NYC Guide: Best Free & Cheap Things to Do In October, November & Beyond

NYC Tourism Facts

In 2024, New York City welcomed nearly 65 million visitors, the second-highest figure in city history and a 3.5 percent increase from the previous year.

The city is on pace to break city records in 2025 during the celebration of New York City’s 400th anniversary, marking a full economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

New York remains the most visited city in the United States and a top destination for international markets and major events.

NYC Film Industry Facts

A “Made in NY” movie won a “Best Picture” Oscar for the first time in 10 years.

Not only did “Best Picture” winner Anora put our city on the big screen, showcasing neighborhoods like Brooklyn’s Brighton Beach and Coney Island, but 48 other awards were also received by “Made in NY” productions during the 2025 TV and film award show season.

New York City’s film and TV industry supports 185,000 New York City jobs. Congratulations to all of the New Yorkers whose work was nominated this season — you make us proud.

November Events to Add to Your Calendar

FREE Holiday Train Show at Grand Central Terminal

Opens Nov. 13 –  Who doesn’t love trains, including miniature trains?

Get ready to be dazzled by our much beloved Holiday Train Show, returning to Grand Central Terminal with FREE admission through January or February.

You’ll see the Museum’s collection of Lionel model trains, including Metro-North, Polar Express, and vintage NYC subway cars travel along a 34’ long, two-level, “O” gauge model train layout, and follow a route that passes through many recognizable NYC sights and on to the North Pole.

The trains have realistic lights and sounds along with dozens of tiny pedestrians, buses, and cars on exquisitely-detailed miniature streets.

 NYC Parks Update

Wagner Park Re-Opens After Two Years

Wagner Park, at the southern tip of Manhattan adjoining Battery Park, re-opened in July 29 after two years of reconstruction to protect it from rising tides of climate change.

There’s a long list of FREE events celebrating the re-opening, from jazz and salsa dancing to comedy and sunset yoga.  The park was created 29 years ago as part of the construction of Battery Park City.  It has a picture-postcard view of the Statue of Liberty, along with great sunset views, and it adjacent to two of our favorite museums – The Museum of Jewish Heritage and the Skyscraper Museum.

The upgrades as part of the overall South Battery Park City Resiliency Project. This massive undertaking across all of Lower Manhattan aims to fortify the southern edge of Manhattan island against the catastrophic flooding that wallopped much of the city during Hurricane Sandy. The park’s lawns have been raised in elevation, while maintaining great views across the river. The pavilion at the park has been upgraded, with a classroom for education and events, a rooftop with outdoor seating and plans for a new restaurant in 2026.

• See the full line up — which includes even more activities for families, kids and fitness buffs — here.
• No tickets required; just show up ready for a good time.

High Line Partial Closure

After 16 years of heavy use, one of the High Line’s most popular features is undergoing major reconstruction and will be closed to visitors during July and August. The rest of the park remains open. Here’s what you need to know before your next visit –

• The section of the park being closed for renovation is known as the 10th Avenue Square, between 16th and 17th Streets.

• For stair access, visitors traveling north will need to exit at 16th Street, walk along the street, and reenter at 17th Street. Visitors traveling south will need to exit at 17th Street, walk along the street, and reenter at 16th Street. For elevator access, visitors traveling north will need to exit at 14th Street, walk along the street, and reenter at 23rd Street. Visitors traveling south will need to exit at 23rd Street, walk along the street, and reenter at 14th Street.

Since opening in 2009, the framing beneath the decking requires replacement, and the Square’s original grove of three-flowered maple trees, which have outgrown their planters, will be replaced. An automated irrigation system is being installed, eliminating the need to water the plants in this section by hand and improving water efficiency.

This construction project is by the Friends of the High Line team, which oversees planning, construction, and design efforts for the High Line and fundraises 100% of the budget for the park’s construction.

Food Fairs and Flea Markets

Brooklyn Flea

Brooklyn Flea has an extended season filled with vintage gems, handcrafted goods, and top-tier eats.

There’s a new expanded bar program, so you can browse vintage finds with a cocktail in hand.  Returning vendors include  Twice the Fiyah, Hood Haberdasher, and Iki Kimono, plus fresh faces for fashion, rare collectibles, and handcrafted decor.

📍 Brooklyn Flea DUMBO, 📍 BQ Flea (Williamsburg)

Uptown Night Market in Harlem

Second Thursday of the Month Through October –  – The popular outdoor food market returns to Harlem with more than 50 vendors celebrating Harlem’s rich culinary scene.

Expect to find such items as oxtails, jerk chicken and fried sweet dumplings known as “festival,” arepas, hummus, seafood paella and chocolate-covered strawberries for dessert.

Admission is FREE, but you can reserve a spot online and be automatically entered in a raffle for the VIP Taster’s Club.  Three winners are selected each month to enjoy exclusive vendor discounts, early access to deals and giveaways, and special pricing.

• 4pm to 10pm, FREE admission
• West 133 St. and 12th Ave.
• July 20, August14, September 11, October 9

JapanFes

May to October – The organization is hosting nearly 30 outdoor events in NYC this year.

What used to be just a summertime festival is now a year-round celebration across Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. Event organizers say it’s the largest Japanese food festival in the world, attracting 300,000 visitors and featuring 1,000 vendors every year.  In addition to food, there’s music and crafts, too.

Events are 10am to 6pm. Here are the remaining dates – check the Japan Fes website for specific locations

• October 5 in Chelsea
• October 18 in the East Village
• October 26 on the Upper West Side

Dragon Fest

Various dates and locations through October – Dragon Fest street fairs feature more than 100 varieties of Chinese cuisine from local vendors, offering a taste of everything from soup dumplings and dragon’s beard candy to lotus root sandwiches and grilled cold noodles.

Dragon Fest is about more than just the food, though.  It includes Chinese brands new into the American market, the festival also features music, art, and cultural traditions from China, including Han-style clothing, Miao embroidery, and jewelry.

Here’s when and where to find Dragon Fest including Panda Day immersive events –

Remaining Dragon Fest 2025 Schedule:

• Oct. 4: Fourth Avenue, 12th to 13th Street
• Oct. 5: Sixth Avenue, 31st to 32nd Street
• Oct. 12: Broadway, West 81st-82nd Street

Union Square Night Market by Urbanspace

Various dates through October – The popular outdoor market returns to Union Square Park’s South Plaza with more than over 35 independent rotating food vendors from across New York City serving up a diverse mix of flavors, fun, and local flair—including Tosh’s Patties, TNT Pineapple Bowls and Cuddle Crepes.

This year, the Market will be open from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Union Square Night Market will operate:

• Thursdays and Fridays through October 17

Smorgasburg

The country’s largest open open-air food market takes over three NYC locations on weekends with artisanal bites and creative street food from local vendors.  Smorgasburg also operates two flea markets, and schedules some themed events.

• World Trade Center –Fridays, 11am to 6pm at The Oculus, Fulton and Church Sts.
• Williamsburg – Saturdays, 11am to 6pm, at  Marsha P. Johnson State Park, 90 Kent Ave, Brooklyn
• Prospect Park-Sundays, 11am to 6pm, Breeze Hill

October 11/12 – Smorgasburg is hosting its first-ever Diwali food festival, a two-day celebration of South Asian flavors, culture, and community.

• The event is free to attend and runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will be held at the Marsha P. Johnson State Park in Williamsburg on Saturday and at Prospect Park on Sunday.

Bronx Night Market

Last Saturday of the Month through October  – This really should be called a Day Market, since it starts at noon.  But it gives you the chance to have lunch and/or dinner at this outdoor market featuring more than two dozen local vendors and artists.

• Noon to 7pm at Fordham Plaza (#4 or D train to Fordham)
• August 30, September 27, October 25

Best Current Museum Exhibits

NYC has some of the best museums and museum exhibits in the world, including some you can see for FREE.

Current top exhibits include – 

New York Historical

• Blacklisted- an exhibit on how the McCarthy era nearly destroyed Hollywood.
• Dining in Transit is a delicious look at what folks ate on ships and airplanes decades ago.

The Frick Collection

• The museum has re-opened after a two-year renovation, along with its cafe.
• Special exhibit of Vermeer paintings

The Whitney Museum of American Art

• Celebrating 10 years at its downtown location with special events and exhibits.

Brooklyn Museum

• The Buddhist Tibetan Prayer Room from the Rubin Museum

American Museum of Natural History

• Beautiful bling at a special exhibit of gemstone jewelry from Van Cleef & Arpels

New York Public Library – Main Branch

• A FREE exhibit on 100 Years of the New Yorker Magazine

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Congestion Pricing

If you are driving into the center of Manhattan, including as a passenger in a car service like Uber or Lyft, be aware that so-called “congestion pricing” tolls remains in effect despite a Trump Administration order to rescind it.

The goal is to reduce gridlock, reduce pollution and raise money for public transit.

The toll – which went into effect on January 7 – applies for the most congested part of Manhattan, south of Central Park.

Cost varies depending on the day of the week, the hour of the day, and whether the vehicle is equipped with E-ZPass, the electronic toll collection system used in many states.

Congestion Pricing Costs

• $9 for peak traffic hours, 5am to 9pm weekdays and 9am to 9pm weekends.
• $2.25 for off-peak overnight hours
• Vehicles without E-ZPass will be receive bills by mail, for $13.50 for peak hours and $3.30 for off-peak,
• Motorcyclists pay half the amount that cars pay during peak hours but the same off-peak
• Trucks, buses and large vans (including airport shuttle vans) pay more, depending on their size.
• The cost is once per day.

According to local TV station NY1, Congestion Pricing raised $45 Million in March 2025, to be used to support public transportation.

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Best New NYC Parks

Harlem Meer Re-Opens After Renovation

The new Davis Center at the Harlem Meer has re-opened after a four-year, $160 Million renovation and re-invention.

The new facility features an all-new public pool which will convert into an ice rink in the winter, “and in contrast to the old Lasker pool and ice rink it replaces, it will also transform into the Harlem Oval – a public green – in the shoulder seasons, ensuring year-round community access,” according to a press release.

The new Davis Center is hosting a variety of  FREE or affordable programs throughout the year, including wellness and fitness classes, nature programs, ice time for youth sports, and swim programming, managed by the NYC Parks Department.

• View the Harlem Meer on a map.
• Visit the Davis Center website for a schedule of events

The new Davis Center also is home to the newest and one of the best FREE outdoor swimming pools in NYC, the Gottesman Pool.

Pier 97, Hudson River Park

Move over, High Line and Little Island  you’ve got competition.

Pier 97, the northernmost pier in Hudson River Park is now open, following a $47.5 million transformation from a parking lot and Dept. of Sanitation storage facility into a gleaming and appealing public park with multiple facilities.

Pier 97 – at 57th St. and the Hudson River – has  2.5 acres of public open space, complete with a playground, athletic field, sloping sun lawn, and more—all surrounded by over 16,000 square feet of vibrant flowers and plants. A new building with restrooms and concessions is expected to open this winter.

Constructed between 1921 and 1934, Pier 97 served as a hub of the Swedish America Line and remained an active dock through the 1970s. Then it became a parking lot used by the city’s Department of Sanitation until 2011.

Pier 97 features include –

• The playground features a 26-foot-high rope climbing structure, a ship’s hull, and seasonal water spray features.
• The 120-foot-long synthetic turf field can accommodate a range of sports and activities, while the 7,600-square-foot sloping lawn offers a relaxing green space, providing a shady place of respite on the pier.
• A granite slide for guests of all ages connects the new elevated overlook and shaded belvedere section on the pier’s northern edge with the main pier below.
• The sunset deck, equipped with bistro tables, chaise lounges, and two-tiered walls with seating, offers breathtaking views of the Hudson River and skyline.
• Flexible gathering areas framed by flowers and plants offer tranquil spaces for socializing, and a walking promenade along the pier’s southern edge invites visitors for a relaxing stroll.

Work on a new park building directly north of Pier 97 containing public bathrooms, concessions, and a small maintenance area will open this winter. Solar panels will be installed on the roof, and the Hudson River Park Trust will issue a request for proposals (RFP) to select a food concessionaire. The Trust also plans to attract a historic vessel for docking on the south side of Pier 97.

Construction of the pier was primarily funded by $40.8 million from the NY State capital budget, plus  $6.7 million in proceeds from a Transferable Development Rights Sale completed by the Trust in 2018.

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Who is a real New Yorker?  It depends on who you ask.

ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter was interviewed by

Time Out New York

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ICYMI – News Worth Noting

Fotografiska New York Has Closed

The photography museum has closed its location at 219 Park Avenue South to move to a new, larger space.  It is expected the museum’s well-regarded restaurant Verōnika and the Chapel Bar will re-open in the new space.

According to Crain’s, the architecturally stunning building is being put on the market.  The property was last listed in 2022 for $135 million.

Constructed between 1892 and 1894 for the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the Episcopal Church, the ornate building  features a Flemish Renaissance Revival style and a striking limestone facade. The building, known as the Church Missions House, was part of an area formerly known as “Charity Row.” It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

No details of a new location for the museum have been announced yet.

Michelin Guide Adds 12 NYC Restaurants

Fine dining just got more fine with the addition of 12 NYC restaurants to the famous Michelin Guide, bringing the number to 142.

• The new additions include French, Italian, seafood, Thai and Filippino choices
• See the full list here.   Reservations recommended.

Landing Day

On Sept. 15, 1654,  a group of 23 Sephardic Jews arrived on the shores of New York — then called New Amsterdam — and created the first organized Jewish community in the city. Today, 350 years later, NYC is home to the largest Jewish population of any city in the world.

• The City Council has voted on a resolution to honor both, turning Landing Day from an event marked by a few Jewish leaders into an official date on the city’s calendar. That’s just short of making it a holiday, like Juneteenth.
• The resolution aims to “commemorate the arrival of the first Jewish community in New Amsterdam in 1654 and to celebrate the continuing importance of the Jewish community in the City of New York.”

New Food Hall in Former Lord & Taylor Building

NYC’s newest food hall, Shaver Hall, is set to open in the iconic former Lord & Taylor building on Fifth Avenue between 38th and 39th Sts., now housing Amazon.  According to a press release, it will “celebrate the rich heritage of the iconic Lord & Taylor building and promises to redefine the culinary landscape of Midtown Manhattan.”

• Shaver Hall is named in honor of Dorothy Shaver, the trailblazing president of Lord & Taylor and first woman to head a multimillion-dollar business.
• The first two announced tenants are Chick Chick, featuring Korean-inspired chicken, and Taqueria Al Pastor, with Mexican cuisine.

About the Lord & Taylor building –

• Originally constructed in 1914, the Lord & Taylor Building is an 11-story commercial masterpiece in the Italian Renaissance Revival style, designed by renowned architects Starrett & van Vleck.
• The building’s granite, brick, and limestone facade and copper cornice have symbolized elegance and sophistication for over a century, including for its famous and famously inventive holiday windows.

The Vessel at Hudson Yards Re-Opens

• The famous honeycomb sculpture has re-opened after shutting down in 2024 following three suicides, but it is no longer FREE to visit.
• The 150-foot Vessel now has safety netting to safeguard visitors, and the once-free architectural sculpture now costs $10 per person.
• Visitors must buy at least two tickets and will not be allowed to visit alone.
• Hudson Yards is “installing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline signage and messaging” and increasing security, CNN reported.

NEW – New York City residents with ID can visit for FREE  Thursdays.

• Tickets are available at 9am on the last Friday of every month at 9am for the following month.
• Register here, with proof of an NYC ID.
• A limited number of free, day-of tickets are available  every Thursday on that same website.

Citi Bike Rate Increase

Lyft, the ride share company which now owns and operates the bike share program, has raised rates again, especially for the popular battery-assisted e-bikes.

• Unlocking a Citi Bike now costs $4.79.
• E-bike fees are now approximately $10 for 15 minutes.
• A day pass for a manual bike is now $19.

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See Also

More FREE Things to Do in NYC

Things to Do in Staten Island

Best NYC Airport Transportation

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It’s All Happening at one of the NYC Zoos

Bronx Zoo

One of the largest zoos in the USA, the beloved Bronx Zoo celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2024, with some new exhibits including –

Animal Chronicles: A NEW temp exhibit includes a walking trail of more than a quarter mile featuring life-size and gigantic, immersive eco-sculptures that showcase key achievements in the Bronx Zoo’s history of saving animal species and connecting New Yorkers to wildlife.

• Animal Chronicles will be available daily and is included with admission.
• Each month features a different theme.
• Ticket prices are $37.75 for adults, $33.25 for seniors 65+ and  $28.75 for children 3-15.
• Purchase tickets online here. 

Wednesdays are FREE limited admission

• Online reservations for timed tickets open on Mondays at 5 pm at the link.
• These tickets are for park entry only; individual-attraction tickets cost $7/person, per attraction.
• All visitors age 3 and up are required to have a ticket, and to reserve you must register with a valid email address.
• Limited tickets; first-reserved, first-served,

Prospect Park Zoo

The Prospect Park Zoo re-opened in 2024  after being forced to close for eight months due to flood damage caused a severe storm, which left 25 feet of water in the buildings’ basements.  No animals were harmed during or after the flooding. Repairs have cost an estimated $20 million of federal funds, and repair projects are continuing even after the re-opening.

There are some new young animals, including baboons Bandari and Nyani and Pinnelopi the porcupette  plus Turtle Time and Conservation stations, sea lion feedings with narration, and more.

The animals are happy to have their humans, back, too.

• Adult tickets are $9.95, seniors are $7.95, children ages 3-12 are $6.95, and children 2 and under are free.
• Reserve tickets here

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See Also

Best FREE Things in NYC Year-Round

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FREE – Late Night Shows Taped in New York City

The late night shows taped in NYC are one of the most popular tickets in town. Here’s how to get FREE tickets to be in the audience.

• The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

• Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon

• Jon Stewart Returns to The Daily Show 

• Tickets for Saturday Night Live (SNL

FREE Weekly & Monthly Museum Admission

Some free admission days require advance reservation, others don’t.  See the links for specific information.

FREE First Mondays at 9/11 Memorial and Museum

First Monday of the Month for NYC residents.  You will have to show proof of NYC residency for free admission.

Everybody can get FREE admission every Monday, from  from 5:30pm to 7pm.

• More information here.

FREE First Fridays at Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

UNIQLO NYC Nights are the first Friday of each month,  4–8 pm.

New York City residents get free admission courtesy of UNIQLO, but everyone can enjoy an evening out in our galleries with paid admission.

• More information here.

FREE First Fridays at Neue Galerie

First Fridays at Neue Galerie offer free admission 5pm to 8pm on the first Friday of the month.

• More information here.

FREE First Fridays at Poster House

Poster House is the first museum in the United States dedicated to the global history of posters.

First Fridays free admission is all day, 10am to 9pm

• More information here.

FREE Fridays & Sundays at Whitney Museum of American Art

The Whitney Museum of American Art now offers free admission for all visitors 25 and under.

Admission is FREE for all visitors on Fridays from 5pm to 10pm  and all day on the second Sunday of every month.

• More information here.

FREE Saturdays at the Jewish Museum

Free admission all day.

• More information here.

FREE Tours of Hart Island

Hart Island is now open to the public.  Since 1869, more than 1 million New Yorkers have been laid to rest on the island.

NYC Parks is now offering visits twice per month so New Yorkers can learn about its important history and see the beauty of the island and enjoy picture postcard views of the city.

You can put your name in the lottery for a free walking tour here.

Read about the history of Hart Island in this article in The City.

• Tours are Tuesdays, 10am to 1pm

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This NYC Best Things to Do Calendar is updated at the beginning and middle of each month.

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ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter is a journalist with 25+ years of experience as a newspaper and magazine writer, radio & TV news producer & reporter – all focusing on travel, automotive, the environment and your rights as a consumer.

ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter, a native and lifelong New Yorker, also is the author or editor of numerous NYC guidebooks and apps, including for Fodor’s and Rand McNally.

ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter currently serves as President Emeritas of the International Motor Press Assn. (IMPA), after serving two years as President.

ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Assn. (NATJA) and the North American Snowsports Journalists Assn. (NASJA) and a former Board Member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW).

Contact me at evelyn@ecoxplorer.com.

Copyright (C) Evelyn Kanter

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