Free & Paid Things to Do in NYC This Week (September 22-28)
Late September in New York City means the air is getting cooler and the calendar is full of events. From outdoor festivals and concerts to seasonal activities, there’s a lot happening across the five boroughs. To help you plan, here is a guide to some of the free and paid things to do in NYC for the week of September 22-28, 2025.
A quick note: Event details can change, so always check the official websites for the latest updates.
Your Guide to Events in NYC This Week (September 22-28)
Free Fun Events
TSQ Live
Random live performances in the city center? TSQ Live mixes music, dance, and art in a free, open-air setting, making your city stroll way more interesting.
- September 23: Live DJ Sets
- September 24: MTA Music Under New York: Felipe Pavani Band
- September 25: Jazz at Lincoln Center: Igmar Thomas’ Revive Big Band
- September 26: Summer Friday
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.timessquarenyc.org
- Best for: Fans of spontaneous art and live performances.
Global Citizen Festival
Central Park’s Great Lawn is about to get loud. Shakira, The Weeknd, and more will hit the stage, and entry is free if you take part in community actions. Music and good deeds rolled into one perfect Saturday.
- When: September 27, 2025
- Where: The Great Lawn (Central Park, 79th Street & 85th Street, New York)
- Tickets: Free (Take action in the Global Citizen app to earn a chance at free tickets)
- Website: https://www.globalcitizen.org
- Best for: Concert-goers and socially conscious music fans.
Smorgasburg
Hungry? Smorgasburg offers over 70 vendors with everything from Ethiopian stews to poutine. Grab a friend, stroll around, and check out three NYC locations this week.
- 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 and outdoor fun seekers.
Brooklyn Book Festival
Looking for your next page-turner? The Brooklyn Book Festival brings together hundreds of writers, from poets to graphic novelists, for talks and book signings. Don’t forget to bring a few dollars for books that will steal your heart.
- When: Until September 22, 2025
- Where: Multiple venues
- Tickets: Free
- Website: https://brooklynbookfestival.orgÂ
- Best for: Book lovers and literary explorers.
Paid & Ticketed Activities
The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail at NY Botanical Garden
Jack Skellington and friends take over the garden in this creepy-cute light show. New characters, scenes, and songs make it a must-see fall outing.
- When: September 25-November 30, 2025
- Where: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://thenightmarebeforechristmaslighttrail.com
- Best for: Fans of the film and seasonal light show enthusiasts.
Bronx Zoo Harvest Glow
The Bronx Zoo is glowing this fall. Animal-themed jack-o’-lanterns, night dinosaur safaris, live pumpkin carving, and games make it a fun, spook-tacular evening.
- When: September 25-October 31, 2025
- Where: 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://bronxzoo.com
- Best for: Families and Halloween thrill-seekers.
New York Film Festival
Film buffs, this is your week. From premieres to documentaries and action films, the festival is packed with screenings, panels, and sneak previews that cover everything from Hollywood stars to global cinema gems.
- When: September 26-October 13, 2025
- Where: Film at Lincoln Center (70 Lincoln Center Plaza 4th fl., Manhattan)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.filmlinc.org
- Best for: Movie lovers and culture seekers.
Queens County Agricultural Fair
Want to experience a little slice of country life without leaving the city? Carnival rides, livestock, corn mazes, pie-eating contests, and live performances make this weekend a fun mix of old-school fair charm and local NYC flair.
- When: September 27-28, 2025
- Where: Queens County Farm Museum (73-50 Little Neck Pkwy.,Queens)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.queensfarm.org
- Best for: Families and anyone craving a classic fair experience.
Van Gogh’s Flowers at NY Botanical Garden
Van Gogh’s famous blooms aren’t just on canvas anymore. Sunflowers, lilies, and more bring his art to life, making this a colorful stroll through flowers and inspiration.
- When: Until October 26, 2025
- Where: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.nybg.org
- Best for: Art lovers and Instagram enthusiasts.
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
Pumpkins like you’ve never seen before light up the night. Thousands of intricately carved jack-o’-lanterns create a spooky-cool walk that will wow the whole family.
- When: Until November 16, 2025
- Where: Van Cortlandt Manor (525 S Riverside, Croton-on-Hudson)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://pumpkinblaze.org
- Best for: Families and Halloween lovers.
Concerts & Live Music
Sleep Token: Even in Arcadia
Need some hauntingly powerful music? Sleep Token is hitting the stage with their Even in Arcadia tour. Expect epic vocals, intense instrumentals, and a show that’s as emotional as it is electrifying.
- When: September 22, 2025
- Where: Barclays Center (620 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.sleep-token.com
- Best for: Alternative/metal fans and concert adventurers.
Hardy: Jim Bob World Tour
Country rock lovers, Hardy’s bringing the energy this week with his Jim Bob World Tour. Add Koe Wetzel and Stephen Wilson Jr. to the mix, and you’ve got a night of boots, guitars, and big-time sing-alongs.
- When: September 24, 2025
- Where: Madison Square Garden
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://hardyofficial.com
- Best for: Country music fans and live performance seekers.
All Things Go Music Festival
Three days of groundbreaking performances and good energy await. All Things Go celebrates music, culture, and community—perfect for connecting with new artists and fellow fans.
- When: September 26-28, 2025
- Where: Forest Hills Stadium (Forest Hills, New York)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://allthingsgofestival.com
- Best for: Music lovers and festival-goers looking for new sounds.
NBA YoungBoy – MASA TOUR
After a long break, NBA YoungBoy is back and ready to deliver hits like “Shot Callin’” and “Slime Examination.” So, prepare for raw lyrics, fun atmosphere, and a high-energy show.
- When: September 27, 2025
- Where: Barclays Center (620 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.youngboynba.com
- Best for: Hip-hop heads and concert-goers.
CBGB Festival
Punk rock lives again this week. CBGB Festival revives the East Village legend with Iggy Pop, Jack White, 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 rock fans and music history buffs.
Other Events/Activities to Check Out
- Jamaica Q 5k Walk/Run – September 27 at York College (94-45 Guy R Brewer Boulevard, Queens) | Registration required
- Kabaka Pyramid / Lila Ik̩ / Federation Sound РSeptember 27 at Coney Island Amphitheater (3052 W. 21st Street, Brooklyn) | Free admission
- Vintage Glam Hollywood Bazaar – September 28 at Grand Bazaar NYC (100 W 77th St, New York) | Free admission
- CityParks PuppetMobile: Pippi Longstocking – Select days at multiple venues | Free admission
- The Village Trip – Until September 28 at multiple venues | Free and ticketed
- Summer on the Hudson – Until October 15 at West 59th Street to West 128th Street (Manhattan’s west side) | Free admission
- Climate Week NYC – Until September 28 at multiple venues
Now that you have your plans for the week, why not look ahead? Get the full scoop on everything happening all month long with our complete guide, Free & Paid Things To Do in NYC This September (2025).
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