New York City is about to experience fall and this is truly the last month of summer that we have. We love that New York Fashion Week will be here soon and of course are a bit saddened by the end of baseball season at Yankee Stadium. But with events in Times Square, a Broadway show to see and the return of Football season, there is plenty to do here. We think this is a great place to come any season but just as the leaves are changing, the city starts to become a bit more magical. If you’re looking for a good time in the city with the best views, look no further. Enjoy our favorites happenings in the big apple this month!
Celebrate Labor Day Weekend
Close out summer in the city with a fun-filled Labor Day Weekend. Whether you’re catching the last rooftop sunset, checking out a food festival or taking a day trip to the beach, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate. It’s your last chance to soak in the season before fall officially arrives.
Free Shakespeare in the Park
Catch one of NYC’s most beloved traditions before the season ends, Free Shakespeare in the Park. Held at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park, these performances bring classic plays to life under the stars. It’s been awhile since they have been doing shows in person and there are huge names in the casts this year such as Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Peter Dinklage.
Van Gogh’s Flowers at the NYBG
Step into the vibrant world of Van Gogh’s floral masterpieces at the New York Botanical Garden. This special exhibit pairs iconic paintings with real-life garden landscapes inspired by his work. It’s a stunning blend of art and nature, only on view through early fall.
Brooklyn Book Festival
Book lovers won’t want to miss the Brooklyn Book Festival, one of the biggest free literary events in the city. Meet your favorite authors, attend panels and browse indie publishers at this weeklong celebration of books. The main festival day takes over Downtown Brooklyn with outdoor readings, signings and more.
Free Movie Nights at Wollman Rink
Local New Yorkers and anyone coming to town can enjoy movie magic under the stars this season as Wollman Rink transforms its scenic overlook into an open-air cinema. With the Central Park skyline as the backdrop, guests can bring blankets and lawn chairs for screenings of fan favorites like Wicked (Sept. 4), Moana 2 (Sept. 11) and How to Train Your Dragon (Sept. 18). The new film series offers a uniquely NYC way to gather, relax and experience Wollman Rink beyond its iconic skating season.
Le 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. It’s been released that it’s happening September 19th.
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. 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.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, SOMOS Community Care is launching its first-ever Community CareFest on Sunday, September 28th from 12–5 PM at Hostos Community College. This free indoor festival blends health, wellness and culture with offerings like wellness and mental health screenings, plus live performances by Raul Acosta, Oro Sólido, and music from DJ Enuff. Families can also enjoy the Kids’ Fun Zone, complete with character meet-and-greets, face painting, free school supplies, and plenty of food and refreshments.
Gotham NYC Express
Get a ride to and from the Sports Illustrated Stadium for match day. With the purchase of the special ticket package they offer, you can get round trip tickets to and from your location. Get a bus ticket from Manhattan, Brooklyn or Jersey city on September 7th.
Hudson Yards US Open Watch Party
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.
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 always really 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.
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 11th-21st 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! Just go with plenty of time for your day because it gets so crowded.
Manhattan West
The Works & Process free dance series at Manhattan West features New York City based dancers and choreographers celebrating social dance, through performances, instruction, and open dance parties every Wednesday in September at 5:00pm. The series runs through September 24th.
The Beginning of Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is here before we know it! This year it begins on the 2oth and will run through October 5th. 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 around the city!
Juilliard’s Annual Fall Festival
Juilliard’s Fall Festival returns September 12th–20th, uniting the school’s music, dance, drama, preparatory and extension divisions for nine days of performances that launch the new season. Opening Night sets the tone with acclaimed dancer and choreographer Jamar Roberts directing a showcase at the Peter Jay Sharp Theater, including the world premiere of his choreography. The lineup continues with collaborations featuring renowned artists such as Barbara Hannigan and Jeanine Tesori, offering audiences a rich mix of creative voices. Beyond Lincoln Center, the festival reaches into the city with performances at partner venues like Joe’s Pub and DR2 Theatre, bringing Juilliard’s artistry to stages across Manhattan. View their full schedule on their site here.
Blue Balloon Songwriting School
Blue Balloon Songwriting School, founded in 2010 by educator and songwriter Rachel Lipson, offers creative and engaging in-home and virtual music lessons for students of all ages. Many who actually learn to play instruments by composing their own songs. The woman-owned school operates in cities like NYC, Miami, Austin and Nashville, connecting learners with a network of 75+ talented independent instructors and culminating in annual live showcases for students. Blue Balloon makes lessons fun, flexible and professionally supportive. Classes can be in person, virtual, outdoor and they have sing-alongs and events to look forward to!
When my daughter Gemma was younger, she took music lessons with Blue Balloon and it was such a wonderful experience. Even after just a few lessons, I could see how creative, intuitive, and fun their approach was. And having a teacher come to your home each week for private lessons is so convenient! I love supporting a small, woman-owned business that helps kids connect with music in such a special way. Sign up using our code: STROLLER100 to get $100 off your fall semester invoice!
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. 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 11th and runs through the 16th. We can’t wait to share our NYFW plans with you all!
NYC Pizza Run
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. Check it out on the 14th.
The Great Jack-O’-Lantern Blaze
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
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!
Ballet Hispánico
Ballet Hispánico is celebrating its 55th anniversary this year, honoring its legacy as the nation’s leading Hispanic/Latine dance company and the largest cultural institution of its kind in the U.S. To kick off Hispanic Heritage Month, the company hosts Celebración Latina on September 14, a lively block party filled with performances, food, games, and community festivities. Following the celebration, Ballet Hispánico will embark on its 2025/26 tour, continuing its mission to uplift and share Latinx culture through dance.
Haunted Hues at the Color Factory
Haunted Hues is a seasonal experience celebrating Halloween with vibrant, festive color installations. The exhibit typically features immersive environments and interactive art opportunities that play with Halloween themes and colors, such as orange, black, and purple. It’s a family friendly spot to explore spooky and fun installations, engage in activities and photo opportunities that highlight Halloween colors in a creative way. With a blend of art, color, and Halloween spirit designed to for guests of all ages. These run until the beginning of November.
Morningside Lights
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.
Japan Fes
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! Check it out September 6th-21st.
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!
Broadway Week
Broadway Week is back! From September 8th-21st, 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!
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