Our Local Guide to NYC in September

New York City is about to experience fall and this is truly the last month of summer that we have. We love that New York Fashion Week will be here soon and of course are a bit saddened by the end of baseball season at Yankee Stadium. But with events in Times Square, a Broadway show to see and the return of Football season, there is plenty to do here. We think this is a great place to come any season but just as the leaves are changing, the city starts to become a bit more magical. If you’re looking for a good time in the city with the best views, look no further. Enjoy our favorites happenings in the big apple this month!

Celebrate Labor Day Weekend

Close out summer in the city with a fun-filled Labor Day Weekend. Whether you’re catching the last rooftop sunset, checking out a food festival or taking a day trip to the beach, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate. It’s your last chance to soak in the season before fall officially arrives.

Catch one of NYC’s most beloved traditions before the season ends, Free Shakespeare in the Park. Held at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park, these performances bring classic plays to life under the stars. It’s been awhile since they have been doing shows in person and there are huge names in the casts this year such as Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Peter Dinklage.

Step into the vibrant world of Van Gogh’s floral masterpieces at the New York Botanical Garden. This special exhibit pairs iconic paintings with real-life garden landscapes inspired by his work. It’s a stunning blend of art and nature, only on view through early fall.

Book lovers won’t want to miss the Brooklyn Book Festival, one of the biggest free literary events in the city. Meet your favorite authors, attend panels and browse indie publishers at this weeklong celebration of books. The main festival day takes over Downtown Brooklyn with outdoor readings, signings and more.

Local New Yorkers and anyone coming to town can enjoy movie magic under the stars this season as Wollman Rink transforms its scenic overlook into an open-air cinema. With the Central Park skyline as the backdrop, guests can bring blankets and lawn chairs for screenings of fan favorites like Wicked (Sept. 4), Moana 2 (Sept. 11) and How to Train Your Dragon (Sept. 18). The new film series offers a uniquely NYC way to gather, relax and experience Wollman Rink beyond its iconic skating season.

It happens once a year! This is a super cool happening where a secret location will be announced and everyone can attend-all in white! It’s like an elegant picnic and there are always some amazing guest appearances. If you are a spur of the moment person and love surprise locations, etc. this is the event to look forward to! Keep an eye out on their site for information. If you’re not a member, sign up on their site for the waitlist. It’s been released that it’s happening September 19th.

Whether you’re a major tennis fan or not, the US Open is always fun to watch! It ends early September on the 10th, so there is still time to try to get some seats if you’d like to attend in person. Of course, it is televised. I think it’s a great experience to be able to attend and watch the players in person. This truly is one of the most special events going on early fall.

Hudson Yards is full of US Open specials that you won’t want to miss! Enjoy zesty tacos and margaritas at Verano, or indulge in sweets from Xing Fu Tang and Van Leeuwen while watching the matches at the Public Square & Gardens. For an indoor experience this month, O’Toole’s Way offers signature cocktails like Honey Deuces. For a sky-high twist, play table tennis at Edge, the highest sky deck in the Western Hemisphere.

Pay Tribute to 9/11

The anniversary of the horrific tragedy that was September 11th is coming up. It’s a hard day for the entire country, but especially New York City. There are some really great memorial events taking place. I like to go to the World Trade Center, where the Twin Towers were and see the lights they shine in honor of those that lost their lives that very day. It’s always really nice to come together as a community and have a moment of silence and peace in remembrance. People like to leave flowers by the names at the memorial, as well, which is so nice to see and also heartwrenching. Here’s a list of memorial events to attend.

Little Italy Fest of San Gennaro

The Feast of San Gennaro is a celebration for San Gennaro of Naples. Little Italy will have a feast from September 11th-21st in celebration. This is where local restaurants will have food, drinks and Italian apparel in the streets of Little Italy. It’s really fun to be a part of and the food is incredible! Just go with plenty of time for your day because it gets so crowded.

The Beginning of Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is here before we know it! This year it begins on the 2oth and will run through October 5th. If you’ve been craving a beer and giant pretzel, now is the time more than ever to get it. This is a fun day out with friends, too if you want to bar hop around the city!

My fashion people, who is ready?! New Yorkers, this is a really fun time of year and I love getting to celebrate fashion week every fall! This is a fantastic time to see what the upcoming trends are and keep updated on our favorite designers. This link has the schedule for the big week ahead. You’ll want to stay in the know on social media, as well, as tons of free pop ups and happenings usually come during this time. It begins with some events on the 11th and runs through the 16th. We can’t wait to share our NYFW plans with you all!

The NYC Pizza Run is a delicious event that combines the love of running with the love of pizza. Held annually in various neighborhoods, this fun run has you dash through the streets of New York City while sampling slices from some of the city’s most iconic pizzerias. You don’t need to be an athlete. Just someone with a passion for pizza, the NYC Pizza Run is a flavorful and festive celebration of two of New York’s greatest traditions: running and pizza. Check it out on the 14th.

This festive autumn attraction transforms the historic Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson into a glowing wonderland of intricate, hand-carved pumpkins. You can see a dazzling display of thousands of illuminated jack o’lanterns, each meticulously designed with imaginative patterns and vibrant colors. This enchanting event features themed areas and elaborate pumpkin sculptures that captivate guests of all ages. It offers a mesmerizing experience that celebrates the artistry of pumpkin carving. Perfect for families or a Halloween date night, the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is a must-see spectacle that brings the spirit of the season to life with a touch of magical glow.

Pumpkin Nights at the Bronx Zoo is a fun fall event that transforms the zoo into a magical, pumpkin-themed wonderland. This immersive experience features over 1,000 illuminated jack o’lanterns, each intricately carved with imaginative designs and arranged in stunning displays. Walk along the illuminated pathways to encounter whimsical pumpkin sculptures, dazzling light shows, and seasonal decorations that create a captivating ambiance. It’s family-friendly!