Events In NYC: In January, New York City has its coldest temperatures of the year, and many people also find that their wallets are frozen. Continue reading for our list of free events in NYC if you want to take advantage of the cultural offerings of the city while trying to recover from your holiday spending.
Skate on the ice at Central Park
Want to skate this winter even though you can’t take the crowds and mayhem around Christmas? During January, everyone with a NYC public library card can enjoy free admission to the famous Wollman Rink thanks to NYC’s Culture Pass, which is included as a perk. With Culture Pass, admission is free; skate rentals cost $11. Make reservations for tickets in advance with events In NYC, Brooklyn, or Queens Public Library card via the Culture Pass website. Many other New York institutions, such as the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, the Guggenheim Museum, and live performances by Young Concert Artists, are free to enter with the Culture Pass.
Study Tibetan meditation with a professional
Learn how to meditate at the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art in Staten Island to start 2024 off with some self-care. Dr. Chok Tenzin Monlam will be teaching a free Intro to Tibetan Meditation session at the museum on Sunday, January 21. Dr. Chok, an expert in Tibetan yoga and Buddhist meditation, leads the class through the fundamentals of meditation while highlighting the importance of mental and physical health. Here is where you may book a space.
Savor a live musical “Winter Tea” at Prospect Park
Those seeking some time in nature can gather at the Boathouse for a “Winter Tea” on Saturday, January 6, from 2 to 4 p.m. A brief hike will start the program, and then there will be music, poetry, and tea, of course. Gamin and Galen Passen, two musicians, will play. Bring your own cup (BYOC), it’s free, and visitors are welcome to
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See the newest and best artists at the Museum of the Bronx
The Bronx Museum has selected a group of artists to receive financial support and assistance from the Artist in Marketplace (AIM) fellowship program. 53 emerging artists who took part in the program from 2020 to 2023 had their work on display at “Bronx Calling: The Sixth AIM Biennial.” Sagarika Sundaram, Ruth Rodriguez, and Miguel Braceli are among the artists whose work will be on display. Opening on Tuesday, January 26, the multimedia display tackles topics such as capitalism and colonialism. There is no cost to enter.
Celebrate MLK Jr. Day at a historic location
On Sunday, January 14, WNYC will celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day annually at the famed Apollo Theater in Harlem. Hosted by Kai Wright of WNYC, the live event “The Inconvenient King: Reclaiming Our Woke!” is an afternoon of music, spoken word, and artistic expression celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. King. Beginning on January 2, tickets are free but must be reserved online.
Tarot readings, salsa, and litefeet dancing in Brooklyn Heights
The inaugural “Salon” will take place at the Center for Brooklyn History on Friday, January 19, from 7 to 11 p.m. Molly Crabapple, an artist, is the event’s host, and it includes poets, singers, dancers, and even tarot card readers. Savor the community celebration while dancing to the Anonima Orchestra’s salsa music and listening to Adriana Valdés’ opera. RSVPs must be made in advance online at this link.
See R.I.P. Germain, a UK artist, at his first American exhibition
The first-ever exhibition of UK-based installation artist R.I.P. Germain in events in NYC debuts at SculptureCenter in Long Island City on Thursday, January 25. The show, “Avangarda,” features components commonly associated with retail and urban settings, such as shutters and graffiti, and creates spaces that appear commonplace yet conceal potentially unlawful activities. The designer draws inspiration from stores and facades for his creations. SculptureCenter offers free admission and their website has additional details.
Join a running club and go for a run
For their regular runs, the Central Park Running Club meets at the Loeb Boathouse every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 a.m. Sign-ups are online and open to everyone. All five boroughs have clubs if you’d rather do something closer to home. Choose the one below that works for you.
Explore “Point Reflection,” an abstract art display by Aki Sasamoto
Take in all of artist Aki Sasamoto’s abstract creations at the Queens Museum. “Point Reflection,” a visual art show and live theater performance by the New York-based artist, will be open on Sunday, January 21 from 3:33 p.m. to 4:18 p.m. The work invites the observer to consider human nature through the use of light, dynamic sculpture, and repeating patterns. Free admission is offered, but because admission is timed, attendees must reserve a space online in advance. Click here to RSVP.
