Festivals and events in New York: Cheap NYC activities

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 the plethora of incredible cultural institutions and museums at your fingertips. The Metropolitan Museum Of Art, MoMA and the Guggenheim are among the finest in the world—there’s just one hitch: pricey admissions fees. 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 up front. There is an alternative, however. Most museums offer free hours and some have pay-what-you-wish admission—you just have to know where and when they are. In our guide to all the free museum days and cheap admission in NYC, we’ve got the info you need—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 returned last year. 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 usually include two productions. The first this year is the teen-romance tragedy Romeo and Juliet, staged by Public Theater resident director Saheem Ali with a cast that includes aniel Bravo Hernández, Ra’Mya Latiah Aikens, Deirdre O'Connell, Francis Jue and LaChanze. The second is The Winter's Tale, a sweeping story of jealousy, love,...

Harlem’s historic artistic heritage will be on full display during this live series of events celebrating the people, arts, culture and food of Harlem. This year's celebration, running from August 1–16, commemorates Harlem Week's 52nd anniversary and includes a block party and virtual summit. Even though it's called Harlem "Week," the celebrations will cover more than two weeks this year. Events throughout the event include an Uptown Night Market, musical performances, virtual dance parties and livestreams. They are also back with their cornerstone events such as the Percy Sutton Harlem 5K Run & Health Walk and "A Great Day in Harlem." There are events for all ages, including a jazz performance, youth races and climate change conference. The festivities first began back in 1974 as a one-time-only event called Harlem Day. It was intended to create a "much-needed positive vibe" and pull the community out of its economic and social doldrums, event organizers say. The event grew from there into the annual festival we know and love today.

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...

Travel to beautiful Hong Kong without ever leaving New York thanks to this two-day, annual event at Flushing Meadows–Corona Park. Now in its 36th year, more than 100 trained teams gather at Meadow Lake to race on long boats while paddling to the beat of their boat’s drummer. On land, you can join in the fun with music and dance performances, martial arts demonstrations and international food-court vendors. The racing kicks off at 9am, so get there early to get a good view.

Getting around New York City isn't necessarily cheap or easy. A quick cross-town Uber ride can cost over $30. A cross-town bus ride is a fraction of the price but will take you a lot longer. And getting from borough to borough can prove to be even more of a feat.  When we chose this year's coolest neighborhood in NYC, we knew that getting there could be a challenge. In some ways, that semi-remoteness is what makes Red Hook so alluring, after all. The bus is an option, bike share works and the NYC Ferry will get you there (no subway service, unfortunately!). Believe it or not, though, there's an even more direct, totally free option that comes way of the kind merchants of Sweden: the IKEA Ferry. Never heard of it? Allow us to explain.  RECOMMENDED: This vibrant Brooklyn waterfront neighborhood is officially the coolest in NYC for 2025 What is the IKEA Ferry? The IKEA Ferry, operated by NY Waterway, offers boat transportation from two points in Manhattan to IKEA along the waterfront on the southwestern edge of Brooklyn.  Photograph: By yuriyt / Shutterstock Where does it pick up and drop off? The IKEA Ferry has two Manhattan stops. The first is in Midtown West at 39th Street's Pier 79 (that's 459 12th Avenue). The second is in Lower Manhattan at Pier 11/Wall Street (that's Pier 11 at South Street). In Brooklyn, it stops at IKEA (1 Beard Street).  When does it run? The IKEA Ferry runs on the weekends from morning until early evening approximately every hour-and-a-half. You...

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

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 the season 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 7, 2026 (Labor Day) starting at 11am. Where is the parade? During the seven-hour New York carnival, steel-pan and calypso bands in elaborate costumes march down Eastern Parkway, and vendors sell homestyle island eats along the route in Crown Heights and Prospect Heights, Brooklyn. The 2026 route marches on Eastern Parkway from Utica Avenue to Grand Army Plaza.  What can you do before the event? The pre-parade parties typically begin at 6am with J’Ouvert (daybreak in French), an irreverent festival held before the parade, though this year's timing hasn't been announced. 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...

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

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

Dance takes over Lower Manhattan once again for the 45th annual Battery Dance Festival, where companies and choreographers from around the world turn Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park into one giant stage. The annual summer celebration brings free performances to the Battery, offering a chance to see everything from contemporary and experimental work to dance rooted in global traditions, all with the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor as a backdrop. It’s the kind of cultural event that makes you feel sophisticated for simply showing up. Every performance begins at 7pm, just in time for magic hour.

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 

Following Romeo & Juliet, the second offering of Shakespeare in the Park's 2026 summer season offers somewhat happier hopes for lovers. A sweeping story of jealousy, love, repentance, angry bears and magic statuary, it begins in deep suffering but ends, like winter itself, with the prospect of healing and rebirth. Raúl Esparza plays the paranoid Leontes and Lily Rabe is his unjustly accused wife, Hermione, supported by Chuck Cooper, Teagle F. Bougere, Steven Skybell and Isabela Ferrer. Helming the production is that old master Daniel Sullivan—who, at 86, has directed eleven previous Shakespeare in the Park, along with such Broadway favorites as The Heidi Chronicles, Good People and Proof. Tickets are free, of course; see our complete guide to Shakespeare in the Park tickets for details.

New York's best jazz festival doesn't charge a cover. The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival returns August 28–30 with three days of free performances in Marcus Garvey Park and Tompkins Square Park, honoring the bebop legend where he once lived and worked. This year's lineup includes the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Joshua Redman, Ravi Coltrane and more, proving Bird's influence still soars through every generation of jazz. 

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

The original East Village location was a stone-cold classic. It moved in 2006 and, despite some apprehension, we've found it hasn't missed a beat. 2nd Avenue Deli feels exactly the way a deli should: unpretentious and homey and a little cramped, with a big deli case, locals who look like they've been eating here since Moses was in short pants. You can come here for any kind of meal, whether it’s a casual nosh or a big occasion. Yeah, it’s pretty casual, but people can, will, and do celebrate milestones here. Compared to its closest Anglo-analog, the diner, it feels special. It’s pricey, yes. But unlike a diner, you're engaging a long tradition of cuisine that you'd be hard-pressed to find outside of New York City. The chopped liver is moussey and light, the pastrami is fatty without being gummy, each table still gets fixed with pickles; they come in half and full-sour for your pleasure. There's a second location further uptown on the Upper East Side. And above that one, they've got a cute little cocktail bar called 2nd Floor Bar & Essen. But that’s not what we’re talking about here and if you're trying to go for the real-deli-deal, it doesn't get much realer than this.The place is the quintessential New York deli, with pastrami, kishkas, kasha varnishkes—a grain and pasta salad. They don't toast bread; they don't serve cheese. Don't ask. Outside of that, the world’s your oyster—er, I mean, Matzoh ball.Whenever I go, I get a tongue sandwich with a lot of mustard, pickles, a...

Grand Bazaar is one of NYC's oldest and largest marketplaces where you can buy vintage treasures, antiques, clothing and more goodies from more than 150 local merchants. Photographers, jewelers and furniture designers sell their best on Sundays between 10am and 5pm on the Upper West Side (77th Street at Columbus Avenue), rain or shine. Each week offers a different theme, from featuring women-owned businesses to focusing on handmade items to spotlighting international wares. The market runs both indoors and outdoors each week all year long. As a testament to the beloved Grand Bazaar's staying power, the market is celebrating 40 years in 2025. Grand Bazaar also has a mission to give back with 100% of its profits from booth rentals supporting four local public schools, helping with everything from school supplies through teaching assistants.

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 

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.

New York’s ever-changing skyline acquired another sky-high attraction for Gothamites to climb in 2019: Vessel. The 150-foot-tall, 60-ton landmark, located at sleek cultural destination Hudson Yards, resembles a honeycomb, although some New Yorkers say it looks like a waste can. Others say the larger-than-life art installation designed by British architect Thomas Heatherwick is New York’s version of the Eiffel Tour. As for what we say? The gleaming bronze-toned structure looks like a good excuse to get your steps in and snap some pics for Instagram. We climbed the spiral staircase made up of 154 interconnecting staircases, almost 2,500 individual steps and 80 landings—the various outlook points offer panoramic views of the Hudson River, the West Side skyline and the ever-expanding Hudson Yards campus, all of which appear mighty dreamy at sunset. Bonus: New Yorkers can visit for free on select days; here's how.

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...

Hudson Classical Theater Company wraps up its summer season with a show from outside the classical-theater box: a stage version of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's 1903 short story "The Adventure of the Dancing Men," in which the master detective Sherlock Holmes is contacted by an aristocrat who is newly married to an American woman with a shady past. HCTC's Susane Lee adapts the text and Nicholas Martin-Smith directs.

PaddlesIn search of public options for curious newbies, I visit NYC's holdout nonprivate dungeon. The simple setup, found behind a marked door under an inconspicuous Chelsea awning, isn't intimidating. There's a bar selling soft drinks and a few rooms full of contraptions catering to individual interests—such as a chair to help fetishists get a faceful of a partner's feet. Unadorned corridors of cages and Saint Andrew's crosses are scattered around. My friend and I arrive just before 3am on a Saturday, as the space was converting from a well-lit coed atmosphere to the darker men-only party. Still, a half-dozen suburban types linger on a stage with a giant mirror behind it, setting up one last "scene" (a fantasy scenario). Everyone I meet is helpful, down-to-earth and eager to talk, including the Brit who'd arrived in town with a mind to getting caned. He met a German couple outside the club, took them for a drink and convinced the woman to do the honors. There's no pressure here; everything that you do or have done to you is consensual. Quietly watching is permissible; if you witness an act between two people who intrigue you, etiquette dictates you wait until they're through to approach them. There's no penetration or booze—stipulations that have helped the club avoid being shut down—so it's about leaving your street clothes at the door ($2) to reveal your leather skivvies; purchasing a cat-o'-nine-tails ($50--$70) from a spread of switches, whips and paddles on a lighted...

Craving some summer thrills? Roller coasters aren’t just for kids—and luckily, there are plenty of amusement parks near NYC where adults can get their adrenaline fix. Sure, you could hop on the subway to Coney Island for some classic amuseument park fare, but venture a bit farther and you’ll find even wilder rides and sprawling parks. Yes, you’ll probably run into crowds of teens and families, but that’s part of the high-energy charm. And if high-speed drops and loop-de-loops aren’t your thing, there are other exciting day trips from NYC that won’t leave your stomach in knots. Need a breather after all that action? Cool off at one of NYC’s hotel pools open to the public.

Don’t scoff, jaded New Yorker—there are a lot of free things to do in NYC today. We understand: When you live in the most expensive city in the world, it’s hard to imagine how anything in this town could be gratis. But guess what? Every event on this list is free and actually awesome! That’s right, we found the free art exhibitions, comedy shows, cultural celebrations and NYC park activities, so you can have the time of your life without paying a dime. Whether you’re looking for fun date ideas or something to do with visiting relatives, we got you. Do you want more great stories about things to do, where to eat, what to watch, and where to party? Obviously you do, follow Time Out New York on Facebook for the good stuff.RECOMMENDED: See all free things to do in NYC