This week marks the start of NYC Winter Outing, the city’s massive savings event for restaurants and Broadway. But if you are looking to spend exactly $0, there are grand openings offering “free food for a year,” K-beauty pop-ups, and quirky cultural birthdays.
Tuesday, January 20
- NYC Winter Outing Kickoff (Jan 20 – Feb 12): While not strictly “free,” today marks the start of the biggest deal season in NYC.
- NYC Restaurant Week: Prix-fixe menus at nearly 600 spots.
- NYC Broadway Week: 2-for-1 tickets to shows like Hamilton and Wicked.
- NYC Must-See Week: 2-for-1 tickets to museums and tours.
- GlowTini Community Happy Hour: Celebrate Dry January with Glow Recipe & Ritual Zero Proof at Jac’s on Bond (NoHo). Expect non-alcoholic cocktails and skincare mini kits. (4:00 PM – 5:30 PM, RSVP required).
- Astronomy on Tap: A fun, accessible evening of space talks, games, and Q&A with professional astronomers at Somethin’ Else in Brooklyn. (7:00 PM – 9:00 PM).
- Good Bits Comedy: A free stand-up show at New York Comedy Club (Upper West Side). Note: These often require an RSVP. (7:30 PM).
- Morgan Library “Secret” Hours: Visit the historic J. Pierpont Morgan Library rooms for free without a reservation – a Tuesday afternoon perk. (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM).
Wednesday, January 21
- Panera Bread Grand Opening (The Bronx): If you are an early riser, the new location at 4770 Third Ave is giving the first 100 guests a “You Pick Two for a Year” certificate. Free baguettes will also be handed out during the bread-breaking ceremony. (Starts 6:00 AM).
- Wake the e.l.f. Up Pop-Up: A high-energy morning at Smiley Coffee (138 Ludlow St) featuring free “e.l.f.spresso” Banana Lattes, DJ sets, and beauty products. (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM).
- Ceremonia Flyaway Tour: Meet the founder of Ceremonia at Sephora Union Square for complimentary hair braiding services and gifts with purchase. (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM).
- Ambush Comedy: A top-tier weekly show at Two Boots Pizza in Williamsburg. They typically give out a free beer to audience members who arrive between 7:30 PM and 8:00 PM. (Show starts at 7:30 PM).
- Fruit Riot SpongeBob Movie Night: A community screening of the new SpongeBob movie with free frozen fruit candy snacks. (7:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Signup usually required).
Thursday, January 22
- Espoir K-Beauty Pop-Up: Be one of the first 100 guests at Supermoon Bakehouse (LES) to receive a free “Be Velvet Cushion” matched to your skin tone, plus exclusive pastries. (9:00 AM – 10:30 AM).
- Freestyle Snacks 4th Birthday: A “briny” bash at Bar Snack featuring free dirty martinis, pickle-tinis, caviar, and cookies. (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, RSVP required).
- Brooklyn Bridge Park x Sofar Sounds: A free, intimate pop-up concert at the Roebling Rink (Pier 2). A perfect way to hear new music with a view of the skyline. (Approx. 7:00 PM).
Friday, January 23
- Arby’s x Chain “The House of Italian Beef”: An immersive pop-up museum at Studio 525 exploring the history of the Italian Beef sandwich. Includes free tasting of Arby’s new dip and cocktails (21+). (12:00 PM – 5:00 PM).
- MoMA PS1 Free Admission: Reminder that as of 2026, MoMA PS1 in Long Island City is free for all visitors every day. Friday is a great time to beat the weekend crowds.
- Poster House “Pay What You Wish”: Visit the museum dedicated to poster history in Chelsea for free/donation-based entry. (Check hours, usually open late on Fridays).
Saturday, January 24
- Stakt Studio Wellness Weekend: A pop-up at 131 Greene St (SoHo) offering a free retail experience and complimentary wellness activations. (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM).
- Primark Studio Experience: A weekend pop-up at 55 Great Jones St offering free hand hydration treatments, matcha lattes, fresh juices, and skincare customization. (11:00 AM – 5:00 PM).
- Brooklyn Tweentopia: A hangout for ages 10–14 at City Point with free Pokémon trading, LEGO building, and a K-Pop dance party. (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM).
- Arby’s x Chain Pop-Up (Day 2): The Italian Beef museum continues at Studio 525. (12:00 PM – 5:00 PM).
Sunday, January 25
- Barry’s at Lawn Club: A rare chance to get a free Barry’s Bootcamp total body HIIT workout, followed by shakes and recovery stations at the Lawn Club on Fulton St. (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM).
- Wikipedia Day 2026: Celebrate Wikipedia’s 25th birthday at 275 Jay St (Brooklyn). Free cake, food, drinks and swag bags for the first 100 people. (11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Registration required).
- Morgan Library Free Hours: If you missed Tuesday, the historic rooms are free again today. (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM).
Ongoing Installations & Exhibits
- Flatiron NoMad Glows Pink: Hunt for the “Mr. Pink” art installation (10 sculptures) scattered throughout the Flatiron district. (Through Feb 28).
- Nature Made Wellness Experience: Interactive wellness journey at 434 Broadway with free samples. (Wed-Sun through Jan 31).
- NYC Holiday Train Show: Final weeks to see the miniature trains at the NY Transit Museum Gallery in Grand Central. (Through Feb 8).
