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 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 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,...

Now in its 44th year, Coney Island’s epic procession of wild floats and barely clad revelers is as kitschy, campy and fabulous as ever. Those who are serious about their scales can register to win coveted titles like Best Sea Creature, Best Motorized Float, Neptune Costume and Mermaid Costume, while the rest of us bask in the glow of a blinding array of sequins and engage in some much-needed beachside celebrating.

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...

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

Romeo and Juliet, the earliest of Shakespeare's major tragedies, is the timeless story of teenagers who, in rebellion against their disapproving parents, have sex and then die after scoring drugs from a local priest. This version is helmed by the Public’s associate artistic director, Saheem Ali, whose credits include last year's Twelfth Night in the Park as well as Broadway's Buena Vista Social Club. Daniel Bravo Hernández and Ra’Mya Latiah Aikens play the star-crossed lovers; the supporting cast includes Deirdre O'Connell, Francis Jue, LaChanze, Glenn Fleshler and Caleb Joshua Eberhardt. Tickets are free, as always; see our complete guide to Shakespeare in the Park tickets for details.

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 

Open Roads: New Italian Cinema returns to Film at Lincoln Center May 28–June 4 for its 25th anniversary edition, co-presented with Cinecittà and showcasing contemporary Italian filmmaking. The program spans bold new voices and established auteurs, with selections including Venice-premiering The Kidnapping of Arabella by Carolina Cavalli and a Roberto Rossellini tribute marking the 120th anniversary of the filmmaker’s birth with a screening of Paisan. Highlights also include the North American premiere of Roberto Rossellini, Living Without a Script, leveraging archival material into a portrait of one of cinema’s great innovators.

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...

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

Fifth Avenue becomes a mile-long cultural block party when the Museum Mile Festival returns June 9 from 6pm–9pm, turning the Upper East Side into a car-free corridor of art, music and pure New York spectacle. From 82nd to 110th Streets, more than 20 museums—including the Met and Guggenheim—open their doors for free, while the street itself fills with live performances, pop-ups and roaming crowds. Turn your evening into equal parts gallery crawl and summer street fair for an unforgettable night out.

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

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

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 

After opening in 1929, MoMA became key to spreading the gospel of modern art over the course of the 20th century, positioning itself as a kind of temple for only the most dedicated aficionados. Today, that approach has largely been discarded in favor of a refreshingly more inclusive program that features women and artists of color, as well as lesser-known figures from global reaches beyond Europe and the United States. MoMA has become increasingly user-friendly through successive expansions—2019 added 40,000 square feet of new exhibition space, including street-facing galleries free to the public, as well as a dedicated venue for live programming and performances. Current amenities include MoMA’s sculpture garden and cinema, as well as a Michelin-starred restaurant run by Danny Meyer (don’t worry; there are also less-expensive dining options). Then there’s The MoMA Design Store, which sells furnishings and other merchandise as well as books. Still, it’s hard for MoMA to completely shake off its legacy; people still come to see famous artists such as Picasso and Matisse, after all. But through repeated renewal and re-invention, MoMA has exceeded its original role as modernism’s incubator to become one of NYC’s most important—and visited—museums.

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...

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.

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

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...

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...

PrideFest is a typical NYC block party—but one with way more sequins and exposed flesh. The annual event returns on Sunday, June 28, as one of the signature events of NYC Pride Week. Stretching along 4th Avenue between 14th Street and Astor Place, the all-day celebration of LGBTQIA+ culture and visibility transforms the neighborhood into a bustling open-air fair filled with live performances, DJs, community booths, food vendors and (of course) Pride merch. There will also be resources and information available for those looking for something more than an afternoon of community, making it both a party and a civic gathering.

The industrious New York Classical Theatre devotes its latest summer season to the Bard's historical tragedy, in which Roman senators bloodily veto a popular general after his leadership turns toward tyranny. If you missed the Public Theater's controversial Trump-themed production in 2017, here's another chance to see the play, minus the orange Julius. Stephen Burdman directs this peripatetic staging; the cast of nine includes Oneika Phillips and Carine Montbertrand as the honorable Brutus and Cassius, Clay Storseth as the ambitious Caesar and Paul Deo Jr. as the Roman ear borrower Mark Antony. The show kicks off in Central Park (June 2–21) before moving east to Carl Schurz Park (June 23–28) and south to Battery Park (June 30–July 5). Attendance is free, but reservations are suggested and donations are welcome. 

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.

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

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.