New York City is on the cusp of fall, and while we’re soaking up these final weeks of summer, there’s an unmistakable shift in the air. The return of New York Fashion Week brings energy back to the streets, football season is kicking off, and the city’s cultural calendar is packed. Yes, we’ll miss those late summer nights at Yankee Stadium, but there’s something undeniably magical about NYC as the leaves begin to change.
From iconic annual traditions to new experiences, here’s what we’re loving in the city this month:
Celebrate Labor Day Weekend
Send off summer in style with rooftop sunsets, beach day trips, and food festivals across the city. It’s your last chance to fully embrace warm-weather NYC before fall officially arrives. It’s a great time to do anything you haven’t been able to yet this season to end the summer in the best way. Beat the summer heat and hydrate properly no matter what your plans are! The high line, food tours, Ellis Island, going to the New York Botanical Garden or seeing any iconic landmarks for the first time. The best months are coming where it’s a bit cooler and less sweltering outside, like late September.
Go Apple Picking
We love going apple picking as a family! There are so many places to go apple picking near the city easily accessible by public transportation. Here is our full list of orchards!
Brooklyn Book Festival
Book lovers can gather at the Brooklyn Book Festival for author talks, signings, and a vibrant outdoor marketplace in Downtown Brooklyn. They have a bunch of different days between virtual options, children’s day and festival day.
Movie Nights at Wollman Rink
Enjoy films under the stars at Wollman Rink. Bring a blanket and settle in for a cozy evening with skyline views. This is a must-visit spot for some fun in the great outdoors here. It’s one of the best ways to enjoy the city in comfortable temperatures.
Le Dîner en Blanc
This all-white, secret-location picnic is one of NYC’s most unique events. Le Dîner en Blanc is equal parts elegant and spontaneous, definitely one to plan ahead for.
US Open
Catch the final matches of the US Open in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park. Whether in person or watching from home, it’s a quintessential NYC sporting event. It’s always a good time and seriously one of the best experience options if you’re able to go! The summer crowds are there but it’s an experience of a lifetime.
Our Experience:
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Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff
Celebrate with music, culture, and community at events throughout the city at exclusive events you can only find here.
Feast of San Gennaro
Head to Little Italy for the Feast of San Gennaro. Expect incredible food, lively crowds, and classic NYC charm. The food is amazing but the heat this summer is next level so just be sure to hydrate and wear sunscreen before going! Skip street food and try the food at this festival in Little Italy! This is actually the 100th year and it is running from the 17th-27th.
Work & Process
Manhattan West is bringing back Work & Process’s free pop-up dance and music series for its fourth year, with live performances and interactive dance experiences taking over the Plaza every Wednesday in September from 5-6:15PM. The lineup kicks off September 9th with LayeRhythm’s live music and street dance, followed by a Mambo Dance Party with Sekou McMiller & Friends on September 16th, A Barn Dance with Brooklyn Contra on September 23rd, and New York Swings with Josh Lee and the Family on September 30th. Each week offers a completely different experience, from Afro-Latin and freestyle dance to Appalachian folk dancing, swing, and live music. Best of all, the events are free and open to everyone, with several performances offering lessons and opportunities for guests to join in.
Broadway Week
From September 8–21, score 2-for-1 tickets during Broadway Week. It’s the perfect excuse to finally see that show on your list. An amazing evening experience in New York City includes dinner and a broadway musical. We always recommend this for anyone visiting or looking for a fun date night! Get these deals from the 8th-20th.
Juilliard Fall Festival
The Juilliard School hosts a citywide celebration of music, dance, and theater, with performances across Manhattan. These run the 16th-25th.
NYFW
Fashion lovers, this is your moment. New York Fashion Week runs mid-month, bringing runway shows, pop-ups, and major style inspiration to the city. It’s our favorite time of the year and we are so excited for the September events. This year you can experience it from the 11th-16th.
Outdoor & Foodie
- Run your way through the NYC Pizza Run
- Explore Japanese cuisine at Japan Fes
- Watch matches at Hudson Yards US Open watch parties
Early Fall Festivities Begin
Get into the seasonal spirit early with:
- The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
- Pumpkin Nights at Bronx Zoo
- Morningside Lights
Reflect & Remember
Visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum to honor and reflect on September 11. The Tribute in Light is especially moving.
Football is Back
Whether you’re watching at home or heading out with friends, the return of the NFL always brings excitement to the season. It’s open air at the games and they are already here by September. The best time to go is avoiding days of rain but the games are still so much fun!
September in New York City is that perfect in-between. Where summer lingers just a little longer, and fall starts to quietly arrive. Whether you’re here for the culture, food, fashion, or community, there’s truly no better place to experience the shift in seasons.
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