Free & Paid Things to Do in NYC This Week (September 1-7)
It’s that weird in-between week where summer’s not technically over, but your iced coffee habits are starting to clash with the pumpkin spice ads. If you’re wondering how to make the most of this transitional stretch, you’ll need this list of things to do in NYC this week (September 1–7). From pop-ups and cultural happenings to food fests and free outdoor fun, NYC’s not slowing down anytime soon.
Event details can change, so always check official websites or social media for updates. While admission may be free, some free events still require an RSVP or have costs for food, drinks and special activities.
Best Free & Paid Events in NYC This Week (Sept 1-7, 2025)
Free Fun Events
Smorgasburg
Next, let’s talk about food. Smorgasburg is back, and it’s the ultimate weekend food fest. With dozens of vendors offering everything from Ethiopian stews to Hawaiian street food, there’s no chance you’ll leave hungry.
- Saturdays: Marsha P. Johnson State Park (90 Kent Ave, Brooklyn)
- Sundays: Breeze Hill, , Brooklyn
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.smorgasburg.com
- Best for: Foodies and weekend wanderers.
Yoga in Bryant Park
With free classes twice a week, you can stretch, breathe, and forget about your busy life while surrounded by the NYC skyline. Yep, it’s a perfect way to balance your week.
- When: September 2-3, 2025
- Where: Upper Terrace, New York
- Tickets: Free admission (registration required)
- Website: https://bryantpark.org
- Best for: Yogis and fitness fans.
TSQ Live
TSQ Live in Times Square is where hundreds of artists take the stage for open-air performances across two stages. With collaborations from big names, it’s a great way to experience NYC’s arts scene in the middle of the hustle and bustle.
- September 2: DJ Sets
- September 3: MTA Music Under New York: Tara Hack
- September 4: Jazz at Lincoln Center: Tony Rosa’s AfroJazz
- September 5: Summer Friday
- Where: Times Square (Bdwy & 46th St)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.timessquarenyc.org
- Best for: Anyone who loves art, culture, and free entertainment.
JAPAN Fes
Why fly to Japan when JAPAN Fes brings the best of it to you? With food stalls serving sushi, takoyaki, and matcha desserts, you can have a Tokyo-style food tour without the jet lag.
- When: September 6, 2025
- Where: Upper East Side
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.japanfes.com
- Best for: Foodies, culture lovers, and anyone who loves Japanese eats without the long flight.
NYC Labor Day Parade
After your long weekend of festivities, it’s time to honor the hardworking people of NYC at the Labor Day Parade. It’s a parade that celebrates the city’s unions and its people.
- When: September 6, 2025
- Where: from Fifth Avenue and 44th Street and marches north toward 64th Street
- Tickets: Free for spectators
- Website: https://nycclc.org
- Best for: Anyone looking to show support for the city’s workers.
The Metropolitan Opera Summer HD Festival
The Metropolitan Opera is offering free nightly screenings at Lincoln Center Plaza through September 1. It’s a chance to experience world-class performances without the fancy ticket price.
- When: Until September 1, 2025
- Where: Lincoln Center Plaza
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.metopera.org
- Best for: Opera lovers and anyone who wants to experience world-class performances for free.
Free Shakespeare in the Park
This week, head over to Central Park’s Delacorte Theater and enjoy a free performance of Twelfth Night with an all-star cast, including Peter Dinklage and Sandra Oh.
- When: Until September 14, 2025
- Where: Central Park, New York
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.centralpark.com
- Best for: A date night or a solo evening in the park.
Food, Music, Culture & More
West Indian American Day Parade
Labor Day’s not just another Monday—it’s time to witness the West Indian American Day Parade. It’s a full-on celebration of Caribbean culture, featuring colorful costumes, delicious food, and music blasting down Eastern Parkway.
- When: September 1, 2025
- Where: along Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn
- Website: https://wiadcacarnival.org
- Best for: Anyone who loves a good party, delicious food, and fun atmosphere.
Punderdome – NYC’s Comedy PUN-SLAM Compuntition
This hilarious competition at Littlefield in Brooklyn pits pun lovers against each other in a battle of quick wit. It’s like a rap battle, but instead of spitting bars, they’re throwing down puns.
- When: September 3, 2025
- Where: littlefield (635 Sackett Street, Brooklyn)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://littlefieldnyc.com
- Best for: Anyone who loves quick wit and a good laugh.
Catacombs by Candlelight Tour
Ever wanted to explore NYC’s hidden catacombs? Now’s your chance with this candlelit tour at St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral. It’s a little eerie, and totally fascinating, with a dash of history and a bit of spooky fun.
- When: September 4-7, 2025
- Where: 266 Mulberry Street, New York
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://catacombstournyc.com
- Best for: History buffs, adventure lovers, and anyone who likes a little mystery.
The Armory Show
Love contemporary and modern art? This massive art fair brings together galleries from around the world to the Javits Center, and it’s one of the most anticipated cultural events of the year.
- When: September 5-7, 2025
- Where: Javits Center (429 11th Avenue, New York)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.thearmoryshow.com
- Best for: Art lovers and anyone who enjoys exploring new creative worlds.
Torch & Crown Beer Garden
Want to sip on some locally brewed beer in Union Square? Torch & Crown has a Beer Garden pop-up, running through November. This spot is perfect for chilling, grabbing a cold one, and enjoying the atmosphere, rain or shine.
- Where: 20 Union Square W, New York
- Website: https://www.torchandcrown.com
- Best for: Beer lovers and chill hangouts with friends.
Richmond County Fair
Head to Historic Richmond Town for the Richmond County Fair, where you can enjoy everything from carnival rides to local eats. With over 100 vendors, live music, and tons of activities, it’s the perfect way to close out your summer.
- When: Until September 1, 2025
- Where: 441 Clarke Ave, Staten Island
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.historicrichmondtown.org
- Best for: Families, friends, and anyone who loves a classic fair experience.
U.S. Open
If you’re into sports or just love the electric atmosphere of live events, grab a ticket and head to Flushing Meadows. It’s an exciting way to catch the world’s best tennis players and maybe even catch a glimpse of your favorite celeb in the stands.
- When: Until September 7, 2025
- Where: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Queens, NY
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.usopen.org
- Best for: Sports fans and anyone who loves the thrill of live action.
Van Gogh’s Flowers at New York Botanical Garden
Van Gogh’s flowers have come to life at the New York Botanical Garden. You’ll find sunflowers, lilies, and all the blooms that made his art famous. It’s a gorgeous mix of nature and art, so if you’re looking for something pretty to Instagram, this is it.
- When: Until October 26, 2025
- Where: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.nybg.org
- Best for: Art lovers and nature fans.
Concerts
Nine Inch Nails – Peel It Back Tour
If you missed Nine Inch Nails last time, here’s your chance to catch them in Brooklyn at the Peel It Back Tour. So, prepare for intense music, jaw-dropping visuals, and a whole lot of energy.
- When: September 2-3, 2025
- Where: Barclays Center (620 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.nin.com
- Best for: Fans of industrial rock and concertgoers.
Tate McRae – Miss Possessive Tour
Tate McRae has been busy this year—she dropped a new album, rocked SNL, and now she’s bringing her Miss Possessive Tour to Madison Square Garden. If you’ve ever listened to her music and thought, “Wow, she’s singing my life,” you’ll want to be there.
- When: September 3-4, 2025
- Where: Madison Square Garden
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.tatemcrae.com
- Best for: Pop fans and anyone who loves raw lyrics and powerful performances.
T-Pain – TP20 Tour
We all know T-Pain saved a lot of songs back in the day, and now he’s back with his TP20 Tour, celebrating 20 years of hits. From Buy U a Drank to Bartender, it’s gonna be a nostalgic party.
- When: September 4, 2025
- Where: Radio City Music Hall (1260 6th Ave, New York)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://tpain.com
- Best for: T-Pain fans and those who love a good throwback.
Benson Boone – American Heart Tour
Benson Boone is hitting Madison Square Garden with his American Heart Tour for an arena-sized pop experience. With his second album, American Heart, expect big anthems, emotional ballads, and a whole lot of energy.
- When: September 5, 2025
- Where: Madison Square Garden
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.bensonboone.com
- Best for: Pop fans and concertgoers.
Eladio Carrión – DON KBRN World Tour
If you’re a fan of Latin trap, Eladio Carrión is bringing his fire to NYC on his DON KBRN World Tour. With sharp lyrics and a genre-blending style, this show is going to be a blast.
- When: September 5, 2025
- Where: Barclays Center (620 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://eladiocarrion.com
- Best for: Fans of Latin trap and hip-hop.
Lady Gaga – The Mayhem Ball Tour 2025
Gaga’s coming home, and you don’t want to miss her Mayhem Ball Tour. From Disease to her Bruno Mars duet Die With A Smile, Gaga will give you all the drama, pop, and jaw-dropping performances.
- When: September 6-7, 2025
- Where: Madison Square Garden
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.ladygaga.com
- Best for: Little monsters and pop fans.
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