New York City is in its last month of summer and as we approach the fall season, we are experiencing some of the best New York events. New York Fashion Week, the end of baseball season at Yankee Stadium, the Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit, two for one tickets to a Broadway show, American sports, a cultural festival and plenty of more new experiences. I say it’s always a good time to take a leisurely stroll in the city and check in on the event actions because there truly is always so much to do here. Now is the perfect time to plan your month. Get the best views, check out outdoor events and so much more in the city! It’s a beautiful time of year and full of family-friendly activities.
I’m sharing my favorite events for you to check out in the big apple this month!
Whether you’re a major tennis fan or not, the US Open is always fun to watch! It ends early September on the 10th, so there is still time to try to get some seats if you’d like to attend in person. Of course, it is televised. I think it’s a great experience to be able to attend and watch the players in person. This truly is one of the most special events going on early fall.
Pay Tribute to 9/11
The anniversary of the horrific tragedy that was September 11th is coming up. It’s a hard day for the entire country, but especially New York City. There are some really great memorial events taking place. I like to go to the World Trade Center, where the Twin Towers were and see the lights they shine in honor of those that lost their lives that very day. It’s nice to come together as a community and have a moment of silence and peace in remembrance. People like to leave flowers by the names at the memorial, as well, which is so nice to see and also heartwrenching. Here’s a list of memorial events to attend.
Washington Square Art Exhibit
Outdoor art exhibits are some of the best things this city has to offer! It really is so cool to support local artists and see some eye-opening art. It’s been almost 100 years of this! There’s everything from jewelry to graphics to ceramics and so much more. It takes place Memorial Weekend and Labor Day Weekend, so this will be the last of the season! Bring your family and friends and spend the day here and enjoy the weather while it’s still nice.
Little Italy Fest of San Gennaro
The Feast of San Gennaro is a celebration for San Gennaro of Naples. Little Italy will have a feast from September 12th-22nd in celebration. This is where local restaurants will have food, drinks and Italian apparel in the streets of Little Italy. It’s really fun to be a part of and the food is incredible!
The Beginning of Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is here before we know it! This year it begins on the 21st and will run through October 6th. If you’ve been craving a beer and giant pretzel, now is the time more than ever to get it. This is a fun day out with friends, too if you want to bar hop!
My fashion people, who is ready?! New Yorkers, this is a really fun time of year and I love getting to celebrate fashion week every fall! This is a fantastic time to see what the upcoming trends are and keep updated on our favorite designers. This link has the schedule for the big week ahead. You’ll want to stay in the know on social media, as well, as tons of free pop ups and happenings usually come during this time. It begins with some events on the 6th and runs through the 11th.
The NYC Pizza Run is a delicious event that combines the love of running with the love of pizza. Held annually in various neighborhoods, this fun run has you dash through the streets of New York City while sampling slices from some of the city’s most iconic pizzerias. You don’t need to be an athlete. Just someone with a passion for pizza, the NYC Pizza Run is a flavorful and festive celebration of two of New York’s greatest traditions: running and pizza.
This festive autumn attraction transforms the historic Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson into a glowing wonderland of intricate, hand-carved pumpkins. You can see a dazzling display of thousands of illuminated jack o’lanterns, each meticulously designed with imaginative patterns and vibrant colors. This enchanting event features themed areas and elaborate pumpkin sculptures that captivate guests of all ages. It offers a mesmerizing experience that celebrates the artistry of pumpkin carving. Perfect for families or a Halloween date night, the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is a must-see spectacle that brings the spirit of the season to life with a touch of magical glow.
Pumpkin Nights at the Bronx Zoo is a fun fall event that transforms the zoo into a magical, pumpkin-themed wonderland. This immersive experience features over 1,000 illuminated jack o’lanterns, each intricately carved with imaginative designs and arranged in stunning displays. Walk along the illuminated pathways to encounter whimsical pumpkin sculptures, dazzling light shows, and seasonal decorations that create a captivating ambiance. It’s family-friendly!
The “Nightmare Before Christmas” at the New York Botanical Garden is a holiday event that brings Tim Burton’s beloved film to life in a dazzling display of lights and botanical artistry. Set in the garden’s lush landscapes, this experience features intricately crafted scenes and characters from the movie, illuminated with festive lights that create a mesmerizing atmosphere. You can explore gardens transformed into scenes from the film, complete with Jack Skellington, Sally, and other iconic characters. The limited time event combines the charm of the botanical garden with the magic of the holiday season, offering a family-friendly adventure that celebrates the creativity and spirit of “The Nightmare Before Christmas” in a stunning, immersive setting. It opens September 27th for 9 weeks!
Morningside Lights is an annual event that lights up the evenings in Morningside Park, with a burst of creativity and community spirit. It features a stunning array of handcrafted lanterns designed and created by local artists and residents. Each year, the event’s theme brings a unique touch to the park, as participants of all ages contribute their artistic flair to the lanterns, which are then displayed in a mesmerizing procession through the park. The colorful, illuminated lanterns create a magical ambiance, turning Morningside Park into a glowing wonderland. This is a community-driven celebration that highlights the power of collaboration and the beauty of artistic expression.
The All Things Go Music Festival is a celebration of music that takes over New York City with an eclectic lineup of indie, alternative, and electronic artists. Held annually, this festival features a diverse roster of up-and-coming and established acts, delivering high-energy performances across multiple stages. Set against the stunning backdrop of NYC, the festival offers music lovers an immersive experience with not just great tunes but also art installations, food vendors, and interactive elements that enhance the overall atmosphere. It’s a must-attend event for anyone looking to experience the cutting edge of the music scene while soaking up the electric energy of New York City.
The Taste of Times Square is a delicious annual event that lets New Yorkers and vacationers indulge in a culinary tour of one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods. In the heart of Times Square, this street festival features a diverse array of food stalls from local restaurants, offering everything from gourmet bites to classic street food. You can savor a wide range of flavors, including international cuisines and unique local specialties, all while enjoying live entertainment and vibrant street performers. It’s happening from 5-9PM September 9th!
Hudson Yards is full of US Open specials that you won’t want to miss! Enjoy zesty tacos and margaritas at Verano, or indulge in sweets from Xing Fu Tang and Van Leeuwen while watching the matches at the Public Square & Gardens. For an indoor experience this month, O’Toole’s Way offers signature cocktails like Honey Deuces. For a sky-high twist, play table tennis at Edge, the highest sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, and sip on Honey Deuces until September 6th. Additionally, CityPickle provides free pickleball court time and refreshing SUJA Organic juices every Tuesday and Friday through September 7th. And for a VIP touch, US Open ticket holders staying at the Equinox Hotel can enjoy access with exclusive BLADE helicopter service and chauffeur.
BLOOM: The Secret Wonders of New York’s Forgotten Eden at HERO’s Rockefeller Center exhibit is running through September. This limited-time, immersive experience features eight interactive atmospheres with light and video installations, changing scents, and digital content. It evokes all senses and is a great spot to check out with friends. Celebrate the history of New York City’s first botanical garden, the Elgin Garden, while enjoying CHANDON Garden Spritz to close out the summer season.
This is the celebration of Japanese culture and cuisine that brings a taste of Japan to the heart of New York City. Held annually, this festival transforms city streets into a Japanese marketplace, featuring a ton of food vendors offering authentic dishes like ramen, takoyaki, and sushi. Beyond the amazing bites, Japan Fes also showcases traditional performances, cultural exhibits, and interactive activities that provide a rich, immersive experience. From exploring Japanese crafts to enjoying live music and dance, this festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the essence of Japan without leaving NYC, making it a must-visit event for foodies and culture enthusiasts alike. Check out their site for the dates they are open in the city this month!
Wonderland: Curious by Nature is an exhibit that lets visitors explore the whimsical blend of art and science. At the New York Botanical Garden, this immersive experience features fantastical installations and interactive displays inspired by the natural world and the curious spirit of exploration. From oversized, imaginative sculptures to vibrant, nature-inspired artworks, the exhibit transforms the garden into a captivating landscape where creativity and curiosity thrive. Wonderland Curious by Nature offers a magical journey for visitors of all ages, blending artistic wonder with scientific intrigue in a beautifully curated setting that celebrates the marvels of nature. It’s open until October 27th!
It happens once a year! This is a super cool happening where a secret location will be announced and everyone can attend-all in white! It’s like an elegant picnic and there are always some amazing guest appearances. If you are a spur of the moment person and love surprise locations, etc. this is the event to look forward to! Keep an eye out on their site for information. If you’re not a member, sign up on their site for the waitlist. It’s been released that it’s happening September 26th.
The NFL is back and ready to take over your television! Whether you’d like to watch from your couch or in person in the stands, it’s always a great time with family and friends. Dress in your team’s gear, grab some snacks and enjoy the new season ahead!
Rooftop movies are going to be out of season soon! The Seaport Cinema screens films on their open rooftop through the end of summer and it’s a great outdoor movie option. The views alone from the roof make it worth it! It’s free to go but space is limited so you will want to get there earlier than the 6:30 start time and arrive all ready to watch.
Broadway Week is back! From September 3rd-5th, you can get 2 for 1 tickets for a bunch of Broadway shows. What’s better than that?! This is a great opportunity to see shows you’ve been wanting to see for awhile or bring your kids to shows they would love. Check out this link to see which shows you can get the deal for and make sure to get your hands on tickets!
Free Museum Days or pay-as-you-wish days are amazing! There are a bunch of museums that are always free, but some have special days that are. I think this is a great opportunity to bring your kids to a museum and immerse them in the world of art. This link has a ton of information on free museum days and which to check out!
For more NYC happenings, visit here!
