Looking for big city fun without the big city price tag? You’re in the right place.

This week, skip the splurge and tap into New York’s wealth of free events, cultural gems and summer fun. Here are seven standout (totally gratis) happenings to add to your calendar. Here’s what’s happening 11th-15th August in New York City:

Monday 11th August 2025: True Tales at Churchill Tavern

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Kickstart your week at The Churchill Tavern with New York Story Night. From 7pm, grab a seat and let the city’s storytellers whisk you away, or, if you’re feeling brave, step up and share your own tale. It’s low-key, all laughs, and absolutely free.

Tuesday 12th August 2025: Movies in the Park x2

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Option 1: Over at Domino Square, things kick off early with family flicks and kids’ activities from 4pm, DJs at 6pm, and classic New York films courtesy of Nitehawk at 7pm. It’s the open-air cinema you’ve always wanted—bonus points for a riverside sunset.

Free Things To Do in New York This Week, Moviegoers gathered on the lawn in Central Park for an outdoor film, with night sky and trees surrounding Sheep Meadow

Option 2: For a dose of inspiration, Central Park is screening Sally, the stirring biopic of astronaut Sally Ride. Set up between Sheep Meadow and the 72nd Street Cross Drive and be ready to snag your spot early—the lawn fills up fast.

Wednesday 13th August 2025: Jazz at Hudson River Park

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By midweek, you’ll need a pick-me-up. Find yours at Pier 84, where live jazz from top local musicians kicks off at 7pm. Picture it: the river, sunset skies, and a soundtrack of swing—pure New York magic, zero cost.

Thursday 14th August 2025: Movies Under the Stars

Free Things To Do in New York This Week, Families and friends watching Wicked at Martin F. Tanahey Playground, picnic blankets spread out at dusk

Pack the picnic blanket and head to Martin F. Tanahey Playground in the Lower East Side for an outdoor showing of Wicked as part of Movies Under the Stars. The screening starts around 8pm, but trust us, the best viewing spots are snapped up early.

Friday-Sunday 17th August 2025: Art + Ice Cream

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Get your culture (and sugar) fix at CJ Hendry & Jeni’s Ice Creams’ SoHo exhibit. This technicolor pop-up runs all weekend. Entry’s free, but resisting Jeni’s legendary scoops? That’s a challenge for another day.

Friday 15th August 2025: Free Entry at the Whitney

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Finish your week in style: the Whitney Museum throws open its doors for free every Friday from 5-10pm. Eight floors of contemporary art, boundary-breaking exhibitions, live music, and killer city views. Just reserve ahead—free tickets disappear quickly.

Ready, set, queue the group texts. Which of these will you be trying first? Grab NYC crew, dust off your picnic blanket, and relish a week of best-in-class experiences – no wallet required.