Looking for something to do this weekend? Try out some of these free events and save yourself some cash. Concerts, art, basketball, dancing, and more—there’s sure to be something for you.
1. African Film Festival, Inc. - Family Day Celebration
Sunday, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Governors Island
Join African Film Festival, Inc. and the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation for this celebration, which includes free dance classes with world-renowned choreographers and master teachers from Brazil, Senegal, and Guinea. Also featuring storytelling, double-dutch and quilting demonstrations and workshops, all free of charge.
Location: Colonel’s Row, Governors Island. Governors Island is accessible by ferry. Ferries leave from the Battery Maritime Building, at the corner of South and Whitehall Streets, in Lower Manhattan.
More info
2. Columbia Summer Winds Ensemble
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Washington Square Park
Columbia Summer Winds provides free outdoor concerts in NYC parks, from Sousa marches to orchestral transcriptions, from Broadway show tunes to movie soundtracks. The concert band performs wind band music throughout New York City every summer.
Location: Garibaldi Plaza in Washington Square Park
More info
3. WWII and NYC
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tuesdays–Saturdays
Governors Island
Experience what total war meant for New Yorkers through photos and iconic propaganda work. With help from student historians, New-York Historical Society will display a vivid picture of life in war-mobilized New York, when virtually every industry, institution and home was transformed into a venture to support the allied victory. Hands-on activities for all ages will be offered.
Location: Nolan Park, Governors Island
More info
4. Summer Streets
Saturday, 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Manhattan
On three consecutive Saturdays starting August 3, nearly seven miles of NYC’s streets will be opened for pedestrian use. The route begins at Lafayette Street near the Brooklyn Bridge and goes on to Park Avenue to Central Park. A seven-block long art display is featured in the Park Avenue Tunnel and five rest stops will be available along the route.
Location: From Lafayette St. at the Brooklyn Bridge through Park Avenue to 72nd St. and continuing until Central Park
More info
5. Youth Basketball Clinic
Saturday, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Central Park
Improve your basketball ability on and off the court with a focus on skills, sportsmanship and team play. Children Ages 9–17 welcome.
Location: Central Park; North Meadows Recreation Center, Basketball and Handball Courts
More info
6. Better than Jam - Free Crafts Workshop
Saturday, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Governors Island
Better than Jam hosts all handmade products from NYC designers, artists, and crafters.
Join them this Saturday at a workshop making collage postcards on Governors Island.
Location: Nolan Park, Governors Island : BTJ House 16
Contact: 631 377 2500
More info
7. Bryant Park Moves with Limon Dance
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a. m.
Bryant Park
Come learn and improve your movements at Bryant Park. Free dance classes will be by former and current members of Limon Dance. Open to all levels and ages.
Location: Bryant Park (Lawn)
Contact: [email protected]
More info
8. The Conservatory Garden
Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Central Park
At this special place in the park, learn about the rich variety of flora that decorate the garden from the horticulturalists who take care of them. Tours meet at the Vanderbilt Gate. No reservations required. Children under 16 must be accompanied by parents.
Location: The Conservatory Garden in Central Park
More info
9. Hans Christian Andersen Storytelling
Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Central Park
Come hear a fine ensemble of storytellers tell the fairy tales of Hans Christian Anderson at the statue “The Ugly Duckling.” Children ages six and up are welcome, as well as adults. The storytelling is held rain or shine.
Location: Near 72nd Street & Fifth Avenue in Central Park
More info
