Free & Paid Things To Do in NYC This September (2025)
September in New York City is one of the best times to be here. The nights get cooler, people are back from their summer getaways, and the city is filled with events. If you’re wondering what’s worth checking out, this guide to the free & paid things to do in NYC this September (2025) is exactly what you need. I’ve lined up everything from street festivals and concerts to foodie musts and, yes, even a few fun events outside the city. Sticking around Manhattan or planning a quick weekend escape? Have this list as your September game plan.
Event details are subject to change, so always check the official websites or social media pages for the latest updates. While admission is free, please note that some free events may require an RSVP or have separate costs for food, drinks, and activities.
Free Fun Events & Activities
JAPAN Fes
Why fly to Tokyo when you can experience Japan’s best flavors right here in NYC? JAPAN Fes is the world’s largest Japanese food festival, and this year, it’s bringing over 1,000 vendors to multiple locations in NYC.
- September 6: Upper East Side
- September 13: Chelsea
- September 20-21: Upper West Side
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.japanfes.com
- Best for: Foodies and culture lovers.
NYC Labor Day Parade
The Labor Day Parade celebrates the city’s unions with a colorful display of floats, marching bands, and plenty of music. It’s a fun way to spend the day while paying tribute to the people who keep the city running.
- 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: Parade fans or anyone looking to join a citywide celebration.
Ferragosto 2025
This annual celebration offers delicious food, live music, and a lively atmosphere that captures the essence of Italian culture. It’s the perfect way to enjoy an authentic taste of Italy without leaving NYC.
- When: September 7, 2025
- Where: Arthur Avenue & East 187th Street, The Bronx, New York
- Tickets: Free
- Website: https://ferragosto.com
- Best for: Food lovers, culture enthusiasts, or anyone who loves a lively festival.
Feast of San Gennaro
Who can resist a plate of pasta and a cannoli? The Feast of San Gennaro is back in Little Italy, and it’s the perfect excuse to indulge. From parades and live music to delicious food stalls, this festival brings all the Italian feels you need.
- When: September 11-21, 2025
- Where: Mulberry Street (Little Italy) between Canal and Houston AND on Hester between Baxter Street and Centre Street and Grand.
- Tickets: Free to attend (all food, beverages, and activities are available for purchase on-site.)
- Website: https://sangennaronyc.org
- Best for: Foodies and culture lovers.
Brooklyn Book Festival
From September 14-22, explore talks and panels with authors from all over the world, plus book signings that’ll have you walking away with a new shelf full of stories. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this is NYC’s largest free literary festival.
- When: September 14-22, 2025
- Where: Multiple venues
- Tickets: Free
- Website: https://brooklynbookfestival.org
- Best for: Bookworms and literary fans.
Harvest Festival
The Harvest Festival is your perfect fall kick-off. It’s a day full of food, shopping, and fun, all while celebrating the changing seasons.
- When: September 20, 2025
- Where: Sutphin Boulevard, between Hillside and Jamaica Avenues, Queens
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.downtownjamaica.org
- Best for: Families, foodies, or anyone who wants to embrace the fall season.
2025 Bus Festival
Take a trip back in time at the 2025 Bus Festival in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Explore vintage buses, learn about the city’s transit history, and snap some photos with the iconic Manhattan skyline as your backdrop.
- When: September 21, 2025
- Where: Emily Warren Roebling Plaza in Brooklyn Bridge Park
- Tickets: Free
- Website: https://brooklynbridgepark.org
- Best for: History buffs or anyone looking for a unique NYC experience.
Global Citizen Festival
Feel like rocking out for a good cause? The Global Citizen Festival turns Central Park into a massive concert with Shakira, The Weeknd, Tyla, and more performing to raise awareness for global issues.
- When: September 27, 2025
- Where: The Great Lawn (Central Park, 79th Street & 85th Street, New York)
- Tickets: Free
- Website: https://www.globalcitizen.org
- Best for: Music lovers or anyone who wants to make a difference while enjoying great music.
Smorgasburg
This food bazaar spans three locations, so you have plenty of chances to indulge in over 70 vendors offering everything from Ethiopian stews to poutine. It’s a fun way to spend a weekend sampling some of NYC’s best bites.
- Fridays: WTC
- Saturdays: Marsha P. Johnson State Park (90 Kent Ave, Brooklyn)
- Sundays: Breeze Hill, Brooklyn
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.smorgasburg.com
- Best for: Food lovers and weekend wanderers.
TSQ Live
If you love live music or spontaneous street performances, TSQ Live is the perfect way to experience the city. This free, open-air event in Times Square brings together all kinds of artists and performers, so you never know what you might stumble upon.
- When: Multiple dates
- Where: Times Square (Bdwy & 46th St)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.timessquarenyc.org
- Best for: Art and music lovers or anyone who wants to experience the city’s creative pulse.
The Metropolitan Opera Summer HD Festival
You still have the chance to get the opera experience without the fancy ticket price at the Metropolitan Opera Summer HD Festival. Head to Lincoln Center Plaza for free screenings of iconic operas like Puccini’s La Fanciulla del West.
- When: Until September 1, 2025
- Where: Lincoln Center Plaza
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.metopera.org
- Best for: Opera fans and culture seekers.
Free Shakespeare in the Park
Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night is playing at the newly renovated Delacorte Theater in Central Park, and it’s all free. With a star-studded cast—including Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Lupita Nyong’o—this is a must-see for theater lovers.
- When: Until September 14, 2025
- Where: Central Park, New York
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.centralpark.com
- Best for: Theater buffs and Shakespeare fans.
Paid & Ticketed Events
The Armory Show
For art enthusiasts, The Armory Show is one of the year’s biggest events. This massive art fair at the Javits Center brings together galleries from all over the world to showcase the best in contemporary art.
- 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 collectors.
Sushi-Con 2025
Sushi-Con is bringing the country’s largest sushi expo to NYC, with tastings, demos, and plenty of opportunities to savor all things sushi. From the 400-pound bluefin tuna cutting demo to exclusive restaurant experiences, it’s a must-visit for anyone who loves fish.
- When: September 6-7, 2025
- Where: Metropolitan Pavilion (125 W 18th St, New York)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://sushicon.com
- Best for: Sushi fans or anyone who wants to experience the best of Japanese cuisine.
Taste of Times Square
Who doesn’t love a food festival? Taste of Times Square brings over 30 restaurants from the district together for an evening of delicious bites and live entertainment. From global flavors to classic NYC eats, this is the place to be for foodies.
- When: September 8, 2025
- Where: Broadway from 43rd to 48th Streets
- Tickets: Starts at $25 Taste Wristband
- Website: https://www.timessquarenyc.org
- Best for: Foodies, tourists, or anyone craving a little taste of NYC.
New York Latin Food Festival
You don’t need a plane ticket to experience Latin America’s best flavors. The New York Latin Food Festival is bringing the heat with authentic dishes from all over Latin America, along with live art and performances.
- When: September 13-14, 2025
- Where: Industry City (220 36th Street, Brooklyn)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Best for: Foodies and culture seekers.
Le Dîner en Blanc
Le Dîner en Blanc is NYC’s largest dinner party, where thousands gather in white to enjoy an evening of fine dining and celebration. It’s an exclusive, elegant event that’s perfect for those who love good food and a memorable experience.
- When: September 19, 2025
- Where: It’s a secret location
- Tickets: Register here.
- Website: https://newyork.dinerenblanc.com
- Best for: Foodies, event lovers, or anyone looking for a glamorous night out.
Richmond County Fair
Next, head to Historic Richmond Town for a fun, old-school fair experience. From carnival rides to food stalls, the Richmond County Fair has it all 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 or anyone who loves a traditional fair feel.
U.S. Open
Are you a tennis enthusiast or just want to enjoy the electric atmosphere of live sports? This is your chance to see top athletes in action, plus, maybe spot a celebrity 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 or anyone looking for an exciting live event.
Concerts & Live Music
Tate McRae – Miss Possessive Tour
If you’ve been blasting Tate McRae’s hits, then you can’t miss her Miss Possessive Tour. With her raw, emotional lyrics and killer pop hits, Tate’s ready to light up the stage with a performance you won’t forget.
- When: September 3-4, 2025
- Where: Madison Square Garden
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.tatemcrae.com
- Best for: Pop fans and Tate McRae lovers.
T-Pain – TP20 Tour
This month, you’ll take a trip down memory lane with T-Pain as he celebrates 20 years of iconic bangers with his TP20 Tour. And this concert is guaranteed to get you moving.
- 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 throwback lovers.
Benson Boone – American Heart Tour
Benson Boone is bringing his heartfelt tunes to Madison Square Garden for his American Heart Tour. If you’re into pop with a deep, emotional twist, you won’t want to miss this show.
- When: September 5, 2025
- Where: Madison Square Garden
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.bensonboone.com
- Best for: Pop fans and emotional music lovers.
Lady Gaga – The Mayhem Ball Tour 2025
Little Monsters, this is your moment. Lady Gaga is bringing her Mayhem Ball Tour to Madison Square Garden with all the pop, glam, and show-stopping performances you can imagine.
- When: September 6-7, 2025
- Where: Madison Square Garden
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.ladygaga.com
- Best for: Lady Gaga fans and pop lovers.
Kali Uchis – The Sincerely, Tour
If you’ve been craving a soulful, genre-blending performance, Kali Uchis is here to deliver. Her Sincerely, Tour will take you on a musical journey, filled with stunning vocals and rich soundscapes.
- When: September 11-12, 2025
- Where: Madison Square Garden
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://shopkaliuchis.com
- Best for: Soul and R&B lovers and Kali Uchis fans.
Dua Lipa – Radical Optimism Tour
Dua Lipa is taking over Madison Square Garden for her Radical Optimism Tour, bringing her pop anthems to life on stage. So, prepare for a high-energy night filled with hits that will have you singing along from start to finish.
- When: September 17-18 & 20-21, 2025
- Where: Madison Square Garden
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.dualipa.com
- Best for: Pop fans and Dua Lipa lovers.
Eric Clapton (September 19)
Also this month, catch the legendary Eric Clapton live as he takes you on a journey through decades of blues and rock classics. Whether you’ve been a fan since his Cream days or you’re just discovering his solo work, this is a night you won’t forget.
- When: September 19, 2025
- Where: Madison Square Garden
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://ericclapton.com
- Best for: Classic rock fans and blues lovers.
All Things Go Music Festival
Looking for a music festival that celebrates incredible talent? The All Things Go Music Festival at Forest Hills Stadium brings you various artists all in one place and offers diverse performances and a vibrant crowd.
- When: September 26-28, 2025
- Where: Forest Hills Stadium (Forest Hills, New York)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://allthingsgofestival.com
- Best for: Music lovers or anyone looking for a fresh festival experience.
CBGB Festival
Punk fans, it’s time to relive history. The CBGB Festival is bringing back the iconic venue’s raw energy with performances from Iggy Pop, The Sex Pistols, and more.
- When: September 27, 2025
- Where: Under the K Bridge Park (Gardner Ave. & Thomas St., Brooklyn)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.cbgb.com
- Best for: Punk rockers and nostalgia seekers.
Other Events/Activities to Check Out
- West Indian American Day Parade – September 1 at along Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn
- NYC Broadway Week – September 8-21 at Multiple locations | Ticket price varies
- Flower Market 2.0 by CJ Hendry – September 19-21 at Rockefeller Center
- Fall Fashion Bazaar – September 21 at Grand Bazaar NYC (100 W 77th St, New York) | Free admission
- The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze – September 12-November 16 at Van Cortlandt Manor (525 S Riverside, Croton-on-Hudson) | Ticketed
- Yoga in Bryant Park – Until September 17 at Upper Terrace / Lawn New York | Free (registration required)
- The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail at New York Botanical Garden – September 25-November 30 at 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx | Ticketed
- Bronx Zoo Harvest Glow – September 25-October 31 at 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx | Ticketed
- Van Gogh’s Flowers at New York Botanical Garden – Until October 26 at 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx | Ticketed
As you get ready for September, don’t forget about the long weekend ahead. For a complete list of all the best parades, festivals, and activities, check out our guide Best Things To Do on Labor Day 2025 in New York City.
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