New York City hosts a variety of free things to do and promotional giveaways this week. Highlights include food distributions from brands like McDonald’s and Seed + Mill, along with interactive pop-ups from Brooks Running and The Vitamin Shoppe. The citywide NYC Winter Outing program also continues, offering discount pricing on restaurants, Broadway shows, and museum admissions.
Tuesday, January 27
- NYC Winter Outing (Ongoing): The city’s biggest savings event is live. If you haven’t booked yet, now is the time to snag:
- NYC Restaurant Week: Prix-fixe lunches and dinners at 600+ restaurants.
- NYC Broadway Week: 2-for-1 tickets to hits like Wicked, The Lion King, and Hamilton.
- NYC Must-See Week: 2-for-1 entry to museums and tours.
- “Shelter” Advance Screening: Catch an early free screening of the new action thriller Shelter at Regal Union Square (7:00 PM).
- Morgan Library Free Hours: Visit the stunning J. Pierpont Morgan Library for free without a reservation from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Wednesday, January 28
- Haleon “Wellness Route” at Grand Central: A massive wellness giveaway taking over the Graybar Passage in Grand Central Terminal. Stop by for free fresh juice, and wellness essentials (Advil, Emergen-C, etc.) during your commute. (8:30 AM – 5:30 PM).
- The Vitamin Shoppe Grand Opening (UES): A celebration at the new Upper East Side location (157 E 86th St). The first 100 guests get a free goodie bag. Expect a “spin-to-win” wheel with prizes from SoulCycle and Barry’s, plus free smoothies from Juice Press. (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM).
- “Send Help” Advance Screening: Another chance for free cinema, catch the new horror-thriller Send Help at AMC Lincoln Square. (7:00 PM).
Thursday, January 29
- Free Gnocchi at Gnocchi on 9th: To celebrate National Gnocchi Day and their Kips Bay grand opening, this spot is giving away free Gnocchi Alla Vodka with Burrata to the first 200 guests. (Starts at 3:00 PM; 470 3rd Ave).
- Seed + Mill 10th Anniversary: The beloved sesame brand at Chelsea Market is celebrating a decade in business. Stop by for a free mini chocolate tahini-drizzled sundae all day long. (11:00 AM – 6:30 PM).
- Brooklyn Bridge Park x Sofar Sounds: The final Thursday of this pop-up series at Roebling Rink. Enjoy a free intimate concert with skyline views.[1] (7:00 PM – 9:00 PM).
Friday, January 30
- Brooks Glycerin Flex Experience: A two-day pop-up at Studio 525 (Chelsea) launching the new Brooks running shoe. Expect an immersive experience with shoe giveaways every hour, plus free coffee and bagels. (10:00 AM – 6:00 PM).
- Paris Hilton “Infinite Icon” Screenings: Free fan screenings of Paris Hilton’s new visual memoir at AMC Empire 25. (7:00 PM).
- Whitney Museum Free Friday Nights: Enjoy free admission to the Whitney Museum of American Art (and its stunning terraces) from 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
Saturday, January 31
- A Great Library Takeover: The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (Midtown) hosts an after-hours “Winter Reading Festival.” Expect reading parties, live music, writing workshops, and free non-alcoholic drinks and snacks. (6:30 PM – 9:00 PM; RSVP required).[1]
- Abe’s Muffins 10th Birthday Bash: A family-friendly event with free tasty treats, live music, and activities for kids to celebrate the allergy-friendly muffin brand. (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM).
- Nature Made Wellness Experience (Last Day): It is the final day to visit this interactive pop-up at 434 Broadway for free wellness samples and installations. (11:00 AM – 8:00 PM).
- Brooks Run Club NYC: Join a group run starting from the Brooks pop-up at Studio 525, followed by more free coffee and bagels. (Run starts at 9:00 AM).
Sunday, February 1
- McDonald’s “Meet a New Hot Honey”: A unique pop-up at Washington Square Park promoting the new Hot Honey Biscuit. They are promising free biscuits and sauce, exclusive swag, and a chance to meet “Birdie.” (9:00 AM – 10:00 AM).
- Last Chance Exhibits: Today is the final day to see two major exhibitions before they close:
- “Monet and Venice” at the Brooklyn Museum.
- “Man Ray: When Objects Dream” at The Met.
Ongoing Fun
- Holiday Train Show at Grand Central: The New York Transit Museum’s miniature train display (free entry) remains open through February.
- Bryant Park Winter Village: The shops may be thinning out, but the ice rink is still open and free if you bring your own skates.
