Things to Do in September in New York City 2026

September is one of the best months to visit New York City. Summer is winding down, temperatures are generally more comfortable, and the city is still packed with outdoor events, festivals, concerts, sports, Broadway shows, and free things to do.

This guide covers the best things to do in New York City in September 2026, including free activities, family-friendly attractions, nighttime activities, festivals, and major events.

If you're visiting NYC in September, this guide will help you decide what to do and which events are worth adding to your itinerary.

Top 10 Things to Do in NYC in September
Free Things to Do in NYC in September
Things to Do at Night
Family-Friendly Activities
September Weather in NYC
Tours by Foot

Why Visit New York City in September?

September is a particularly good time to explore New York City because you can enjoy many outdoor activities without the hottest temperatures of July and August.

The month is also packed with major events. The 2026 US Open runs through September 13, the Feast of San Gennaro takes over Little Italy from September 17-27, and the city will mark the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001.

September is also a great month for walking tours, boat rides, outdoor performances, festivals, and exploring neighborhoods throughout the five boroughs.

Keep in mind that Labor Day is Monday, September 7, 2026, so some businesses and attractions may have holiday schedules.

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN NYC IN SEPTEMBER

This is our list of the ten best events and things to do in NYC in September. For even more

Here are our picks for some of the best things to do in New York City in September 2026.

For even more ideas, see our comprehensive guide to things to do in NYC.

Several attractions and tours mentioned below may also be included with a New York City tourist pass.

For more information about popular NYC activities, see:

1. See a Sports Event

September is one of the best months for sports in New York City. Baseball is in its final stretch of the regular season, the NFL season gets underway, soccer continues, and the US Open brings some of the world's best tennis players to Queens.

US Open Tennis

One of the biggest sporting events in New York City takes place in Queens every year.

The 2026 US Open runs from August 23 through September 13, with the singles main draw beginning August 30. The women's final is scheduled for September 12, followed by the men's final on September 13.

The tournament takes place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, Queens.

If you're visiting NYC during the first half of September, the US Open is an exciting opportunity to see world-class tennis.

See the official 2026 US Open schedule

The US Open can also be a fun family activity, particularly during the daytime sessions.

Watch the New York Yankees or New York Mets

September is a great time to catch a baseball game in New York. Both the New York Yankees and New York Mets are in the final weeks of the regular season, so there's often plenty at stake as teams push toward the postseason.

New York Yankees — Yankee Stadium, the Bronx
New York Mets — Citi Field, Queens

Check the September 2026 Yankees schedule
Check the September 2026 Mets schedule

See the New York Giants or New York Jets

The NFL regular season gets underway in September, making this a good month for football fans visiting New York City.

Both the New York Giants and New York Jets play at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Check the 2026 Giants schedule
Check the 2026 Jets schedule

Tip: MetLife Stadium is outside Manhattan, so be sure to allow extra time for transportation on game day.

Watch NYCFC or the New York Red Bulls

Soccer is another option in September. New York City FC plays at Yankee Stadium, while the New York Red Bulls play at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey.

This gives you a nice range of sports to choose from depending on your interests and where you're staying.

Soccer

September is a great month to catch a soccer match in the New York City area. New York City FC plays at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, while the New York Red Bulls play at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey.

Depending on the 2026 schedule, you may also find NYCFC II and New York Red Bulls II matches during September.

New York City FC — Yankee Stadium
New York Red Bulls — Red Bull Arena
New York City FC II — check the 2026 schedule
New York Red Bulls II — check the 2026 schedule

2. See a Broadway Show

Seeing a Broadway show is one of the quintessential New York City experiences, and September is an especially good time to go because Broadway Week takes place this month.

Broadway Week

Broadway Week returns in September 2026, giving visitors the opportunity to get 2-for-1 tickets to participating Broadway shows for select performances.

If your trip falls during Broadway Week, this can be one of the best opportunities of the year to save on Broadway tickets. Availability varies by show and performance, so we recommend checking the schedule and booking early.

See our Broadway Week guide for 2026 dates, participating shows, and how to get tickets.

Broadway Shows in September

Even if you're visiting outside Broadway Week, there are dozens of Broadway productions to choose from.

Here are some of the shows we cover:

Hamilton
The Lion King
Wicked
Aladdin
Chicago
Hadestown
Book of Mormon
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
MJ The Musical
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
and many more

You can also see our guide to getting cheap Broadway tickets.

3. Attend a Concert or Music Festival

There are plenty of major concerts to choose from this September. Some of the biggest currently scheduled include:

Harry Styles — Madison Square Garden, with numerous September dates as part of his Together, Together residency.
Kacey Musgraves — Madison Square Garden, September 1.
Mt. Joy — Madison Square Garden, September 17.
Jungle — Barclays Center, September 19.
Phoebe Bridgers — Barclays Center, September 24–26.

You can find additional New York City concerts in September 2026 as well.

All Things Go NYC

All Things Go returns to New York City September 25–27, 2026, at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens.

For help choosing a show, see our guide to the Best Broadway Shows and Musicals.

The three-day festival features performances from a mix of established and emerging artists and takes place at the historic open-air Forest Hills Stadium.

See the All Things Go NYC website for the 2026 lineup, tickets, and festival information.

Sea.Hear.Now Festival

If you're willing to take a short trip outside New York City, Sea.Hear.Now takes place September 19–20, 2026, in Asbury Park, New Jersey.

The beachfront festival combines live music with art and surf culture and features more than 25 bands performing across three stages.

See the Sea.Hear.Now Festival website for the 2026 lineup, schedule, and tickets.

Madison Square Garden Tip

If you're heading to Madison Square Garden for a concert, consider taking the Madison Square Garden Tour Experience to see behind the scenes of one of New York City's most famous arenas.

4. Celebrate the Feast of San Gennaro

For more than 90 years, the Feast of San Gennaro has brought food, music, religious traditions, and street festivities to Little Italy each September. The festival began in 1926 and has grown from a one-day celebration into an 11-day event.

The festival features Italian food vendors, live music, processions, religious celebrations, and the famous Grand Procession honoring Saint Gennaro.

See our complete guide to the Feast of San Gennaro for the 2026 dates, schedule, location, what to eat, and tips for visiting.

TIP: Since you'll already be in Little Italy for the Feast of San Gennaro, consider exploring the surrounding neighborhoods with our SoHo, Little Italy & Chinatown Tour. You'll discover the history, architecture, food, and culture of three of downtown Manhattan's most fascinating neighborhoods.

San Gennaro is a great introduction to the food and history of New York's downtown neighborhoods. If you'd like to experience more of that combination, take a look at our Greenwich Village Food Tour.

5. Attend the New York International Salsa Congress

The New York International Salsa Congress returns to New York City for its 25th anniversary over Labor Day Weekend, September 3–7, 2026.

Held at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square, the annual event brings together salsa and bachata dancers, musicians, performers, and fans from around the world. The weekend includes dance workshops, live concerts, performances, competitions, and social dancing.

The 2026 celebration is particularly special because it marks the 25th anniversary of the New York International Salsa Congress.

See the New York International Salsa Congress website for the 2026 schedule and tickets

6. Take a Walking Tour

September is one of our favorite months for walking around New York City.

The weather is generally more comfortable than during the hottest part of summer, making it a great time to explore neighborhoods on foot.

Tours by Foot offers walking tours throughout New York City, including:

See our schedule of walking tours to see what's available during your visit.

7. See New York City From the Water

September is an excellent time to see New York from the water.

You can take one of the many NYC boat tours and cruises for views of the Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and surrounding waterways.

For a budget-friendly option, take the free Staten Island Ferry.

You can also ride the NYC Ferry for a more local way to see the city from the water.

8. Visit the 9/11 Memorial and See the Tribute in Light

On September 11, the Tribute in Light illuminates the night sky with two beams of light representing the Twin Towers.

2026 marks the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, so visitors should expect additional commemorations and events throughout the city.

The 9/11 Memorial is open to visitors throughout the year.

If you'd like to learn more about the events of September 11 and the history of the World Trade Center site, you can also explore our NYC audio tours.

Tours by Foot’s Lower Manhattan Walking Tour includes a stop at the 9/11 Memorial. Check our current tour schedule for available dates and times.

9. Walk Over the Brooklyn Bridge - Day or Night

A September visit is an excellent time to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. The weather is generally more comfortable than during the hottest part of summer, and you can enjoy views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, the East River, and New York Harbor along the way.

The bridge's pedestrian promenade is open 24 hours a day, so you can walk across during the day or return after dark for a completely different experience.

Our guide to walking the Brooklyn Bridge includes information on where to enter the pedestrian walkway, what you'll see along the way, and tips for getting the best experience.

You can also join our Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO tour if you'd rather explore the area with a guide.

10. Save Money with an NYC Attraction Pass

If you're planning to visit several of New York City's major attractions in September, an NYC attraction pass may help you save money.

Several companies offer passes that bundle admission to multiple attractions, museums, tours, and other experiences into one purchase. The attractions and savings vary by pass, so it's important to compare your options before buying.

Popular attractions that may be included with various attraction passes include:

Empire State Building
9/11 Memorial & Museum
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
Madison Square Garden All Access Tour
Hop-on-hop-off bus tours
Sightseeing cruises

The best option depends on what you want to see and how long you're staying in New York City. If you're only planning to visit one or two attractions, buying individual tickets may be a better value.

See our guide to NYC attraction passes to compare the different options and decide which one makes sense for your trip.

For more ideas beyond September, see our complete guide to things to do in New York City. Our guide covers the city's top attractions, free things to do, family-friendly activities, nighttime experiences, neighborhoods, and ideas for every season.

More September Events in NYC

Visit the Clio Contemporary Art Fair

The Clio Contemporary Art Fair, known as the “Anti-Fair for Independent Artists,” returns to New York City in September. The fair showcases emerging and established independent artists and offers visitors a chance to see contemporary work outside the traditional gallery and museum setting.

The fair takes place in Chelsea, making it easy to combine with a visit to the High Line and surrounding art galleries.

For more information, visit the Clio Contemporary Art Fair.

Tip: If you're exploring Chelsea, take a look at our guide to the High Line. You can also explore the High Line at your own pace with our High Line audio tour or book a private High Line tour with a guide.

FREE THINGS TO DO IN SEPTEMBER IN NYC

New York City has plenty of free things to do in September, from outdoor festivals and parades to free concerts, cultural events, and some of the city's best public spaces.

Some of the events below happen every September, while others have dates that change from year to year. We've included confirmed 2026 dates whenever they are available.

For even more ideas, see our complete guide to free things to do in NYC.

Attend the Brooklyn Book Festival

The Brooklyn Book Festival returns September 20–28, 2026, with nine days of free literary events throughout Brooklyn.

The festival features author talks, readings, panel discussions, children's programming, workshops, book signings, and more.

Major events include:

Virtual Festival Day: September 20
Children's Day: September 26
Festival Day & Literary Marketplace: September 27, 10 am–6 pm
Bookend events: September 20–28

Festival Day takes place in and around Brooklyn Borough Hall in Downtown Brooklyn and brings together authors, publishers, booksellers, and readers.

Check the Brooklyn Book Festival website for the complete 2026 schedule.

Tip: While you're in Downtown Brooklyn, explore Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO. Our Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO tour visits several of the area's most famous sights.

Attend the New York Film Festival

Film lovers can catch the New York Film Festival, which takes place September 25–October 12, 2026, at Lincoln Center.

The festival showcases new films from around the world and includes screenings, filmmaker appearances, conversations, and special events.

While most festival screenings require tickets, the festival is worth mentioning for visitors interested in experiencing New York's thriving film and arts scene.

Find the current schedule and ticket information on the New York Film Festival website.

Tip: If you're visiting Lincoln Center, check out our guide to Lincoln Center tours.

Ride the Free Staten Island Ferry

The Staten Island Ferry is one of the best free sightseeing experiences in New York City.

The ferry runs between Lower Manhattan and Staten Island and provides excellent views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, New York Harbor, and the Manhattan skyline.

There is no charge to ride the ferry. You can simply board in Lower Manhattan, enjoy the ride, and either continue on Staten Island or take the next ferry back to Manhattan.

September is an especially pleasant time for the ride because you can enjoy the outdoor decks without the intense summer heat.

Attend the West Indian American Day Carnival & Parade

The West Indian American Day Carnival & Parade is one of Brooklyn's biggest annual celebrations of Caribbean culture.

The event takes place in Crown Heights and features colorful costumes, music, dancing, food, and a huge parade along Eastern Parkway.

The parade itself is free to watch, although you'll find plenty of food and vendors along the route.

Visit the West Indian American Day Carnival Association for the latest 2026 information.

Tip: This is an extremely popular event and can get very crowded. Public transportation is generally the easiest way to reach the parade.

Explore Greenwich Village During The Village Trip

The Village Trip celebrates the history, culture, arts, and activism of Greenwich Village and the East Village through music, theater, comedy, talks, and other events.

Some programming is free, while other events may require tickets.

Check the Village Trip website for the 2026 schedule and individual event details.

If you're exploring the neighborhood, see our guide to things to do in Greenwich Village or check out our Greenwich Village tours.

Enjoy Free Performances at Bryant Park

Bryant Park hosts free performances throughout the warmer months as part of its annual programming.

The Bryant Park Picnic Performances feature music, dance, and theater from some of New York City's leading performing arts organizations.

Bring your own blanket or take advantage of the park's seating, and bring food and drinks or purchase something nearby.

Check the Bryant Park schedule for the latest September 2026 performances.

Look for Free Events at the Intrepid

The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum hosts special programs and community events throughout the year.

Some programs are free, while admission is required for the museum itself. Check the museum's calendar for September 2026 events, including any free programs or special events.

If you don't qualify for a free event, our guide to discounts on Intrepid tickets can help you find ways to save.

Watch the African-American Day Parade

The African-American Day Parade takes place in Harlem each September and celebrates African-American history, culture, and community.

The parade features marching bands, floats, community organizations, performers, and cultural groups along the streets of Harlem. It's a great opportunity to experience the neighborhood while celebrating its important role in African-American history and culture.

Check the African-American Day Parade website for the confirmed 2026 date and parade details.

Make a day of it: If you're interested in learning more about Harlem's history and culture, join our Soul of Harlem walking tour. The tour explores landmarks connected to the Harlem Renaissance, civil rights, music, and the people who shaped the neighborhood.

For an even deeper cultural experience, our Harlem Gospel Experience & History Tour combines Harlem history with a Gospel experience at a local church.

You can also use our guide to things to do in Harlem to find more places to explore while you're in the neighborhood.

Attend the German-American Steuben Parade

If you're visiting New York City in September and have an interest in German culture, don't miss the German-American Steuben Parade.

The 69th annual parade takes place Saturday, September 19, 2026, along Fifth Avenue. The parade traditionally takes place on the third Saturday of September and celebrates the city's German-American heritage with marching bands, traditional costumes, floats, dancers, cultural organizations, and groups visiting from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and other countries.

The parade begins at noon and travels up Fifth Avenue toward 86th Street. Admission to watch the parade is free.

The parade is particularly interesting for visitors from German-speaking countries. Each year, groups from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland travel to New York to participate, making this a unique opportunity to experience German traditions in the heart of Manhattan.

There are also additional German-American events around the parade weekend, including an Oktoberfest in Central Park on September 19.

For the complete schedule and 2026 event information, visit the German-American Steuben Parade website.

Tip: The parade takes place along Fifth Avenue, making it easy to combine with other Midtown attractions. If you're interested in learning more about New York's history and neighborhoods while you're here, check out our current Tours by Foot schedule.

See the Metropolitan Opera Summer HD Festival

If you love opera—or just want to experience something uniquely New York without spending money—the Metropolitan Opera Summer HD Festival is worth checking out.

The 2026 festival runs September 2–7 at Lincoln Center Plaza, where opera performances from the Metropolitan Opera's Live in HD series are shown outdoors on a large screen. The screenings are free, with approximately 2,500 seats available each night.

You don't need to be an opera expert to enjoy the experience. Sitting outside Lincoln Center and watching a performance from one of the world's great opera companies is a memorable way to spend an evening in New York City.

For the 2026 schedule and performance details, check the Metropolitan Opera's Summer HD Festival page.

Tip: Since the festival takes place at Lincoln Center, you can combine it with an evening exploring the Upper West Side or a visit to the nearby attractions around Columbus Circle.

See a Free Concert at Central Park's SummerStage

SummerStage is one of New York City's best-known free outdoor concert series and has been bringing music and performing arts to Central Park since 1986. Most SummerStage performances are free, although a small number of benefit shows require tickets.

The Central Park venue is at Rumsey Playfield near 5th Avenue and 72nd Street, making it an easy addition to a day exploring Central Park or the Upper East Side. Free shows are first come, first served, so arriving early is a good idea.

Check our SummerStage guide for the 2026 lineup, performance information, how to get there, and tips for attending.

Tip: If you're heading to a SummerStage performance, consider exploring Central Park beforehand with our Central Park walking tours or our GPS-led Central Park audio tour.

THINGS TO DO AT NIGHT IN SEPTEMBER

September is one of the best months to enjoy New York City after dark. The summer heat begins to ease, sunset comes earlier, and there are still plenty of outdoor events, performances, and nighttime activities taking place throughout the city.

Here are some of our favorite things to do in NYC at night in September.

For even more ideas, see our guide to things to do in New York City at night.

Enjoy a Rooftop Bar or Observation Deck

September is a great time to enjoy New York City's skyline after dark. The weather is generally more comfortable than in the hottest part of summer, and watching the city light up from above is a memorable way to spend an evening.

If you're looking for drinks and a view, check out our guide to cheap rooftop bars in NYC.

Prefer a higher vantage point? Our guide to the best NYC observation decks compares five of the city's major observation decks, including the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, One World Observatory, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, and Edge.

Tip: Sunset and the first hour or two after dark can be particularly good times to visit an observation deck—you can see the city during daylight and then watch the skyline transform as the lights come on.

Take an Evening Harbor Cruise

September is a beautiful time to get out on the water after sunset. An evening cruise gives you a completely different perspective of the Manhattan skyline, with the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, and other landmarks illuminated at night.

See our guide to NYC boat tours and cruises for options.

Tip: If you're already planning to visit several major NYC attractions, check the NYC tourist attraction passes before purchasing individual tickets. A sightseeing cruise can be one of the activities that helps make a pass worthwhile.

Explore Times Square After Dark

Times Square is spectacular after dark, when its enormous digital billboards and neon signs light up the heart of Midtown. Even if you've visited during the day, seeing Times Square at night gives you a completely different experience.

It's also a convenient place to explore before or after a Broadway show, since many theaters are just a short walk away.

If you'd like to learn more about the area, see our guide to things to do at night in Times Square.

Tip: Want to explore Midtown with a guide? Tours by Foot offers a Midtown Manhattan walking tour that covers many of the area's famous landmarks and stories.

Explore Greenwich Village After Dark

Greenwich Village takes on a different atmosphere after dark. The historic streets, old buildings, and Washington Square Park make the neighborhood especially atmospheric in the evening.

If you'd like to hear some of the Village's darker stories, join our Ghosts of Greenwich Village tour. The approximately two-hour evening tour explores the neighborhood's haunted history, including stories connected to Washington Square Park, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, Jefferson Market, and other historic locations.

You can also read our guide to things to do in Greenwich Village if you'd rather explore the neighborhood on your own.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES IN SEPTEMBER

September is a great month for families visiting New York City. The weather is usually more comfortable than during the hottest part of summer, and kids can enjoy everything from zoos and museums to outdoor festivals and neighborhood events.

Many of the activities mentioned elsewhere in this guide are also suitable for families, but here are a few additional ideas to consider.

You can find even more ideas for visiting New York with kids in our guides to the Top 10 Things to Do with Kids in New York City and our 3-Day New York City Itinerary for Families.

Visit Governors Island

Governors Island is a vehicle-free island just a short ferry ride from Lower Manhattan and a fun place to spend several hours with kids.

Families can explore the island by bike, enjoy open green spaces and playgrounds, have a picnic, and take in views of Lower Manhattan and the harbor.

See our complete guide to things to do on Governors Island for information about the ferry, activities, and planning your visit.

Visit the Bronx Zoo

The Bronx Zoo is a great choice for families, with more than 265 acres to explore and thousands of animals. The zoo is open throughout September, with extended weekend hours during this part of the year.

September also brings special programming. For example, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood is at the Bronx Zoo through September 7, 2026, making this an especially appealing option for families with younger children.

Before visiting, check the Bronx Zoo schedule for current exhibits, shows, and activities.

You can also see our guide to discounts for the Bronx Zoo.

Explore Chinatown During the Mid-Autumn Festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a traditional celebration featuring food, music, cultural performances, and activities that can be especially fun for families.

The exact dates and programming vary from year to year, so check the Chinatown NYC website for the latest 2026 schedule.

While you're in the neighborhood, take some time to explore Chinatown's historic streets, restaurants, shops, and landmarks. You can also combine your visit with nearby Little Italy and SoHo on our SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown walking tour.

Tip: If you're interested in learning more about the neighborhood's history and culture while you're there, a guided walk can help you discover details you might otherwise miss.

Take a Self-Guided Superhero Tour

New York City has been the backdrop for countless superhero movies and television shows, making it a fun destination for kids, teens, and comic book fans.

Our self-guided Super Hero & Marvel Tour takes you to locations associated with Spider-Man, Superman, Batman, X-Men, The Avengers, Ghostbusters, and other popular movies, TV shows, and comic books. The locations are organized by neighborhood, so you can explore them at your own pace while sightseeing around New York City.

We also have a self-guided Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles tour for fans of the Turtles.

Tip: A self-guided tour is especially convenient for families because you can choose which locations to visit and fit them around the rest of your day's plans.

Attend a Family-Friendly NYC Festival or Event

September brings outdoor festivals, cultural celebrations, and community events to neighborhoods throughout New York City. The NYC Parks events calendar is a good place to look for free events taking place during your visit.

For example, the West Side County Fair returns to Riverside Park on September 6, 2026, with carnival rides, games, food, live entertainment, and activities for families.

You can also check the calendar closer to your visit, as additional September events and programs may be added throughout the season.

For more ideas specifically for families, see our Top 10 Things to Do with Kids in New York City.

How's the Weather in New York City in September?

September is a popular time to visit New York City as summer temperatures begin to ease, although the beginning of the month can still be quite warm.

You'll generally want to pack layers, comfortable walking shoes, and something lightweight for rain. Temperatures can vary considerably between early and late September, so it's worth checking the forecast shortly before your trip.

For more detailed information, including average temperatures, rainfall, what to pack, and what to expect throughout the month, see our complete guide to New York City weather in September.

Tip: If you're planning lots of sightseeing, September can be a great month for walking around NYC. Just remember that early September can still feel like summer, particularly during the afternoon.

Explore New York City with Tours by Foot

September is an excellent time to explore New York City on foot. If you want to learn more about the city's history, neighborhoods, architecture, and culture, Tours by Foot offers a variety of ways to explore.

Our current New York offerings include guided walking tours, private tours, and self-guided audio tours, so you can choose the experience that works best for your trip.

Check our current New York City tour schedule to see what's available during your visit.

You can also explore some of our most popular neighborhood guides and tours:

For more ideas beyond September, be sure to read our master guide to things to do in NYC.

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What to Do in September in New York City