This list of the best things to do in New York City in September was written by Yana Zaytseva, co-founder of New York Simply (an official partner of Apple Maps).
For many of us, September feels like one long Friday before the holiday season. The weather is near perfect; we can practically smell the fresh apple cider waiting around the corner, and the countdown to Christmas has officially begun.
And, with so many exciting things to do in New York City in September, there’s no better place to say goodbye to summer and hello to fall than the Concrete Jungle. Rooftop bars are still open for business, parks are full of life and painted green, and outdoor activities occur every weekend.
This guide was created to highlight all the fun events happening this September in NYC that can fit into any itinerary. So, without further ado, let’s get into the best things to do in New York City this September!
Things to Do in New York City in September
Table of Contents: Things to Do NYC in September
Table of Contents: September in NYC
- Things to Do in New York City in September
- Enjoy Broadway Week
- Check Out the Events at Bryant Park
- Gawk at the Amazing Photography at Photofairs
- Cheer on the Labor Day Parade
- Welcome Back the NFL Season With a Football Game
- The Tributes in Light
- Eat Your Weight in Cannolis at the Feast of San Gennaro
- Stargazing on the High Line
- Enjoy the Last Month of Grand Banks While You Can
- Spend the Evening Eating Your Weight in Food at Smorgasburg
- Immerse Yourself in Hispanic Heritage Month
- Cool Down by Kayaking on the Hudson
- Spend the Evening Bopping Around a Night Market
- Visit The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum for free
- Attend the U.S. Open
- Celebrate the Annual German-American Steuben Parade
- Embrace the First Day of Autumn with Fall Activities
- Celebrate National Pancake Day
- Enjoy Rooftop Bars While You Can
- Explore Coney Island
- Catch a Yankees Game
- September Festivals in New York City
- Best Things to Do in New York City in September (Post Summary)
- Map of New York City September Activities
Enjoy Broadway Week
Visiting New York City and not seeing a Broadway show is downright unacceptable. The amount of effort and passion poured into these plays could turn even the harshest critic into a fan. Even if you don’t consider yourself a fan of theater, you can still appreciate the sheer talent showcased in such an epic setting.
With that said, for folks who find themselves looking to save a buck while visiting NYC in September, Broadway Week was made for you. During Broadway Week, you are able to purchase 2-for-1 tickets, effectively doubling the bang for your buck. And if you’re a Broadway geek (like me), this makes visiting New York City in September twice as fun!
Check Out the Events at Bryant Park
Bryant Park is perfectly tucked into the shadow of towering office buildings that make up the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Located right behind the breathtaking New York Public Library, it’s not uncommon to find all the chairs and benches full during sunny days.
The park is constantly bustling with different activities and hosting multiple events throughout the entire month. There are simply plenty of things to do in NYC this September at Bryant Park. Don’t believe me? Check out their calendar.
Some events you can look forward to this September in NYC:
- Yoga
- Fall Birding Tour
- Live Piano Show
- Knitting
- Juggling
Gawk at the Amazing Photography at Photofairs
New York City is one of the most photographed cities in the entire world. The stunning architecture, paired with the interesting history, makes the Concrete Jungle a photographer’s playground.
That’s why an event like Photofairs is a great addition to our list of fun things to do in NYC this September. Showcasing impressive photo-based works, digital art, and new media — it’s a place folks go to draw inspiration.
Held at the Javits Center, it’s an event you won’t want to miss out on if you have even the slightest interest in photography. Tickets should be purchased in advance. You can buy a day ticket for $35 or a Run of Show ticket for $90, which gets you access to all three days of the event happening this September in NYC.
Cheer on the Labor Day Parade
Labor Day is a national holiday that takes place on the first Monday of every September. It’s also a day that scores of people have off, so the city trades hands: locals leave, and tourists come in. But somehow, the Labor Day Parade manages to remain one of the best things to do in New York City in September.
The fun floats and charming location make it a fun way to spend a sunny September NYC day. The Labor Day Parade starts where Fifth Avenue and 44th Street meet at 10 AM, running north towards Central Park.
Welcome Back the NFL Season With a Football Game
It should go without saying that New Yorkers are passionate. Passionate about their food, passionate about their neighborhoods, passionate about their sports teams. New York has two football teams, the NY Giants and the NY Jets.
With the football season starting back up again, one of the best things to do in NYC in September is to catch a game at a local bar or, better yet, attend a game in person. The atmosphere is contagious. Whether it’s the celebratory high fives with strangers or the colorful language used after a bad play, the experience is worth the effort when visiting New York City in September.
The Tributes in Light
Although it’s a somber feeling, I encourage anybody who visits NYC in September to pay their respects at the 9/11 Memorial. There is no better time to do it than on the tragedy’s anniversary when twin spotlights light up the sky in tribute, all throughout the night. The lights can be seen at a great distance, so even if you can’t make your way to the memorial site, you can still experience the Tributes in Light.
Eat Your Weight in Cannolis at the Feast of San Gennaro
The Feast of San Gennaro has been a Little Italy masterpiece for more than nearly 100 years (first held in 1926), bringing together New Yorkers of all backgrounds to celebrate all things Italian. Saint Januarius is the Patron Saint of Naples and Little Italy.
Bless him because, in his honor, Mulberry Street fills with vendors selling cannolis, Italian sausage, gelato, and everything else appetizing you can think of. Although Little Italy is no longer the Italian enclave it once was, the roots still run deep, and there are plenty of opportunities to eat and drink your fill (it wouldn’t be a real Italian party if you left hungry).
Just prepare for crowds, unlike anything you can imagine. Mulberry Street is narrow as is, and during the Feast of San Gennaro, more than one million folks squeeze into the neighborhood.
Stargazing on the High Line
Would you believe me if I told you that New York City offers free stargazing opportunities? That’s all thanks to the helpful members of the Amateur Astronomers Association. As one of the best free things to do in NYC in September, trust me when I tell you — you don’t want to miss out on this.
Telescopes are provided and spaced throughout the High Line, a former elevated cargo line turned beloved New York City park. You don’t have to be Neil deGrasse Tyson to enjoy the beauty of our universe, thanks to this incredible New York City summer activity.
Bonus: If you need another reason as to why visiting the High Line is one of the best things to do in New York City in September let me help you. During the warmer months the park brings in vendors that sell artwork, drinks and even ice cream.
Enjoy the Last Month of Grand Banks While You Can
Date: Reservations start April 15th, 2024
Address: Park, Pier 25 Hudson River, New York, NY 10013
In the 18th and 19th centuries, oyster barges dotted NYC, fading over time. Grand Banks revives this tradition, offering sustainably harvested oysters in one of the city’s best waterfront restaurants. Closed in colder months, its summer reopening is eagerly awaited.
Located on Pier 25 in Tribeca, Grand Banks earns acclaim from CNN Travel, The Observer, and New York Magazine. With so many eyes focused on Grand Banks, I’d be doing you a disservice if I didn’t let you know dining here is one of the best things to do in New York City in September. Consider this an inside scoop, and make reservations now!
Spend the Evening Eating Your Weight in Food at Smorgasburg
Date: WTC: Every Friday | Williamsburg: Every Saturday | Prospect Park: Every Sunday
Address: Marsha P. Johnson State Park in Williamsburg, World Trade Center in the Financial District, and Prospect Park in Brooklyn
For foodies, a must-do in NYC in September is embracing the beauty of Smorgasburg, the largest weekly outdoor food market in the U.S., known as “The Woodstock of Eating.” With over 60 vendors across three neighborhoods—World Trade Center on Fridays, Williamsburg on Saturdays, and Prospect Park on Sundays—it’s a culinary delight.
One of the best things to do in New York City in September is meet up with friends and jump from vendor to vendor, trying all the delicious food. This is one of the most popular events in New York City in September, drawing 20,000 – 30,000 visitors every weekend!
Immerse Yourself in Hispanic Heritage Month
New York City is home to people from all over the world, and a large portion of them are Hispanic. So, if you want to learn a little about your neighbors, one of the best things to do in New York City in September is partake in Hispanic Heritage Month.
There isn’t necessarily an end-all-be-all event or fair to commemorate the month; rather, you can dip your toes into a plethora of events that celebrate the community. You can swing by El Museo del Barrio, a museum in Spanish Harlem that focuses on Puerto Rican and Latin art and culture. Or you can catch a film at the New York Latino Film Festival(Dates TBA, usually mid-September).
Cool Down by Kayaking on the Hudson
Kayaking on the Hudson River is a fantastic way to spend a day in New York City in September, regardless of your skill level. With various locations offering free and professional instruction, anyone can partake in this outdoor activity.
The best part? This NYC September activity is completely free! It’s good, clean, and fun that the whole family can be involved in. There is the ability for kids to kayak with a guardian, as well as Kayak Polo for the more competitive crowd. I can think of few better things to do during the New York City summer.
With so many available dates and times, it’s easy to add this summer activity to any NYC September itinerary. Check out the calendar here. Kayaking on the Hudson is simply a treat to experience!
Spend the Evening Bopping Around a Night Market
Exploring a night market is one of the best things to do in New York City in September. The amount of food, drinks, art, and live performances right at your fingertips is only made better by the gorgeous summer skies! The weather is comfortable, and with the sun setting later in the evening, don’t expect to be home before bedtime.
Everyone has heard of bar hopping, but have you ever heard of vendor hopping? It is one of the best things to do in New York City in September if you’re into trying a little bit of everything. Foodies will be in heaven thanks to the wide array of grub. Burgers, tacos, baklava, kebab, and more are available.
Visit The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum for free
Date:Sept. 27th, 2024
Website: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Address: Pier 86, W 46th St, New York, NY 10036
Home to a remarkable collection of military vessels of the sea and sky, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City is a must-see for any military enthusiast or history buff. Fortunately, visiting is one of the best free things to do in New York City in September, thanks to Free Fridays.
During the event, the Intrepid Museum extends its hours and is open, free of charge, from 5 to 9 PM on the last Friday of each month, April through September. The event is especially one of the best things to do in New York City in September with kids. I was able to take my nephew, who was wide-eyed during our entire visit, to the museum last year!
Attend the U.S. Open
Even casual sports fans have heard of the US Open. It’s the final tennis Grand Slam tournament of the year and has been hosted at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York since the 1970s.
In 2022, the sum of all the prize money awarded was over $57 million, making it the largest pot in the Open’s history. If you have plans to visit NYC in September, don’t forget to grab tickets in advance for the US Open.
Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster and go live on June 5th. From the 34th St-Penn Station terminal, you can take the LIRR for 25 minutes to the Tennis Center and enjoy the competition from August 28th to September 10th.
Celebrate the Annual German-American Steuben Parade
Fun fact: Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben was a German (technically Prussian) born founding father of America. The parade was first organized in 1957 by New Yorkers of German ancestry who wanted to keep their heritage alive.
Since then, it’s been held on the third Saturday of September, with locals of both German and non-German heritage cheering it on. Numerous organizations of note march annually in the German-American Steuben Parade, including the German Society of the City of New York (which was founded by von Steuben himself).
And the parade is one of the best family-friendly events in September in New York City. The fun floats and traditional garb provides more than enough entertainment for curious littles. The German-American Steuben Parade starts on Fifth Avenue (parallel to Central Park) on 68th Street, running until 86th Street. It begins at noon and is expected to run for about three hours.
Embrace the First Day of Autumn with Fall Activities
Date: Sept. 22nd, 2024
This list of fun things to do in NYC in September would be incomplete without including the first day of fall. The season that many of us look forward to, and let’s be honest, some of us start a countdown after the Fourth of July.
Anyone in town on September 22nd can officially claim to have seen NYC in the fall. While the trees haven’t yet turned and the weather is still warm, the Fall Equinox is here! As a result, one of the best things to do in NYC in September is to celebrate the start of a new season by participating in any fall activity you can think of.
You can walk through Central Park and try to spot changing trees. Maybe check out the local farmer’s market for some fresh apple cider and donuts? Regardless of how you choose to celebrate, just know the best season for visiting NYC is right around the corner.
Further Reading: Need some suggestions on how to kick off the fall season? Here are festive autumn activities to do in NYC.
Celebrate National Pancake Day
There are few better ways to start your morning than with a warm, fresh stack of fluffy pancakes. The ultimate breakfast dish can be made savory or sweet, allowing endless topping options. One of the best things to do in NYC this September is to go around the city eating your weight in pancakes. And let me tell you something: New York City is no stranger to creating some downright delicious flapjacks.
While there are so many great restaurants to choose from, I’ll save you some time and give you a rundown of the best places to visit in NYC this September.
- Bubby’s (the sourdough pancakes are amazing!)
- Clinton St. Baking Company
- Rule of Thirds
If you have more time, check out our guide on 10 Perfected Pancakes in New York City (You Need to Try!).
Enjoy Rooftop Bars While You Can
I’d argue some of the best weather in New York City happens during September. It’s still warm enough where jackets aren’t a necessity, and there’s no blazing heat in the evenings that has you questioning life. That’s why rooftop bars make for a great evening activity when looking for fun things to do in NYC in September.
Cocktails seem to go down easier, vibes seem to be higher, and the sun setting over the city seems a little more magical. If you need some guidance, here is a quick round-up of some of the best rooftop bars to enjoy this September in NYC.
- Mr. Purple | 180 Orchard St 15th floor, New York, NY 10002
- Time Out Market | 55 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- Westlight | 111 N 12th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
- Dear Irving | 55 Irving Pl, New York, NY 10003
- The Ready Rooftop | 112 E 11th St, New York, NY 10003
Need more suggestions on which rooftop bars are worth visiting in New York City in September? We are currently working on a roundup of the best. Until then check out 10 Tasty Lower East Side Rooftop Bars (You Won’t Want to Miss).
Explore Coney Island
As we’re slowly gearing up for fall, September is the last chance to take advantage of summer’s high. And what better way to spend a day in NYC this September than by going to Coney Island? Coney Island’s famed amusement parks and beaches are hot commodities during the warmer months.
You can spend an entire day eating delicious food and riding some fun rides and still be itching to come back for more. That’s why one of the most entertaining things to do in NYC this September is to gather all your friends and make your way to Coney Island in Brooklyn one last time before the holiday season.
This vibrant neighborhood holds a lot of history and has fun things to do for all ages. Peruse the boardwalk and see if you can win a prize playing a carnival game or ride the nearly 100-year-old wooden roller coaster named the Cyclone.
Catch a Yankees Game
Located in the Bronx, Yankee Stadium is accessible by subway, and tickets can be found for as little as $10, depending on the game. With a whopping 162 games played every season, there’s a plethora of both weekday and weekend games to choose from if you’re looking for things to do in NYC this September.
Whether you love them or hate them, the New York Yankees are icons of both American sports and NYC. The intensity of every game will have the crowd fully engaged, making this one of the best things you can do this September in New York City.
September Festivals in New York City
Rock Out at SummerStage Festival
SummerStage is a festival that takes over New York City starting in September. The flagship venue for their concerts is Rumsey Playfield in Central Park, but they also put on shows at other parks in all five boroughs.
The reason we consider this a can’t-miss thing to do in NYC during September is because the majority of the shows are free! The free shows require no RSVP and are on a first-come, first serve. However, they also put on benefit concerts that require a ticket.
SummerStage’s music varies in genre, so make sure to check the calendar to see who is performing before heading to the park. The event gets lively with people of all different generations and backgrounds. It’s a great way to spend your time if you’re looking for things to do in New York City in September.
Superhero Festival
Anyone visiting NYC in September with kids needs to make time to check out the Superhero Festival put on by the New York State of Mind (NYSoM) organization. Hosting their 6th annual Superhero Festival, both adults and kids can partake in the fun.
Expect to find your favorite superhero walking around for a photo op, activities, and games setup, and most importantly, the create-your-own-superhero station. The festival takes place this September in NYC at Evergreen Park out in Queens. It’s an event the whole family can enjoy, and it’s completely free.
Partake in Summer on the Hudson
Address: Riverside Park between 59th Street and 153rd Street
Summer on the Hudson is an annual festival put on by NYC Parks in collaboration with the Riverside Park Conservancy. There are endless activities all summer long to partake in for both kids and adults alike, so adding this to your NYC itinerary during September is a no-brainer.
The activities include things like movie showings, musical performances, and Tai Chi lessons. There’s a full PDF schedule available for you to survey the options and choose which you’d like to participate in. Luckily, all the fun events that take place on the Hudson are free and easy to join.
If scheduling isn’t your style and you’re more go-with-the-flow, consider following Summer on the Hudson’s social media pages. This way, you’ll get consistent reminders as to that day’s activities. September in NYC has never been more eventful!
Some events to look forward to this September in New York City:
- Yoga: Thursdays in September
- Bingo: Fridays in September
- Dance Aerobics: Saturdays in September
- Sun Gaze
- Birding Tour
- Game Night
Curtains Up Broadway Festival
Curtains Up Broadway Festival is a three-day event that takes place in NYC in September. Multiple performances from an array of Broadway shows are showcased live right in the heart of Times Square.
Theater fans come together and enjoy a plethora of free events and activities, as well as stunning performances in the middle of the fast-paced neighborhood. It’s one of the best free events happening in NYC in September.
New York Film Festival
Date: 2024 dates TBD
Although the New York Film Festival (NYFF) doesn’t start until the tail-end of the month, if you’re visiting NYC in September, you should still try to get tickets for a really cool experience. The NYFF takes place at the Lincoln Center and annually showcases the best films to hit the big screen.
Both low and high-budget films are screened, and it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. Individual tickets or passes can be purchased (the earlier you buy them, the cheaper they’ll be). Tickets and the 2023 lineup can be found here.
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