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.
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
Get Tough, Get BAAD!
The Bronx's queer community gathers to celebrate powerful representations in media and combat violence and cultural stigma at this annual festival. This year's schedule includes stellar films like Akron, The Watermelon Woman, Greetings From Africa and The Legendary Iconic House of Ebony Ball, plus a series of afromystic performance and writing workshops led by Seyi Adebanjo.
Side Ponytail
This free weekly getdown from Carolyn Busa, Julia Shiplett, Ben Wasserman and Emily Winter is a reliable night for solid laughs and surprise stars in Crown Heights.
"Male Gaze: Life, Legend, Legacy"
This retrospective celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, and of the first exhibition of gay art held by Charles W. Leslie and J. Frederic "Fritz" Lohman in their Soho Loft. Boasting works by Andy Warhol, Enrique Gomez, Keith Haring, Robert Mapplethorpe and nearly 100 other queer artists, "Male Gaze" looks back on the advocacy efforts of the gallery, its founders and the artists they featured.
"Crusader: Martin Luther King Jr."
This exhibition at the Schomburg Center features intimate, lesser-known photographs of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., including photos of his pilgrimage to India, his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance in Norway and other moments of travel, rest and celebration throughout his life. The exhibit marks the 60th anniversary of the first biography of King, Dr. L.D. Reddick's Crusader Without Violence.
