The big apple is notorious for a beautiful fall season full of a good time. Well, it’s always the perfect time to enjoy New York City! What better way to ring in a new season, than check out free events, free concerts, the best restaurants and shows or art installations? The entire world seems to be happening around us in a fast paced mode and we are full of excitement. Here is everything to check out in the city this beautiful time of year.
Broadway Week
Broadway Week is back! From September 4th-17th, 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!
US Open
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, but 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.
Photofairs
I love finding new events coming to the city! This one is an art fair completely dedicated to new media and photography. I find it incredibly interesting and think it’s the perfect weekend activity. It’ll be at the Javits Center the 8th-10th, so be sure to snag tickets while you can!
Celebrate Labor Day Weekend
Labor Day Weekend is here and if you’re looking for some last minute plans, I’ve got you! Picnic in Central Park, go to the spa on Governor’s Island and take advantage of the pool there, go to a restaurant you’ve been dying to try, treat yourself to a shopping trip or take this long weekend to reorganize your apartment. If you can, rent a car and go out to the Hamptons or Montauk for the day. You can check out the beach, get lunch and shop. Sometimes, it’s just nice to escape the city for the day. I highly recommend taking advantage of outdoor activities this month. Here’s our favorite Labor Day getaways, recipes and more!
My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3
We are major fans of this movie series and ran to get tickets when we saw the third is coming to theaters! It hits theaters Friday, September 8th and NYC theaters still have some tickets available, so you’ll want to grab those while you can. Screenings are taking place in NYC, LA and Chicago as well as advanced screenings across the country on the 6th. The film is doing complimentary weddings at these locations across the country as well on one day only! On top of all of this tons of freebies are happening leading up to the film at these participating stores. Don’t miss out on all the fun!
Pay Tribute to 9/11
The anniversary of the 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. Personally, 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.
Dîner en Blanc
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.
Hudson Yards Big Screen
For those who haven’t experienced a big screen event outdoors in the city, Hudson Yards has a massive screen and they are ready to provide some entertainment. This program is running through October 31st, which is amazing! They will be airing major games, tournaments and international sporting events. The full schedule is available on their site and it’s great to go with friends to watch some games!
Curtain Up
We all know I love Broadway and once I learned about Curtain Up, I’ve been obsessed! This is the third year where Playbill will be hosting a 3 day outdoor event with the Broadway League, Prudential and Times Square Alliance. It’s free and there are live performances as well as interactive events taking place. The event is taking place from the 8th-10th and you can view their entire schedule on the site!
Electric Zoo Music Festival
If you’re into music festivals or concerts, you have to attend this one! September 1st-3rd, the Electric Zoo Festival will be taking place at Randall’s Island Park. The lineup is super fun and it’s a great opportunity to take advantage of the summer season ending and being able to go to an outdoor music festival for awhile. Grab your tickets ASAP because they do go up and it’s happening as we speak.
Watch a Football Game
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!
Seaport Free Movies
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.
National Pancake Day
September 26th is National Pancake Day! All you breakfast lovers, get ready! Ihop is notorious for their specials, but this is also a great time to check out some spots in the city you’ve been wanting to try out. Make a pancake tour for yourself and go to your favorite spots or a few you have had your eye on. What are your favorite type of pancakes?
NYFW
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 and 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 7th and runs through the 13th.
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 14th-24th 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 16th and will run through October 3rd. 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!
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. Can you believe this is the 93rd year?! 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.
Beast Speedboat
Have you heard of the BEAST? It’s one of the coolest adventures NYC has to offer! I do have to say, it is a pretty cool speedboat that will take you on a splashing ride down the Hudson River. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, this is something for you! They refer to it as a rollercoaster, but one that’s on water and I would have to agree with that statement! If you’re wondering what this boat has it’s “1400 BHP-horsepower with two ZF 3000 marine gears powered by twin Hamilton Jets, rocketing you through the water at a heart-pounding 40 knots (about 45 mph)!” Can you even imagine?! You will definitely get splashed, so I recommend wearing something you’re okay getting wet in. Also accessories such as hats, sunglasses and loose earrings probably aren’t the best to wear on it, as they could fly off. It’s kinda like a boat tour of the city, too. Do you dare to book tickets?!
Tea on a Bus
Tea Around Town is a bus that you can enjoy tea on. View sights around town and have a tea party with your friends! It’s all pink, so it’s basically got my name all over it and they have great finger sandwiches and pastries to enjoy along with the tea. The 90 minute experience has tickets starting at $69. Book it with friends for a fun day out!
Aladdin’s Times Square
The Hilton Hotel in Times Square has teamed up with Aladdin on Broadway to create a themed suite! If you have kids and are coming to town or live here and want to plan a staycation, you have to put this suite at the top of your list. The rooms are available until October 31st and if you book the $599/night option, you will receive up to 4 complimentary orchestra tickets to Aladdin on Broadway, two themed genie-tini cocktails and 2 mocktails, Aladdin coloring materials, a wake up call from the Genie himself and complimentary breakfast for up to 4 as well as complimentary parking.
Go Jetskiing
It’s about to get cold in the city, so if you want to do water sports, it’s nearing the end. There are free Jetskiing experiences in the city as well as tour options to explore. Enjoy the views–just watch your driving!
Superhero Festival
Did you know a superhero festival was coming to the city? It’s actually the 6th year! September 23rd from 2-6PM in Evergreen Park in Ridgewood, you can find your favorite superheros from DC, anime, Marvel, video games and more! You’ll be able to create your own superhero, participate in a Pokemon scavenger hunt, watch the Flash vs. Sonic relay race, create your own anime and so much more fun! This is a free event!
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