Best free things to do today in New York City
Looking for a gratis event going down today? We’ve got you covered! Discover the top free things to do right now.
-
Free things to do today
-
Free events and festivals
-
Free attractions and days out
-
Free live music
-
Free museum shows
-
Free club nights
-
Free walks and tours
-
Free comedy
-
Free date ideas
-
Free art
-
Free dance
Free things to do in NYC: Your guide to gratis entertainment
So you’re pinching pennies and bored. We’ve been there. But that’s no reason to stay in your apartment! Get outside and check out these cool free things to do.
RECOMMENDED: Full list of free things to do in NYC
Antony, "The Cut"
- Critics choice
- Free
In addition to his better-known musical proclivities, the frontman for Antony and the Johnsons is an artist, who presents here a series of small, intuitive mixed-media works on paper. The pieces are mostly abstract, with imagistic overtones suggestive of a mood or a place. They're beautifully evocative, especially in their use of collage via torn or cut materials.
- Sikkema Jenkins & Co. 530 W 22nd St, between Tenth and Eleventh Aves
- Wed Jun 19 - Fri Jul 12
BLDG 92
- Critics choice
- Free
The visitors’ center at the former shipbuilding complex offers information on the facility and its connection to the surrounding neighborhoods. Plan an afternoon trip to check out its core exhibit, “Brooklyn Navy Yard: Past, Present and Future,” which examines the space’s historical significance and future plans. Weekend tours of the yard itself are available by bus and bike ($18–$30). A free weekend shuttle departs from Jay St at Willoughby St.
Joe Bradley, "Lotus Beaters"
- Critics choice
- Free
This show presents new works by Bradley, who, like Poland Spring, comes from Maine (via the Rhode Island School of Design). His primitivistic blend of figuration and abstraction is notable for its caveman-could-do-it simplicity and compositional assurance.
- Gavin Brown's Enterprise 620 Greenwich St, at Leroy St
- Wed Jun 19 - Sat Jun 29
The Will Clark Show
- Critics choice
- Free
Clark hosts this weekly fund-raiser, consisting of bingo, booze and porn-star worship. Ever-changing guests keep things interesting. For more information, go to willclarkworld.com.
- Uncle Charlie's Piano Bar and Lounge 139 E 45th St, between Third and Lexington Aves, 10017
- Wed Jun 19 - Thu Jun 20
Bruce Conner
- Critics choice
- Free
Conner (1933–2008), a legendary Bay Area artist and filmmaker, is recalled in this exhibition, which presents some of his inkblot drawings made between 1962 and 2000. On view as well is Conner's film Easter Morning, which was shot in San Francisco on a single day in 1966, but wasn't completed until shortly before his death.
- Paula Cooper Gallery 521 W 21st St, between Tenth and Eleventh Aves
- Wed Jun 19 - Sat Jun 22
Share your thoughts
Most popular
- June 2013 events calendar for New York City
- 100 best New York restaurants
- July 2013 events calendar for New York City
- Man of Steel: movie review
- Rooftop bars in NYC: visit the city’s best elevated bars
- Your perfect weekend
- 101 things to do in the summer in New York City 2013
- NYC street fairs guide 2013
- The 50 best summer songs: Hit the beach with these summertime tunes
- Events calendar for 2013: The essential events in NYC this year
Sign up for the TONY Daily Newsletter!
Get a heads-up on the best things to do each day, delivered to your inbox first thing every morning.
Comments & ratings