Free & Paid Things to Do in NYC This Week (September 8-14)
You know that moment when you’re so ready to make weekend plans, but then you realise… “Wait, what’s even happening this week?” That’s exactly why I put together this guide to the free & paid things to do in NYC this week (September 8–14)—so you can skip the endless Googling and jump straight into the fun. Also, I’ve listed a few worth-the-trip events just outside the city.
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.
Free & Paid Things to Do in NYC This Week (Sept 8–14) – Events, Concerts & More!
Free Fun Events
Yoga in Bryant Park
Want to stretch it out? Yoga in Bryant Park is back with free sessions every Tuesday and Wednesday. You’ll enjoy practicing under the sun in one of NYC’s most iconic spots. Just remember to bring your mat.
- When: September 9-10, 2025
- Where: Upper Terrace, New York
- Tickets: Free admission (registration required)
- Website: https://bryantpark.org
- Best for: Yoga enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts.
TSQ Live
If you like live music, dance, or random cool art happening in the heart of the city, you’ll enjoy this one. It’s a free, open-air event showcasing a mix of artists, performers, and cultural creators.
- September 10: MTA Music Under New York: Inti and the Moon
- September 11: Jazz at Lincoln Center: The Empress
- Where: Times Square (Bdwy & 46th St)
- Tickets: Free admissionÂ
- Website: https://www.timessquarenyc.org
- Best for: Art lovers, performers, and anyone who enjoys outdoor performances.
Feast of San Gennaro
Is your appetite ready for the Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy? It’s the perfect excuse to devour pasta, cannoli, and everything in between while enjoying parades, live music, and a whole lot of Italian spirit.
- 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.orgÂ
- Best for: Foodies and culture lovers.
JAPAN Fes
Who needs a flight to Tokyo when JAPAN Fes is right here in NYC? It’s a day full of delicious Japanese food, live entertainment, and all the cultural feels.
- When: September 13, 2025
- Where: Chelsea
- Tickets: Free admissionÂ
- Website: https://www.japanfes.com
- Best for: Foodies and culture lovers.
Brooklyn Book Festival
Bookworms, the Brooklyn Book Festival is coming back to showcase the best and brightest authors from around the world. It’s a free event with panels, talks, and of course, books you’ll want to take home.
- When: September 14-22, 2025
- Where: Multiple venuesÂ
- Tickets: Free
- Website: https://brooklynbookfestival.orgÂ
- Best for: Bookworms, writers, and anyone looking to discover new reads.
Queensboro Dance Festival
If dancing’s your thing (or just watching other people bust a move), the Queensboro Dance Festival offers performances, classes, and parties all around Queens. You can explore different dance styles while feeling the vibrant energy of the city.
- When: Until September 13, 2025
- Where: Multiple venuesÂ
- Tickets: Free
- Website: https://queensborodancefestival.org
- Best for: Dance fans and anyone who wants to see some cool moves.
Free Shakespeare in the Park (Until September 14)
Shakespeare’s back in the park, and this time it’s Twelfth Night at Central Park’s Delacorte Theater. It’s an iconic NYC tradition that makes you feel a little fancy while enjoying the great outdoors.
- When: Until September 14, 2025
- Where: Central Park, New York
- Tickets: Free admissionÂ
- Website: https://www.centralpark.com
- Best for: Theater buffs and anyone who loves a good show.
Summer on the Hudson
It’s another week for you to enjoy Summer on the Hudson, offering free festivals, movies on the pier, fitness classes, and live music. You can even grab some food and drinks from local vendors while you take in the view.
- When: Until October 15, 2025
- Where: West 59th Street to West 128th Street (Manhattan’s west side)
- Tickets: Free
- Website: https://www.nycgovparks.org
- Best for: Families and anyone looking for outdoor fun.
River To River Festival
If you want to experience NYC’s arts scene from a fresh perspective, check out the River to River Festival. This downtown festival celebrates public art, installations, and performances.
- When: Until October 26, 2025
- Where: Multiple venues across ManhattanÂ
- Tickets: Free (RSVP required)
- Website: https://lmcc.netÂ
- Best for: Art enthusiasts and anyone into creative public spaces.
Smorgasburg (Select Days)
With locations in WTC, Williamsburg, and Prospect Park, this food market has everything from Ethiopian stews to street food you didn’t know you needed. A perfect way to spend a Saturday or Sunday.
- Saturdays: Marsha P. Johnson State Park (90 Kent Ave, Brooklyn)
- Sundays: Breeze Hill, Brooklyn
- Tickets: Free admissionÂ
- Website: https://www.smorgasburg.com
- Best for: Food lovers and anyone who loves trying new bites.
Food, Music, Culture & More
NYC Broadway Week
Want to catch a Broadway show without breaking the bank? NYC Broadway Week is offering 2-for-1 tickets to some of the best musicals and plays in town.
- When: September 8-21, 2025
- Tickets: Sale starts August 19, 2025
- Website: https://www.nyctourism.com
- Best for: Theater lovers and anyone wanting to see Broadway on a budget.
Catacombs by Candlelight Tour
Something a little eerie? The Catacombs by Candlelight Tour at St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral will have you walking through history, but with a perfect mix of intrigue and a little bit of spooky darkness.
- When: September 11-14, 2025
- Where: 266 Mulberry Street, New York
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://catacombstournyc.com
- Best for: History buffs and thrill-seekers.
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
This week, The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze returns with more pumpkins than you’ve ever seen in one place. You’ll love an incredible display of intricately carved pumpkins lit up to create a hauntingly beautiful experience.
- When: September 12-November 16, 2025
- Where: Van Cortlandt Manor (525 S Riverside, Croton-on-Hudson)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://pumpkinblaze.org
- Best for: Halloween lovers and families.
New York Latin Food Festival
You don’t need a passport to take a bite out of Latin America. The New York Latin Food Festival is bringing the best of Latin American cuisine right to Industry City. You’ll also enjoy art installations and performances while you eat.
- When: September 13-14, 2025
- Where: Industry City (220 36th Street, Brooklyn)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Best for: Foodies and anyone craving Latin flavors.
Van Gogh’s Flowers at New York Botanical Garden (Until October 26)
Feel like walking through a painting? Van Gogh’s Flowers at the New York Botanical Garden brings his iconic works to life, where you’re surrounded by real sunflowers and sculptures while enjoying the artistry of Van Gogh’s colorful world.
- When: Until October 26, 2025
- Where: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.nybg.org
- Best for: Art lovers and nature enthusiasts.
The Amazing Maize Maze
Got a competitive spirit and love a challenge? The Amazing Maize Maze offers a fun (and slightly tricky) corn maze adventure that gives you an awesome view once you finally make it to the end.
- When: Until October 26, 2025
- Where: Queens County Farm Museum (73-50 Little Neck Pkwy., Queens)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Best for: Families and adventure lovers.
Concerts
HAIM – I Quit Tour 2025 (September 8)
HAIM is bringing their signature indie-rock style to NYC on September 8, and you’ll love to be there. With their catchy tunes and killer live performances, it’s a night full of energy and fun.
- When: September 8, 2025
- Where: Madison Square Garden
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.haimofficial.com
- Best for: Indie rock fans and anyone looking for a fun, energetic concert.
Kali Uchis – The Sincerely, Tour
This September, Kali Uchis is hitting NYC with her soulful Sincerely, Tour. Known for her atmospheric vocals and genre-blending sound, this is a show you won’t forget.
- When: September 11-12, 2025
- Where: Madison Square Garden
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://shopkaliuchis.com
- Best for: R&B lovers and concertgoers.
Anuel AA – Real Hasta La Muerte 2
Love Latin trap or reggaeton? Anuel AA is bringing his Real Hasta La Muerte 2 tour to NYC, so get ready for high energy, amazing beats, and his signature gritty lyrics.
- When: September 12, 2025
- Where: Barclays Center (620 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.anuelaa.com
- Best for: Latin trap lovers and reggaeton fans.
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