Best September New York City Activities
There are some amazing things to do in New York in September, just as the summer is behind us and everyone is back to school and work. September in NYC is a delightful time of year to enjoy a meal or cocktails outdoors, watch football season kick off, baseball season wind down and shop til your heart’s content for all the season’s newest fall fashions.
Even though the sensational summer season winds down, the culture of New York in September remains delightfully alive! It is the official closeout of summer and beginning to a cozy fall, so what better way to end the summer than with a couple of bangers? The best things to do in New York in September include festivals, food trucks, art events, new performances, family-friendly events and a lot of fashion. Celebrate September at different culture festivals, pop brews on labor day weekend, instagram the latest and greatest at Fashion Week and much more.
Check the NYC Insider Guide September Events Calendar
Check out all the Best September Events in New York City. The US Tennis Open, San Gennaro Festival, Broadway Week and Fashion Week. The new Broadway season kicks off with Back to Broadway month, and we check the critic’s reviews in anticipation of the hottest new shows.
The Opera, Philharmonic and Ballet all start their new seasons, just as the Giants and Jets are kicking off their football seasons. September is jam-packed in NYC with fun indoor and outdoor activities and it usually one of the best times of year to visit NYC.
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Things to Do In New York in September With Family
When was the last time you turned down a FREE ticket of your choice to a NYC museum? Probably never. NYC has a natural talent of creating the most aesthetically pleasing museums and attractions you most likely never imagined. While many of our NYC museums are already free, The Smithsonian now hosts Museum Day. Participating museums and cultural institutions across the country provide free entry to anyone presenting a Museum Day ticket.
Some interesting NYC Museums participating include: Asia Society and Museum, Museum of Illustration at the Society of Illustrators and The Cathedral of St. John the Divine.
Not here on that exact day? Don’t let money rob you from experiencing life in the most fulfilling ways! Click How To See New York City Museums for Free for more details and Free NYC Museum Admission for Military Families for more ways you can make the most of your NYC experience.
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Indulge in the NYC Fair & Festival Scene
Celebrate with locals and many more as they bring their culture to life with home-style grubs and dishes, blocked off parades, music galore and overall love for their backgrounds.
Head over to West 46th Street to the largest Brazilian Festival, Brazilian Day in NYC’s Little Brazil. Next, join millions in Little Italy each year for the Feast of San Gennaro, an 11-day festival where you’ll find honorary music, plates of manicotti, cannoli and other Italian dishes. While you’re at it, check out the West Indian Parade on Labor Day in Crown Heights, Brooklyn where you’ll find yourself shaking your stuff to Reggae, Calypso, and steel drums all while enjoying a beef patty!
They don’t call NYC the melting pot for nothing! See NYC Little Italy Guide to see where you can experience your culture and our our NYC Restaurant Guides to find more spots to satisfy your every food need.
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Labor Day Weekend in New York City
Did you know the first Labor Day took place in 1882 in New York City under the direction of the city’s Central Labor Union? Yayy New York! Another score for the Big Apple. Labor Day came about because workers felt they were spending too many days and hours on the job. What better way to end the summer than with relaxation? Here are some highlights of the weekend:
- US Open
- Yankees and/or Mets
- Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit
- GMA Summer Concert Series
- Today Show Concert Series
- Electric Zoo Festival
Check out What to do Labor Day Weekend in New York City for more events.
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Visit the 9-11 Memorial and Museum
The 9-11 Memorial and Museum “attests to the triumph of human dignity over human depravity and affirms an unwavering commitment to the fundamental value of human life.” Fall is one of the most popular times to visit this special memorial in New York, which features two enormous waterfalls and reflecting pools, each about an acre in size, set within the footprints of the original Twin Towers.
Read all about ways to honor the memories of the thousands of lives lost on 9-11-01, at the full Insider Guide to the 9-11 Memorial, 9-11 Memorial Museum and 9-11 Memorial Tours.
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More Fun Things To Do In September In NYC
Unicycle-a cycling mystery wonder and beloved hobby for millions. Forget March Madness, how about four days of September’s One-wheel madness?! Produced by Bindlestiff Family Variety Arts, Inc., the New York City Unicycle Festival brings you the entertainment of watching pros long distance rides, play hockey, basketball, sumo and much more! Be a part of the outdoor fun and participate in the learn-to-ride area!
If 1 wheel isn’t your style quite yet, don’t let that stop you! Check out NYC Hotels with Free Bicycles so you can ride along with all the one-wheeled fun!
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NYC Fashion
Fashion and NYC are literally one. Remember to bring a selfie stick, delete apps to gain enough storage on your smartphone, and dress accordingly as you waltz your way into any fashion show, creative event, or backstage VIP areas…you never know who you’ll run into!
Check out NYC Sample Sales, New York Shopping Tours, and New York Fashion Week to stay up to date with NYC latest refined designer looks.
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September Weather in New York
September may sound a lot like summer, but with beautiful weather for more than half the month and highs of 80F, why not have fun like it’s mid July! Any New Yorker will attest to the beginning of the month and Labor Day weekend being pretty sticky and oddly satisfying.
As night time approaches the cooler air starts to set in, dropping degrees to mid-60s. After Labor day weekend expect the streets to clear out a bit (but not too much, after all it is New York) as for many, September means new school year, going back to work, and for the majority, adulting. This month allows you to formally meet the cooler weather as it gradually takes you into the mid-70’s during the day and mid-50s at night during mid September and lastly, “Hello, 70 and below weather” for the last week.
What a rush! It’s best to pack a light long sleeve shirt or invest in a casual, comfy cardigans as an effortless chic third piece for longer nights out!
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Fun Things to do in New York in Fall
- Best things to do in NYC in Fall
- Things to do in NY in September
- Things to do in NY in October
- Things to do in NY in November
- US Tennis Open
- Halloween
- Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
- NYC Fall Festivals, Fairs and Parades
- Tennis in New York City
- Biking in New York City
- Best NYC Hotel Rooftops
- Free Things to Do in New York City
More Things to do in New York City
Fun Things to do in New York in Winter
- Fun Things to do in New York in Winter
- Ice Skating in New York City
- Things to do in NYC in December
- Things to do in NYC in January
- Things to do in NYC in February
- Holiday Markets in NYC
- Christmas in New York City
- Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
- Best New York City Hotel Rooftops
- New York City Museums
- NYC Helicopter Tours
- Free Things to Do in New York City
Newest NYC Experiences - Be The First!
Best New York City Hotel Rooftops
NYC Hotel Rooftops offer some of the best skyline views in the whole City, along with cocktails and food, views, pools, cabanas, sundecks and retractable roofs. Our top picks for the most surreal views and cocktails include:
- Ink48 Hotel - right next to the Intrepid Museum and my ALL time favorite rooftop!
- The Ready @ Moxy NYC East Village - all-season rooftop with an amazingly eclectic vibe and great skyline views. (photo)
- The Empire Hotel - year-round indoor/outdoor rooftop with seasonal pool and cabana rentals
See More: Best New York City Hotel Rooftops
Museums
Museums and attractions are open, some with reduced capacity, safety protocols, reservations and vaccination proof. Check out the new Museum of Ice Cream (SoHo), Guggenheim, MoMA, Whitney and so many more NYC Museums from which to choose.
Attractions & Sightseeing
NYC attractions are open, some with reservations required. Whether you want to sightsee from the sky or selfie with celebs @ Madame Tussauds, you can be safe and explore.
Go HIGH or Go Home
Top of the Rock, Empire State Building, One World Observatory, Edge or the new SUMMIT? Which is best and, if we have to choose, which should we visit? There is no easy answer, but here are some facts to help guide your choice.
- Empire State Building - (86 and 102 floors) Best for patient movie and history buffs who need to check it off their bucket list. Recently redone indoor 102nd Floor Observatory
- Top of the Rock - (67-70 floors) Best for sweeping 360° vista views, including of the Empire State Building and Central Park. Shorter lines and cheaper than the ESB.
- One World Observatory - (100-102 floors) Best for homage to the Twin Towers. Modern and high tech, with phenomenal views
- Edge - (100-101 floors) Highest outdoor observation deck, glass bottom floor, deck extends 80 feet away from building (photo)
- Summit One Vanderbilt - (91-93 floors) Opened Oct 2021, all glass elevator, indoor and outdoor decks and glass terraces off the side of the building. One of the hottest tickets in town
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Sightsee from the Sky
Top of the Rock, Empire State Building, One World Observatory, Edge or Summit? Which is best and, if we have to choose, which should we visit? There is no easy answer, but here are some facts to help guide your choice.
- Empire State Building - (86 and 102 floors) Best for patient movie and history buffs who need to check it off their bucket list. Recently redone indoor 102nd Floor Observatory
- Top of the Rock - (67-70 floors) Best for sweeping 360° vista views, including of the Empire State Building and Central Park. Shorter lines and cheaper than the ESB.
- One World Observatory - (100-102 floors) Best for homage to the Twin Towers. Modern and high tech, with phenomenal views
- Edge - (100-101 floors) Highest outdoor observation deck, glass bottom floor, deck extends 80 feet away from building (photo)
- Summit One Vanderbilt - (91-93 floors) Opens Oct 2021, all glass elevator, indoor and outdoor decks and glass terraces off the side of the building
See All: Top New York City Tourist Attractions
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New York City Night Cruises
See our beautiful Skyline from all angles - in any weather!
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Take in ALL the Tours, Landmarks and Attractions and SAVE
NY Sightseeing Pass, New York Pass, NY Explorer Pass, CityPASS Compared
- Sightseeing Pass - Unlimited Hop on Hop off Buses, One World Observatory, Edge
- New York Pass - 80+ tours and attractions, Choose 1-10 Days
- Explorer or Go Select - Choose from 55+ sights or Build your Your
- New York CityPASS - 6 top attractions, good for 9 days from first use
See All: New York City Pass Comparison Chart
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Secret NYC Insider Tours
Explore our subways secrets with a local guide, go behind-the-scenes at the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, uncover surprising gems and historical tales of Grand Central Station, cocktail your way through Manhattan’s best and most secretive speakeasies and much more!
Things to do in New York with Kids
One of the best parts of NYC is that what is fun for kids is usually just as much fun for adults. If you are joining us in NYC for a family vacation, then please read all about our local kid's favorites, along with special tips just for visitors.
- Things to Do in New York With Kids - best NYC activities, tours, attractions and Insider Tips for kids and families
- Broadway and Off Broadway Shows for Kids - choose a dream show, like Aladdin, Wicked or Lion King, see the latest Kids shows, or save BIG and entertain kids and little ones under 4 with an awesome Off Broadway Show
- Best NYC Hotels for Families - special perks, freebies, bunk beds, larger rooms, suites
See All: Visiting New York with Kids.
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FREE Things to do in New York City
There are tons of free things to do in New York all day, every day! Tours, attractions, museums, events, shows, sports, movie and more. Kids, adults, outdoors, indoors, active, lazy...you name it!
- NYC Museums Free Days and Times - weekly guide to free museum admissions
- Free New York City Walking Tours - guided or downloadable free NYC walking tours
- More Things to Do in New York City - kids, by month, by season, free, budget
See All: Free Things to Do in NYC - weekly calendar of all free walking tours, free museum admissions, free things to do by season and more
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New York City Shopping Guides
- New York City Shopping Guide
- Shopping in NYC Department Stores
- Discount Budget Shopping in NYC
- Resale and Consignment Shops
- Shopping Guides by Neighborhood
- NYC Designer Sample Sales
- New York Outlet Malls
- New York City Gift Shopping
- Holiday Markets in NYCÂ
- New York City Shopping Tours
- Add YOUR NYC Shop,Tour, Sample Sale
New York City Nightlife
How do you make the most of your time in the city that never sleeps?? Some of the best 'only in NYC' nightlife experiences include skyline views, dinner cruises, Museums and attractions open late til 2am, rooftops, night tours, comedy clubs and more. Some of our top NYC Nightlife picks:
- NYC Rooftop Lounge Tour - guaranteed access to exclusive nighttime hot spots as you sip cocktails under the sky
- InviteOnly Party @ the Hottest NYC Clubs - VIP access to NYC Clubs with Bottle Service and dancing.
- New York Dinner Cruise - family-friendly and/or romantic cruise with excellent service, spectacular sights and delicious menu offerings.
- Broadway Comedy Club - laugh out loud all night long
- NYC Night Bus Tour - From Times Square to the Brooklyn Bridge, see our city wink and twinkle right at you.
See all our Top Picks: New York City Nightlife
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Save HUGE $$$$ in NYC
- New York City Coupons Guide
- Save on NYC Hotels
- Half Price NYC Tickets
- Ticketmaster Deals
- NYC Museums FREE Days
- Free NYC Printable Maps
- NYC Restaurants and Food Discounts
- New York Attractions Discount Passes
- Free New York City Walking Tours
- Free Things to Do in New York City
- NYC Designer Sample Sales
- Visiting New York on a Budget
Romantic Things to Do in NYC
There are tons of things to do on your romantic New York City vacation. Attractions open late with skyline views, Central Park Tours, VIP Experiences, a helicopter ride. Some of the most popular romantic ways to see NYC include:
See more romantic things to do at: Romantic New York City Vacation and Valentine's Day in NYC
Explore and Indulge Like a Real NYC Foodie
There is no shortage of pizza, bagels, street vendors, cupcakes, craft beer and cocktails, rooftops and mini food parks to explore and so many more food choices in the five boroughs, along with wonderful guides who can't wait to show you them all!!!!
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Spot Celebrities in NYC
Where to find celebrities in NYC or which celebrities are living in NYC today are common questions by all, but celebrity sightings in NYC are way easier than you may think and happen all the time. You will, of course, see them on the subway, in Central Park, at the gym, in restaurants, at all the current hotspots, at shows and more. But here are some unique ways to see celebrities all over the city.
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Get Out of Town for a Day
NYC is within 3 hours of so many other cities and areas you can visit for just one day. Easily head to Washington DC, Boston, Philadelphia, Niagara Falls, the Hamptons, Woodbury Common Shopping Outlets and more. Whether you live in NY or are visiting, and no matter how much you love NYC, escaping for a day is a treat for everyone. Top choices for 1-day Out of Town:
See All: Day Trips Out of New York City
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