Give us feedback

Choose your city

Not in NYC? Change city

GUIDE

Free & Cheap Date Ideas in NYC

Date ideas that cost little or nothing

🗺️ Plan it
🎯 Filters 5 38 listings

Find your thing

38listings
2

Whereall areas · up to 3

New York City46📍 Manhattan📍 BrooklynQueens7Bronx1📍 Staten IslandLower New York2Long Island↗Westchester & Rockland1Lower Connecticut1New Jersey↗

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

4

Costpick any

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

Indoor / outdoor

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.

402 verified listings right now. Updated automatically.

Happening now
Daily · 12 AM–11:59 PM
60°F · Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 8, 2026
Why this place: Free · repeats, so you can go another time · at Triangular pedestrian island, Broadway between 45th & 46th S, Manhattan · official listing on diaart.org · checked Nov 8
Arts & culture

Max Neuhaus — Times Square Sound Installation (Dia)

📍 Triangular pedestrian island, Broadway between 45th & 46th Streets · Times Square, Manhattan
Free
Happening now
Daily · 12 AM–11:59 PM
60°F · Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 8, 2026
Why this place: Free · repeats, so you can go another time · at West 22nd Street between 10th & 11th Avenues, Manhattan · official listing on diaart.org · checked Nov 8
Arts & culture

Joseph Beuys — 7000 Oaks (Dia Art Foundation)

📍 West 22nd Street between 10th & 11th Avenues · Chelsea, Manhattan
Free
Happening now
Daily · 12 PM–11:59 PM
60°F · Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 10, 2026
Why this place: Free to enter · repeats, so you can go another time · at Rudy's Bar & Grill, Manhattan · official listing on rudysbarnyc.com · checked Nov 10
Music & nightlife

Rudy's Bar & Grill: free hot dog with a drink

📍 Rudy's Bar & Grill · Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan
Free to enter · purchases optional · Free hot dog with every drink or any purchase (the drink is paid).
Happening now
Daily · 12 PM–11:59 PM
61°F · Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 10, 2026
Why this place: Free to enter · repeats, so you can go another time · at Skinny Dennis, Brooklyn · official listing on skinnydennisbrooklyn.com · checked Nov 10
Music & nightlife

Skinny Dennis: no-cover country nights (check calendar)

📍 Skinny Dennis · Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Paid; No cover on many nights. Check the official calendar. Drinks are paid.
Happening now
Daily · 12 PM–11:59 PM
61°F · Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 10, 2026
Why this place: Free to enter · repeats, so you can go another time · at The Levee, Brooklyn · official listing on theleveenyc.com · checked Nov 10
Music & nightlife

The Levee: complimentary cheeseballs (Williamsburg)

📍 The Levee · Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Free to enter · purchases optional · Complimentary cheeseballs. Drinks and other food (chili dogs, Frito pies) are paid.
Starts in 22m
Daily · 3 PM–11:59 PM
61°F · Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 10, 2026
Why this place: Free to enter · limited spots · repeats, so you can go another time · at Alligator Lounge, Brooklyn · official listing on alligatorloungebrooklyn.com · checked Nov 10
Music & nightlife

Alligator Lounge: free pizza with a drink (21+)

📍 Alligator Lounge · Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Free to enter; purchases optional. Dine-in and same day only; no to-go. · 21+
Starts in 52m
Every Sun, Tue, Wed, Sat · 3:30 PM–9:30 PM
61°F · Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 10, 2026
Why this place: Free · repeats, so you can go another time · at Pete's Candy Store, Brooklyn · official listing on petescandystore.com · checked Nov 10
Music & nightlife

Free live shows at Pete's Candy Store (check calendar)

📍 Pete's Candy Store · Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Free
Starts in 1h 22m
Every Sun, Tue · 4 PM–5:30 PM
61°F · Sunny
✓ Verified Oct 31, 2026
Why this place: Free · pay what you wish · repeats, so you can go another time · at Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, Manhattan · official listing on guggenheim.org · checked Oct 31
Arts & culture

Guggenheim Pay What You Wish hours

📍 Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum · Manhattan
Suggested donation; pay what you wish; Pay what you wish Tuesdays and Sundays 4–5:30 pm
Starts in 2h 22m
TUE, NOV 10 · 5 PM–7 PM
59°F · Sunny
✓ Verified Oct 25, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Flatiron Wines & Spirits, Manhattan · official listing on nyc.flatiron-wines.com · checked Oct 25
Drinks & tastings

Free tastings at Flatiron Wines

📍 Flatiron Wines & Spirits · Flatiron, Manhattan
Free
Starts in 2h 22m
Daily · 5 PM–6 PM
59°F · Sunny
✓ Verified Oct 27, 2026
Why this place: Free · pay what you wish · repeats, so you can go another time · at Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, Manhattan · official listing on cooperhewitt.org · checked Oct 27
Arts & culture

Cooper Hewitt Pay What You Wish hour

📍 Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum · Upper East Side, Manhattan
Pay what you wish 5–6 PM daily; 18 & under free anytime
Starts in 2h 52m
Daily · 5:30 PM–11:59 PM
60°F · Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 10, 2026
Why this place: Free to enter · repeats, so you can go another time · at Kissa Kissa, Brooklyn · official listing on kissakissa.us · checked Nov 10
Music & nightlife

Kissa Kissa: first bowl of popcorn is free

📍 Kissa Kissa · Crown Heights, Brooklyn
Free to enter · purchases optional · First bowl of house-spiced popcorn is complimentary (on the house). Extra bowls and other food and drinks are paid.
Starts in 3h 22m
TUE, NOV 10 · 6 PM–8 PM
58°F · Clear
✓ Verified Oct 25, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Astor Wines & Spirits, Manhattan · official listing on astorwines.com · checked Oct 25
Drinks & tastings

Free wine & spirits tastings at Astor Wines

📍 Astor Wines & Spirits · NoHo, Manhattan
Free
Starts in 21h 22m
Every Sun, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat · 12 PM–6 PM
59°F · Mostly Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 1, 2026
Why this place: Free · pay what you wish · repeats, so you can go another time · at Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art, Manhattan · official listing on leslielohman.org · checked Nov 1
Arts & culture

Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art (Suggested Donation)

📍 Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art · Manhattan
Suggested donation; pay what you wish
Starts in 1d 21h
Every Sun, Thu, Fri, Sat · 12 PM–5 PM
58°F · Chance Light Rain
✓ Verified Nov 1, 2026
Why this place: Free · registration required · repeats, so you can go another time · at Hispanic Society Museum & Library, Manhattan · official listing on hispanicsociety.org · checked Nov 1
Arts & culture

Hispanic Society Museum & Library (Free Admission)

📍 Hispanic Society Museum & Library · Manhattan
Free; registration required; Free with a reserved ticket
Starts in 3d 7h
Every Fri, Sat · 10 PM–11:59 PM
43°F · Chance Light Rain
✓ Verified Nov 7, 2026
Why this place: Free · registration required · repeats, so you can go another time · at The DL, Manhattan · official listing on thedl-nyc.com · checked Nov 7
Music & nightlife

The DL Lower East Side rooftop club and lounge (21+)

📍 The DL · Lower East Side, Manhattan
Free · registration required · Many weekend nights list free RSVP entry; drinks and VIP tables are paid—check the official calendar for each night · 21+
Starts in 3d 19h
SAT, NOV 14 · 10:30 AM–2 PM
45°F · Partly Sunny
✓ 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 3d 20h
SAT, NOV 14 · 11 AM–3 PM
46°F · Partly Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 2, 2026
Why this place: Free to enter · at Pearl River Mart Foods (Chelsea Market), Manhattan · official listing on pearlriver.com · checked Nov 2
Arts & culture

Rose's Pineapple Shorts pop-up at Pearl River Mart Foods

📍 Pearl River Mart Foods (Chelsea Market) · Chelsea, Manhattan
Free to enter · purchases optional · Free to visit; pastries available for purchase
Starts in 3d 21h
SAT, NOV 14 · 12 PM–2 PM
47°F · Partly Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 1, 2026
Why this place: Free · registration required · at The Green-House at Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn · official listing on green-wood.com · checked Nov 1
Painting & crafts

Día de los Hongos: Free Myco-Drawing and Mushroom Walk at Green-Wood

📍 The Green-House at Green-Wood Cemetery · Brooklyn
Free · registration required · Free with RSVP
Starts in 3d 21h
SAT, NOV 14 · FROM 12 PM
47°F · Partly Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 8, 2026
Why this place: Free · registration required · at The Venue on Music Row at Hard Rock Hotel New York, Manhattan · official listing on nycomedyfestival.com · checked Nov 8
Music & nightlife

NBC100 Presents: The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins (New York Comedy Festival)

📍 The Venue on Music Row at Hard Rock Hotel New York · Midtown, Manhattan
Free · registration required · Free NBC100 festival event; RSVP required
Starts in 3d 22h
SAT, NOV 14 · 1 PM–2 PM
47°F · Partly Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 2, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Karen and Richard LeFrak Lobby, David Geffen Hall, 10 Lincol, Manhattan · official listing on lincolncenter.org · checked Nov 2
Music & nightlife

Music and Creativity at Lincoln Center

📍 Karen and Richard LeFrak Lobby, David Geffen Hall, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza · Lincoln Square, Manhattan
Free general admission, first-come, first-served; optional Fast Track reservation.
Starts in 3d 23h
SAT, NOV 14 · 2 PM–3 PM
47°F · Partly Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 7, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Brooklyn Bridge Park Visitor Center at the Boathouse, Pier 5, Brooklyn · official listing on bargemusic.org · checked Nov 7
Music & nightlife

Bargemusic: Bach, Bartók and More for Violin and Viola

📍 Brooklyn Bridge Park Visitor Center at the Boathouse, Pier 5 · Brooklyn
Free admission; no tickets or reservations
Starts in 4d 0h
SAT, NOV 14 · 3 PM–4:15 PM
47°F · Partly Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 2, 2026
Why this place: Free · registration required · at Brooklyn Public Library, Central Library, Brooklyn · official listing on bklynlibrary.org · checked Nov 2
Arts & culture

Poetry Writing Workshop at Brooklyn Public Library Central

📍 Brooklyn Public Library, Central Library · Prospect Heights, Brooklyn
Free · registration required
Starts in 4d 5h
SAT, NOV 14 · 8 PM–11 PM
41°F · Partly Cloudy
✓ Verified Nov 7, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Great Kills Park, Staten Island · official listing on brooklyn.kidsoutandabout.com · checked Nov 7
Arts & culture

Stargazing with Amateur Astronomers Association at Great Kills Park

📍 Great Kills Park · Great Kills, Staten Island
Free
Starts in 4d 6h
SAT, NOV 14 · 9 PM–1 AM (NEXT DAY)
43°F · Mostly Cloudy
✓ Verified Nov 1, 2026
Why this place: Free to enter · at Wonderville, Brooklyn · official listing on wonderville.nyc · checked Nov 1
Music & nightlife

Smash Bash Vol. 28 Super Smash Bros. Night at Wonderville (21+)

📍 Wonderville · Bushwick, Brooklyn
Paid; Free to attend; 21+
Starts in 4d 7h
SAT, NOV 14 · FROM 10 PM
43°F · Mostly Cloudy
✓ Verified Nov 1, 2026
Why this place: Free · at House of Yes, Brooklyn · official listing on calendar.houseofyes.org · checked Nov 1
Music & nightlife

Full Throttle: Mha Iri (21+)

📍 House of Yes · Bushwick, Brooklyn
Paid · tickets on the House of Yes site · 21+
Starts in 4d 7h
SAT, NOV 14 · 10:30 PM–4 AM (NEXT DAY)
43°F · Mostly Cloudy
✓ 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 4d 20h
SUN, NOV 15 · 11 AM–12:30 PM
48°F · Mostly Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 5, 2026
Why this place: Free · at T & T Vernon Block Association Garden, Brooklyn · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Nov 5
Painting & crafts

Calendula Salve Making Workshop at Vernon Garden

📍 T & T Vernon Block Association Garden · Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn
Free
Starts in 4d 21h
SUN, NOV 15 · FROM 12 PM
50°F · Mostly Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 8, 2026
Why this place: Free · registration required · at The Venue on Music Row at Hard Rock Hotel New York, Manhattan · official listing on nycomedyfestival.com · checked Nov 8
Music & nightlife

NBC100 Presents: The Next Great NBC Comedy (New York Comedy Festival)

📍 The Venue on Music Row at Hard Rock Hotel New York · Midtown, Manhattan
Free · registration required · Free NBC100 festival showcase; RSVP required
Starts in 4d 22h
SUN, NOV 15 · 1 PM–3:30 PM
51°F · Mostly Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 9, 2026
Why this place: Free · at David Rubenstein Atrium, 1887 Broadway, Manhattan · official listing on lincolncenter.org · checked Nov 9
Arts & culture

Create-athon: Mural Making with DAZE at Lincoln Center

📍 David Rubenstein Atrium, 1887 Broadway · Upper West Side, Manhattan
Free; first-come general admission; optional Fast Track
Starts in 4d 23h
SUN, NOV 15 · 2 PM–3 PM
51°F · Mostly Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 7, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Brooklyn Bridge Park Visitor Center at the Boathouse, Pier 5, Brooklyn · official listing on bargemusic.org · checked Nov 7
Music & nightlife

Bargemusic: Alexander Peskanov and Coady Green Piano Recital

📍 Brooklyn Bridge Park Visitor Center at the Boathouse, Pier 5 · Brooklyn
Free admission; no tickets or reservations
Starts in 5d 2h
SUN, NOV 15 · 5:30 PM–7 PM
50°F · Mostly Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 5, 2026
Why this place: Free to enter · at New York Comedy Club East Village, Manhattan · official listing on newyorkcomedyclub.com · checked Nov 5
Music & nightlife

Comedy Mob Open Mic at New York Comedy Club East Village

📍 New York Comedy Club East Village · East Village, Manhattan
Free to enter · purchases optional · FREE show with one item minimum, per New York Comedy Club listing
Starts in 5d 6h
SUN, NOV 15 · 9 PM–2 AM (NEXT DAY)
45°F · Mostly Clear
✓ Verified Nov 5, 2026
Why this place: Free to enter · at Mood Ring, Brooklyn · official listing on moodringnyc.club · checked Nov 5
Arts & culture

Free late-night karaoke at Mood Ring (21+)

📍 Mood Ring · Bushwick, Brooklyn
Free to enter · purchases optional · Free to sing and enter; full bar service. 21+ with ID · 21+
Starts in 5d 7h
SUN, NOV 15 · FROM 10 PM
43°F · Partly Cloudy
✓ Verified Nov 8, 2026
Why this place: Free to enter · at The Stonewall Inn, Manhattan · official listing on thestonewallinnnyc.com · checked Nov 8
Music & nightlife

The Invasion drag show with Ari Kiki at The Stonewall Inn (21+)

📍 The Stonewall Inn · West Village, Manhattan
Free to enter · purchases optional · No cover listed on the official site; drinks sold at the bar. 21+ with physical ID · 21+

Questions

How many listings are in this guide?

402 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.

Related guides