september in nyc.

If you’re planning to spend September in New York City, get ready for an exciting time: the entire month is absolutely packed with a wide variety of festivals, concerts, parades, food events, and cultural celebrations that showcase the city’s vibrant spirit. Whether you’re a lifelong New Yorker or just visiting for the first time, September 2025 offers the perfect mix of the lingering late-summer energy combined with the refreshing early-fall magic that fills the streets and parks with life.

Here’s your complete and detailed guide to the best NYC events happening throughout September 2025.

🌟 Major Festivals & Parades:

Labor Day & the West Indian Day Parade

📅 September 1, 2025
📍 Crown Heights, Brooklyn

New York City’s West Indian Day Parade is one of the largest parades in the country, bringing over a million people to Eastern Parkway. Expect vibrant costumes, Caribbean music, steel drums, and delicious street food. It’s the most colorful way to kick off September.

Feast of San Gennaro

📅 September 11–21, 2025
📍 Little Italy

For ten days, Little Italy transforms into a block party celebrating Italian heritage. From cannoli-eating contests to religious processions and live music, the Feast of San Gennaro is one of NYC’s most beloved traditions.

The September Concert

📅 September 11, 2025
📍 Citywide

Launched to honor the anniversary of 9/11, this free music festival fills NYC with live performances in parks, plazas, and public spaces. It’s a heartfelt celebration of music and community.

🎶 Music & Entertainment:

Free Broadway in Times Square Concert

📅 Early September 2025 (exact date TBA)
📍 Times Square

This free concert features performances from 23 Broadway shows — from classics to new hits. A once-a-year chance to see Broadway stars light up Times Square.
🔗 Details here

Global Citizen Festival

📅 September 27, 2025
📍 Central Park, Great Lawn

One of NYC’s most iconic free concerts returns with a star-studded lineup. Headliners include The Weeknd and Shakira, alongside Tyla and Ayra Starr. Tickets are free — but you’ll need to earn them through advocacy actions.
🔗 See lineup here

Jalen Brunson’s Roommate Show Block Party

📅 September 2025 (exact date TBA)
📍 NYC

NBA star Jalen Brunson brings back his epic block party, mixing basketball, music, food, and community vibes. Expect celebrity appearances, live performances, and a festival feel.
🔗 Ticket details

🍕 Food & Culture:

Eater Off Menu: 20 Years of Eater

📅 September 20, 2025
📍 NYC

Celebrate two decades of NYC’s food scene with this one-of-a-kind culinary festival. Top restaurants (think Momofuku, Carbone, Via Carota) create special dishes, pop-ups, and mashups you can’t get anywhere else. Proceeds benefit World Central Kitchen.
🔗 Learn more

One Bite Pizza Festival

📅 September 13, 2025
📍 New York

If you love pizza, this is your heaven. Dave Portnoy’s festival brings together some of the city’s (and country’s) best pizzerias for one massive tasting party, complete with live music.

Feast of San Gennaro (again, because food deserves a double mention 🍝)

Besides the parades and processions, food is the star here — sausage and peppers, zeppole, and cannolis that’ll ruin you for life (in the best way).

💃 Arts, Fashion & Film:

Fall for Dance Festival

📅 September 16–27, 2025
📍 New York City Center

One of the most affordable ways to see world-class dance. For just $30, you can experience international companies, including Alvin Ailey and Stuttgart Ballet, performing across genres.

New York Fashion Week

📅 September 11–16, 2025
📍 Tribeca & Hudson Yards

The city becomes a runway as designers debut their Fall/Winter 2025 collections. While many shows are invite-only, you can still catch public activations, street style, and pop-up events around the city.

New York Film Festival

📅 September 26 – October 13, 2025
📍 Lincoln Center

Film buffs, this is your time. The 63rd New York Film Festival kicks off with After the Hunt and closes with Bradley Cooper’s Is This Thing On?. Expect premieres, panels, and the chance to spot directors and actors at screenings.

🐂 Sports & Outdoor Fun:

PBR Mavericks: Maverick Days

📅 September 18–20, 2025
📍 UBS Arena

Professional bull riding in NYC? Yes. The New York Mavericks bring rodeo energy to Belmont Park. Even if you’ve never seen bull riding before, the energy is unforgettable.

Kayaking at DUMBO

📅 Ongoing through September
📍 Brooklyn Bridge Park

For a slower pace, head to the water. Free kayaking sessions under the Manhattan Bridge offer peaceful city views and a perfect end-of-summer activity.

September is truly one of the best months to visit New York City. During this time, the weather tends to be pleasantly mild and perfect for exploring all the city has to offer. The energy in the city is vibrant and palpable, creating an atmosphere that's both exciting and inviting. Additionally, the calendar is packed with a variety of festivals and events that beautifully showcase the city’s rich cultural diversity. Whether you’re a dedicated foodie eager to try new flavors, a music lover seeking live performances, a fashion enthusiast excited about the latest trends, or simply someone wanting to soak in the unique New York City vibes, September 2025 promises an unforgettable experience tailored just for you.