Best Free Things to Do This Summer in NYC

Alyson Penn
06/24/2016

With colorful festivals, concerts by big-name artists and Shakespeare performances, there are fun, free things to do every day in NYC this summer. And, of course, outdoor activities like relaxing in Central Park and strolling the Brooklyn Heights Promenade also cost nothing. Here’s a roundup of some great events that’ll leave you with extra cash in your wallet.

Free Summer Events

Museums & Galleries
Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol

the Morgan's annual tradition features Scrooge in 2018

Museums & Galleries
Fabric in Fashion

The Museum at FIT’s newest exhibition gets down to the nitty-gritty of fashion, delving deep into the role of textiles.

Other Theater
Yeti, Set, Snow!

This must-see marionette show celebrates the winter season.

Museums & Galleries
Posing Modernity

This exhibition explores the representation of the African-American figure in art.

Attractions
Afternoon Guided Tours of Richmond Town

Guided tours of the grounds of Staten Island’s Historic Richmond Town.

Music
Handel’s Messiah

Holiday masterpiece performed by a chorus and the NY Philharmonic.

Outdoors & Recreation
Winter Lantern Festival

This outdoor holiday festival features more than 40 installments of lights and lanterns.

Other Theater
St. George Theatre Christmas Show

Family-friendly song and dance performance about the magic of Christmas.

Other Theater
The Hard Nut

Playful, modernized reimagining of The Nutcracker.

Shopping
TMS Makeup Shop NYC

Pop-up beauty sale featuring more than 40 brands.

Sports
Alvarez vs. Fielding (Boxing)

Middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez takes on Super Middleweight champion Rocky Fielding.

Shopping
Grand Holiday Bazaar

Over six Sundays between Thanksgiving and the New Year, the Upper West Side’s Grand Bazaar is transformed into a holiday market.

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Things to Do

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