free things to do in New York City
Free events for Saturday, 10/18/25
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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 18, 2025?

39 free events take place on Saturday, October 18 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 18 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!

39 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Saturday, October 18, 2025

All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Editor's Picks

free events nyc Explore One of New York's Iconic Buildings
free events nyc Fall Arts Celebration at a Major NYC Museum
free events nyc Music on the Water: Mozart & Beethoven String Quartet Selections
More Editor's Picks for 10/18/25
        

Workshop | Central Park Running Session (All Levels Welcome)


If you prefer not to run alone or are looking to improve your running performance, you can run with a club! Open to runners of all levels. Weekly changed routes through the park. Coaches, training, running company and inspiration!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 am
Free
Workshops, October 18, 2025, 10/18/2025, Central Park Running&nbsp;Session (All Levels Welcome)

Festival | Explore Behind-the-Scenes Spaces of New York City


Discover the spaces of New York City that you've never had access to before--across all five boroughs! This weekend-long festival unlocks over300 destinations across the city for special tours and activities. Enjoy visits to major new projects, explore neighborhoods in a new way, and discover why the city looks and works the way it does. Take a look at new buildings transforming the skyline, step inside infrastructure facilities keeping the city running, explore parks offering respite, discover state-of-the-art performance spaces, visit manufacturing workshops, browse private collections, and much more. Many museums, monuments, arts spaces, historical societies, architectural projects, and more are open for visitors. Many festival experiences are Drop-In--no tickets needed. Some require tickets for space or security reasons. Ticketing opens on October 3 at 12 pm.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:00 am
Free
Festivals, October 18, 2025, 10/18/2025, Explore Behind-the-Scenes Spaces of New York City

Parade | Honor Local Indigenous Culture (Ceremony + Celebration)


Enjoy the 4th Annual Parade held by Tribes from the Americas. This celebration spreads unity, pride, cultural identity, sand self-esteem for local Indegenous peoples. Schedule: 10 am: Opening Ceremony 12:00 pm: Parade Starts--March to 17th Street & Broadway 2:00 pm: End of Closing Ceremony
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:00 am
Free
Parades, October 18, 2025, 10/18/2025, Honor Local Indigenous&nbsp;Culture (Ceremony + Celebration)

Conference | Learn about Accessibility Technologies: Connect, Innovate, Act (In Person AND Online!)


Attend the Accessible Technology Conference—a free and inclusive conference focused on the impact, affordances, and evolution of accessible technologies used by Blind, low-vision, and print-disabled people.  This year’s conference centers around the theme, “Connect, Innovate, Act.” The sessions will focus on community building and peer support, creativity in tech, new and emerging technologies, and systems of resistance. The conference is open to all community members. The conference team commits to a fully accessible conference, including providing accessible conference materials, an accessible venue, ASL, CART, and other access needs. Register to join in person or online, and request needed accommodations; space is limited.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:00 am
Free
Conferences, October 18, 2025, 10/18/2025, Learn about Accessibility Technologies: Connect, Innovate, Act (In Person AND Online!)

Workshop | Get in Shape: Strength & Cardio Class


Participate in this beginner friendly class that will focus on improving your strength and endurance by challenging your muscles and increasing the heart rate. Using foundational exercises, this class will transform you into a stronger confident you.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:30 am
Free
Workshops, October 18, 2025, 10/18/2025, Get in Shape: Strength & Cardio Class

Workshop | Art 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
Workshops, October 18, 2025, 10/18/2025, Art&nbsp;in the Park

Fair | Block Party - 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 18, 2025, 10/18/2025, Block Party - Artisanal Goods & Global Eats

Workshop | Bollywood & Bhangra Fitness Class


Kick off your Saturday mornings with high-energy Bollywood and Bhangra dance! Open to all levels and ages, this fitness-focused class is led by instructors from New York City’s Ajna Dance Company. Originating in India, these dance forms emphasize rhythm, expression, and passion. Bhangra, in particular, is a lively folk dance from Punjab that is now enjoyed around the world. Note: Please bring your own water bottle and mat. 
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Workshops, October 18, 2025, 10/18/2025, Bollywood & Bhangra Fitness Class

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
Park Walks, October 18, 2025, 10/18/2025, Discover the History & Design of One of New York's Most Unique Park

Workshop | FInancial Wellness Session: Homebuying


Buying a home can be exciting and stressful at the same time, especially for the first-time homebuyer. Here are some tips to help you through a complicated process.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Workshops, October 18, 2025, 10/18/2025, FInancial Wellness Session: Homebuying

Workshop | Outdoor Open-Level Yoga + Tea & Talk


Start with a soothing yoga class led by Multitasking Yogi on the grass. End with community Tea & Talk. This open-level yoga class is designed with community and connection in mind. From experienced yogis to those looking to try it out, join our caring tribe of weekend warriors all looking to add some consistent and sustainable self-care practices into our weekly routine. Please arrive 15 minutes early.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:15 am
$5, registration required
Workshops, October 18, 2025, 10/18/2025, Outdoor&nbsp;Open-Level Yoga + Tea & Talk

Dance Lesson | Learn about Technique Approaches & Background: Contact Improvisation & Kinetic Awareness


In these dance classes teachers guide participants through technique and movement while informing about technique and historical background based on the teachings of renowned choreographer Elaine Summers. These classes will be on a first come, first served basis. Anyone can attend--no dance experience necessary. Wear comfortable loose clothing and bring a blanket. Balls will be available to use.
   New York City, NY; NYC
10:30 am
Free
Dance Lessons, October 18, 2025, 10/18/2025, Learn about Technique Approaches & Background: Contact Improvisation & Kinetic Awareness

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 18, 2025, 10/18/2025, Family Fun with Maritime History

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
Museumss, October 18, 2025, 10/18/2025, Jewish History: Centuries of Art

Workshop | Learn to Juggle, All Skill Levels Welcome


This juggling class is ideal for a quick lesson, an extended practice session, or just enjoy watching jugglers put their skills to the test. They’re a friendly group and open to drop-ins, even if you catch them outside of the regular juggling lessons. All skill levels welcome. Equipment is provided.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Workshops, October 18, 2025, 10/18/2025, Learn to Juggle, All Skill Levels Welcome

Museums | Tiffany Glass and Other Exhibitions


The museum is dedicated to showcasing the history, art, and culture of its area with a permanent collection of 10,000 items. One of the exhibitions includes famous Tiffany's leaded glass objects and a valuable insight into the development of the inuctry in the US at the turn of the 20th century.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Pay-what-you-wish, reservation required
Museumss, October 18, 2025, 10/18/2025, Tiffany Glass and Other Exhibitions

Tour | Explore One of New York's Iconic Buildings


Designed to inspire, building highlights include: The only free, publicly accessible rooftop terrace in Midtown A dramatic "Long Room" with 42-foot-high atrium offering five levels of open, browsable book stacks Commissioned public art celebrating creativity and curiosity
   New York City, NY; NYC
11:30 am
Free
Tours, October 18, 2025, 10/18/2025, Explore One of New York's Iconic Buildings

Poetry Reading | Indigenous Literary Voices: Day 2


A multi-day forum exploring issues and ideas around language, translingual borders, and the environment as experienced by indigenous communities throughout the country. Day 2 Schedule: 11:30am Session 1: Language Back & Translingual Poetics 1pm Session 2 2:30pm Session 3 4pm Session 4 7pm Night 2 Reading: Tacey Atsitty, Heid Erdrich, Joan Naviyuk Kane, Elise Paschen, Nicole Wallace, hosted by María Elisa Schmidt
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:30 am
Free
Poetry Readings, October 18, 2025, 10/18/2025, Indigenous Literary Voices:&nbsp;Day 2

Workshop | Origami Meet-Up


This event is for people to come together and share in the beautiful art of Origami--an ancient art of folding various mediums, most commonly paper. The word comes from the combination of the Japanese verb oru (to fold) and the noun kami (paper). Other materials often folded are fabric, wire mesh, sheet metal, tissue, thin plastic, cardboard, and straws.This group meets to teach each other new models and share paper, books, and tips. This meeting iopen to all level of folders from beginner to advanced. There will be free paper available to share. You may choose to bring your own paper and books and just show up and fold! If you have models you would like to learn, or teach, let the organizers know, and they will try our best to accommodate.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:30 am
Free
Workshops, October 18, 2025, 10/18/2025, Origami Meet-Up

Tour | Discover Site-Specific Public Art


Explore large-scale, site-specific artworks in a guided experience designed to spark contemplation and connection with history and landscape. Held monthly, these programs feature installations and art exhibitions. Note: Programs take place entirely outdoors; dressing for the weather is recommended.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:45 am
Free
Tours, October 18, 2025, 10/18/2025, Discover Site-Specific Public Art

Workshop | Beginners Chess with Grandmaster Instructors


Experience a comprehensive chess event featuring a beginner's workshop, engaging lecture, and open play sessions--all with expert feedback from Grandmaster-level instructors. Learn advanced techniques from International Master Joshua Colas, who made history as the youngest Black player to earn the US Chess Federation National Master title at just 12 years old in 2010. Don't miss this unique opportunity to elevate your game under the guidance of a true chess prodigy. Please arrive 15 minutes early.
   New York City, NY; NYC
12:00 pm
Free
Workshops, October 18, 2025, 10/18/2025, Beginners Chess with Grandmaster Instructors

Festival | Fall Arts Celebration at a Major NYC Museum


Kick off the season with art-making, live performances, and a look at current exhibitions, fun for all ages.
   New York City, NY; NYC
12:00 pm
Free
Festivals, October 18, 2025, 10/18/2025, Fall Arts Celebration at a Major NYC Museum

Classical Music | Broadway Musicians Perform J.S. Bach, Gershwin, & Rachmaninoff


The New York Classical Players showcase a cello recital by Broadway-featured cellist Madeline Fayette, with award-winning pianist Jinhee Park. The program journeys from Bach's graceful Sonata in G major, BWV 1027, to Gershwin's jazz-infused Three Preludes, and culminates in Rachmaninoff's monumental Cello Sonata in G minor, Op. 19, a sweeping Romantic masterpiece that brings the full expressive power of the cello to life.
   New York City, NY; NYC
1:00 pm
Free
Concerts, October 18, 2025, 10/18/2025, Broadway Musicians Perform J.S. Bach, Gershwin, & Rachmaninoff

Tour | From Salt Marsh to Tide Pools: A Shoreline Stroll


Explore local ecosystems on this one-hour guided walk. Learn about the ecology of the shoreline, spot shorebirds dabbling in the marsh, and look for hawks perched high above. Note: Space is limited to 30 participants on a first-come, first-served basis.
   New York City, NY; NYC
1:00 pm
Free
Tours, October 18, 2025, 10/18/2025, From Salt Marsh to Tide Pools: A Shoreline Stroll

Film | The Night of the Hunter (1955): Classic Horror Thriller


In the 1930s rural South, a psychotic bogus preacher plots to kill a family of three for money that was hidden on a farm by the two children's late father. Director: Charles Laughton Cast: Robert Mitchum, Shelley Winters, Lillian Gish, James Gleason, Evelyn Varden, Peter Graves
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Films, October 18, 2025, 10/18/2025, The Night of the Hunter (1955): Classic Horror Thriller

Play | The Striker: Drama that Blends Fairy Tale, Psychological Tension, and Political Allegory


The Skriker is a bold, surreal, and poetic play that dives deep into themes of transformation, motherhood, and the fractured relationship between humans and the natural world. At its center is the Skriker—an ancient, shape-shifting demon who lures two young women into her uncanny realm. Blending fairy tale, psychological drama, and political allegory, Churchill’s visionary work unsettles and enchants through her signature language and fearless theatrical experimentation. Written by Caryl Churchill. Directed by Delia Dumont. Cast: India Shea, Pauline Lara, Katie Parkinson, Sophia Parker, Henry Sirota, Chloë Clark, Jordan Ward, and Amiere Bell. Please be advised that this production includes the following content: Mental illness & psychiatric hospitalization; Violence & threat of violence; Supernatural horror & psychological terror; Death & references to death ; Infanticide & child endangerment; Self-harm & suicidal ideation; Implied sexual violence; Abuse & manipulation; and Strong language.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Plays, October 18, 2025, 10/18/2025, The Striker: Drama&nbsp;that Blends Fairy Tale, Psychological Tension, and Political Allegory

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 18, 2025, 10/18/2025, Afternoon Jam Sesh (Play Music or Just Listen)

Classical Music | Music on the Water: Mozart & Beethoven String Quartet Selections


Violinist Mark Peskanov and the Semplice Players perform selections from Mozart String Quintets and Beethoven String Quartets.
   New York City, NY; NYC
2:00 pm
Free
Concerts, October 18, 2025, 10/18/2025, Music on the Water: Mozart & Beethoven String Quartet Selections

Film | Stanley Kubrick's The Shining (1980): Psychological Horror Film with Jack Nicholson & Shelley Duvall


A family heads to an isolated hotel for the winter, where a sinister presence influences the father into violence. At the same time, his psychic son sees horrifying forebodings from both the past and the future. Director: Stanley Kubrick Cast: Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Scatman Crothers, Danny Lloyd Stanley Kubrick was an American film director, screenwriter, producer, and photographer. Widely considered one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, his films were nearly all adaptations of novels or short stories, spanning a number of genres and gaining recognition for their intense attention to detail, innovative cinematography, extensive set design, and dark humor. While many of Kubrick's films were controversial and initially received mixed reviews upon release, most were nominated for Academy Awards, Golden Globes, or BAFTA Awards, and underwent critical re-evaluations. Jack Nicholson is an American retired actor and filmmaker. Nicholson is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of the 20th century. Throughout his five-decade career he received numerous accolades, including three Academy Awards, three BAFTA Film Awards, six Golden Globe Awards, and a Grammy Award. He also received the American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award in 1994 and the Kennedy Center Honor in 2001. Shelley Duvall was an American actress and producer widely known for her portrayal of distinctive, often eccentric characters. In the 1980s, Duvall became famous for her leading roles, which include Olive Oyl in Altman's live-action feature version of Popeye (1980) and Wendy Torrance in Stanley Kubrick's horror film The Shining (1980).
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Films, October 18, 2025, 10/18/2025, Stanley Kubrick's&nbsp;The Shining (1980): Psychological Horror Film with Jack Nicholson & Shelley Duvall

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
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2:45 pm
Free
Partys, October 18, 2025, 10/18/2025, Roller Rink Party with Live DJ

Museums | Art from All Over The World in the Most Amazing Museum


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. Tickets for Pay-What-You-Wish hours are available online only and released at 10 am the morning of the event.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
$1 min pay-what-you-wish,...
Museumss, October 18, 2025, 10/18/2025, Art from All Over The World in the Most Amazing Museum

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 18, 2025, 10/18/2025, Serene Organ Meditations in Intimate Venue

Dancing | Community Square/Swing Dance Mashup Evening


Contra is a community-oriented mash-up of swing and square dancing performed in lines. Brooklyn Contra teaches a style of community folk dance featuring great live music, dancing, and joy. Each dance starts with a lesson from the caller and a breakdown of the simple moves.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Dancings, October 18, 2025, 10/18/2025, Community Square/Swing Dance Mashup Evening
7:30 pm
Regular: $20
Member: $0
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Films, October 18, 2025, 10/18/2025, Beloved Disney Film and Live Score by Symphony Orchestra
7:30 pm
Regular: $30
Member: $0
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Concerts, October 18, 2025, 10/18/2025, Highly-Acclaimed Artist

Concert | Pulitzer Finalist Composer & GRAMMY-Winning Quartet Perform Works about Immigration & Incarceration


Composer and Pulitzer Prize Award finalist Andy Akiho crafts bold musical works, filled with intricate and unexpected patterns. He is an in-demand artist who has earned international acclaim for his large-scale concerts that emphasize the natural theatricality of live performance. Akiho is also a virtuosic steel pan drummer and a regular collaborator with the New York City-based Imani Winds. The GRAMMY Award-winning woodwind quintet's adventurous programming and dynamic performances have put them at the forefront of a revolutionary evolution of the ensemble form. Akiho and Imani Winds are currently on their first tour together, supporting the recently released collaborative album BeLonging. Inspired by the sounds and protests of immigrants held at a Brooklyn detention center and workshopped by Akiho with incarcerated young men at Rikers Island, the music of BeLonging grants a powerful and beautiful voice to the voiceless. There are two ways to access this event: 1. General Admission, first-come first-served. Just show up! 2. Fast Track opening the Tuesday before the event at noon.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free
Concerts, October 18, 2025, 10/18/2025, Pulitzer Finalist Composer & GRAMMY-Winning Quartet Perform Works about Immigration & Incarceration
7:30 pm
Regular: $20
Member: $0
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Concerts, October 18, 2025, 10/18/2025, Vocal Works by Amy Beach amd Others

Play | The Striker: Drama that Blends Fairy Tale, Psychological Tension, and Political Allegory


The Skriker is a bold, surreal, and poetic play that dives deep into themes of transformation, motherhood, and the fractured relationship between humans and the natural world. At its center is the Skriker—an ancient, shape-shifting demon who lures two young women into her uncanny realm. Blending fairy tale, psychological drama, and political allegory, Churchill’s visionary work unsettles and enchants through her signature language and fearless theatrical experimentation. Written by Caryl Churchill. Directed by Delia Dumont. Cast: India Shea, Pauline Lara, Katie Parkinson, Sophia Parker, Henry Sirota, Chloë Clark, Jordan Ward, and Amiere Bell. Please be advised that this production includes the following content: Mental illness & psychiatric hospitalization; Violence & threat of violence; Supernatural horror & psychological terror; Death & references to death ; Infanticide & child endangerment; Self-harm & suicidal ideation; Implied sexual violence; Abuse & manipulation; and Strong language.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free
Plays, October 18, 2025, 10/18/2025, The Striker: Drama&nbsp;that Blends Fairy Tale, Psychological Tension, and Political Allegory
8:00 pm
Regular: $51
Member: $0
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Theaters, October 18, 2025, 10/18/2025, Storytelling at its Best from Far Away
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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