Free events, day trips, classes and downloadable postcards highlight affordable experiences across New York

NEW YORK, Sept. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- When rising costs put travel and entertainment further out of reach for many New Yorkers 50+ and their families, AARP New York looked closer to home. From higher utility bills to the growing costs of caregiving, many households are watching every dollar. 

Through the Staycation and New York Experiences campaigns, AARP New York is connecting people with opportunities to get out, learn something new and experience more of what the state has to offer this fall, from day trips and cultural attractions to classes and community events. The campaign also features free downloadable postcards showcasing New York City's five boroughs, upstate destinations, and historic sites, highlighting New York's history and heritage during the nation's 250th anniversary.

"There's nothing quite like the experience of being a New Yorker," said Beth Finkel, AARP New York State Director. "At a time when New Yorkers are watching every dollar, whether they're managing higher utility bills, rising everyday expenses, or the financial demands of caring for a loved one, we wanted to showcase great experiences right in our own backyard. This is about more than finding affordable things to do. It's about connecting with one another, creating memories, and making the most of the communities we call home."

"The Staycation campaign is a great invitation to rediscover New York. It highlights the incredible range of experiences available across the state, from community events and cultural attractions to lifelong learning opportunities, and encourages people to explore places and activities they may never have considered before," said AARP volunteer Teri Hatred of Islip. "My all-time favorite free night out is AARP's Movies Turning 50. All an AARP member needs to do is register themselves and guests for the movie(s) of their choice to receive a free ticket, popcorn and soda! This year we have Taxi Driver in September, Carrie in October, A Star is Born in November and Network in December. Four free nights out to enjoy classic films."

People Magazine dubbed 2026 "Staycation Summer," citing a Monster survey that found:

• 52% of workers said rising living costs led them to stay home more often this summer
• 39% said they cut back on vacations or trips
• 37% said they looked for lower-cost leisure activities

The financial pressures extend beyond travel. Family caregivers often take on additional transportation, medical, household, and day-to-day expenses while caring for a parent, spouse or other loved ones.

At the same time, rising utility costs are putting additional pressure on household budgets. An AARP report released earlier this year found that 84% of New Yorkers surveyed saw their utility bills increase over the past year, while 88% are concerned their utility costs will continue to rise.

With families looking for ways to make their dollars go further, AARP New York is helping people find affordable ways to stay engaged, connected, and active close to home through free and discounted events, classes, cultural experiences, and community activities across the state. 

Statewide Virtual Events

September 15 | 5:00pm - 6:30pm ET
 Fall Risotto Cooking Class
 📍 Virtual

September 16 | 6:00pm - 7:00pm ET
 The Golden Age of Television with Brian Rose
 📍 Virtual

September 22 | 2:00pm - 3:00pm ET
 Money Mindset: Shine a Light on Utility Bills
 📍 Virtual

October 1 | 12:00pm - 1:00pm ET
 Nourish & Connect: Practical Strategies for Vibrant Aging
 📍 Virtual

Capital Region

September 10 | 12:00pm - 1:00pm ET
 Upstate Speakers Bureau: Downsizing and Decluttering
 📍 Albany, NY

September 23 | 1:00 – 2:00 PM ET
 Upstate Speakers Bureau: Six Pillars of Brain Health
 📍 Albany JCC, Albany, NY

New York City

September 17 | 11:15am - 12:15pm ET
 AARP NY at the New York Historical
 📍 New York, NY

September 22 | 11:00am - 1:00pm ET
 Your Next Career Chapter: Practical Tools for Today's Job Search
 📍 Brooklyn, NY

Long Island

September 11, 18 25 9:30pm - 10:30pm ET
 Laser Prince Fridays
 📍 Vanderbilt Museum, Centerport, NY

September 17 | 7:00pm - 10:00pm ET
 Movies Turning 50: Taxi Driver
 📍 Bellmore, NY

September 24 | 7:00pm - 10:00pm ET
 Movies Turning 50: Taxi Driver
 📍 Bellmore, NY

New York City Council members and Borough Presidents also participated in a video series to highlight the offerings of their cities and towns. 

"As the cost of nearly everything continues to rise, a 'staycation' is a wonderful way to get out, explore, and reconnect with everything New York City has to offer without the expense and hassle of long-distance travel," said Councilmember Sandra Ung. "There are so many incredible neighborhoods to discover across our city, but you would be hard-pressed to find one with as much diversity as Flushing. From some of the best restaurants in New York City to cultural institutions like the Queens Botanical Garden, you can spend an entire day in Flushing eating, exploring, and experiencing different cultures, all without ever leaving the neighborhood. I'm proud to collaborate with AARP on this campaign and invite New Yorkers to discover just how much there is to see and do right here in our own backyard."

"Part of what makes a staycation worthwhile is having the knowledge of just how much there is to enjoy right in your own neighborhood," said Council Member Amanda Farías. "Parkchester is a Naturally Occurring Retirement Community, and for the many older New Yorkers who have built their lives there, staying active and connected should not require traveling far from home or stretching an already tight budget. We should be thinking about that same quality of life in everything we do for our aging population, from supporting the resources that allow people to age in place to making sure everyday changes in our city do not leave them behind. It is something I considered when introducing my legislation to require adequate staffing at self-checkout areas, where having an employee available to assist can make a meaningful difference for an older customer. AARP New York is helping make sure New Yorkers know what is already available to them, and I am proud to help bring that effort to Parkchester."

Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal said: "You don't need a passport to find the best of everything — Manhattan is the ultimate staycation. We're the beating heart of arts, culture, finance, and leisure, all packed into 23 square miles. Catch a Tony-winning show on Broadway, lose an afternoon in Central Park, and eat your way through neighborhoods that rival any city on earth. My message to Manhattanites and visitors alike: stop scrolling for flights, everything you're looking for is already here."

Connect with AARP New York on X: @AARPNY, Facebook: AARP New York and LinkedIn: AARP New York

About AARP

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.

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SOURCE AARP New York