free things to do in New York City
Free events for Sunday, 10/12/25
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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 October 12, 2025?

22 free events take place on Sunday, October 12 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 12 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!

22 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Sunday, October 12, 2025

All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Editor's Picks

free events nyc Historical House of The Distinguished American President of the Early 20th Century
free events nyc Music on the Water: NPR-Featured Pianist Performs Significant Bach Work
free events nyc Roller Rink Party with Live DJ
More Editor's Picks for 10/12/25
        

Screening | Most Watched International Sporting Events on the Big (30-foot!) Screen Outdoors: Football


Today's Schedule: 9:30am - 12:30pm NFL Broncos vs NY Jets 3:15pm - 4:25pm NFL Dallas vs North Carolina 4:25pm - 7:30pm NFL New England vs New Orleans 8:00pm - 11:00pm NFL Detroit vs Kansas City *Scheduled programming subject to change. Seating is open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis. Wells Fargo customers receive priority seating.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:30 am
Free
Screenings, October 12, 2025, 10/12/2025, Most Watched International Sporting Events on the Big (30-foot!) Screen Outdoors: Football

Fair | Chinese Culture and Food Festival on the Upper West Side


This event features experiential activities, tastings, and market fairs showcasing the vibrant food, art and cultural traditions from China. It is a cultural platform that connects people in New York to Chinese restaurants, food vendors, artists, and local communities.
   New York City, NY; NYC
10:00 am
Free
Fairs, October 12, 2025, 10/12/2025, Chinese Culture and Food Festival on the Upper West Side

Fair | West Side Street Series - Artisanal Goods & Global Eats


Celebrate community, creativity, and culture at this vibrant street fair! There will be over 80 vendor booths featuring a wide variety of arts and crafts goods, handmade treasures, merchandise vendors, antiques, collectibles, and much more. Enjoy delicious food, live music, games, rides, and a variety of fun activities.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Fairs, October 12, 2025, 10/12/2025, West Side Street Series - Artisanal Goods & Global Eats

Museums | Sunday Fun at an Iconic Art Museum


Enjoy a full day of art and inspiration on the second Sunday of every month! Explore exhibitions, join family-friendly artmaking activities inspired by works on view, listen to storytimes presented by The New York Public Library, take part in guided tours, and soak in stunning city views.
   New York City, NY; NYC
10:30 am
Free
Museumss, October 12, 2025, 10/12/2025, Sunday Fun at an Iconic Art Museum

Festival | Celebrate Diwali in the Heart of the City (Shopping Bazaar, Food, Performances, Kid Activities, & More)


This Diwali festival features a vibrant and engaging Diwali Bazaar as well as a dedicated Kids Zone, where children can paint diyas, create colorful Rangoli art, and enjoy interactive storytelling activities. The afternoon will feature the 'Colors of India' program, exhibiting spectacular dance performances from different cultures around the world. In the evening, dignitaries will join together for a special Diya Lighting Ceremony with a countdown on the Ball Drop Tower screen, leading into the highly anticipated Light Up Times Square Concert.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Festivals, October 12, 2025, 10/12/2025, Celebrate Diwali in the Heart of the City (Shopping Bazaar, Food, Performances, Kid Activities, & More)

Museums | Día de Muertos Celebration


Celebrate loved ones with bilingual art-making, Storytime, music, and community storytelling in a vibrant, family-friendly day of remembrance.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Museumss, October 12, 2025, 10/12/2025, D&iacute;a de Muertos Celebration

Museums | Family Fun with Maritime History


Step aboard an 1885 tall ship and discover the timeless skills sailors have relied on for centuries. Families of all ages can learn to coil lines, master sailor’s knots, and lasso a bitt, then put their new talents to the test with fun, hands-on activities on deck. Theme of the month: Sailor Skills! 
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Museumss, October 12, 2025, 10/12/2025, Family Fun with Maritime History

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. This guided tour is first-come, first-served. It 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
11:00 am
Free
Tours, October 12, 2025, 10/12/2025, Historical House of The Distinguished American President of the Early 20th Century

Workshop | Rowing Along the New York City Skyline


Open to all and led by experienced coxswains, these outings take place in stable, traditional Whitehall gigs, offering a hands-on introduction to rowing, teamwork, and river navigation. Sessions include orientation and group rowing excursions lasting 1-3 hours. Participants assist with launching and cleaning the boats. Bring water and sunscreen. Life jackets are provided; a waiver is required for participation.
   New York City, NY; NYC
12:00 pm
Free
Workshops, October 12, 2025, 10/12/2025, Rowing Along the New York City Skyline

Staged Reading | Experience Spoon River Anthology, Performed Outdoors


Enjoy an hour of dramatic readings from Edgar Lee Masters' classic work, Spoon River Anthology. Immerse yourself in the lives and secrets of the residents of Spoon River as talented actors bring their stories to life. This event will take place in a beautiful outdoor setting perfect for enjoying literature under the sky. Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience the timeless tales of Spoon River in a magical setting. Directed by Timothy Gage.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Staged Readings, October 12, 2025, 10/12/2025, Experience Spoon River Anthology, Performed Outdoors

Festival | Family Harvest Celebration in the Park (Pumpkin Picking, Arts & Crafts, & Live Music)


This autumnal festival packs a punch with plenty of exciting fall activities for the whole family. Visit the pumpkin patch, pick your own pumpkin, and decorate it! Enjoy arts and crafts, tattoos, and take a stroll through the Spooky Trail. Don't miss a family concert in the playground with Patrick and the Rock-a-Silly Band.
   New York City, NY; NYC
1:00 pm
Free
Festivals, October 12, 2025, 10/12/2025, Family Harvest Celebration in the Park (Pumpkin Picking, Arts & Crafts, & Live Music)

Book Club | Reading Rhythms Party: Socialize with Other Bookworms


Unplug and unwind at Reading Rhythms, a unique outdoor reading party designed to build community through books. With live music, structured reading time, and guided discussions, this mindful gathering blends solo reflection with social connection. Bring your own book and a mat or blanket for added comfort.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Book Clubs, October 12, 2025, 10/12/2025, Reading Rhythms Party: Socialize with Other Bookworms

Performance | Beowulf: One-Act Adaptation of the Classic Heroic Epic Poem


ActorJohn Heimbuch performs Charlie Bethel's Beowulf, a tour-de-force adaptation of the classic Old English poem about a warrior king and three famous monsters. This fierce one-person telling modernizes the wit, vigor, and meaty language of the original Anglo-Saxon epic, making the oldest tale in the English language into a relatable high fantasy adventure. 60 minutes, no intermission.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Performances, October 12, 2025, 10/12/2025, Beowulf: One-Act Adaptation of the Classic Heroic Epic Poem

Jazz | Afternoon Jam Sesh (Play Music or Just Listen)


This jam session is open to all musicians. Come and play or just listen to some jazzy tunes.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Concerts, October 12, 2025, 10/12/2025, Afternoon Jam Sesh (Play Music or Just Listen)

Jazz | Authentic Blues in the Park


This Blues Hall of Fame band plays authentic Blues from around the country for a special New York sound.
   New York City, NY; NYC
2:00 pm
Free
Concerts, October 12, 2025, 10/12/2025, Authentic Blues in the Park

Jazz | Let the Music Play in the Park: Local Jazz Artists


Berta Indeed presents “Let the Music Play”, a community jazz concert featuring an array of local musicians and vocalists. Seating 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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2:00 pm
Free
Concerts, October 12, 2025, 10/12/2025, Let the Music Play in the Park: Local Jazz Artists

Classical Music | Music on the Water: NPR-Featured Pianist Performs Significant Bach Work


Former From the Top host, Christopher O'Riley, piano, plays one of the most important pieces in classical music history. Program: J.S. Bach (1685-1750) Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2 Part 2
   New York City, NY; NYC
2:00 pm
Free
Concerts, October 12, 2025, 10/12/2025, Music on the Water: NPR-Featured Pianist Performs Significant Bach Work

Party | Roller Rink Party with Live DJ


Get ready to roll into the excitement at an outdoor skate circle . With live DJs spinning the tunes, these events are as much fun to watch as they are to join! Whether you're a seasoned skater or just starting out, bring your own skates and get ready to groove with roller dancing. All skill levels are welcome. This is a family-friendly atmosphere perfect for all ages. Children under 14 must wear helmets for safety.
   New York City, NY; NYC
2:45 pm
Free
Partys, October 12, 2025, 10/12/2025, Roller Rink Party with Live DJ

Classical Music | Serene Organ Meditations in Intimate Venue


Enjoy a program of hymns, anthems, and voluntaries for the organ.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free
Concerts, October 12, 2025, 10/12/2025, Serene Organ Meditations in Intimate Venue

Discussion | Confronting Antisemitism: Lessons from Pittsburgh (In Person AND Online!)


Yair Rosenberg of The Atlantic, in conversation with Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, moderated by Carole Zawatsky, CEO of The Tree of Life, as they examine the rise of antisemitism and its consequences. Using the aftermath of the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history as a lens, this discussion explores the dangers of hate and paths toward a safer, more inclusive future.
   New York City, NY; NYC
5:00 pm
Free
Discussions, October 12, 2025, 10/12/2025, Confronting Antisemitism: Lessons from Pittsburgh (In Person AND Online!)

Workshop | Fix Your Bike!


Need to fix your bike? Bring it in for a free open shop session, where you can use tools and repair stands to work on your ride. Experienced mechanics will be on hand to guide you, but the work is all yours--perfect for learning and doing it yourself.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Workshops, October 12, 2025, 10/12/2025, Fix Your Bike!

Concert | An Evening of Acoustic Song & Storytelling


Unwind with an intimate evening of live acoustic music as part of the ongoing Nightmusic series. This week’s performance features singer-songwriter Justine Magnusson, bringing warmth and energy to the cozy back room.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free
Concerts, October 12, 2025, 10/12/2025, An Evening of Acoustic Song & Storytelling
Complimentary Tickets

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

Play | Broadway Actor in a Play About a Towering Figure in Media

Regular Price: $59
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Concert | Iconic Rock Band's Guitarist at a Legendary Jazz Club

Regular Price: $75
CFT Member Price: $0.00
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