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.
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. On September 4, they celebrate one year of giddy high jinks with a bangin' lineup: Liza Treyger, Megan Gailey, Andy Erikson and Marie Faustin.
Loreley's Annual Oktoberfest Season
The biergarten kicks off festivities with a ceremonial keg tapping. Loreley keeps the party going all month with Bavarian suds like Hofbräu Oktoberfestbier, as well as 12 kinds of sausages served that the Sausage Fest in October. Rounding out the revelry are beer tastings led by brewmaster Rudi Eilers, a pig roast and a free Halloween bash where you can drink pumpkin beer from mini pumpkin kegs.
"Bruce Sargeant (1898–1938): The Lost Murals curated by Mark Beard"
Over the past 20 years, artist Mark Beard has collected the works of his great-uncle, painter Bruce Sargeant, whose paintings of athletic men displaying homoerotic athleticism have been largely overlooked since his early death at the age of 40. Now, Beard brings together murals of Sargeant's from around the world, and ushers in his rightful inclusion to the queer canon. The exhibition opens with a launch party on Thursday, October 4.
Pink: The History of a Punk, Pretty, Powerful Color
The Museum at FIT unleashes the politics and provocations of the color pink at this stunning exhibition, featuring clothing from the 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. Divided into two sections, the exhibition explores how the color has come to play into eroticism, punk rock, activism and gender politics. You'll explore historical ensembles from Japan, India, Africa, Mexico, Great Britain, the U.S. and beyond that played into the lives of commoners and royals alike; then gag at stunning looks from the vaults of Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci, Moschino and Comme des Garçon. Witness the splendor!
