September in New York is arguably the best month of the year–it’s still warm of course, but with the fall quickly approaching, the possibilities for outdoor activities are pretty much endless!
And, as always, we’re not leaving you hanging with the plans. Here are some of the most sensational things to do in NYC this September:
1. Make the most of the remaining summer weather at the beach
Whether you’re wanting to soak up the sun at the popular city beaches or explore the hidden ones no one really knows about, there’s so many beaches to cool off at in NYC. Find the best ones here before fall weather is upon us!
2. Escape into a whimsical paradise at Wonderland Dreams
Fall down the rabbit hole at Alexa Meade’s 26,000-square-foot floor-to-ceiling hand-painted immersive exhibit that brings Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland come to life! You’ll become the subject of various paintings as you roam through 20 rooms of art and then recharge with delicious small plates and drinks at the storytelling-themed wine bar and café. Grab your tickets today!
3. Catch NYC’s thought-provoking new play Swing State, here for a limited run
Imagine a rural Wisconsin community being turned upside down and changed forever because of a…missing toolbox? The recently widowed Peg calls the authorities when she notices her late husband’s item is missing. What she doesn’t realize is that her call to the authorities will spiral and change the town dramatically. Swing State has a limited seven-week-only engagement at the Minetta Lane Theatre. Don’t miss your chance to see it and get your tickets here!
4. Head to the Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze
If you love carving pumpkins and all things Halloween, you’ll love the spectacular Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. The event takes place in Hudson Valley and in Long Island! It features over 7,000 illuminated pumpkins all hand-carved with various designs to create glowing sculptures. And the 2023 season begins September 15th. Read how to get your tickets here.
5. Celebrate the Feast of San Gennaro
NYC’s feasts of all feasts is back! The Feast of San Gennaro takes over Little Italy each year for 11 days. This year will mark the 97th anniversary of the special festival. The street fair will be back in all its Italian glory beginning Thursday, September 14th through September 24th. Maybe this will be the year you enter into the cannoli eating contest! Read more here.
6. …Or head to the Bronx for Ferragosto Festival
Did you know NYC is home to two Little Italys? That’s right, along Arthur Avenue and East 187th Street in the Bronx lies another Little Italy. And every September, the Bronx Little Italy celebrates the Italian tradition of Ferragosto with food, music and more! This year, the festival will take place on September 10 from 12p.m. to 6p.m. Get all the details here.
7. Catch the changing fall foliage
I LOVE NEW YORK’s annual fall foliage report provides weekly insight on New York State’s changing fall foliage throughout the season. Keep watch on the reports and check out our most recommended spots to catch those beautiful shades of orange, red, and yellows in the region here.
8. Snap a photo on the iconic orange couch at The FRIENDS™ Experience New York
Always wanted to be a part of the iconic friend group? Well now you can! Check out The FRIENDS™ Experience New York and explore tons of realistic set recreations and take advantage of all the amazing photo-ops, from Monica and Rachel’s apartment to everyone’s favorite coffeeshop, Central Perk. Get tickets here.
9. See a match at the US Open in NYC
The US Open is taking over NYC from Monday, August 28th through Sunday, September 10th. To find out all the deets–from where to watch it and how you can snag tickets for yourself–check out our ultimate US Open guide here.
10. Attend the annual West Indian Day Parade
The National West Indian Day Parade is returning to NYC on Monday, September 4th. The tradition, which first began in Harlem, celebrates the heritage of the Caribbean with a lively day of festivities including singers, dancers, extravagant costumes, food vendors and more. Find out all the details of this year’s event here.
11. Enter into a mini universe at Small is Beautiful: Miniature Art Exhibition
Embark on an unexpected adventure at the first exhibition to bring the miniature art phenomenon to NYC. Featuring 120 exclusive artworks and 80 photographs by 32 local & international artists, Small Is Beautiful: Miniature Art Exhibition plays on politics, humor, and poetry. Grab your tickets today.
12. Dance all LDW at EZoo
NYC’s premier electronic music festival is returning to Randall’s Island Park this Labor Day Weekend! Bigger and better than ever, the festival is set to host EDM’s biggest names including Tiesto, The Chainsmokers, Zedd, FISHER, and so many more! There will be 6 stages this year, a first, and a brand new MegaMirage stage with curated lineups and special B2B performances! Everything you need to know here.
13. Celebrate all things fall at NYBG’s ‘Fall-O-Ween’
New York Botanical Garden is giving NYers a bunch of exciting events to add to their September bucket list. From September 16 through November 12, Fall-O-Ween at NYBG will be offering an array of attractions and activities for all ages, from lawn games and self-guided tours to spooky nights on select evenings and dance parties. Read all about it here.
14-15. Take in a stunning concert by candlelight in NYC’s most spellbinding spaces
Treat yourself to a relaxing evening surrounded by shimmering candlelight and beautiful music at Fever’s incredible Candlelight concerts in NYC. From classical to jazz, to movie soundtracks on strings, and in spaces spanning from stunning historic cathedrals to pristine rooftops, there’s something for everyone. Some highlights include:
See the rest of our favorites here.
16. Feast on endless $1 Dumplings at the annual Momo Crawl
Jackson Heights hosts the biggest Himalayan food and cultural festival, giving visitors a taste of some of the neighborhood’s best Tibetan, Nepalese, and South Asian restaurants at the annual Momo Crawl, and it returns this month on Sunday, September 24! Now in it’s 11th year, this year’s event will give attendees the chance to try momos from over 30 of the neighborhood’s restaurants! Read all about it here.
17. Pick apples just outside of the Big Apple
New York isn’t known as the Big Apple for nothing! While the orchards aren’t actually located in the city, they tend to be just a hop, skip and a jump away. Get in the fall mood with family and friends with a basket full of apples to bring home to bake into a crispy apple pie. Yum! Check out our list of spots near NYC here.
18-19. Be wowed by this authentic Spanish Flamenco tour
After its huge success in different cities from the USA to Brazil with over 50,000 attendees, Authentic Flamenco is coming to NYC, and due to popular demand new dates have been added! You have two chances to witness the raw power of the captivating Spanish art form, including the following shows:
20. Visit the pumpkin patch
Much like apple picking, heading to a pumpkin patch is a great weekend idea for later on in the month. Get ready to start carving your jack-o-lanterns! Find our favorite pumpkin patches near NYC here.
21. Watch as Poe’s Gothic horror works get brought to life at this pop-up Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy
If you’re a lover of literature and cocktails, you’re not going to want to miss this unique Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy. Coming to NYC for a limited time, the interactive show and cocktail experience will retell four of Poe’s most infamous works of literature in a captivating, spine-chilling manner. Sip on drinks like “The Raventini,” where each drink is as deliciously decadent as the next. Get your tickets here.
22-23. Bring in the fall with bratwurst, dancing, and plenty of brews at NYC’s many Oktoberfest celebrations
Oktoberfest is a treasured, annual German festival, and though it’s celebrated in Germany beginning mid to late September, tons of events carry through the month of October in the city (because the festivities are just too much fun!) Some exciting Oktoberfest celebrations happening this year in NYC include:
- A cruise with German-themed food and drink specials
- Weekly beer keg tappings & pig roasts
Find the full list of Oktoberfest events here.
24. Take part in NYC’s first live game show
Get your friends together and test your collective wits in NYC’s first and only live game show! Prepare to have your teamwork, brain power, and button-finger agility tested. You’ll be competing with opposing teams for the chance to win one of the mystery boxes and whatever prize awaits inside. No two shows are exactly the same, so it really is a one-of-a-kind experience. Grab your tickets here
25. Get lost in a corn maze near NYC
A day of riddles and hidden clues lies only a short journey from the city–so be sure to visit an epic corn maze this September! Navigate your way through a maze of maize and beat your besties by being the quickest one out. Find the corn maze nearest you here.
Or check out this 10-acre Barbie-themed corn maze!
26. Be mesmerized by hot air balloons decorating the sky at the Adirondack Balloon Fest
Though you’ll have to head upstate for this one, the view will be worth it! The Adirondack Balloon Fest is returning for its 50th anniversary from September 21-24. The fest is a non-for-profit organization that is entirely ran by a dedicated group of volunteers. Free to the public, the event invites visitors to experience sunrise/sunset balloon fights, camping, an exciting craft fair, and delicious food vendors. Learn more here.
27. Enjoy the fall breeze at an NYC street fair
NYC is always buzzing with energy, and throughout the summer and fall NYC street fairs take over tons of blocks across all five boroughs. Most often a visit to a street fair means tasty bites, shopping opportunities from unique vendors, and the chance to socialize the day away–and that obviously can’t be missed. Find all of NYC’s street fairs here.
28. Have a blast at the Great New York Sate Fair
Get ready for daily concerts, thrilling rides, and as many funnel cakes as you can stomach for an epic way to celebrate the last few weeks of summer! The Great New York State Fair has returns to Syracuse Wednesday, August 23 through Labor Day, Monday, September 4. Read all about this year’s exhilarating attractions and big-name performers here.
29. Explore the catacombs of Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral by candlelight
September is here which means it’s almost spooky season, and what better way to ring it in than with a one-of-a-kind tour of Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral’s historic catacombs?! Those brave enough can explore it by candlelight, strolling through the city’s past, which until recently was closed off and forgotten. Get your tickets here.
30. Head to this secretive over-the-top dinner party
Get ready to see a sea of New Yorkers dressed head-to-toe in white once again, as the legendary Dîner en Blanc has announced its return to NYC on Thursday, September 14th. This French-inspired, pop-up dinner party made its US debut in NYC a decade ago where they have gathered thousands of people to iconic NYC locations such as Lincoln Center and Bryant Park. It’s certainly a unique experience you can’t miss, and you can learn all about it here.
31. See the annual 9/11 “Tribute In Light”
The meaningful Tribute in Light tradition to honor those lost on 9/11 will shine this year, from dusk to dawn at the site of Ground Zero on September 11th. The beams of light are made with eighty-eight 7,000-watt xenon lightbulbs that shine four miles into the sky. Learn more here.
32. Drink at a hidden 19th century Chapel Bar tucked away inside a photography museum
There are only a few dates left to sip on decadent drinks at this dark and moody 19th century chapel! he swanky lounge used to be exclusive to members of Fotografiska, but now it’s open to the public! Your tickets will get you into the museum and in the bar afterward. Whether it’s a date night or a night out with friends, it’s a perfect way to explore incredible exhibits at Fotografiska New York and then pop over to the intimate Chapel Bar. Get your tickets here.
33. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is being celebrated from September 15 to October 15 and there are plenty of ways you can get involved! From the New York Latino Film Festival (September 14th-18h) to the Queens Culture Carnival (September 18th), stay tuned for even more events to come.
34-37. Take in the last of rooftop season
As the fall weather quickly approaches, be sure to take one more opportunity to grab drinks at one of NYC’s breathtaking rooftops while it’s still warm. Whether you’re Uptown or Downtown, Queens or Manhattan, there’s sure to be one near you.
- Panorama Room, Roosevelt Island
- The Ready Rooftop, East Village
- Vista Sky Lounge, LIC
- Westlight NYC, Williamsburg
Find our full list here.
38-41. …Or hit up a beer garden
Not feeling a rooftop, good thing NYC is Beer Garden galore! Take advantage of the end of the summer while sipping on a brew at any of these beer gardens throughout the city.
- Loreley, Lower East Side
- Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden, Astoria
- Clinton Hall, FiDi
- Radegast Hall & Biergarten, Williamsburg
42. Explore the great wonders and history of Ancient Rome at this new exhibit
From Julius Caesar’s bloody battles to the trials and triumphs of Ancient Rome, learn all about this dynamic empire at this new Ancient Rome experience! With over 50 artifacts, some of them being interactive, you can be immersed in the foundations of this highly skilled and organized structure that was Ancient Rome! Learn more and grab tickets here.
43. Channel your inner bookworm at NYC’s Beloved Brooklyn Book Festival
Calling all literary lovers: the Brooklyn Book Festival is returning this fall for their biggest event yet! Featuring 200+ authors, poets, and graphic novelists from across the globe and as nearby as Brooklyn, events for the 18th Annual Brooklyn Book Festival kick off Sunday, September 24. Read all about this fun event here.
44-47. Visit an NYC coffee shop for a fall-inspired drink
The city is full of amazing coffee shops, and here’s hoping they’re all adding pumpkin, brown sugar, maple lattes and more to the menu! Here are some of our picks:
- Intelligentsia, Chelsea
- Astoria Coffee, Queens
- Devoción, Multiple Locations
- Hi-Collar, East Village
Find more of our go-to coffee shops here.
48. Surround yourself in nature at the New York Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden is a beautiful place to visit all year long. With the fall season comes the beautiful foliage on their grounds. Make sure to make your way there to see it. Find their website here.
49. Go on a mac & cheese tour of NYC
How about sitting down with some friends for a nice bowl of tasty mac and cheese? With the chilly weather coming in, there’s no better way to warm up than a nice warm bowl of cheesy goodness! Check out one of these delicious restaurants for their cheesy pasta.
- Murray’s Cheese Bar, West Village
- Sek’end Sun, Astoria
- The Smith, Multiple Locations
- Jacob’s Pickles, UWS
50. …Or try out an entirely new dining experience and dine in the dark
Discover the full potential of your tastebuds at this unique gastronomical experience at Leuca’s in Williamsburg. You’ll be served a delectable three-course meal with a twist–you’ll be blindfolded the entire time. Inspired by the flavors of Southern Italy, Leuca’s has become one of the most sought-after restaurants in the city and you can now try their elaborate menu prepared by their professional chefs. Grab your tickets here.
51. Pick up some local produce at a NYC farmer’s market
Although many farmer’s markets across NYC take place all year long, what better time to take a walk through and get some fresh produce or artisan breads and cheeses than the fall? Just around harvest time, the produce this time of year is amazing.
- Union Square Farmer’s Market, Union Square
- Norwood Farmstand, Norwood
- Saint George Greenmarket, Staten Island
Find more markets here.
52. Explore 50 years worth of hip hop history at this immersive exhibit
If you ever wanted the chance to put yourself right in the center of 50 years-worth of hip hop history, now’s your chance! Hip Hop Til Infinity at Hall des Lumières is bringing the genre of hip hop to life with an immersive experience that celebrates the genre’s most iconic moments. It’s open now through Sunday, September 17, and you can learn more about it here.
53. Eat your way through the country’s first-ever Latin Night Market
Latin Night Market, the first-ever large-scale food and culture festival dedicated to the Latin & Hispanic diaspora, is coming to NYC this September to take your tastebuds on the ultimate ride. Guests will have the chance to indulge in a joyous journey of Latinx cuisine, from fiery salsas to savory mofongo and everything in between. Latin Night Market all goes down on Friday, September 22nd, and you can read more about it here.
54. Frolic through 5,000+ animal-themed jack-o’-lanterns taking over the Bronx Zoo
You may have hung out with the animals at the Bronx Zoo, but you’ve never seen them like this! For the first time ever, the zoo will host Pumpkin Nights at the Bronx Zoo, bringing all the boos to the zoo this year and offering visitors a spooky twist. This fun nighttime experience features more than 5,000 animal-themed carved pumpkins and scenes spread out over a half-mile jack-o’-lantern trail, and it debuts Thursday, September 28. Read more here.
55. Get down(ward dog) at a free yoga class at Bryant Park
Bryant Park’s free yoga classes returned for their 20th year earlier this summer, but they’re not going away any time soon–they’ll once again be extending the program into the fall! These hour-long classes focus on healing and stress reduction and will take place Tuesday mornings and Wednesday evenings through September 27. Learn more here.
56. Score 2-For-1 Broadway ticket deals during Broadway Week
Broadway Week gives people access to their signature deal: 2-for-1 tickets to some of the best musicals and plays currently on stage. It has been going on since 2011, and it’s returning once again September 4-17th (yes, it is actually longer than just one week). Learn all the details here.
57-60. Explore one of NYC’s many neighborhoods
The great thing about NYC is how different all its neighborhoods are, and there’s endless fun to be had while simply just strolling around and exploring. Here are guides to some of our favorite neighborhoods in NYC:
- 22 Lively Things To Do On The Lower East Side, Manhattan
- 30 Amazing Things To Do In Astoria, Queens
- 28 Coolest Things To Do In Bushwick, Brooklyn
- 19 Charming Things To Do In Chinatown, Manhattan
Also published on Medium.