Heads up! We’re working hard to be accurate – but these are unusual times, so please always check before heading out.
The best free things to do in NYC today
And yes, the best free things to do in NYC today—think concerts and comedy shows—are actually worth your time
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.
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
Best free things to do in NYC today
Taste of Times Square
Twenty neighborhood restaurants from New York's Crossroads of the World are offering visitors and natives alike international grub from eateries like Dos Caminos, Gallagher's Steakhouse, Joe Allen, Seamore's Takeover @ Urbanspace, Tito Murphy's, Tony's Di Napoli and Le Rivage. For $35, diners will get a three-course pre-fixe at these restaurants between October 23 and 30. Hell’s Kitchen Happiness Krew will be popping up at restaurants to provide free entertainment.
Photoville
Photoville is back! And your Insta is about to get meta. NYC hosts a bounty of beautiful photography exhibitions, but only Photoville can claim to be as pretty as the photographs it showcases. Usually taking place just in Brooklyn Bridge Park for two weeks each year (around the corner from Time Out Market New York!), Photoville will now also be taking over Astoria Park, Chelsea Park, Jackie Robinson Park, St. Nicholas Park, Soundview Park, Travers Park, Van Cortlandt Park, and the South Beach Promenade among other public spaces across two months.The best part: Photoville is totally free, and dog-friendly! Find a full list of hours and events on Photoville's website.
Ed Sullivan on Acid
At this long-running stand-up show, host Calvin S. Cato and guests hailing from BET, Comedy Central, MTV and VH1 serve up free laughs and candy, so you can save your money for more important things, like drinking.
Mondays in the Club with Lance
He’s worked with Liza Minnelli, Kylie Minogue and just about every downtown act in NYC. Now composer, pianist and performer Lance Horne hosts his own wild night of singing, drinking and dancing, strip-teasing and bad behavior at the East Village nightlife hub Club Cumming. Expect advanced show-tune geekery and appearances by Broadway stars looking to get down by the piano. Plan on sleeping in on Tuesday.