Festivals and events in New York: Cheap NYC activities

Free and cheap tickets to NYC's best museums? It's possible! One of the benefits of living in or visiting New York City is all the incredible cultural institutions and museums are at your beck-and-call like The Metropolitan Museum Of Art, MoMA or the Guggenheim. They are among the finest in the world—there’s just one hitch: They’re often pricey to get into. Unlike cities such as London or Washington, D.C., New York isn’t big on publicly funded museums, which is too bad, especially if you actually live here and have to pay most of your wages on food and rent. Granted, there are senior and student discounts, and memberships that let you get in gratis if you’re willing to pay for the annual fee. There is one alternative, however: most museums offer free hours or days and pay-what-you-wish admission. You just have to know where and when they are. We’ve got the info you need in our guide to all the free museum days and cheap admission in NYC you should know about, whether you live here or are planning a visit. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best museums in NYC

Whether it's the West Indian Day Parade or the Pride Parade, New Yorkers love to see a good procession. What you probably didn't know is that planets have their parades too, and this week, New Yorkers will be able to witness one of them. Seven planets—Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Venus, Neptune, Mercury and Saturn—are about to align along the Milky Way and will be visible from the tristate area from Wednesday, February 26, until Friday, February 28.  RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in NYC this week What time is best to see the Parade of Planets? The alignment will be most visible just after sunset, which now happens around 5:44pm. The best nights to see it will be tonight, Wednesday, February 26, or Friday, February 28, since the forecast is predicting overcast skies all of Thursday.  How often does a Planet Parade happen? Planetary parades happen every few years, and the last time one was visible was June 3, 2024. That time, though, only six planets were in alignment. Can you see it without a telescope? The short answer is “no”—you won't be able to appreciate the full planetary parade without a telescope. Uranus and Neptune will be too dim to be able to see without a telescope, while Mercury and Saturn will be too far out in the horizon to be spotted with the naked eye, per NBC. That means that only Mars, Jupiter and Venus will be visible without a telescope.  In short, you should try and get access to a telescope or binoculars if you want to actually see the planetary...

On a February morning in the early aughts, an ambitious public art project called “The Gates” filled Central Park with flowing orange flags that visitors could walk beneath. It was open for just two weeks, bringing some much-needed levity to the city. More than 4 million people visited Central Park during the show's short run, and it generated an estimated $254 million in economic activity across the city. Now, in celebration of these beloved artworks by the late artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude, a cutting-edge augmented reality experience on the Bloomberg Connects app will allow New Yorkers to discover The Gates once again. It's available to view in Central Park, along with a complementary exhibition at The Shed, from February 12-March 23. RECOMMENDED: The best outdoor art in NYC this winter To try the experience in Central Park, you'll need to download the free Bloomberg Connects app on your smart phone. On the app, you'll find a map that will guide you through the experience. Start your walk at 72nd Street and Fifth Avenue, then follow along with the signs from there. The app divides the experience into different sections. You'll need to recalibrate the augmented reality at each station stop (don't worry, directions at each sign will show you how). Photograph: Rossilynne Skena Culgan for Time Out New York Then, you'll get to walk through the gates, virtually anyway. You can even pose for pictures and videos. I didn't live in New York City back in 2005, so I never got...

Groups! Can’t live with ‘em, can’t try almost everything on the menu in one sitting without 'em! Ok, maybe some can, but many will, at one point, still need to find restaurants perfect for large parties celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, big promotions, belated or pre-lated holidays and general getting the band back together events.  Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island each have options for your next fête, and these are our favorites for those expanded occasions. Most allow you to book space for up to six via conventional platforms, save for noted exceptions that go up to about ten, and all have room for more when you connect via email or phone. RECOMMENDED: See all of the best restaurants in NYC

Don’t scoff, jaded New Yorker—there are a lot of free things to do in NYC today. We understand: When you live in the most expensive city in the world, it’s hard to imagine how anything in this town could be gratis. But guess what? Every event on this list is free and actually awesome! That’s right, we found the free art exhibitions, comedy shows, cultural celebrations and NYC park activities, so you can have the time of your life without paying a dime. Whether you’re looking for fun date ideas or something to do with visiting relatives, we got you. Do you want more great stories about things to do, where to eat, what to watch, and where to party? Obviously you do, follow Time Out New York on Facebook for the good stuff.RECOMMENDED: See all free things to do in NYC

Under the sticky heat of the afternoon sun yesterday, dozens of fully nude models and artists (some of them nude, as well), gathered in Union Square for the final NYC Bodypainting Day. Each painter brought their artistic vision to life on the exquisite canvas of the human body, with some designs featuring intricate patterns and others with bold sweeping decorations.  Artist Andy Golub founded the annual event a decade ago and said this year would be the last for NYC Bodypainting Day in this form. It's likely that the news of the last hurrah attracted some of the throngs of onlookers who gathered around to watch the painters at work. Other attendees stumbled upon the event as they passed through the park, some suppressing surprised gasps or nervous giggles.  RECOMMENDED: This NYC vegan dinner party requires you to have dinner naked The event celebrates the human body in all of its beautiful shapes, sizes, genders, ethnicities and ages (ranging from the 20s to the 80s at the event). Artists carefully wield paintbrushes to cover their subjects from head to toe in theatrical makeup.  "I wanted people to take a moment and really celebrate humanity," Golub told Time Out New York. "I think the event is really about spreading joy and feeling joy." When thinking back on the first bodypainting day, Golub describes it as "magical" with "this incredible feeling of positivity."  Ten years later, that energy imbued this year's event as well. While this is farewell to NYC Bodypainting...

Let’s face it: NYC is expensive, both for visitors and locals. For those of us living here in the city, we’re constantly choosing between going out and, say, paying rent. While it’s certainly nice to splurge on one of the best restaurants in NYC, the reality is that we mostly have to focus on cheap eats and happy hour deals. We’re here to help: when it comes to going out in the city, you can still have fun without facing a hefty price tag. There are plenty of cheap things to do in NYC to fill your days without emptying your wallet. Some are even worthy cheap date ideas, if you’re looking. Simply walking the streets of New York can make for an entertaining day out, but if you look closely you can find fabulous things to without paying a fortune. Did you know that some of NYC’s top attractions are also affordable? Or how about comedy — a good laugh doesn’t have to cost much. Manhattan and Brooklyn have beautiful parks to stroll, and for a small fee you can get around on a bike or a boat. You can catch free shows from up-and-coming bands, or catch a movie for under $10. Entertainment in NYC can be cheap, or even free, so get out there and have some fun! RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in NYC 

New York is a hotbed of artistic expression. The city’s art museums—including The Metropolitan Museum Of Art, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum—display some of the best artists spanning centuries. And with more than 1,000 galleries, you can check out the latest and greatest artists at any time, in all mediums from painting to sculpture. You’ll find the best galleries in NYC concentrated in Chelsea, but also Brooklyn and Queens to the Upper and Lower East Sides of Manhattan. Visit NYC’s legendary art galleries and you’ll see some of the best artists from around the world.

No matter where you are or where you work in New York, you’re probably stressed out. As great as our fair city is—with so many amazing things to do, fabulous restaurants and top-notch bars—it’s hard to find time to chill out. Taking a weekend getaway or relaxing on a nearby beach are good ways to relax, but often we need serenity NOW (and let’s face it: sometimes planning that beach trip or weekend getaway can lead to even more stress!). A relaxing spa treatment can be just the thing for a quick fix. Problem is, most of us can’t afford the luxurious spas that promise instant bliss. Fortunately there are a number of spots for affordable spa treatments in NYC. Whether it’s a facial, a massage, a mani-pedi or a body scrub, one to two hours at a spa will give you the re-set you need. You’ll feel refreshed and glowing in no time. RECOMMENDED: Find more spas in NYC

Every summer, the Public Theater produces a beloved NYC democratic tradition and one of the best free things to do in NYC: Shakespeare in the Park, presented at the open-air Delacorte Theater in Central Park. There’s nothing quite like hearing the Bard’s immortal words performed outside in New York, with a backdrop of natural splendor and the Belvedere Castle looming in the background like the world’s most impressive set decoration. The Delacorte was closed for much-needed renovations in 2024, but Shakeapeare in the Park is set to return in grand form in the summer of 2025. The popularity of the series means that tickets aren’t always easy to come by—but if you persevere, you can get seats. What is Shakespeare in the Park? Created by the late Joseph Papp in 1962, the Public Theater's series offers free, large-scale productions of works by William Shakespeare (as well as the occasional musical or non-Shakespearean drama). The productions often feature some of the most talented actors of our day. Past casts have included including Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, Al Pacino, Philip Seymour Hoffman, George C. Scott and Denzel Washington. What is being performed this season? Shakespeare in the Park seasons sometimes include two productions. There is only one show in 2025, but it's one of the Bard's best: Twelfth Night, Shakespeare's ever-popular comedy of cross-dressing, cross-purposes and cross-gartered socks. Public Theater resident director Saheem Ali directs a starry cast:...

In New York City, it's becoming increasingly difficult to find cocktails under $18 (let alone, cheap things to do)— the idea of spending the same amount on a mixed drink as you might on a main course is absolutely ludicrous. But affordable imbibing doesn’t have to just take place at the best dive bars in NYC (love them though we do) or during an afternoon happy hour. Need proof? Consult our guide to the best cheap bars for lovers of beer, cocktails and pretty much anything with an ABV. (And if you want some top-notch cheap eats after those cheap drinks, we've got your back, too.) RECOMMENDED: Full guide to best bars in NYC

Nick, Kevin, Joe: if this seemingly random sequence of names stirs something deep within your soul, we got some major news for you.  On March 23, you'll be able to finally set your inner child free at JONASCON, a giant festival celebrating the musical legacy of the Jonas Brothers at the American Dream Mall in New Jersey.  RECOMMENDED: A first look at NYBG's transportive Orchid Show that takes on Mexican Modernism this spring JONASCON will celebrate the 20th year anniversary of the Jonas Brothers with live performances, DJ sets, panels, activations, immersive experiences and surprise guest appearances.  Everyone who registers to JONASCON here will have first access to Jonas Brothers-themed events happening on March 22 and 23 in both NYC and at the American Dream Mall.  In anticipation of the celebrations, the iconic trio dropped a video on Instagram earlier this week to thank fans for their support throughout two decades. Check it out: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jonas Brothers (@jonasbrothers) If you thought the Jonas Brothers were over, you are so wrong. The brand released its biggest album to date, aptly called The Album, in 2023, which included hit singles "Waffle House" and "Wings." In 2024, the world tour in support of the album became their biggest yet, including sold-out shows at Yankee Stadium.  But the Jonases have been part and parcel of our culture for years, now, especially for those of us who grew up in the early...

Located at the top of Museum Mile, the Museum of the City of New York is the place to explore the city’s past, celebrate its present, and imagine its future. The institution’s entire first floor is devoted to New York at Its Core, a sprawling exhibition including two galleries taking visitors on a tour of all 400 years of New York City history and a flagship space known as the Future City Lab where visitors use interactive technology to design the NYC of the future. Rotating exhibitions throughout the rest of the Museum focus on issues ranging from the city’s history of social activism to New York’s built environment, and include objects from the Museum’s extensive Collections of vintage photographs, costumes and textiles, theater memorabilia, furniture and decorative arts, and more. Don’t miss the amazing Stettheimer Dollhouse, created during the 1920s by Carrie Stettheimer, whose artist friends re-created their masterpieces in miniature to hang on the walls. Look closely and you’ll even spy a tiny version of Marcel Duchamp’s famous Nude Descending a Staircase.

New Yorkers might know their city like the back of their hand, but there are some hidden pockets of NYC still to be discovered. There’s always something new taking the place of something old in NYC, but luckily for us, there’s still a plethora of old places to explore, you just have to know where to look. From historic residential groves and tiny roads that have been left behind by the requirements for vehicle traffic to alleyways that were only used for horses and carriages back in the day, below are 10 amazing hidden streets in NYC you can visit right now. RECOMMENDED: Secret NYC: 26 speakeasies, underground gigs and more 1. Washington Mews (Greenwich Village) Photograph: Shaye Weaver/Time Out A private, gated (but often open) street just north of Washington Square Park, between Fifth Avenue and University Place, is a trip back in time to the day of row houses and stables. These mews (a row of stables) serviced horses from homes in the neighborhood during the 18th and 19th centuries and some were also were homes. Around 1950, NYU rented most of these buildings and converted them into faculty housing and offices.  2. Doyers Street (Chinatown) Photograph: Shutterstock Once known as the Bloody Angle, Doyers Street is a 200-foot-long curved street between Pell Street to Bowery that was once one of the deadliest streets. Sure, it’s full of restaurants like Nom Wah Tea Parlor, barbershops and other stores now, but during the early 20th century, it was the site of numerous...

If you happened to walk along Prince Street over the weekend and noticed a long line of cool-looking young adults stretching down the block, that's because they were all waiting to get inside the newly-opened Stüssy flagship store in Nolita. Located at 50 Prince Street, the brand's latest major location features some pretty chic touches blending minimalism with a retro vibe for a zen-like shopping experience geared towards streetwear aficionados. RECOMMENDED: A first look at The View, New York’s only revolving restaurant—reborn Although Stüssy was founded in Southern California in 1984, the brand directly birthed much of the streetwear we now associate with New York City—most notably, Supreme, which was created by James Jebbia, a designer who was part of Stüssy's founding team along with its namesake, Shawn Stüssy.  Stüssy has gone through many iterations of itself, hitting a peak of cultural relevance in the late ‘80s, and has recently regained notoriety for its collaboration with Nike and other major brands. It's also garnered love from a younger generation that appreciates its classic streetwear style that has stayed relatively consistent throughout the decades.  The new flagship is located inside the 5,600-square-foot space that previously belonged to the McNally Jackson bookstore. The inside is the embodiment of minimalism, with lots of wood incorporated into the space and the occasional brutalist cement wall.  View this post on Instagram A post...

We really like eating around the city, and we're guessing you do, too. So lucky for all of us, we've packed all our favorite restaurants under one roof at the Time Out Market New York. The DUMBO location in Empire Stores has fried chicken from Jacob’s Pickles, pizza from Fornino, delicious bagels from Ess-a-bagel and more amazing eateries—all cherry-picked by us. Chow down over two floors with views of the East River, Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline.  RECOMMENDED: The best things do in NYC

Looking for some classic summer fun? Roller coasters and thrill rides are not just for kids, and there are a slew of amusement parks near NYC where you can chase those heart-palpitating plunges and scream-inducing twists that take you back to your carefree days. Hitting up an amusement park can be as easy as taking the subway to Coney Island, but go a little further—say, New Jersey or Pennsylvania—and you’re in for even more thrills. You might encounter hordes of teens or families during peak times, but that’s all part of the fun. If you’re not into the jaw-dropping speeds and dizzying heights of an amusement park, there are plenty of thrilling day trips from NYC that don’t involve near-death feelings. If you need a little down time after getting jazzed up with all that amusement park stimulation, check out one of NYC’s hotel pools open to the public.

Every summer, people flock to Central Park in New York to score Shakespeare in the Park tickets. This beloved free annual tradition is produced by the Public Theater at the open-air Delacorte Theater. Sure, you could stay at home and stream Shakespeare movies, but the live outdoor theater experience is unique—and certainly one of the best free things to do in NYC. As has been the case since Shakespeare in the Park began in 1962, the Public distributes free tickets, but it takes some dedication to get your hands on them. After two years in which distribution shifted largely to a digital lottery, the traditional in-person lineup in Central Park has returned as one of six different ways to get tickets. RECOMMENDED: Complete guide to Shakespeare in the Park 1. In Central Park at the Delacorte Tickets are distributed in front of the Delacorte Theater on a first-come, first-served basis at 12pm on the day of the show, so you’ll have to wait in line—likely for a long time—if you want to get in. But it's worth it. Before you go, you'll need to register for a Public Theater Patron ID. Click here do that. Central Park doesn’t open until 6am, and although the Public Theater doesn’t condone it, it is legal to camp out before then by the park entrance at Central Park West and 81st Street. A line monitor from the Public will escort any early birds in when the park opens. We recommend this option only for the very desperate; otherwise, arrive no later than 10am—though we recommend much...

After graduating from NYU in 2006, Milwaukee native Kate Goldwater opened this funky shop, featuring a curated selection of vintage and thrift clothing ($5–$25) and accessories ($3–$30) that are easy on the eyes and the wallet. Most pieces inside are $30 or less and her finds are perfectly on-trend, which means you’ll find plenty of ’80s and ’90s pieces right now.  

You know the saying: “A picture is worth a thousand words,” and at the International Center of Photography Museum is where you should go to immerse yourself in the world visual storytelling. The institution caters to a wide audience—not merely shutterbugs and Instagram-fans.  The library at ICP houses back issues of photography magazines and thousands of biographical and photographic files. Photojournalism is an important part of the center's program, which also includes contemporary photos and video. The two floors of exhibition space often showcase retrospectives devoted to single artists. Plus, if you’re more comfortable holding a camera than picking up a paintbrush, the International Center of Photography is the art school for you. The renowned school offers classes for teens and adults on every aspect of film and digital photography, from shutter speeds to editing your images in Photoshop. There’s even a workshop on iPhone photography.

Homelessness is a serious issue around the country, especially in NYC. As temperatures drop, the situation becomes even more dire. Fortunately there are organizations working tirelessly to help the homeless, and you can get involved. Whether you want to give back through a holiday volunteer opportunity or, even better, commit to volunteering regularly, here are some amazing non-profit organizations that help the homeless in NYC. These organizations offer shelter and counseling, advocate for fair housing, provide job training, serve meals and more, all to benefit the homeless. Contact each organization directly to find out what kind of volunteer work they need most. Some may need people with a particular skill set, others just need donations, and others need hands-on help. Volunteering is an incredibly rewarding thing to do, and helping the homeless is an urgent and constant need. If you wish to include homeless animals in your volunteer search, check out these pet adoption organizations in NYC. RECOMMENDED: Where to volunteer in NYC

When you enter Federal Hall, you follow the same steps as George Washington—it was here that he took the oath of office to become the first president of the United States. This National Park Service site, nestled on Wall Street, was also home to the first Congress, Supreme Court and Executive Branch offices. The current structure on this spot, a resplendent Customs House, welcomes visitors to learn about the origins of the United States and its inaugural leader.  

Ditch the drink minimum! You don’t need to shell out cash at these free comedy shows in NYC. The city has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to comedy—on any given night, you can hit up some of NYC’s best comedy clubs to see sets from the city’s best-rising comedians, along with well-established names—but you can also find hella funny sets around the city for nothing! Check out our rundown of free shows in town, which will satisfy die-hard fans of comedy podcasts and even clue you into budding comics in on the best open-mic nights in town. RECOMMENDED: See all free things to do in NYC

New York's first dim sum house opened in 1920 on a rough crook of gang-riddled Doyers Street. But the bakery and tea shop, at least, had a sweet reputation: Its almond cookies and moon cakes were legendary. Over its near century in business, ownership of the parlor has remained among the restaurant family to preserve its traditions. Back in 2010, the stalwart was refreshed with a new interior (vintage lamps, framed archival photographs) and remodeled menu showcasing made-to-order plates rather than dim sum en masse. Nom Wah is completely unlike the chaotic banquet halls that dominate Chinatown's dim sum scene. Instead, the dining room is much more charming and welcoming, from the checkered tablecloths over Art Deco tables to the couples huddled beneath old posters of a glam Chinese movie star. The food, too, stands apart; the dim sum here tastes fresher and is more affordable than the competition. Try the ultra-fluffy oversize roasted-pork bun, the flaky fried crepe egg roll and the tender stuffed eggplant filled with a spiced shrimp-and-squid mixture. Plus, it keeps the small plates coming long after other dim sum joints have closed their doors. 

Unlike other New York institutions shambling on as tourist destinations, McSorley’s retains undeniable integrity. It’s a great room, a portal through time. Much has been written about the saloon but Joseph Mitchell’s wonderful old 1940 New Yorker essay, “The Old House at Home” remains the definitive profile, excerpted below. “[McSorley’s was opened in 1854 by John McSorley who] patterned his saloon after a public house he had known in his hometown in Ireland–Omagh in county Tyrone–and originally called it the Old House at Home; around 1908 the signboard blew down, and when he ordered a new one he changed the name to McSorley’s Old Ale House. That is still the official name; customers have never called it anything but McSorley’s… When prohibition came, [John’s son, Bill who had inherited the bar circa 1890] simply disregarded it. He ran wide open. He did not have a peephole door, nor did he pay protection, but McSorley’s was never raided; the fact that it was patronized by a number of Tammany politicians and minor police officials probably gave it immunity." The only alcohol that’s ever been on offer is McSorley’s Ale–light or dark. The brew comes in small “pints,” two at a time. If you’re hungry, there’s burgers, sandwiches, and a plate of cheddar cheese–the latter of which I recommend as it pairs hand in glove with a mug of the light.