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What’s Free to do in New York During MLK Weekend: Acting Classes, MLK Service Weekend, Max B at Polygon
From community service to partying with Max B, this MLK weekend has a lot to offer — when it comes to what’s free.
Martin Luther King Day is this coming Monday, which, aside from time to reflect on his legacy and all that other important stuff, only means one thing: Time to party. Or maybe take your kid to an ethics workshop, or through Brooklyn for a day of community service that honors MLK’s memory. If you like it, I love it.
Here’s what’s free.
Manhattan
Free New York City Acting Class
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Saturday, Jan. 17, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., 305 W 38th St.
Everyone’s got to start somewhere, and if you’re an aspiring actor, a free acting class with acting coach Louis Stancil isn’t a bad place to start.
Harlem Wellness on the Move: Create Our Community Traveling Mural
Friday, Jan. 16, 3:30 - 6:30 p.m., 71 E 111th St.
Come through uptown for an art project rooted in one of the most stylish boroughs in all of 2026.
Learn How to SHAKE & POUR COCKTAILS - WITH YOUR FRIENDS
Sunday, Jan. 18, 5-9:30 p.m., 120 Orchard Street
If you’ve got no delusions of a dry January — or, dry anything — it might be a good time to learn how to make cocktails with the homies. This free workshop will give you the tools to do so.
Saturday Morning Bootcamp at the Great Hill in Central Park
Saturday, Jan. 17, 10 - 11 a.m., Great Hill in Central Park
The thing about New York is, there are delicious things to eat and drink literally everywhere you turn. Thankfully, there’s bootcamp’s like this one to help get — and keep — you in shape, too.
Brooklyn
MLK Service Weekend: Clean Streets Squad | Brooklyn Heights
Monday, Jan. 19, 10 - 11 a.m., Livingston Street and Clinton Street
Celebrate the legacy of Dr. King by helping clean up the streets of Brooklyn Heights.
Ethics for Children Trial Class
Sunday, Jan. 18, 10 - 11:30 a.m., 269 4th Avenue
You don’t want to think your kid needs a workshop on how to be a good person — and they probably don’t. But every little bit helps, you know?
Max B MLK Weekend at Polygon: Free Entry with RSVP
Saturday, Jan. 17, 10 p.m. - 4 a.m., 299 Vandervoort Avenue
When you’re done being wholesome, Polygon and the great Maximus Biggaveli will be waiting for you in Brooklyn. Oww.
Queens
Saturday, Jan. 17, 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., 22-77 38th Street
Want to learn how to live forever? Well, this seminar won’t help you do that. But it will give you some cool tips on how to age in a healthy manner. And it’s free.
Sunday, Jan. 18, 7 - 11 p.m., 32-11 Broadway
I mean, kinda self-explanatory, right? It being the night before MLK Day makes it a perfect mid-weekend thrill.
Bronx
Sunday, Jan. 18, 3 - 5 p.m., 614 Courtlandt Avenue
Dr. Imani M. Cheers leads a panel of essayists discussing the dimensions of fatherhood.