50 things to do in New York City on a Sunday

Oak Room

Enjoy Sunday music at the Frick
Few experiences in New York City can compare with taking in a lieder concert, piano recital or chamber-music performance in this stately old mansion’s elegant music room, where scores of prominent musicians have made their first local appearances. 1 E 70th St at Fifth Ave (212-288-0700, frick.org). 5pm, $30.

Watch movies outdoors at Habana Outpost in Fort Greene
Every Sunday, the Brooklyn eco-eatery hosts alfresco films like Kings of New York (Sept 20), The Untouchables (Oct 11) and City of God (Sept 27). 757 Fulton St at S Portland Ave, Fort Greene, Brooklyn (718-858-9500, habanaoutpost.com). 8pm, free.

Blow off end-of-the-weekend steam at Body & Soul
New York veterans Joe Claussell, François K and Danny Krivit pack the massive dance floor of Webster Hall’s main room with deep and soulful house, classics, Afro-Latin rhythms and anything else they feel like at their ever-popular monthly Sunday tea dance. Webster Hall, 125 E 11th St between Third and Fourth Aves (212-353-1600). 6pm, $25, advance $15.

Check out Brooklyn Flea in Dumbo
If you’ve already visited the Brooklyn Flea in Fort Greene, this second market is same time (Saturdays and Sundays), different place. Happy hunting! 22 Water St at New Dock St, Dumbo, Brooklyn (brooklynflea.com). 11am–6pm.

See free stand-up comedy at Beauty Bar
Vince Averill and Jesse Popp have built a following at this East Village bar, which books some of the local scene’s brightest rising stars. 231 E 14th St between Second and Third Aves (212-539-1389, myspace.com/vinceandjesse). 9pm, free.

Go for a walk at 78th Street Play Street
The Jackson Heights Green Alliance initiated this program, which adds a block of open space to the area around Travers Park. “It’s the only park in the neighborhood, so this is a nice addition,” says JHGA member Donovan Finn. The alliance teamed up with the Jackson Heights Beautification Group to host events, like biking lessons for newbie cyclists of all ages. The Jackson Heights Greenmarket will also set up on the block. 78th St between Northern Blvd and 34th Ave, Jackson Heights, Queens (jhgreen.org). 6am–8pm, through Nov 1.

Join a queer book club at the LGBT Center
Every third Sunday of the month, the LGBT Center in Chelsea hosts a book club for lesbians only. Call the Center at 212-620-7310 to find out what’s on the syllabus, and then all you have to do is read and show up. The group, originally part of Slope Activities for Lesbians, has been meeting for ten years, and the selections tend to be distinctly female-focused (duh). 208 W 13th St between Seventh and Eighth Aves (212-620-7310, gaycenter.org). Free.

Take an art workshop at the Queens Museum of Arts First Sundays
Trek to Queens the first Sunday of every month for free admission and all-ages activities, including a studio workshop, tours, and live music and dance. New York City Building, 111th St at 49th St, Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, Queens (718-592-9700, queensmuseum.org). 1–4:30pm, free.

Listen to free jazz at the Middle Collegiate Church
God sees all, and so will you at Middle Collegiate Church. “Ours is a congregation of characters,” says church elder Ellen Matlach. “Everyone you expect to see in New York you’ll find here.” Indeed, on any given day there’s a sea of Afros, cowboy hats and mullets dotting the pews below backlit Tiffany windows. The place hosts poetry readings, free jazz and African dance classes. 50 E 7th St at Second Ave (212-477-0666, middlechurch.org). Free.

Be cool at the Oak Room’s jazz brunch
There may be no sweller way to spend Sunday in New York than with cool jazz from world-class performers like Barbara Carroll. The Oak Room at the Algonquin Hotel, 59 W 44th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (212-419-9331, algonquinhotel.com). Sun 11am (seating), 1pm (show). Free.