New York is packed with free and low-cost things to do this week — from glowing waterfront art and a century-old Little Italy tradition to night markets, dance, movies and community events. Here are 10 picks for September 17–23.
⭐ Editor’s Choice: Illumination Light Art Festival
September 17–19, 7–11 PM · Wagner Park, Battery Park City · FREE
Wagner Park becomes an open-air light gallery with interactive installations, glowing sculptures, DJs and harbor views. It’s one of the week’s best nighttime options — and admission is free.
🎉 10 Things To Do This Week
🍝 100th Annual Feast of San Gennaro
September 17 onward · Little Italy · Free to enter
The legendary Mulberry Street festival marks its 100th year with Italian food, live entertainment, vendors and neighborhood tradition.
💃 Free Hip-Hop Dance Class
Saturday, September 19, 11 AM · Long Island City, Queens · FREE
An open-level class ranging from basic to advanced moves. Drop-ins are welcome, making this an easy way to move and meet people without spending anything.
🥟 Queens Night Market
Saturday, September 19 · Flushing Meadows Corona Park · Free admission
One of Queens’ favorite community food events returns with global bites, local vendors and an easygoing outdoor atmosphere. Food items are generally kept affordable.
🎨 Free Visit to the Salmagundi Club
Sunday, September 20, 1 PM · Greenwich Village · FREE
Explore one of Manhattan’s oldest art institutions inside a historic brownstone, with rotating exhibitions and a distinctly old-New-York setting.
🎬 Oculus Outdoors
September 17–18, 7 PM · Lower Manhattan · FREE
Outdoor movie screenings return at the Oculus with family-friendly films and a dramatic downtown backdrop.
🌿 Greenways Weekend
September 18–20 · Across NYC · Many events FREE
Celebrate the city’s current and future greenways with walks, birding, bike activities and outdoor community programming across the five boroughs.
🎤 New York Sings Yiddish
Thursday, September 17, 7 PM · Manhattan · FREE
A new generation carries Yiddish music and performance forward in a free City Parks Foundation program featuring multiple artists.
🎧 Throwback Thursday: What Were You Like in the ’90s?
Thursday, September 17, 7 PM · Midtown · FREE with registration
A DJ-driven throwback night built around ’90s favorites, with some early-2000s music mixed in.
🎲 Sunday Board Games at Black Cat LES
Sunday, September 20, 4 PM · Lower East Side · Free to join
Spend a relaxed Sunday afternoon playing board games and meeting people at Black Cat LES. Bring a game or jump into whatever is already on the table.
🌴 WE Lime: Little Caribbean Night Market
Thursday, September 17, 5 PM · Brooklyn · FREE
Washington Avenue gets a dose of Little Caribbean energy with local vendors, island flavors and neighborhood community vibes.
Local tip: Event details can change, especially for outdoor programs. Check the linked organizer page before heading out.
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