The best free events and festivals in NYC

Harlem’s historic artistic heritage will be on full display during this live series of events celebrating the people, arts, culture and food of Harlem. This year's celebration, running from August 1–16, commemorates Harlem Week's 52nd anniversary and includes a block party and virtual summit. Even though it's called Harlem "Week," the celebrations will cover more than two weeks this year. Events throughout the event include an Uptown Night Market, musical performances, virtual dance parties and livestreams. They are also back with their cornerstone events such as the Percy Sutton Harlem 5K Run & Health Walk and "A Great Day in Harlem." There are events for all ages, including a jazz performance, youth races and climate change conference. The festivities first began back in 1974 as a one-time-only event called Harlem Day. It was intended to create a "much-needed positive vibe" and pull the community out of its economic and social doldrums, event organizers say. The event grew from there into the annual festival we know and love today.

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.

Step back in time to August 1776 at Green-Wood Cemetery's commemoration of the Battle of Brooklyn. The battle was the largest battle of the Revolutionary War and the first to take place after the signing of the Declaration of Independence—it took place on land that's now part of Green-Wood Cemetery. Events on Sunday, August 23 include a chance to meet costumed interpreters, experience a 1776 soldiers encampment, do some 18th-century laundry, see historical demonstrations and listen to stories of the American Revolution. Plus, all are welcome to participate in a march to Battle Hill, the highest natural point in Brooklyn and a key site of the 1776 battle.  This event isn't just for history nerds. All ages are invited for a fun afternoon of activities that bring NYC's revolutionary history to life and honor the bravery of those who fought for America's independence 250 years ago. Visitors are welcome to bring picnics and blankets to enjoy on the Main Entrance Meadow—something not usually permitted at Green-Wood. It's free to attend, with advance reservation recommended.

Grab your sneakers and join Seconds Run Club for four miles of bliss. Come with friends or solo, and meet fellow runners for a group exercise that will take you down—and then back up—Park Avenue, which will be completely shut down as part of NYC's Summer Streets. The organizers, who specialize in bringing friends new and old together for a run, promise fun surprises and free treats while supplies last from Thayer's, Hint Water, Fruit Riot, VIO2 Mouth tape and Mezcla protein bars before the run. But if you plan on bringing any of those freebies home with you, you'll need to remember one of your larger running bags as they'll only be given out before you set off along the route.The August 15 activity is what Seconds calls an 'out and back' run. It will start at Central Park Grand Army Plaza (59th St. and 5th Ave.), take runners down to 14th Street and then back up near 50th Street and Park Avenue. The target pace is set at 11 minutes and 30 seconds (per mile), and they've baked in stops along the way for water fountains and street activations. Seconds noted that all runners are welcome to participate, regardless of your typical pace.Get to the starting point at 8:30am so the group can hit the pavement at 8:45am. The run is slated to end by around 9:45am. Tickets are free, just RSVP through events app Clyx.