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free
Free
Tour | NYC Speaks: Language Tour
New York City’s 700 languages make it a global hub for language exchange and evolution, with countless everyday terms originating in or molded by the city. This tour brings you to the city’s most linguistically rich neighborhood across its history–the Lower East Side–on a journey to uncover the origins behind its slang, sayings, and speech. Together, the group will explore more than language’s relationship to place; it will communicate across the city’s cultures to see how they all form a new one. The total distance of this tour is about 2 miles (3.5 km). While the route is accessible, with wide sidewalks, stops in large parks, and little topographic relief, please consider that the group will be walking for two hours.
New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free
Free
Museums | Art from All Over The World: Modern and Contemporary
Discover a vast collection of art from a diverse range of countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Italy, Russia, France, Spain, Japan, India, United States and more.
New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
$1 min pay-what-you-wish,...
$1 min pay-what-you-wish,...
Classical Music | Music on the Water: Violinist with 'Technique, Temperament, and Taste' Performs Works of Mozart with Ensemble
Violinist Mark Peskanov and the Semplice Players perform Mozart quintets. All-Mozart Program Quintet in B-flat Major, K. 174 Quintet in G minor, K. 516
New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free
Free
Festival | Community Run through Cntral Park to Celebrate New Documentary
This even is a 5K community run through Central Park to mark the New York premiere of Remaining Native, a documentary film about a track star who wrestles with the legacy of Indian boarding schools across North America. The run will close with a live performance.
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Free
Festival | First Saturdays: Free Programs of Art and Entertainment
At the monthly First Saturdays, thousands of visitors enjoy free programs of art and entertainment, including dynamic performances and participatory experiences.
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Free
Opening Reception | "Unexpected and Thought Provoking" Carnival and Circus Themed Exhibition Curated by Renowned Artist Jeffrey Coleman
Drawing on this colorful, subversive, and often provocative world, artist Joe Coleman has curated Carnival, an exhibion. The artists featured in the show engage with themes of spectacle, rebellion, and free expression in unexpected and thought-provoking ways. Artists have long been inspired by the themes of the carnival and the circus. They often identify with the craft, the courage, and the sometimes marginal existence of circus and carnival performers. The carnival is a unique social space where attitudes and behaviors that might be unacceptable in “polite society” are allowed to thrive. Artists occupy a similar marginal space, separate from social conventions. Coleman describes: "I believe that the carnival is a kind of profane, holy place where the private desires, fantasies, and fears of a society are given uninhibited free expression. This expression produced unique works of art to embody this mysterious part of ourselves. I have long been fascinated by these works, and in this show, I explore the many forms that this expression takes—from the amazing banners produced for side shows and crime shows, the spectacular costumes of the burlesque house, the Mardi Gras, and the art parade. The influence extends to puppet show figures, whose roots trace back to ancient theater, the wax figures that evolved from medieval votive saints to the criminal and celebrity effigies of the sideshow museum, and even the miniature and flea circuses."
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Opening Reception | Carnival: artwork blended with objects from wax museums, burlesques, etc. to present an alternative view of American identity.
This opening event marks the launch of Carnival, a group exhibition curated by artist and performer Joe Coleman. The reception includes live performances that highlight the show's themes of spectacle, subversion, and free expression. Carnival brings together over 60 artists whose work draws inspiration from the aesthetics and social space of the carnival. Participating artists include KAWS, George Condo, Mickalene Thomas, Derrick Adams, Guillermo del Toro, and many others from both contemporary and outsider traditions. The exhibition explores carnival as a site of fantasy, rebellion, and cultural reflection, where marginalized performers and artists alike have found space for creativity and critique. Coleman's vision blends artwork with objects from sideshows, wax museums, and burlesque theaters to present an alternative view of American identity.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Opening Reception | Exploring Identity and Feminity through a Japanese Bathhouse Installation: Hard Boiled
Los Angeles-based artist Zoé Blue M. transports viewers into the world of a takkyu onsen—her name for a table tennis bathhouse. The exhibition, titled Hard Boiled, highlights a style of bathhouse that fuses sport and relaxation within the Japanese tradition. Combining painting and installation, the show illustrates the intricate relationship between communal bathing and personal identity, particularly one that resonates with the complexities of contemporary femininity. The title of the exhibition, Hard Boiled, alludes to the tradition of consuming hard-boiled eggs in Japanese and Korean bathhouses. This ritual is emblematic of self-transformation and resilience in the face of being in “hot water.” The works depict table tennis and bathing not just as physical acts but also as tools for introspection, illustrating a journey that weaves femininity, agency, and the interplay of community and self.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Play | Contemporary Theater
Original capstone projects across a range of theatrical forms presented by graduating MFA Contemporary Theatre and Performance students from The New School. Performances activate the space with experimental works that reflect each artist's creative vision at this stage in their development. Weekend 2: Unsay Written & Directed by Moirah Zhang the starry eyed Written & Directed by Lars Monanaro Lacuna Written & Directed by Catalina Cofone Polack
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Free
7:00 pm
Regular: $52
Member: $0
Regular: $52
Member: $0
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Concert | Grammy Award-Winning Duo & The New Cuban Masters Perform Music of the Latin American Songbook and the Bolero
Jazz luminaries Miguel Zenon, saxophone, and Luis Perdomo, piano, present sublime interpretations of the Latin American Songbook and of the Bolero in particular as a genre. Drawing from their celebrated albums, El Arte Del Bolero, Vol 1 and El Arte Del Bolero, Vol 2 (the latter earning the pair a GRAMMY in 2024), they honor the vastness and diversity of the Latin American Songbook, highlighting songs they believe deserve to be explored and recognized. The evening concludes with a commissioned work, Cuban Requiem, by Latin Grammy nominated trumpeter and composer Kali Rodriguez-Pena, performed by The New Cuban Masters, his newest project composed by some of the new stars of New York's Cuban music scene. Based in a wide array of music styles that range from traditional and modern Cuban genres, jazz, and European classical music, the work reflects on the last 65 years of Cuban history, culture, and society. Miguel Zenon, who has been an influence to Kali in writing this piece, will perform in two of its movements.
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Free
7:00 pm
Regular: $38
Member: $0
Regular: $38
Member: $0
Join the Club!
7:00 pm
Regular: $39
Member: $0
Regular: $39
Member: $0
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Concert | Rockin’ Soul Rhythm and Blues Night
A night of good old roots dance party music. Celebrate the band The Prowlers and their 30 years of bringing joy to the dance floor. Bring your dancing shoes! Featuring Need a buzz? Drinks are available for purchase.
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free
Free
8:00 pm
Regular: $22
Member: $0
Regular: $22
Member: $0
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8:00 pm
Regular: $32
Member: $0
Regular: $32
Member: $0
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Play | New Original Play: RICELAND
At a rural Arkansas factory, five coworkers discover rice, romance, Kodachrome 35mm film, and extraterrestrial activity converging in a seemingly forgotten post-Y2K landscape. Baltimore is the new hire, building back from personal tragedy. Sabrina is an energetic intern trying to keep it together. Brigham has been at Riceland for a long time now - at least that's what his time sheet says. Management is management... Maybe. What starts as a simple 9 to 5 quickly spirals into a unique exploration of time, love, and the human condition Playright: Jonathan Barbee
New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free
Free
Park Walk | Biodiversity Discovery in the Park
Calling all Citizen Scientists! For this event, attendees join volunteers across New York State’s beautiful parks. Using the free iNaturalist app, you can learn about the vast diversity of wildlife that call the park home. Every observation contributes to documenting the biodiversity of Battery Park City.
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 pm
Free
Free
Complimentary Tickets
to shows, concerts ... (CFT Deals!)
Classical Music | Sacred Choral Works at a Landmark Venue
Regular Price: $50CFT Member Price: $0.00
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