The best free things to do in NYC today
Don’t scoff, jaded New Yorker—there are a lot of free things to do in NYC today. We understand: When you live in one of the most expensive cities in America, 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 best concerts, free art exhibitions, comedy shows, cultural celebrations and events happening in NYC parks, so you can have the time of your life without paying a dime. Whether you’re looking for free date ideas or something to do with visiting relatives, we got you.
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RECOMMENDED: See all free things to do in NYC
Best free things to do in NYC today
Aperitivo Tuesdays
Take in some sun on Dream Hotel’s PHD Terrace while sipping Italian cocktails and nibbling complimentary treats at this afterwork shindig. Tunes from the ’60s come courtesy of the Nick Palumbo Band.
Bring a Weasel and a Pint of Your Own Blood Festival
Erin Courtney and Mac Wellman, estimable experimentalists both, oversee this off-kilter minifest of work by playwrights in Brooklyn College's M.F.A. program. Four new plays are presented in two programs, offered in rep.
Knit at Nite
Enter an Amy Sedaris wet dream at Club Cumming's weekly knitting shindig. Homemaking empress Brini Maxwell and sweater-weather fantasy Josh Bennett give new-user-friendly advice and pro tips for all sorts of curious knitters, and welcome special guests to instruct on designs over drinks. Bring your needles or grab a kit—you're a part of the family now.
Fill in the Hole: A New Comedy Trivia Show
Endlessly creative comedic madman Zach Zimmerman welcomes you to his weekly playhouse, at which you'll catch excellent sets from his favorite comics, then compete in related trivia battles. There's no crazier happy hour in town.
Room Service
The Hotel on Rivington opens its doors to the city's best comedians at this sharp weekly affair. Host Malia Sias curates an excellent night of extended sets, with some of the fiercest performers in town dropping by the Hotel for drinks and a show.
As If! Comedy
Anya Volz, Claire Parker and Blair Dawson team up every week for this totally nostalgic ’90s comedy show, featuring reminiscences on slap bracelets and jelly pens, trivia on cultural artifacts from Buffy to Xena, prize giveaways, and, of course, excellent stand-up.
