GUIDE

Free & Cheap Date Ideas in NYC

Date ideas that cost little or nothing

🗺️ Plan it
🎯 Filters 3 60 listings

Find your thing

60listings
1

Whenpick one

Today1Tomorrow7This weekend8📅 Pick dates
2

Whereall areas · up to 3

New York City242Manhattan55📍 BrooklynQueens37Bronx31Staten Island69📍 Lower New York📍 Long IslandWestchester & Rockland7Lower Connecticut1New Jersey↗

That's 3 areas, the max. Tap one to swap it.

3

Whatpick as many as you like

🎨 Arts & culture17🎶 Music & nightlife18🌳 Outdoors16🚶 Tours & walks5🖌️ Painting & crafts4
4

Costpick any

FreePaid
＋ More: who's going · indoor / outdoor · access ▾

Who's goingpick one

🧸 Kids4👨‍👩‍👧 Family (all ages)38💞 Date36🍸 21+14

Indoor / outdoor

🌤️ Outdoor27

Access

🚇 Transit directions1
Clear all
FreePaid
Long Island ×Brooklyn ×Lower New York ×Clear all

Free and cheap date ideas in NYC: gallery nights, free concerts, walking tours, tastings and markets worth wandering. Pair any of these with a walk and you’ve got a night out. For paid ideas, see Date night.

255 verified listings right now. Updated automatically.

Starts in 16h 49m
1st Sun · 10 AM–1:30 PM
55°F · Mostly Sunny
✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026
Why this place: Free · repeats, so you can go another time · at Audubon Center at the Boathouse, Prospect Park, Brooklyn · official listing on prospectpark.org · checked Oct 30
Outdoors

Birdwatching: First Sunday Outings in Prospect Park

📍 Audubon Center at the Boathouse, Prospect Park · Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Completely free, no registration
Starts in 17h 49m
SUN, NOV 1 · 11 AM–4 PM
56°F · Mostly Sunny
✓ Verified Oct 29, 2026
Why this place: Free · registration required · at Audubon Center at the Boathouse, Prospect Park, Brooklyn · official listing on prospectpark.org · checked Oct 29
Arts & culture

Brooklyn FAM Festival: Shine Your Light

📍 Audubon Center at the Boathouse, Prospect Park · Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Free, RSVP (food and drinks for purchase)
Starts in 17h 49m
SUN, NOV 1 · 11 AM–12 PM
56°F · Mostly Sunny
✓ Verified Oct 29, 2026
Why this place: Free · at American Veterans Memorial Pier, Brooklyn · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Oct 29
Tours & walks

Saltwater Fishing

📍 American Veterans Memorial Pier, Brooklyn
Free (NYC Parks event)
Starts in 17h 49m
SUN, NOV 1 · 11 AM–12:30 PM
56°F · Mostly Sunny
✓ Verified Oct 29, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Sunset Park Playground (in Sunset Park), Brooklyn · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Oct 29
Tours & walks

Fall Foliage Tree ID

📍 Sunset Park Playground (in Sunset Park) · Sunset Park, Brooklyn
Free (NYC Parks event)
Starts in 18h 49m
Every Sat, Sun · 12 PM–5 PM
59°F · Mostly Sunny
✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026
Why this place: Free · kid-friendly · repeats, so you can go another time · at Lefferts Historic House, Prospect Park, Brooklyn · official listing on prospectpark.org · checked Oct 30
Arts & culture

Exhibit: The Shirley Chisholm Way at Lefferts Historic House

📍 Lefferts Historic House, Prospect Park · Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Completely free
Starts in 20h 49m
SUN, NOV 1 · 2 PM–3 PM
61°F · Mostly Sunny
✓ Verified Oct 28, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Visitor Center at the Boathouse, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn · official listing on brooklynbridgepark.org · checked Oct 28
Music & nightlife

Beethoven Piano Sonatas with Jeffrey Swann

📍 Visitor Center at the Boathouse, Brooklyn Bridge Park · DUMBO, Brooklyn
Free admission; no tickets or reservations.
Starts in 3d 17h
WED, NOV 4 · 11 AM–12:30 PM
67°F · Mostly Sunny
✓ Verified Oct 25, 2026
Why this place: Free · registration required · at The Long Island Museum, Art Museum, Long Island · official listing on longislandmuseum.org · checked Oct 25
Arts & culture

Mornings@LIM: Enduring Hearts gallery visit

📍 The Long Island Museum, Art Museum · Stony Brook, Long Island
Free program for individuals living with dementia and care partners · registration required
Starts in 5d 5h
THU, NOV 5 · 10:30 PM–2:30 AM (NEXT DAY)
64°F · Chance Rain Showers
✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Public Records, Brooklyn · official listing on dice.fm · checked Oct 30
Music & nightlife

Mousse T. at Public Records (21+)

📍 Public Records · Gowanus, Brooklyn
Paid; 21+
Starts in 5d 23h
FRI, NOV 6 · 5 PM–8 PM
65°F · Rain Showers Likely
✓ Verified Oct 26, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Hudson River Museum, Hudson Room, Westchester · official listing on hrm.org · checked Oct 26
Arts & culture

Free First Friday: America in Motion

📍 Hudson River Museum, Hudson Room · Yonkers, Westchester
Free admission · optional cash bar
Starts in 6d 0h
FRI, NOV 6 · 5:30 PM–7:30 PM
65°F · Rain Showers Likely
✓ Verified Oct 26, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Hudson River Museum lobby, Westchester · official listing on hrm.org · checked Oct 26
Arts & culture

Stop In and Sketch at the Hudson River Museum

📍 Hudson River Museum lobby · Yonkers, Westchester
Free · drop-in workshop
Starts in 6d 3h
FRI, NOV 6 · 9 PM–4 AM (NEXT DAY)
62°F · Chance Rain Showers
✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026
Why this place: Free · registration required · at Elsewhere, Brooklyn · official listing on elsewhere.club · checked Oct 30
Music & nightlife

Chatroom: OSGEMEOS (free with RSVP, 21+)

📍 Elsewhere · Bushwick, Brooklyn
Free with RSVP · 21+
Starts in 6d 4h
FRI, NOV 6 · 10 PM–4 AM (NEXT DAY)
61°F · Chance Rain Showers
✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026
Why this place: Free · at House of Yes, Brooklyn · official listing on calendar.houseofyes.org · checked Oct 30
Music & nightlife

House of Grooves: Eli Escobar All Night (21+)

📍 House of Yes · Bushwick, Brooklyn
Paid · tickets on the House of Yes site · 21+
Starts in 6d 14h
1st Sat · 7:30 AM–8:30 AM
✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026
Why this place: Free · repeats, so you can go another time · at Picnic House area, Prospect Park, Brooklyn · official listing on prospectpark.org · checked Oct 30
Outdoors

FIDO Coffee Bark in Prospect Park

📍 Picnic House area, Prospect Park · Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Completely free
Starts in 6d 16h
SAT, NOV 7 · 10 AM–2 PM
✓ Verified Oct 26, 2026
Why this place: Free · registration required · at Hudson River Museum, Greene Education Center, Westchester · official listing on hrm.org · checked Oct 26
Arts & culture

Teen sculpture workshop: Arts and Activism

📍 Hudson River Museum, Greene Education Center · Yonkers, Westchester
Free for Westchester teens · registration via WYA
Starts in 6d 16h
Every Sat · 10 AM–12 PM
✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026
Why this place: Free · kid-friendly · repeats, so you can go another time · at Audubon Center at the Boathouse, Prospect Park, Brooklyn · official listing on prospectpark.org · checked Oct 30
Outdoors

Introduction to Birdwatching Outings in Prospect Park

📍 Audubon Center at the Boathouse, Prospect Park · Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Completely free, no registration
Starts in 6d 16h
SAT, NOV 7 · 10 AM–11:30 AM
✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Salt Marsh Nature Center, Brooklyn · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Oct 30
Outdoors

Birding: Fall Migration at Salt Marsh Nature Center

📍 Salt Marsh Nature Center · Marine Park, Brooklyn
Free
Starts in 6d 17h
SAT, NOV 7 · 11 AM–5 PM
✓ Verified Oct 29, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Lafayette Avenue outside BAM Rose Cinemas, Brooklyn · official listing on bam.org · checked Oct 29
Music & nightlife

Playback's Free Street Party Outside BAM

📍 Lafayette Avenue outside BAM Rose Cinemas · Fort Greene, Brooklyn
Free street-party admission; optional purchases and separately ticketed films extra.
Starts in 6d 20h
SAT, NOV 7 · 2 PM–3:30 PM
✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026
Why this place: Free · registration required · at Lefferts Historic House, Prospect Park, Brooklyn · official listing on prospectpark.org · checked Oct 30
Tours & walks

Battle of Brooklyn Walking Tour

📍 Lefferts Historic House, Prospect Park · Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Free with RSVP
Starts in 1w 0d
SAT, NOV 7 · 10:30 PM–4 AM (NEXT DAY)
✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Elsewhere, Brooklyn · official listing on elsewhere.club · checked Oct 30
Music & nightlife

Flava D + Made to Order at Elsewhere (21+)

📍 Elsewhere · Bushwick, Brooklyn
Paid; 21+
Starts in 1w 0d
SUN, NOV 8 · 11 AM–12 PM
✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Audubon Center at the Boathouse, Prospect Park, Brooklyn · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Oct 30
Outdoors

Fantastic Fungi Mushroom ID Hike in Prospect Park

📍 Audubon Center at the Boathouse, Prospect Park · Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Free
Starts in 1w 0d
SUN, NOV 8 · 1 PM–4 PM
✓ Verified Oct 29, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Pioneer Works, Brooklyn · official listing on aaa.org · checked Oct 29
Outdoors

Free Solar Observing at Pioneer Works

📍 Pioneer Works · Red Hook, Brooklyn
Free (Amateur Astronomers Association public event)
Starts in 1w 4d
WED, NOV 11 · 7 PM–8:15 PM
✓ Verified Oct 28, 2026
Why this place: Free · registration required · at Online via Zoom, Nyack & Rockland · official listing on artscouncilofrockland.org · checked Oct 28
Arts & culture

Structure, Status, and Strategy: Business Entities for Creatives

📍 Online via Zoom · Online — Rockland organizer, Nyack & Rockland
Free online workshop; registration required.
Starts in 1w 5d
FRI, NOV 13 · 2 PM–3:30 PM
✓ Verified Oct 25, 2026
Why this place: Free · at The Long Island Museum Studio, Long Island · official listing on longislandmuseum.org · checked Oct 25
Arts & culture

Stitch & Chit-Ch(at) at the Long Island Museum

📍 The Long Island Museum Studio · Stony Brook, Long Island
Free program · no registration required · ages 12+
Starts in 1w 5d
FRI, NOV 13 · 5 PM–9 PM
✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn · official listing on aaa.org · checked Oct 30
Outdoors

Free Stargazing at Floyd Bennett Field

📍 Floyd Bennett Field · Marine Park, Brooklyn
Free (Amateur Astronomers Association public event)
Starts in 1w 6d
FRI, NOV 13 · 10:30 PM–4 AM (NEXT DAY)
✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Elsewhere, Brooklyn · official listing on elsewhere.club · checked Oct 30
Music & nightlife

Cut Copy (DJ set) at Elsewhere (21+)

📍 Elsewhere · Bushwick, Brooklyn
Paid; 21+
Starts in 1w 6d
SAT, NOV 14 · 10:30 AM–2 PM
✓ Verified Oct 31, 2026
Why this place: Free · registration required · at Roebling Rink, Emily Warren Roebling Plaza, Brooklyn Bridge , Brooklyn · official listing on brooklynbridgepark.org · checked Oct 31
Painting & crafts

Roebling Rink Opening Day: Free Morning Skate Sessions

📍 Roebling Rink, Emily Warren Roebling Plaza, Brooklyn Bridge Park · DUMBO, Brooklyn
Free · registration required · Free admission for the 10:30 AM-12 PM and 12:30-2 PM sessions with a free ticket, while supplies last. Later opening-day sessions follow regular rink ticketing.
Starts in 1w 6d
SAT, NOV 14 · 11 AM–12 PM
✓ Verified Oct 31, 2026
Why this place: Free · registration required · at Bushwick Inlet Park (Lawn Area), Brooklyn · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Oct 31
Outdoors

Discovery Hike: Waterfront Ecosystems at Bushwick Inlet Park

📍 Bushwick Inlet Park (Lawn Area) · Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Free · registration required · Free
Starts in 1w 6d
SAT, NOV 14 · 12:30 PM–4 PM
✓ Verified Oct 26, 2026
Why this place: Free · registration required · at Fairfield University Art Museum, Lower Connecticut · official listing on events.fairfield.edu · checked Oct 26
Painting & crafts

Fairfield University Art Museum Family Day

📍 Fairfield University Art Museum · Fairfield, CT
Free
Starts in 1w 6d
SAT, NOV 14 · 1 PM–2:30 PM
✓ Verified Oct 25, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Prospect Park Picnic House, Brooklyn · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Oct 25
Tours & walks

Fall foliage hike in Prospect Park

📍 Prospect Park Picnic House · Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Free
Starts in 2w 0d
SAT, NOV 14 · 10:30 PM–4 AM (NEXT DAY)
✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Elsewhere, Brooklyn · official listing on elsewhere.club · checked Oct 30
Music & nightlife

X-Coast (open to close) at Elsewhere (21+)

📍 Elsewhere · Bushwick, Brooklyn
Paid; 21+
Starts in 2w 1d
SUN, NOV 15 · 7 PM–10 PM
✓ Verified Oct 29, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Pioneer Works, Brooklyn · official listing on aaa.org · checked Oct 29
Outdoors

Free Stargazing at Pioneer Works

📍 Pioneer Works · Red Hook, Brooklyn
Free (Amateur Astronomers Association public event)
Starts in 2w 4d
WED, NOV 18 · 7 PM–8:30 PM
✓ Verified Oct 29, 2026
Why this place: Free · registration required · at Online via Zoom, Long Island · official listing on longislandmuseum.org · checked Oct 29
Arts & culture

Stealing America: Free Virtual Lecture with Linford D. Fisher

📍 Online via Zoom · Online — Stony Brook organizer, Long Island
Free for all; advance registration required.
Starts in 2w 5d
THU, NOV 19 · 6 PM–9 PM
✓ Verified Oct 27, 2026
Why this place: Free · registration required · at Brooklyn Museum Lobby, 1st Floor, Brooklyn · official listing on brooklynmuseum.org · checked Oct 27
Music & nightlife

Salsa Party at the Brooklyn Museum

📍 Brooklyn Museum Lobby, 1st Floor · Prospect Heights, Brooklyn
Free; registration encouraged
Starts in 3w 0d
SUN, NOV 22 · 3 PM–4:30 PM
✓ Verified Oct 31, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Prospect Park (Parkside Ave & South Lake Dr), Brooklyn · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Oct 31
Outdoors

Freedom Seekers: Stories by the Fire in Prospect Park

📍 Prospect Park (Parkside Ave & South Lake Dr) · Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Free
Starts in 3w 5d
FRI, NOV 27 · 12 PM–2 PM
✓ Verified Oct 25, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Audubon Center at the Boathouse, Prospect Park, Brooklyn · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Oct 25
Outdoors

Post-Thanksgiving Day Super Hike

📍 Audubon Center at the Boathouse, Prospect Park · Brooklyn
Free (per NYC Parks listing).
Starts in 4w 0d
SAT, NOV 28 · 10:30 PM–3 AM (NEXT DAY)
✓ Verified Oct 31, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Elsewhere, Brooklyn · official listing on elsewhere.club · checked Oct 31
Music & nightlife

DICKAPPOINTMENT Invites TROMAC (21+)

📍 Elsewhere · Bushwick, Brooklyn
Paid; 21+
Starts in 4w 6d
SAT, DEC 5 · 11 AM–5 PM
✓ Verified Oct 26, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Village of Port Jefferson, Long Island · official listing on portjeffarts.org · checked Oct 26
Arts & culture

Port Jefferson Charles Dickens Festival

📍 Village of Port Jefferson · Port Jefferson, Long Island
Free
Starts in 4w 6d
SAT, DEC 5 · 5 PM–6:30 PM
✓ Verified Oct 26, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Pleasantville, Westchester · official listing on shalompcs.com · checked Oct 26
Arts & culture

Pleasantville Public Menorah Lighting

📍 Pleasantville, Westchester
Free
Starts in 5w 0d
SUN, DEC 6 · 10 AM–11:30 AM
✓ Verified Oct 31, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Prospect Park (Parkside Ave & South Lake Dr), Brooklyn · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Oct 31
Outdoors

Doggie Day Hike in Prospect Park

📍 Prospect Park (Parkside Ave & South Lake Dr) · Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Free
Starts in 5w 0d
SUN, DEC 6 · 2 PM–4 PM
✓ Verified Oct 26, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Port Jefferson Free Library, Long Island · official listing on portjeff.librarycalendar.com · checked Oct 26
Painting & crafts

Dickens Festival Carols & Crafts

📍 Port Jefferson Free Library · Port Jefferson, Long Island
Free
Starts in 6w 0d
SUN, DEC 13 · 12:30 PM–2:30 PM
✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Pioneer Works, Brooklyn · official listing on aaa.org · checked Oct 30
Outdoors

Free Solar Observing at Pioneer Works

📍 Pioneer Works · Red Hook, Brooklyn
Free (Amateur Astronomers Association public event)
Starts in 8w 0d
SUN, DEC 27 · 1 PM–2 PM
✓ Verified Oct 25, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Salt Marsh Nature Center, Brooklyn · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Oct 25
Tours & walks

Plants of the holiday season walk

📍 Salt Marsh Nature Center · Marine Park, Brooklyn
Free
Starts in 8w 5d
THU, DEC 31 · 10 PM–12:30 AM (NEXT DAY)
✓ Verified Oct 26, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Grand Army Plaza / Prospect Park, Brooklyn · official listing on prospectpark.org · checked Oct 26
Music & nightlife

Prospect Park New Year's Eve Fireworks

📍 Grand Army Plaza / Prospect Park · Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Free
Starts in 8w 5d
FRI, JAN 1 · 12 PM–3 PM
✓ Verified Oct 28, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Coney Island Beach, Brooklyn · official listing on coneyislandpolarbearclub.com · checked Oct 28
Outdoors

Coney Island Polar Bear Plunge (spectating)

📍 Coney Island Beach · Coney Island, Brooklyn
Free

Questions

How many listings are in this guide?

255 verified listings right now. Updated automatically.

How are these listings checked?

Every listing links to the organizer's own page: the venue, the city agency or park, or the official ticket or RSVP page. We don't copy listings from other event sites.