Free Things to Do On The UWS in January 2024

As January unfolds in New York City 2024, the charm and vibrancy of the Upper West Side continue to captivate locals and visitors alike, offering a treasure trove of free activities. Known for its charming streets, iconic landmarks, and community spirit, the UWS is the perfect backdrop for a range of winter pursuits that won’t cost you a dime. Imagine immersing yourself in chamber music performed by talented students of The Juilliard School, or spending an afternoon walking the halls of the American Museum of Natural History. Or perhaps the New York Historical Society. Memorable, educational and enjoyable! Here’s a guide to making the most of January on the Upper West Side.

Tango Quartet – Thursday, January 4, 2024

Latin GRAMMY Award-winning Pedro Giraudo Tango Quartet is one of the most compelling tango ensembles on the scene today. It originally debuted at the Lincoln Center campus in 2015. Stop by at 61 West 62nd Street (David Rubenstein Atrium) on Thursday, January 4 from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. to check it out.

Chipping Weekend – Saturday, January 6th & Sunday, January 7, 2024

Bring your tree to a chipping site on Chipping Weekend and take home a tree-mento! They’ll chip your tree for free. Then you get your very own bag of mulch to use in your backyard, or you can use it to make a winter bed for a street tree. Chipping sites are open from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

JCC New Year’s Free Fitness Fair – Sunday, January 7, 2024

Start 2024 in the right direction on Jan 7! Join the Marlene Meyerson JCC for a free day of in-person and virtual fitness and wellness programs. Choose between free fitness classes and inspiring wellness workshops, and take advantage of special discounts on membership, personal training, massage, and more. The day runs from 10: 30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m at 334 Amsterdam Ave. and W. 76th Street
Pre-registration is strongly recommended

Riverside Park Bluegrass Jam – Sundays in January

If you are a music lover looking to spend a tranquil Sunday afternoon in the park listening to some darned-good-free music, try this. Riverside Park at 102^nd Street any Sunday afternoon from 2-5 p.m. Slow jam music that is 90% Bluegrass is on display, a gift of local musicians. There is a real sense of community at this weekly event, in what feels like a beautifully relaxed and inviting setting. Weather permitting.

Grand Bazaar NYC – January 7, 14, 21, 28

New York City’s largest curated weekly market is open all year round, with hundreds of regular and seasonal vendors. From vintage goods to artisanal foods, there is something for everyone. The indoor and outdoor markets are located at 100 W. 77th Street (at Columbus Ave.) from 10:00 – 5:00 pm. Profits support local NYC public schools.

The Juilliard School – Wednesdays at One: Chamber Music January 17, 2024

ChamberFest began in 2002 with the goal of broadening the chamber music experience. Participants give up part of their winter break to return to Juilliard early for an intense week of coaching and rehearsals leading up to ChamberFest, a popular outlet for students and a much-loved tradition for concertgoers.

To enjoy one of these chamber music experiences for free, check out Alice Tully Hall – 1941 Broadway, New York, NY 10023 on Wednesday, January 17th at 1:00 p.m. No tickets required.

The 11th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Speaker Series – Thursday, January 18, 2024 6:00 p.m.

 A Lecture by Bryan Stevenson, Founder of the Equal Justice Initiative – Free: Tickets required Paul Recital Hall – The Juilliard School, 155 W. 65th St., New York, NY 10023

Manhattan School of Music – January 17th, 23rd & 25th

The Manhattan School of Music is a private music conservatory in New York City. The school offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in the areas of classical and jazz performance and composition, as well as a bachelor’s in musical theater.

MSM Faculty Recital: Mary Dunleavy, soprano and Dimitri Pittas, tenor with Thomas Muraco, piano – January 17, 2024 – 7:30 p.m.

Piano Master Class: Mikhail Voskresensky – January 23, 2024 – 4:00 p.m.

A Tribute to Michael Neidorff – January 25, 2024 – 7:30 p.m.

All shows are at Neidorff-Karpati Hall – 130 Claremont Ave. (off 122nd St. between Broadway & Riverside). To see a complete list of performances go to the School of Music website.

UWS Museums That Offer Free and Pay-What-You-Wish Days

American Folk Art Museum – Open Tuesday – Sunday 11:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. – Admission always Free

American Museum of Natural History – Open daily from 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. – Pay-What-You-Wish for New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut residents (with ID): The amount you pay for General Admission only is up to you. Reservations for timed-entry admission are required.

New York Historical Society – Open everyday (except Mondays) from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (8:00 p.m. on Friday) – Admission is pay-as-you-wish from 6–8 pm on Fridays.

The Cloisters – Open Thursday – Tuesday (closed Wednesday) from 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. New York State residents and NY, NJ, CT students the amount you pay for tickets is up to you. If you wish to pay less than the general admission ticket prices, you may purchase your ticket at one of The Met’s locations with a valid ID. No advance reservations are required.

Nicholas Roerich Museum – Museum hours: Saturday, Sunday noon–5 p.m. Tuesday–Friday, noon–4 p.m. Admission is always Free.