You don’t need to dish out big bucks to enjoy New York City. As the great weather rolls in for the summer so does an influx of free public events across the boroughs.
We’ve got shows that won’t cost you a dime, art showcases that don’t ask a fee and educational festivals that’ll stimulate your mind for free. Make sure to check out the links for more details like RSVP deadlines or conditions! We hope you make it out to some of these great happenings because fun doesn’t have to be another bill.
July 2nd
Strictly Tango Dance Class & A Movie Under The Stars
(Washington Square Park, Manhattan @ 6 PM)
It’s an all night long affair in Washington Square park thanks to this combo of rhythm and relaxation. Dancers are invited out for a free dance lesson with a professional Tango dancer from Strictly Tango NYC Dance School, just make sure to bring your shoes. Invite your favorite dancing partner or find one by mingling to Tango hits. Cool down with a free movie screening of The Tango Lesson after busting out moves. Packing a picnic along with a blanket or chair is encouraged for maximum enjoyment.
July 4th
Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest
(Surf and Stillwell Avenue, Brooklyn @ 10:45 AM)
The 2019 International Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest is returning to Coney Island. The tradition which was started in 1916 has convinced crowds to return every summer and watch seasoned eaters down record-setting amounts of the signature frank from Nathan’s Famous. The eating contest tests the quantity consumed as well as the speed contestants can do so at. The showdown will take place at their original location of Surf and Stillwell avenues in Brooklyn.
July 6th
(Great Jones Street, Manhattan @ 10 AM)
This month’s Arab American Festival is offering a day of entertainment, education, and fun to the publi.c. The street festival is the largest of its kind. Entertainment will include food, live musical performances from Middle Eastern and North African musicians and other vendors. The celebration of culture will take place in rain or shine although the forecast promises a sunny day. Sling is sponsoring the event and setting up a screen to stream the Croatia-Russia match, guaranteeing plenty to investigate and enjoy.
July 8th
(195 East 3rd Street, Manhattan @ varied showtimes)
The Fresh Fruit Festival celebrates LGBTQAI+ performers, dancers, artists and more at The Wild Project Theatre for their 17th season. Visitors can expect to see a variety of shows that range from plays and solo performances to musicals. There are different projects featured so check out their site for specific information such as those staring, genre and ticket availability.
July 10th
(2 Lincoln Square, Manhattan @ 2 PM)
Due to sponsorship by Joyce B. Cowen, Jazz + Wednesdays at the American Folk Art Museum are totally free music events that allow the public to enjoy live professional performances at no cost. Guitarist Bill Wurtzel, playing since age 9, will play classics from the American Songbook with a guest musician. 2018 marked Wurtzel’s 9th year performing the short concert series at the AFAM, thanks to its popularity.
July 13th
(Broadway and West 46th Street @ 1 PM)
The free Tap It Out event is wrapping up the Tap City Series in New York. It is open to the public and allows those that wish to experience the style and beat possible in organized tap dancing performance to enjoy a high-quality show at no cost. Viewers of the event can expect a choreographed routine from hundreds of dancers resulting in a crisp acapella experience.
(Pier 16 and 17, Manhattan @ 10 AM)
Thanks to sponsors like Con Edison, Port Nyc, Boxed Water, and many others, the City Of Water Day event will offer water sports to the public at no cost. Although there will be numerous locations throughout the boroughs participating, the South Street Seaport Museum will hold the headquarters festival at Pier 17 and 16. Spectators can watch the kayak race take place, take a ride on one of the free ferry tours on tugboats, food vendors, live music and family-friendly activities.
July 14th
(60th Street and 5th Avenue @ 12 PM)
FIAF has maintained the Bastille Day tradition for over 20 years, bringing New York the largest celebration of French culture. It commemorates the arrival of the modern French nation and it’s cuisine, music, art and more. New Yorkers can revel in the sights, tastes, and essence of France from a distance. There will also be events to partake in, including a screening of C’est La Vie at FIAF Florence Gould Hall.
(163rd Street and Southern Blvd, Bronx @12 PM)
In an explosion of sights, sounds, tastes, and emotion the Carnaval De La Cultura’s Bronx event allows visitors a peak of Latin history. The celebration is totally free and is a great opportunity to purchase handmade goods, authentic foods or participate in mingling and traditional dancing. It is a family-friendly event with open arms to everyone. The festival has numerous dates and locations throughout the year that brings out crowds of excited foodies and culture lovers.
July 15th
(The Granite Prospect, Brooklyn @ 7 PM)
Almost nothing beats reading a good book except probably having one read to you surrounded by really scenic surroundings. Since the launch of Books Beneath the Bridge, over 6,000 book fanatics and literature lovers have embarked on journeys of mystery, fiction and fact together. Through the month of July, the summer night series will welcome crowds to gather at Pier 1 Granite Prospect and enjoy readings, book signings, discussions and more.
July 19th
(59 East 59th Street, Manhattan @ varied showtimes)
The Summer Shorts event is returning to give the audience a chance rediscover classic American playwrights alongside emerging writers. In an effort to provide artists with a place to present their work and grow, the event provides an optimal theatrical experience for both performer and audience for an affordable price. There will be six short plays premiering at the festival that are 20-30 minutes in length. The films are being shown at the 59E59 venue and are separated according to the group as listed on the website.
July 20th
(Manhattan Bridge Archway Plaza, Manhattan @ 12 PM)
This free public event is separated into 2 portions, the first being family friendly during the day and the second aimed toward adults. The first portion of the Come Out & Play event includes the popular board games and street games that are child-friendly and safe for children to let loose. When the sun begins to go down, the second segment ushers in video games and some featuring VR technology which will all require players to be 18+.
July 26th
(73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Queens @ 6 PM)
In a beloved and celebratory occasion, the 41st Thunderbird American Indian Powwow is returning to the city. The Powwow event will stretch over three days with scheduled programming of intertribal Native American dance competitions representing over 40 Indian Nations. A few highlights of the programming are hoop dancers, the sunset lighting of the bonfire and vendors selling handmade art, jewelry and food.
July 27th
(50 Bedford Park Blvd W, The Bronx @ 10 AM)
City of Science is an interactive education show that focuses on science, technology, math, and engineering. The traveling event is filled with hands-on activities, interactive demonstrations, insightful exhibitions and other materials that will perplex visitors and encourage learning. The free event gives the public access to innovative concepts in today’s tech and science fields alongside important STEM concepts.
(Colonel’s Row, Governor’s Island @ 11 AM)
Enjoy spoken word, visual work, and performances at the New York City Poetry Festival. The event will feature 250 poets at 2 different locations and welcome 14,000 participants in the form of listeners, readers, and writers. The different types of poetry showcased will range from free verse to metered and everything in between. There will also be food on sale, a wine and beer garden, crafts activities and books for purchase.
July 28th
Ballet Folklórico Mexicano de Nueva York
(Socrates Sculpture Park @ 2 PM)
You’re invited to watch dance performances of Oaxaca origin at the Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Nueva York at Socrates Sculpture Park. The 7th annual festival celebrates Mexican culture with live music, traditional dance, handmade goods, and food. Each region showcased will contribute a unique set of visual, auditory and artistic aspects to the festival that differentiates their cultures.