Festivals and events in New York: Cheap NYC activities

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...

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 

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:...

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...

Don’t bother with Orlando. Coney Island is its very own magical kingdom, setting off free, sensational fireworks every Friday night all summer long. Grab a frank and get yourself a comfortable spot on the boardwalk to celebrate the end of the work-week every week. Friday Night Fireworks run from Friday, June 20 through Labor Day. Fireworks begin at approximately 9:45pm and launch in front of Deno's Wonderwheel Park providing a breathtaking backdrop to the iconic boardwalk and amusement parks. The spectacular show is presented by the Alliance for Coney Island. 

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

Those free movie nights at Bryant Park aren't just a beloved annual tradition for attendees, but for spectators, too. (Seriously, who doesn't love watching the weekly scramble of everyone trying to plop their picnic blanket in the ideal spot to watch Jaws for the 1,000th time? It's a movie in and of itself!) And we're gloriously getting yet another season of the summertime favorite when Paramount+ Movie Nights at Bryant Park returns with a bold lineup of celebrated films and crowd-pleasing favorites next month. RECOMMENDED: Best things to do outside in New York, from parks to beaches and more Bryant Park’s big screen will light up summer nights in Midtown beginning on June 9 with an 8pm showing of the 1980s Molly Ringwald classic, Pretty in Pink. And there are plenty more great flicks where that came from—the free series will run weekly on Monday nights through August 11, with everything from Francis Ford Coppola's Oscar-winning masterpiece The Godfather to Christopher Nolan's sci-fi weeper Interstellar all ready to be enjoyed under the stars in midtown Manhattan. “Each summer, we see strangers become neighbors on the lawn,” said Dan Biederman, president of Bryant Park Corporation. “Movie Nights remind us how powerful simple moments, like watching a great film outdoors, can be in bringing people together.” What's the full lineup for Bryant Park Movie Nights? Check out all of the top-notch titles you'll be able to watch for free this summer at Bryant Park: June 9: Pretty in...

As the Atlantic Ocean’s waves crashed onto Rockaway Beach on a steamy morning this July, Lou Harris gathered a group of about a dozen kids to look closely at the formation of the water as it formed riptides. Harris, founder of the Black Surfing Association in the Rockaways, doesn’t just teach kids to surf; he also teaches them to learn safety strategies in the powerful water on New York City’s coastline. Affectionately called Mr. Lou, Harris teaches free surfing lessons to local kids, no matter their background or finances. Families can sign up here for free lessons that will teach their kids surf etiquette, how to pop up on the board and even how to catch waves. After the lesson on riptides, his legion of surfing newbies grabbed their boards, moved to a safer spot on the shore and paddled into the water to continue their training. Soon, kids were gliding atop the water with smiles on their faces and Mr. Lou’s enthusiastic cheering in their ears.  RECOMMENDED: Rockaway Beach, NY guide: How to get there and things to do Harris, a Queens native, learned to surf in 2007 under the guidance of other surfers in the Rockaways. Then, years later, Harris heard a news story in 2014 about a kid in Coney Island who set fire to a mattress inside a public housing complex because he was bored. That fire ended up killing a police officer who responded to the blaze. The story stuck with Harris, and he wanted to do something to help local kids beat boredom. He founded Black Surfing Rockaway...

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 

When slavery is taught in an educational setting, perspectives are often erased or overlooked. Marcus Brown, a New Orleans-based artist with enslaved African ancestors, aims to share the stories of enslaved people with four free Augmented Reality (AR) exhibitions across New York City opening July 25 and running through July 2026. As part of the city's Arts in the Park initiative, Brown's "Slavery Trails" takes historical sites that are tied to slavery and crafts them into digital memorials using sculpture and AR that visitors may access via mobile device. Manhattan will house two exhibitions while Brooklyn and Queens will showcase one; "merging technology, music and history into public memory spaces that honor the enslaved and challenge contemporary narratives," according to a press release about the exhibition. Recommended: The best outdoor art in NYC this summer Manhattan's two sculptures are titled "The Slave Market: Wall Street" and "New York Slave Conspiracy of 1741. Brooklyn and Queens work together to tell "American Gold III" and "American Gold IV," respectively.  In Manhattan, "The Slave Market: Wall Street" makes visible the enslaved Africans and Native Americans who were bought and sold during the 1711 New York slave market. The second installation in Manhattan, titled "New York Slave Conspiracy of 1741," brings attention to the mass hysteria in response to mysterious fires which led to the execution and exile of primarily Black and enslaved New Yorkers. Both are...

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...

Shop 'til you drop at FAD Market, a curated fashion, art and design pop-up marketplace, which is back for 2025. Expect to see your favorite makers plus brand new creatives to help you live smarter, gift better and support local businesses.  FAD—which stands for Fashion, Art and Design—takes over different venues with a horde of independent vendors and creators. Admission is free and dogs are welcome! Peruse handmade jewelry, apparel, skincare products, tableware, artisanal packaged food, and more. Whether you're shopping for you or a friend (or even getting an early on that holiday shopping), there are plenty of local gems to pick up.  Here's the upcoming FAD Market schedule for 2025 August 9-10: Summer Market at Empire Stores in Dumbo August 16-17: Governors Island market September 6-7: Fall pop-up at Empire Stores in Dumbo September 21: Market at Open Streets on Montague  October 4-5: Fall pop-up at Empire Stores in Dumbo October 18-19: Market at Brooklyn Brewery October 25-26: Fall pop-up at St. Paul in Cobble Hill November 8-9: Fall pop-up at Empire Stores in Dumbo December 6-7: Holiday pop-up at Empire Stores in Dumbo; holiday pop-up at St. Paul in Cobble Hill  December 13-14: Holiday pop-up at Empire Stores in Dumbo; holiday pop-up at St. Paul in Cobble Hill  December 20-21: Holiday pop-up at Empire Stores in Dumbo; holiday pop-up at St. Paul in Cobble Hill 

Each year, SummerStage is one of the most anticipated free events of the summer, bringing dozens of free, outdoor concerts across different parks to sun-starved New Yorkers from June through October. To celebrate its 39th year, the festival is focusing on diversity and will showcase a mix of established and emerging artists and DJs playing an array of genres that include jazz, hip-hop, indie-rock, salsa, reggae, Afrobeats, soul, pop, global, contemporary dance and more. Here’s everything you need to know about SummerStage’s 2025 festival, including the full lineup.  RECOMMENDED: NYC's best summer music festivals of 2025 Where will SummerStage be? This year’s SummerFest will happen across a variety of parks, including Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem, Tompkins Square Park in the East Village, Herbert Von King Park and The Coney Island Amphitheater in Brooklyn, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, St. Mary’s Park and Crotona Park in the Bronx, Stapleton Waterfront Park on Staten Island and, of course, SummerStage’s flagship venue, Rumsey Playfield in Central Park.  What’s the theme this year? This year’s lineup focuses on diversity, women performers and artists from around the world. When does the season start? The 2025 season will open on Wednesday, June 4, in Central Park with a free show showcasing the best of New Orleans jazz with headliner Marcus Miller. On June 14, The Aussie BBQ is bringing Australian hip-hop duo Flewnt and Inkabee, indie-pop artist Gordi,...

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

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. 

Every summer, Hudson Yards hosts a slate of free community programs that undoubtedly turns even the biggest area skeptic into a curious wanderer—and for good reason: the lineup is usually great. This year, for example, Backyard at Hudson Yards presented by Wells Fargo is bringing outdoor fitness classes to the masses alongside Lululemon; hard-hitting concerts; kid-friendly activations; and even pet adoption days. Sure, the whole thing might be sponsored by a mega-bank, but your glutes won’t notice as you're getting that free workout in. Below, we highlight some of the most exciting offered programming: RECOMMENDED: NYC's best summer music festivals of 2025 For fitness-related programming, which will include pickleball and run clubs, you can check out Hudson Yard’s website. Here is a comprehensive list of this summer's programming. Concerts The free concerts will take place between June 25 and August 13 on the Wells Fargo Stage from 6pm until 8pm. June 25: Marc Scibilia July 2: The Knocks July 9: Cian Ducrot July 16: Paul Russell  July 23: Alex Sampson July 30: Brittney Spencer August 6: MXMTOON August 13: TBA Check for updates on concerts here.   Movies Movie nights will take place from 5pm to 7pm. May 9: Freaky Friday May 16: Wicked May 30: Ben and Jerry September 12: Grease September 19: Clueless September 26: Ferris Bueller's Day Off  October 3: Grown Ups October 10: Rent October 17: Legally Blonde October 24: Top Gun Maverick See the latest movie and sports...

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.

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

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

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 1-17, commemorates Harlem Week's 51st 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.

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:...

New Yorkers might know their city like the back of their hand, but there are some hidden pockets of NYC still to be discovered. There’s always something new taking the place of something old in NYC, but luckily for us, there’s still a plethora of old places to explore, you just have to know where to look. From historic residential groves and tiny roads that have been left behind by the requirements for vehicle traffic to alleyways that were only used for horses and carriages back in the day, below are 10 amazing hidden streets in NYC you can visit right now. RECOMMENDED: Secret NYC: 26 speakeasies, underground gigs and more 1. Washington Mews (Greenwich Village) Photograph: Shaye Weaver/Time Out A private, gated (but often open) street just north of Washington Square Park, between Fifth Avenue and University Place, is a trip back in time to the day of row houses and stables. These mews (a row of stables) serviced horses from homes in the neighborhood during the 18th and 19th centuries and some were also were homes. Around 1950, NYU rented most of these buildings and converted them into faculty housing and offices.  2. Doyers Street (Chinatown) Photograph: Shutterstock Once known as the Bloody Angle, Doyers Street is a 200-foot-long curved street between Pell Street to Bowery that was once one of the deadliest streets. Sure, it’s full of restaurants like Nom Wah Tea Parlor, barbershops and other stores now, but during the early 20th century, it was the site of numerous...

Warsaw is where pierogis meet punk! A long-running staple of the Brooklyn music scene, this beloved, worn-in ballroom has a capacity of 1000 and hosts relatively few events in comparison to some of its larger counterparts. However, the shows that do turn up here are frequently well worth the trip. Oh, and did we mention it's the only venue in town where you can nosh on kielbasa, bigos, and blintzes? Since its founding in 2001, the local favorite and industry go-to has become renowned for its showcasing of punk bands, hip-hop artists, DJs, and more on the rise. Located inside the Polish National Home, it's a real staple of Brooklyn nightlife. Want to join in with all the fun? You can find all of the upcoming shows at the venue here. 

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