free things to do in New York City
Free events for Sunday, 05/04/25
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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 4, 2025?

34 free events take place on Sunday, May 4 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 4 and see for yourself. Summer or Winter, Spring or Fall! Just click on any day of the calendar above and you'll find most inspiring and entertaining free events to go to and free things to do on each day of May . Don't miss the opportunities that only New York provides!

Some events take place all year long: same day of the week, same time there are there for you to take advantage of. One of the oldest free weekly events in Manhattan is Dixieland Jazz with the Gotham Jazzmen, which happen at noon every Tuesday. Another example of an event that you can attend all year round on weekdays is Federal Reserve Bank Tour, which takes place every week day at 1 pm (but advanced reservations are required). You can take at least 13 free tours every day of the year, except the New Year Day, July 4th, and the Christmas Day. If you are classical music afficionado, you can spend whole day in New York going from one free classical concert to another. If you love theater, then New York gives you an option to attend plays and musicals free of charge, or at deep discount. You just need to have information about it. And we are here to make that information available to you.
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The quality and quantity of
free events,
free things to do
that happen in New York City
every day of the year
is truly amazing.

So don't miss the opportunities
that only New York provides:
stop wondering what to do;
start taking advantage of
free events to go to,
free things to do in NYC
today!

34 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Sunday, May 4, 2025

All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Editor's Picks

free events nyc Art Hopping on the Upper West Side
More Editor's Picks for 05/04/25
        

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
9:00 am
Free
Tours, May 04, 2025, 05/04/2025, Art Hopping on the Upper West Side

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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9:00 am
Free
Tours, May 04, 2025, 05/04/2025, Brutal&nbsp;Architecture of the Upper East Side

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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9:00 am
Free
Tours, May 04, 2025, 05/04/2025, New York Writers Tour & Writing Session

Tour | Historic Flatiron-Nomad District Walking Tour


A professional guide takes guests on a journey through this vibrant neighborhood, viewing some of the City's most notable landmarks, including the New York Life Insurance Building, the MetLife Clock Tower, the Appellate Courthouse, and the famous Flatiron Building. Rain or shine.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Tours, May 04, 2025, 05/04/2025, Historic Flatiron-Nomad District Walking Tour

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
Tours, May 04, 2025, 05/04/2025, Stuff in Soho Sidewalks

Tour | William Cullen Bryant: Visionary Who Planted the Seeds for Central Park


This walk in Central Park will focus on William Cullen Bryant (1794–1878) who was one of the most prominent figures in New York City history. He was a poet, journalist, nature lover, abolitionist and visionary. In 1844 he advocated for the establishment of a large public park, leading to the eventual creation of Central Park. The guide will focus on Bryant’s life and legacy and will be a fascinating journey through time, exploring his contributions to the park, the environmental conservation movement and American literature. We will stop at sites where Bryant officiated at special events and visit the Hallett Nature Sanctuary to sense the serene natural beauty that he felt deeply and that helped form his poetry.  The walk is about one mile long and includes some steep inclines and stairs with no handrails.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Tours, May 04, 2025, 05/04/2025, William Cullen Bryant: Visionary Who Planted the Seeds for Central Park

Museums | Sunday at a Unique Art Museum


Candid, genuine, and unexpected, this is New York City's only museum dedicated to folk & self-taught artists. The Museum celebrates the creativity of individuals whose singular talents have been refined largely through personal experience rather than formal artistic training. The museum's collection includes more than seven thousand works of art from four centuries and nearly every continent--from compelling portraits and dazzling quilts to powerful works by living artists in a variety of mediums. From critically acclaimed exhibitions and publications to inspiring educational programs and robust community outreach, the museum's mission is to be the leading forum shaping the understanding and appreciation of folk and self-taught art across time and place.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:30 am
Free
Museumss, May 04, 2025, 05/04/2025, Sunday at a Unique Art Museum

Tour | Historical House of The Distinguished American President of the Early 20th Century


This historic site honors the early life of a renowned American figure. The restored brownstone reflects late 19th-century architecture and offers insights into the family's daily life. Learn about various exhibits and artifacts that showcase the cultural and historical context of the era, providing a glimpse into the formative years of this visionary leader-to-be. First-come, first-served; this guided tour may reach capacity before your desired tour time, so please be sure to arrive early. Tour duration: 45 minutes. This tour takes place at 11 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free
Tours, May 04, 2025, 05/04/2025, Historical House of The Distinguished American President of the Early 20th Century

Jazz | Spring Jazz Festival with Multiple Acts


This festival day's performances will feature: 1 PM - Christine Correa Vocal Jazz Ensemble 4 PM - Brazilian Ensemble 6 PM - Leo Traversa, Paul Bollenback, and Dave Gibson Jazz Ensembles
   New York City, NY; NYC
1:00 pm
Free
Concerts, May 04, 2025, 05/04/2025, Spring Jazz Festival with Multiple Acts

Tour | Unexpected Wall Street


There’s much more to Wall Street – and the (former) Financial District – than finance and greed! Dutch settlement, the British, and the Revolutionary War may come to mind. Yes, the guides will talk finance on this walking tour. And you'll explore NYC’s Dutch roots, the Redcoats, and the Sons of Liberty. But this old part of New York City is also a saint’s birthplace, a Lenape hunting trail, anarchists, the invention of takeout food, vandals, an infamous ghost, the former home of a wild turkey, immigrants, and obscure monuments. It’s dark alleys and twisty streets and secrets.  Wear comfy shoes and bring your camera to this spotlight on unexpected Wall Street.This is a two hour walk, slightly under 1.5 miles long. There are many benches and curb cuts along the route, so it is wheelchair accessible. There are also bathrooms along the way.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Tours, May 04, 2025, 05/04/2025, Unexpected Wall Street
2:00 pm
Regular: $71.50
Member: $0
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Plays, May 04, 2025, 05/04/2025, Love Drama

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
Concerts, May 04, 2025, 05/04/2025, Music on the Water: Violinist with 'Technique, Temperament, and Taste' Performs Works of Mozart with Ensemble

Classical Music | Orchestral Works by Beethoven, J.S. Bach, and More


The Broadway Bach Ensemble performs three pieces, premiering Emmy Lindstrom's Clarinet Concerto At the Hills of Hampstead Heath with soloist Adrian Gutierrez. Program J.S. Bach (1685-1750) Orchestral Suite No. 1 in C Major Emmy Lindstrom (1984-) At The Hills of Hempstead Heath Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) Symphony No. 8
   New York City, NY; NYC
2:00 pm
Free
Concerts, May 04, 2025, 05/04/2025, Orchestral Works by Beethoven, J.S. Bach, and More
2:30 pm
Regular: $30
Member: $0
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Concerts, May 04, 2025, 05/04/2025, Mozart's Masterpiece
3:00 pm
Regular: $32
Member: $0
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Musicals, May 04, 2025, 05/04/2025, Award-Winning Musical

Concert | Country Musician Esther Rose Performance & Album Signing


Esther Rose will be appearing for a live performance and signing store-purchased copies of her new album, Want out 5/2 on New West Records. This is an all ages event.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free
Concerts, May 04, 2025, 05/04/2025, Country Musician Esther Rose Performance & Album Signing

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
Tours, May 04, 2025, 05/04/2025, Culture & History of Tompkins Square
3:00 pm
Regular: $20
Member: $0
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Plays, May 04, 2025, 05/04/2025, Drak Comedy

Tour | More than a Memorial: Ground Zero


On this Jane’s tour, the group will explore public art and architecture around the perimeter of the 9/11 Memorial intentionally designed as a void to see what was returned and what was created anew. Twenty years on, the skyline and the canyons of Lower Manhattan have been reshaped. There are numerous steps, ramps, elevated walkways and escalators involved in this moderate level urban walk.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free
Tours, May 04, 2025, 05/04/2025, More than a Memorial: Ground Zero

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
Tours, May 04, 2025, 05/04/2025, NYC Speaks:&nbsp;Language Tour

Classical Music | Piano Duo: Ravel, and More


Pianists Kate Miller and Calvin Hu present a lively, rhythm-filled, and playful program that blends a variety of dance styles. Program Ravel La Valse 4 Hands Steve Reich Clapping Music Sam Wu Hyperlooping Eleanor Alberga 3-Day Mix David Smooke Toy With Me Tonia Ko Tired Thing Andy Akiho Karakurenai
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free
Concerts, May 04, 2025, 05/04/2025, Piano Duo: Ravel, and More

Classical Music | Prize-Winning Organist Performs Symphony in Iconic Venue


Dr. David Henning, Director of Music and Parish Organist at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston, Texas, performs an entire organ symphony. Program Louis Vierne (1870-1937) Organ Symphony No. 3 in F# Minor, Op. 28
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free
Concerts, May 04, 2025, 05/04/2025, Prize-Winning Organist Performs Symphony&nbsp;in Iconic Venue

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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3:30 pm
Free
Plays, May 04, 2025, 05/04/2025, New Original Play: RICELAND

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
Concerts, May 04, 2025, 05/04/2025, Music on the Water: Violinist with 'Technique, Temperament, and Taste' Performs Works of Mozart with Ensemble

Classical Music | Art Songs and Atrias Performed by Emerging Opera Singer


Hear an exceptional rising opera singer in this Sunday evening recital. This is an exciting chance to hear a full program curated and performed by the gifted young tenor, Travon Walker. Walker is a second-year resident of Lyric Opera of Chicago’s prestigious Ryan Opera Center, and this is a great opportunity to hear him in New York. He'll be accompanied by pianist Michael Banwarth.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Concerts, May 04, 2025, 05/04/2025, Art Songs and Atrias Performed by Emerging Opera Singer

Classical Music | Brahms, Debussy, Rachmaninoff and More: Piano and Voice Recital


Guigla Katsarava, piano; Chao Tang, piano; Judith Bettina, soprano; James Goldsworthy, piano Program Claude Debussy (1862-1918) Prelude a l'apres-midi d'un faune, L.86 Carlos Guastavino (1912-2000) Tres Romances Argentinos: I. Las Ninas William Bolcom (b. 1938) The Garden of Eden: I. Old Adam, III. The Serpent's Kiss Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) Ruhe, Sussliebchen, Op. 33, No. 9 Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) O wusst ich doch den Weg zuruck, Op. 63, No. 8 Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) Standchen, Op. 106, No. 1 Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) Abendregen, Op. 70, No. 4 Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943) Fantaisie (Tableaux), Suite for Two Pianos No. 1, Op. 5
   New York City, NY; NYC
5:00 pm
Free
Concerts, May 04, 2025, 05/04/2025, Brahms, Debussy, Rachmaninoff and More: Piano and Voice Recital

Museums | Historical and Modern Design Spanning Centuries


The museum is dedicated to showcasing the history, influence, and importance of design in everyday life. Housed in a historic mansion, the museum features a diverse collection of design objects, including decorative arts, architecture, graphic design, textiles, and industrial design. Free admission is daily 5 pm - 6 pm.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
pay-what-you-wish...
Museumss, May 04, 2025, 05/04/2025, Historical and Modern Design Spanning Centuries

Screening | Indigenous Perspectives Discussion & Screening of New Documentary


Vera Solovyeva and Maidi Eira Andersson as they share Indigenous perspectives on kinship with nature, rooted in the traditions of the Arctic. Their conversation will be followed by a screening of FOLKTALES, included in your ticket. Dr. Vera Solovyeva, an Indigenous (Sakha) person from the Sakha Republic (Yakutia). She's now a fellow at the Arctic Studies Center (Smithsonian Institution). Her research focuses on how Indigenous peoples preserve and develop their cultures and traditions in a contemporary world. She's interested in how Indigenous peoples recover lost knowledge and traditions through the study of museum collections. And, she's also a member of the Global Advisory Board of the Global Alliance of Indigenous Peoples, Gender Justice, and Peace. Maidi Eira Andersson is a Sámi reindeer herder and board member of the Sámi multi-national reindeer herding association (SSR). She has also served as a media ambassador for her community, the Rans Sámi district, and is an invited speaker affiliated with the Wild Foundation. FOLKTALES is a film about a Norwegian folk high school located above the Arctic Circle—weaving another thread in the rich tapestry of how humans, animals, and the environment are deeply entwined in this northern landscape.  
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Screenings, May 04, 2025, 05/04/2025, Indigenous Perspectives Discussion & Screening of New Documentary

Tour | The History of Garbage & Rats in NYC


Where there are people, there is garbage. Where there is garbage, there are rats. This walking tour in the financial district will explore New York City’s filthiest topics: how the city is built on trash; when the first brown rats arrived; garbage strikes; rat population control; where has/does the trash go; and legends, myths, and true stories that are the stuff of nightmares. And… is there really one rat for every person who lives in NYC? No guarantees that the group wil run into any of the City’s least popular denizens, but wear open-toed shoes or flip flops on this journey into alleys, parks, and subway stations at your own risk. The walking tour will be slightly over 1.5 miles. Although some streets and alleys are quite narrow, a motorized wheelchair can access the entire route. There are no stairs, and the group will be outdoors the entire time. After approximately one mile, the group will stop in a small park with benches, but otherwise there will be no places to sit and rest during the tour. The tour begins and ends near several subway stations.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Tours, May 04, 2025, 05/04/2025, The History of Garbage & Rats in NYC
7:00 pm
Regular: $38
Member: $0
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Book Discussions, May 04, 2025, 05/04/2025, Culinary Star and Emmy Nominee in Conversation
7:00 pm
Regular: $38
Member: $0
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Performances, May 04, 2025, 05/04/2025, Music by Stravinsky and Theatrical Performance

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
8:00 pm
Free
Plays, May 04, 2025, 05/04/2025, New Original Play: RICELAND
8:00 pm
Regular: $45
Member: $0
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Performances, May 04, 2025, 05/04/2025, Seasoned Comedian at a Major NYC Venue

Workshop | Tai Chi in the Park for All Fitnes Levels


Join Silvana Pizzuti to learn and practice Tai Chi, a slow moving martial art with health benefits for all fitness levels. 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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8:00 pm
Free
Workshops, May 04, 2025, 05/04/2025, Tai Chi in the Park for All Fitnes Levels
Complimentary Tickets

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

Classical Music | Sacred Choral Works at a Landmark Venue

Regular Price: $50
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Musical | Hit Show Musical Parody

Regular Price: $58.50
CFT Member Price: $0.00
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