Free & Paid Things to Do in NYC This Week (September 15-21)
Can we just talk about how fast September is flying by? One minute you’re grabbing iced lattes, and the next you’re debating if it’s too soon to pull out the fall jacket. If you’re looking for ways to make the most of it, you’ll appreciate this guide to the free & paid things to do in NYC this week (September 15–21). And because sometimes you just want a little breather from the nonstop city buzz, I’ve also included a few events outside NYC that make for the perfect quick getaway.
Event details may change, so be sure to check the official websites or social pages for the latest updates. Also, free admission means no tickets are needed, but some free events might still require RSVP or have costs for food, drinks, or activities.
Free Fun Events
Feast of San Gennaro
How about pasta with a side of parades, live music, and a whole lot of cannoli? The Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy is here for another year, bringing all the food, culture, and celebration you could ask for.
- When: Until September 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, festival lovers, or anyone who loves a good Italian feast.
Brooklyn Book Festival
Bookworms, the Brooklyn Book Festival is back, and it’s your chance to catch hundreds of authors, attend free events, and buy a stack of new books to take home.
- When: Until September 22, 2025
- Where: Multiple venues
- Tickets: Free
- Website: https://brooklynbookfestival.org
- Best for: Book lovers and writers.
River To River Festival (Until October 26)
How about experiencing NYC’s arts scene from a fresh angle? River to River Festival celebrates public art, installations, and performances along the waterfront.
- When: Until October 26, 2025
- Where: Multiple venues across Manhattan
- Tickets: Free (RSVP required)
- Website: https://lmcc.net
- Best for: Art enthusiasts and explorers.
Yoga in Bryant Park
What better way to start your day than with some outdoor yoga in Bryant Park? This free class is a great way to stretch, relax, and enjoy the fresh air.
- When: September 16-17, 2025
- Where: Upper Terrace / Lawn New York
- Tickets: Free admission (registration required)
- Website: https://bryantpark.org
- Best for: Yoga enthusiasts or those looking for a unique way to enjoy the park.
TSQ Live
Want to check out some cool live music, dance, or unexpected art? TSQ Live in Times Square is where all that happens, for free, and it’s a great way to experience the city’s creative energy.
- September 16: Live DJ Sets
- September 17: MTA Music Under New York: You Bred Raptors?
- September 18: Jazz at Lincoln Center: Nutu Camara
- September 19: Summer Friday
- Where: Times Square (Bdwy & 46th St)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.timessquarenyc.org
- Best for: Art lovers, music fans, and spontaneous adventurers.
Flower Market 2.0 by CJ Hendry
This week, the Flower Market 2.0 by CJ Hendry brings oversized, plush flower designs to life. It’s a playful, interactive event that’s perfect for enjoying blooms and snapping a few fun pics.
- When: September 19-21, 2025
- Where: Rockefeller Center
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://cjhendrystudio.com
- Best for: Flower lovers and anyone looking to get lost in a colorful, creative experience.
JAPAN Fes
Craving Japanese food but don’t have time to travel to Tokyo? JAPAN Fes is here with nearly 30 outdoor events across NYC. With over 1,000 vendors and tons of delicious food, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a mini Tokyo for the day.
- When: September 20-21, 2025
- Where: Upper West Side
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.japanfes.com
- Best for: Food lovers and festival fans.
Harvest Festival
The Harvest Festival is celebrating the beginning of autumn with food, shopping, and all the seasonal feels. From fresh produce to fun activities, it’s a fun way to welcome fall with open arms.
- When: September 20, 2025
- Where: Sutphin Boulevard, between Hillside and Jamaica Avenues, Queens
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.downtownjamaica.org
- Best for: Families and foodies.
Fall Fashion Bazaar
Love fall fashion? With everything from handmade goods to seasonal décor, it’s a market filled with fall treasures. Plus, you’ll be supporting local artisans while you shop.
- When: September 21, 2025
- Where: Grand Bazaar NYC (100 W 77th St, New York)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://grandbazaarnyc.org
- Best for: Fashion lovers and seasonal shoppers.
Smorgasburg
If your stomach has been calling out for something new, Smorgasburg is back, bringing over 70 local food vendors to three locations across NYC. From Hawaiian street food to explosive pani puri, it’s a flavor adventure.
- 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: Foodies, casual eaters, or anyone who loves trying new bites.
Union Square Greenmarket
Looking for fresh food and local feels? The Union Square Greenmarket has been around since 1976, and it’s packed with fresh fruits, veggies, cheeses, and even homemade moonshine.
- When: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays
- Where: Union Square Park (Union Square W &, E 17th St, New York)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.grownyc.org
- Best for: Foodies, shoppers, or those looking for a taste of local NYC.
79th Street Greenmarket
If you’re near the Museum of Natural History, don’t miss the 79th Street Greenmarket. From fresh fish to baked goods, this market has a little bit of everything.
- When: Sundays
- Where: 79th Street & Columbus Ave, New York
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: http://grownyc.org
- Best for: Foodies, market wanderers, or anyone who wants fresh, local goodies.
Paid Things To Do
NYC Broadway Week
Love Broadway but not the Broadway prices? NYC Broadway Week is your chance to score 2-for-1 tickets to some of the city’s top musicals and plays.
- When: Until September 21, 2025
- Tickets: Sale starts August 19, 2025
- Website: https://www.nyctourism.com
- Best for: Theater lovers and anyone who wants to see a Broadway show on a budget.
Van Gogh’s Flowers at New York Botanical Garden
Need an excuse to spend the day outdoors? Van Gogh’s Flowers is a dream come true for art and nature lovers. From sunflowers to lilies, these blooms will make you feel like you’re walking through a painting.
- When: Until October 26, 2025
- Where: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.nybg.org
- Best for: Art enthusiasts and nature lovers.
The Amazing Maize Maze
Got a competitive streak and a love for corn? The Amazing Maize Maze, a fun and slightly tricky corn maze, promises bragging rights and a beautiful view when you finally make it through.
- When: Until October 26, 2025
- Where: Queens County Farm Museum (73-50 Little Neck Pkwy., Queens)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Best for: Families and anyone looking for a fun challenge in the fresh air.
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
Looking for a spooky good time? The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is the perfect way to kick off the fall season. With thousands of intricately carved pumpkins lighting up the night, it’s a family-friendly experience that gets better and scarier every year.
- When: Until November 16, 2025
- Where: Van Cortlandt Manor (525 S Riverside, Croton-on-Hudson)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://pumpkinblaze.org
- Best for: Halloween fans and families.
Le Dîner en Blanc
A night of elegance and mystery? Le Dîner en Blanc is an all-white dinner party with thousands of people gathering at an undisclosed location, dressed to the nines, for an unforgettable evening under the stars.
- When: September 19, 2025
- Where: It’s a secret location
- Tickets: Register here.
- Website: https://newyork.dinerenblanc.com
- Best for: Those looking for a classy night out and foodies.
Concerts
Dua Lipa – Radical Optimism Tour
If you’ve been waiting for Dua Lipa to hit NYC, your time is now. Her Radical Optimism Tour is packed with all the bangers you know and love.
- When: September 17-18 & 20-21, 2025
- Where: Madison Square Garden
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.dualipa.com
- Best for: Pop music lovers and Dua Lipa fans.
Eric Clapton
Want to see a guitar legend live? Eric Clapton is bringing decades of blues and rock hits to the stage. From his Cream days to his solo career, this show will take you through an iconic musical journey.
- When: September 19, 2025
- Where: Madison Square Garden
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://ericclapton.com
- Best for: Rock fans and music lovers.
Eric Church: Free The Machine Tour
For a wild ride through rock and country, Eric Church is hitting the stage with his Free The Machine Tour. His new album, Evangeline vs. The Machine, is getting the live treatment.
- When: September 20, 2025
- Where: Barclays Center (620 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.ericchurch.com
- Best for: Country fans, rock lovers, or anyone who loves a good live show.
More Activities Events to Check Out
- Torch & Crown Beer Garden – 20 Union Square W, New York | Price varies
- Summer on the Hudson – Until October 15 at West 59th Street to West 128th Street (Manhattan’s west side) | Free admission
- Seven Lions Presents Prelude: Gathering Twilight – September 19 at Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage, New York | Ticket price varies
Now that you have your plan for the week, why not look ahead? Read our guide, “Fall Is Coming: What’s New in NYC This September,” for a list of all the exciting new shows, exhibits, and events.
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