Festivals and events in New York: Cheap NYC activities

Theater fans are nothing if not committed. So when I woke up at 3am to try and secure tickets to The Public's Shakespeare in the Park performance of Twelfth Night at Central Park West and 81st Street, I knew it wasn't going to be easy. I was not prepared for, well, how un-easy it would be.  After a year hiatus due to renovations on the infamous Delacorte Theater, Shakespeare in the Park has returned to NYC in all of its free-ticketed star-studded glory through September 14. The combination of "free" and "star-studded" is thrilling and generous, but to what extent are you willing to go to in order to experience this selective engagement? For me, pretty far, clearly. Here's a logged account of my experience—and the fate of the people behind me.  RECOMMENDED: The Complete Guide to Shakespeare in the Park in NYC 3:45am Saturday, August 30 My journey began on the 1 train. Having had perused many a Reddit thread and TikTok hashtag, I knew that I would be expected to have my Public ID out and ready at some point; I just wasn't sure exactly when. While at the 96th Street stop, I pulled out my phone to get my profile up and ready and noticed a person sitting next to me eyeing my phone. It wasn't until she and her friend stood up after me at the 79th Street stop that I suspected the three of us were in the same boat. Walking in the dark around 81st Street, I overheard one of them singing "We're going to see Shakespeare in the Park!" Though I didn't sing aloud, I definitely...

Every September 11 since 2003, two colossal pillars of blue light have illuminated the night sky, filling the gap in the skyline where the Twin Towers once stood. This art installation called Tribute in Light will once again beam into the clouds this September 11, marking 24 years since the terrorist attacks that killed 2,977 people in New York City and changed the world as we know it.  New Yorkers can view Tribute In Light from just about anywhere, as it can be seen for miles on a clear night. But all are also invited to the 9/11 Memorial Plaza to see the lights from the Twin Towers once stood. Before the lights officially turn on, we got a sneak peek at the testing process and learned 10 interesting facts about Tribute in Light that you might not know. RECOMMENDED: Ways to mark September 11 in NYC this year 1. Tribute in Light dates back to 2002 Though it is a signature autumn event nowadays, the iconic tribute was actually first presented in the spring. Tribute in Light debuted in the spring of 2002, six months after 9/11 even while recovery and relief efforts at Ground Zero were still underway. It became an annual tradition on September 11 as of 2003. 2. It was created by a team of artists Several artists and designers came together to create the concept. While it may look simple, it's not, as Beth Hillman, president of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, told us. Lights were designed specially for this use, as it's difficult to send beams of light this extraordinarily high...

Every summer, people flock to Central Park in New York to score Shakespeare in the Park tickets. This beloved free annual tradition is produced by the Public Theater at the open-air Delacorte Theater. Sure, you could stay at home and stream Shakespeare movies, but the live outdoor theater experience is unique—and certainly one of the best free things to do in NYC. As has been the case since Shakespeare in the Park began in 1962, the Public distributes free tickets, but it takes some dedication to get your hands on them. After two years in which distribution shifted largely to a digital lottery, the traditional in-person lineup in Central Park has returned as one of six different ways to get tickets. RECOMMENDED: Complete guide to Shakespeare in the Park 1. In Central Park at the Delacorte Tickets are distributed in front of the Delacorte Theater on a first-come, first-served basis at 12pm on the day of the show, so you’ll have to wait in line—likely for a long time—if you want to get in. But it's worth it. Before you go, you'll need to register for a Public Theater Patron ID. Click here do that. Central Park doesn’t open until 6am, and although the Public Theater doesn’t condone it, it is legal to camp out before then by the park entrance at Central Park West and 81st Street. A line monitor from the Public will escort any early birds in when the park opens. We recommend this option only for the very desperate; otherwise, arrive no later than 10am—though we recommend much...

As New York City's largest free literary festival, this annual celebration brings together hundreds of spectacular writers from across the globe for more than a week of talks and shopping to satisfy the borough's brainiacs. The festival is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Activities run September 14-22 with writers in a variety of genres: international and local, for adult and young readers, working in fiction and nonfiction, poetry, prose, and graphic storytelling. Events are free, but you’ll definitely want to bring some money to buy some new books to take home.  While activities run for the entirety of the nine-day celebration, the centerpiece festival day on Sunday, September 21, takes place in the parks and plazas surrounding Downtown Brooklyn’s Borough Hall and other venues. Multiple stages will overflow with conversation as authors come together to converse, read and sign books throughout the day. Featured authors include fan favorite Joyce Carol Oates, pioneering graphic memoirist Alison Bechdel, National Book Award winner Sigrid Nunez, NYT bestselling speculative fiction author Nnedi Okorafor, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Việt Thanh Nguyễn, Best of Brooklyn (BoBi) award honoree Marlon James, and other award-winning and emerging authors. Festival Day also stages the largest book market in the Northeast with more than 250 publishers, offering readers the possibility to discover new authors, independent publishers and literary organizations. Also don't...

Free and cheap tickets to NYC's best museums? It's possible! One of the benefits of living in or visiting New York City is all the incredible cultural institutions and museums are at your beck-and-call like The Metropolitan Museum Of Art, MoMA or the Guggenheim. They are among the finest in the world—there’s just one hitch: They’re often pricey to get into. Unlike cities such as London or Washington, D.C., New York isn’t big on publicly funded museums, which is too bad, especially if you actually live here and have to pay most of your wages on food and rent. Granted, there are senior and student discounts, and memberships that let you get in gratis if you’re willing to pay for the annual fee. There is one alternative, however: most museums offer free hours or days and pay-what-you-wish admission. You just have to know where and when they are. We’ve got the info you need in our guide to all the free museum days and cheap admission in NYC you should know about, whether you live here or are planning a visit. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best museums in NYC

Every summer, the Public Theater produces a beloved NYC democratic tradition and one of the best free things to do in NYC: Shakespeare in the Park, presented at the open-air Delacorte Theater in Central Park. There’s nothing quite like hearing the Bard’s immortal words performed outside in New York, with a backdrop of natural splendor and the Belvedere Castle looming in the background like the world’s most impressive set decoration. The Delacorte was closed for much-needed renovations in 2024, but Shakespeare in the Park is set to return in grand form in the summer of 2025. The popularity of the series means that tickets aren’t always easy to come by—but if you persevere, you can get seats. What is Shakespeare in the Park? Created by the late Joseph Papp in 1962, the Public Theater's series offers free, large-scale productions of works by William Shakespeare (as well as the occasional musical or non-Shakespearean drama). The productions often feature some of the most talented actors of our day. Past casts have included including Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, Al Pacino, Philip Seymour Hoffman, George C. Scott and Denzel Washington. What is being performed this season? Shakespeare in the Park seasons sometimes include two productions. There is only one show in 2025, but it's one of the Bard's best: Twelfth Night, Shakespeare's ever-popular comedy of cross-dressing, cross-purposes and cross-gartered socks. Public Theater resident director Saheem Ali directs a starry cast:...

Every fall, Morningside Lights illuminates the night with a procession of awe-inspiring handmade lanterns. This year’s event, titled "TIMEFRAME 1965" features a celebration of the images, icons, and influences of the year 1965. Just after dusk on Saturday, September 20, see more than 50 community-built lanterns. This mobile, glowing art gallery will represent transformative art and artists, seeking to remind viewers how myriad ways of seeing can cohabit and enrich one singular space.  The procession will head from Morningside Park to Columbia University campus, fittingly home to incredible art and arts programming. The route begins in Morningside Park at 116th Street and Morningside Avenue at 8pm, arriving on campus around 8:45pm. "This year’s Morningside Lights, TIMEFRAME 1965, honors an important milestone—the vibrant 60-year history of Columbia’s School of the Arts—and explores the extraordinary artistic energy of that time, out of which a generation of influential artists, filmmakers, performers, scholars, and writers emerged," Melissa Smey, executive director of the Arts Initiative and Miller Theatre, said in a press release. Morningside Lights is led by the directors of Processional Arts Workshop, Alex Kahn and Sophia Michahelles, and produced by Columbia University's Arts Initiative and Miller Theatre at Columbia University School of the Arts. It’s free to attend with no tickets required; festivities begin at 8pm on September 20 in Morningside Heights. In the week...

Most people associate the sari with its South Asian origin. The New York Historical adds another layer to the garment's story by unearthing how the sari—and those who wear it—made New York City its home in a new exhibit opening soon. "The New York Sari: A Journey Through Tradition, Fashion, and Identity" opens September 12 and runs through April 2026. This exhibition traces the path of the sari from the Indian subcontinent to NYC, going from exotic object of trade to a tradition embraced by many communities. The sari holds many different identities; whether it be within consumer empires, dance and performance or explorations of gender and identity, museum officials explained.  RECOMMENDED: The best museum exhibitions in NYC right now By way of trade, colonialism and migration, the sari has a worldwide history. It is often recognized by its draping style and is customizable in its pattern, fabric and color. The 21st century sari reflects regional tradition, specific cultural identity and personal expression. More often than not, the sari is worn in instances that reflect reinvention, such as rituals, milestones and womanhood. Photograph: By Jagdeep Raina / Courtesy of The New York Historical "'The New York Sari' illuminates how a centuries-old garment continues to shape identity, artistry and community-building across our city," Louise Mirrer, president of The New York Historical, said in a press release. "This exhibition is a celebration of the sari's complexity—not only...

Groups! Can’t live with ‘em, can’t try almost everything on the menu in one sitting without 'em! Ok, maybe some can, but many will, at one point, still need to find restaurants perfect for large parties celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, big promotions, belated or pre-lated holidays and general getting the band back together events.  Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island each have options for your next fête, and these are our favorites for those expanded occasions. Most allow you to book space for up to six via conventional platforms, save for noted exceptions that go up to about ten, and all have room for more when you connect via email or phone. RECOMMENDED: See all of the best restaurants in NYC

Under the sticky heat of the afternoon sun yesterday, dozens of fully nude models and artists (some of them nude, as well), gathered in Union Square for the final NYC Bodypainting Day. Each painter brought their artistic vision to life on the exquisite canvas of the human body, with some designs featuring intricate patterns and others with bold sweeping decorations.  Artist Andy Golub founded the annual event a decade ago and said this year would be the last for NYC Bodypainting Day in this form. It's likely that the news of the last hurrah attracted some of the throngs of onlookers who gathered around to watch the painters at work. Other attendees stumbled upon the event as they passed through the park, some suppressing surprised gasps or nervous giggles.  RECOMMENDED: This NYC vegan dinner party requires you to have dinner naked The event celebrates the human body in all of its beautiful shapes, sizes, genders, ethnicities and ages (ranging from the 20s to the 80s at the event). Artists carefully wield paintbrushes to cover their subjects from head to toe in theatrical makeup.  "I wanted people to take a moment and really celebrate humanity," Golub told Time Out New York. "I think the event is really about spreading joy and feeling joy." When thinking back on the first bodypainting day, Golub describes it as "magical" with "this incredible feeling of positivity."  Ten years later, that energy imbued this year's event as well. While this is farewell to NYC Bodypainting...

There's nothing more "summer in NYC" than taking in a movie in the great outdoors, under the hardly-seen stars and set to the humming soundtrack of the city. Even better, all of the screenings listed here are free to attend. New Yorkers love to take in films on the nicest rooftops, on the best beaches, and in our city's greatest parks (preferably with a drink or popcorn in hand). Luckily, NYC has no shortage of movies in the park you can attend in the warmer months. Prefer to watch your favorite films indoors in the A/C? Check out the best movie theaters in NYC. And for some at-home inspiration, you can always catch up on the best NYC movies of all time. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to things to do in the summer in NYC 

Summer isn't technically over yet, but Labor Day Weekend counts as the unofficial farewell to the sweltering season. Celebrate the “last” weekend of summer with parades, fireworks, free festivals and more. We’ve rounded up 10 of our top picks to make this Labor Day in NYC a memorable one. At this point, Saturday, Sunday and Monday look like picture-perfect days with temperatures in the high 70s and plenty of sunshine, so grab the sunscreen and get outside. RECOMMENDED: The full guide to Labor Day in NYC Photograph: Filip Wolak | An image from a previous West Indian Day Parade. 1. West Indian Day Parade For some, Labor Day is just another Monday off, but the costumed gods and goddesses of this wild parade spend the whole year hot-gluing feathers and stones to their magnificent outfits. Party all the way down Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn and enjoy technicolor floats representing countries like Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago while you indulge in jerk chicken and other delicacies at the West Indian Day Parade. Photograph: Courtesy The Metropolitan OperaThe Metropolitan Opera 2. Met Opera’s Summer HD Festival The sounds of opera are reverberating through Lincoln Center once again because the beloved Summer HD Festival is back with free nightly screenings through Monday, September 1.  Over 2,500 seats will be available on a first‑come, first‑served basis, with no tickets required, for the evening screenings, featuring shows like Verdi’s Aida,...

With New York City named as the second-most expensive city in the world, you know we’re on the hunt for deals. While it basically costs $20 just to walk outside here, sometimes it’s worth the splurge if you’re visiting some of the best restaurants in NYC or seeing that hyped-up Broadway show. But more often than not, we have to choose between going out and paying rent, which just freaking sucks. That’s why Time Out New York is dedicated to helping you find cheap eats and happy hour deals as well as plenty of cheap things to do in NYC to fill your days without emptying your wallet. The good news is that you don’t have to skip NYC’s top attractions or events at its beautiful parks. You can catch free shows from up-and-coming bands, or catch a movie for under $10. Some are even worthy cheap date ideas, if you’re looking. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in NYC 

The internationally acclaimed operatic countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo (Akhnaten) plays the titular demented opera diva in a rare revival of a 1983 comic melodrama by Ridiculous Theatrical Company's queer auteur Charles Ludlam. Eric Ting (The Comeuppance) directs this outdoor production, which is the final major offering of Little Island's ambitious 2025 summer season. 

We really like eating around the city, and we're guessing you do, too. So lucky for all of us, we've packed all our favorite restaurants under one roof at the Time Out Market New York. The DUMBO location in Empire Stores has fried chicken from Jacob’s Pickles, pizza from Fornino, delicious bagels from Ess-a-bagel and more amazing eateries—all cherry-picked by us. Chow down over two floors with views of the East River, Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline.  RECOMMENDED: The best things do in NYC

New York is a hotbed of artistic expression. The city’s art museums—including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum—display some of the best artists spanning centuries. And with more than 1,000 galleries, you can check out the latest and greatest artists at any time, in all mediums from painting to sculpture. You’ll find the best galleries in NYC concentrated in Chelsea, but also Brooklyn and Queens to the Upper and Lower East Sides of Manhattan. Visit NYC’s legendary art galleries and you’ll see some of the best artists from around the world.

Bouncing back from Hurricane Sandy, Abraham Merchant (Merchant Rivers House) unveiled a beer-focused waterfront bar on the restored Pier 15. On offer are sea-inspired bar bites like lobster rolls, fish-and-chips, crab cakes and shrimp cocktail with heirloom tomato gazpacho. Sip local craft beers like Bluepoint on red bar stools as you watch sports games on seven flatscreens or, better yet, take in scenic skyline views through the floor-to-ceiling windows. During the day, the bar also doles out cones of Ben & Jerry's ice cream, sorbets and frozen yogurt, fit for indulging your inner kid as you soak up rays on the outdoor deck.

It might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about summer in the city, but when you need to beat the heat, why not give free kayaking in NYC a try? We’ve got plenty of water, from the Hudson River to the East River Estuary, and these waterways offer some of the best views of many of New York’s attractions. If you own your own kayak, you’re all set to paddle. For the rest of us, there are many organizations around the city that aim to reconnect urbanites to nature and the aquatic ecosystems that surround us. Groups of boaters and paddling enthusiasts lead small groups around New York’s waterways, offering a cool, relaxing and educational adventure. Best of all? It’s free! NYC Parks also hosts one-off free kayaking and canoeing events throughout the summer!  Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island all have boating opportunities for you this summer. Most are first-come-first-served or by reservation only, so be sure to check before you head out. After all that paddling, treat yourself to a hearty NYC brunch. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to things to do outside in NYC

The West Indian Day Parade and carnival, the culmination of New York Caribbean Carnival Week, is consistently one of the best things to do over the summer. The event draws close to two million people, so, yeah, you could consider this the most exciting Labor Day Parade NYC has to offer. Spend Saturday and Sunday of the holiday weekend milking what's left of summer at one of New York's beaches, then use Monday to fully immerse yourself in rich Caribbean culture and heritage. It’s bound to be one of the best summer parties in New York this year. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Labor Day weekend When is the West Indian Day Parade? The West Indian Day Parade is Monday, September 1, 2025 (Labor Day) starting at 10am. Where is the parade? During the eight-hour New York carnival, steel-pan and calypso bands in elaborate costumes march down Eastern Parkway, and vendors sell homestyle island grub along the route in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. The 2025 route marches on Eastern Parkway from Utica Avenue to Grand Army Plaza.  What can you do before the event? The pre-parade parties begin at 6am with J’ouvert (daybreak in French), an irreverent festival held before the parade.  What happens during the West Indian Day Parade? The procession always features skin, feathers and sequins, with flags and music that celebrate the heritage of Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti, Barbados, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Jamaica, Saint Vincent and Grenada, Guyana, Suriname and Belize, among others. Revelers often dress...

No matter where you are or where you work in New York, you’re probably stressed out. As great as our fair city is—with so many amazing things to do, fabulous restaurants and top-notch bars—it’s hard to find time to chill out. Taking a weekend getaway or relaxing on a nearby beach are good ways to relax, but often we need serenity NOW (and let’s face it: sometimes planning that beach trip or weekend getaway can lead to even more stress!). A relaxing spa treatment can be just the thing for a quick fix. Problem is, most of us can’t afford the luxurious spas that promise instant bliss. Fortunately there are a number of spots for affordable spa treatments in NYC. Whether it’s a facial, a massage, a mani-pedi or a body scrub, one to two hours at a spa will give you the re-set you need. You’ll feel refreshed and glowing in no time. RECOMMENDED: Find more spas in NYC

It’s hard to get good food on the cheap, but for ten years, Queens Night Market has prided itself on offering the city’s best eats for just $5-6. Ranked one of the best food festivals in the U.S., the foodie festival runs on Saturday nights through the summer at the New York Hall of Science in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.  There will also be other items sale besides food, including vintage apparel, handmade jewelry, ceramic products, locally produced art pieces, crochet toys, stationery, and much more. In its existence, the market has attracted over three million visitors, helped launch 450 new businesses in New York and represented more than 95 countries through its vendors and their food. In 2022, the event averaged over 15,000 attendees each Saturday night. 

If you need another reason to get outside this summer, NYC street fairs take over various blocks in all five boroughs when the weather gets warmer. While frolicking along the city's sidewalks, snack on sensational eats from the best restaurants in NYC, score stellar throwback wares, and shop local. As enjoyable as eating and shopping can be, there are many more things to do outside, from rocking out at music festivals to admiring some outdoor art. Take advantage of the beautiful weather, including awesome free things to do, while the streets are full of fun. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to things to do in the summer in NYC

In the shadow of the Empire State Building, a nine-foot-tall gorilla gazes toward the iconic skyscraper. A few steps away, a massive brown bear raises its head curiously, and a polar bear lifts a paw into the air. These gigantic sculptures newly placed along Park Avenue look remarkably lifelike—and incredibly cute.  They also raise important messages about the beauty and vulnerability of the natural world, especially endangered species. The sculpture collection by renowned French artist Michel Bassompierre titled "Fragile Giants" is on view along Park Avenue between 34th and 38th Streets. This open-air gallery is free to visit through May 11, 2026. RECOMMENDED: The best outdoor art in NYC this summer The powerful open-air installation features nine monumental animal sculptures, which stand tall as majestic figures among the city's skyscrapers. Many of the sculptures have already toured through Europe, but there's one sculpture that was unveiled exclusively for New York City. Titled "Le Majestueux (The Majestic)," it's Bassompierre's largest gorilla sculpture to date. Find it at the corner of Park Avenue and 34th Street with a serene presence and noble form meant to honor the strength and dignity of its species.  This reconnection with the beauty of nature is necessary to make people want to protect it. "We need to create wonder," the artist said in a press release. "This reconnection with the beauty of nature is necessary to make people want to protect it."  Photograph:...

Head to a beloved West Village music shop for a banging musical comedy blowout every Saturday night. This variety show mixes music, comedy, and characters with apperances by Stephen Sihelnik (NY Comedy Festival), Becky Goodman (Edinburgh Fringe), Alexander Payne (Netflix), Clayton Smith (Edinburgh Fringe) and surprise guests. Fun fact: The event's set in New York's oldest continually-run music and record store, Music Inn World Instruments. It's been in operation since 1958 and has been heavily featured in the first two seasons of "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" and Bob Dylan's biopic "A Complete Unknown." Show up early, save a seat and BYOB: You're in for a party.

These hand-pulled noodles bring a little theater to Chinatown’s dining scene. At 1915 Lanzhou Hand Pulled Noodles and Dumplings, the chefs pull the noodles into thin, regular, thick, thicker, wide, extra wide and prism shapes right before your eyes. Once they’re done, they’re dropped into a broth that’s been simmering for hours, then finished with daikon and a generous portion of dark chili oil.  The vibe: Come for the spectacle, stay for the meal. Watching noodles pulled in the open kitchen seems like the main event—but only until you take the first bite of your bouncy noodles.  The food: Noodles come in a huge variety of widths (from hair-thin to wide ribbons to triangular “prism” cuts), each resulting in a different mouthfeel. Dumplings, served in red chili oil or pan-fried to crisp on the outside, soft on the inside perfection, are not to be missed.  The drink: No-frills teas and soft drinks keep the focus squarely on the noodles. Time Out tip: Skip the “regular” noodles and go for broke. Triangular Lanzhou prism noodles—with their three springy ridges built to grip sauce—are a marvel of both gluten and geometry.