Free Things to Do On The UWS in November 2023
Don’t forget that for much of the United States, the clock falls back this weekend. Unless you are in Arizona or Hawaii, this will take place for most of us officially at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 5. You know the drill – sunrise and sunset will be about an hour earlier. So although the evening light will fade sooner, there’s more light in those early morning hours. Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, here are some of the best free things to do in New York City in November. Walking, running, shopping, dancing, music? Here is a list of the best Upper West Side things to do right now. They won’t deplete your savings before the holidays, and are sure to be a fun time. Enjoy!
Fall Foliage in Central Park
Depending on what Mother Nature has in store for us, November and December can be great months to get that early morning exercise in. And since Fall officially runs this year through December 21, it’s still not too late to get out and enjoy the Fall Foliage. We recommend a walk through Central Park or Riverside Park. If you feel like a stroll through Central Park, use the Fall Foliage Map to guide your travels, courtesy of the Park’s Conservancy.
Riverside Park Bluegrass Jam – Sundays in November
If you are a music lover looking to spend a tranquil Sunday afternoon in the park listening to some darn-good free music, try this. Riverside Park at 102nd 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.
Shop & Skate at Bryant Park’s Winter Village – Daily in November
Bryant Park’s Winter Village is located on 40 – 42nd Streets, between 5th and 6th Avenues, and is open early till late. With around 180 kiosks for shopping and eating, this annual event also brings a whole host of activities to its 17,000-square foot space. There are igloos in which to eat, an ice skating rink that’s free to use (if you bring your own skates), and an open air holiday market that has crafts and gifts from around the world. bryantpark.org
NYC Grand Bazaar – Every Sunday during November
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.
DJ Rekha’s Desi Dance Party – Friday, November 3, 2023
Pioneering DJ Rekha mixes a spectacular set of South Asian dance floor hits. There will be visuals, live percussion and professional dancers at this Atrium dance party. The celebration begins at 7:30 p.m. at Lincoln Center’s David Rubenstein Atrium, 61 West 62nd Street. This is a free event, and general admission is first-come first-served.
Magnetic North – Saturday, November 4, 2023
This interactive concert, complete with sound, visual arts, and games, carries an environmental message. Performer and composer Ruby Singh (aka Ruploops) merges global pop with sounds of the natural world, encouraging participants to take care of our ecosystem. Kids, teens and families will enjoy this event. The concert begins at 11:00 a.m. at Lincoln Center’s David Rubenstein Atrium, 61 West 62nd Street.
NYRR Striders Walking Group: Meets Weekly in November
NYRR Striders is a FREE walking and fitness program that offers physical activity for older adults looking to get active, stay fit, and improve their health . Weekly gatherings come together at different locations: – – Fitness & Walking: Columbus Circle, Central Park West and 60th Street: (Mondays, 10:00 – 11:00 am) Walking: Goddard NORC, 689 Columbus Avenue at West 94th Street:(Mondays & Fridays: 1:30-2:30 pm) Walking: The DOROT building at 171 W. 85th Street between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues (Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 am – 11:00 am.)
New York City Marathon – November 5th
New Yorkers love to get out and cheer those runners brave enough to take their New York City Marathon on! This incredibly exciting event brings together over 50,000 runners from around the world. The 26.2-mile race makes its way through all five boroughs. Those of us not running also count it as one of our most active days of the year. Stake out a good viewing spot in advance, pack your snacks and extra layers of clothing, and get to your chosen location early. The NYC Marathon is on November 5th, and coincides with the end of Daylight Savings Time, when clocks “fall back” an hour. This means we will all be well rested, and in good cheering spirits!
On the Friday before the Marathon – November 3rd starting at 5 p.m- is an opening ceremony that features the Parade of Nations. This is a showcase for runners from all over, and ends with a spectacular show of fireworks over the finish line. The New York Road Runners Club notes that spectators can watch from the Grand Stand seating by entering the Park at Central Park West and 63rd Street.
Congregation Shearith Israel Tour – Wednesday, November 8th
Individuals and groups who are vaccinated are welcome to attend a free, guided tour on the second Wednesday of every month at 11:00 am, led by a member of their clergy or a trained docent. Tours generally last 45 minutes. The synagogue is often called The Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue. It is the oldest Jewish congregation in the United States, having been established in 1654 in New Amsterdam by Jews who arrived from Dutch Brazil. Located at 2 W. 70th Street (and the corner of Central Park West).
Fall Foliage Hike – Sunday, November 12, 2023
The park frequently has a later foliage turn than other parts of New York city and state. Join the Urban Park Rangers on Sunday, November 12 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon to see for yourself! The Park Rangers will lead a hike into the Northwoods of Central Park to enjoy the vibrant colors of Fall. The entrance is at W. 100th Street and Central Park West.
Freily eL F’ – Friday, November 17, 2023
If you’re a fan of Latin dance and music, this one’s for you! The electrifying merengue musician Freily eL F’ will be joined by a full band, celebrating the release of his 2023 album Unplugged. This concert is part of ¡VAYA!, a Latin music showcase which has been at Lincoln Center’s David Rubenstein Atrium since 2015. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at 61 West 62nd Street.
La Banda Chuska – Tuesday, November 21, 2023
Brooklyn’s La Banda Chuska, with backgrounds as diverse as Peru, Argentina, Puerto Rico and the US, makes its Lincoln Center debut. Described as ‘a sort of tropical funk meets the B-52’s’, this is sure to be a good time. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at 61 West 62nd Street.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – Thursday, November 23rd
Pretty much everyone has had the chance to see snippets of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV over the years. Seeing it in person is a different kind of magic! Since its inception in 1924, the Parade has delighted kids of all ages. Who doesn’t love giant balloons, floats, live music, marching bands, TV personalities, scenes from Broadway shows, and Santa Claus? This year, as usual, the annual parade will begin at 9:00 a.m. at 77th Street & Central Park West, before heading downtown to 34th Street at Macy’s.
The parade’s giant character balloons are typically inflated the night before, in preparation for their Thanksgiving Day appearances. If you would like to see the Balloon Inflation Event up close and personal, try the afternoon of Wednesday, November 22, 2023 near 77th Street & Central Park West.
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