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
Hector Guimard: How Paris Got Its Curves

Examine the work and life of the art nouveau architect whose impact on Paris can still be seen.

Museums & Galleries
The Ronald S. Lauder Collection

The cofounder and head of the Neue Galerie displays works from his personal collection.

Museums & Galleries
Animated Advertising: 200 Years of Premiums, Promos and Pop-Ups

Check out this survey of tactile promotional materials that take the form to a new level.

Museums & Galleries
Bronx Children’s Museum Opening

Visit the borough’s first children’s museum.

Museums & Galleries
Jimmy DeSana: Submission

A queer punk icon gets a showing of his outré work.

Museums & Galleries
Thierry Mugler: Couturissime

See the rise the glamazon in fashion.

Museums & Galleries
It’s Time for Me to Go

Discover the work of these young artists at a special exhibition at the MoMA PS1.

Broadway
Kimberly Akimbo

A funny and heartbreaking Broadway show about a teen with a rare disease.

Broadway
& Juliet

This Broadway show flips the script on Shakespeare’s story.

Broadway
Some Like It Hot

Two friends travel cross-country to outrun the mob in this Broadway musical.

Broadway
A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical

This Broadway show brings the life and music of Neil Diamond to Broadway.

Broadway
Between Riverside and Crazy

In this Broadway play, a man and his son navigate NYC life in a coveted rent-stabilized apartment.

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Things to Do

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