Best Things to Do in New York in September 2026: Events, Pop-Ups & Free Things to Do

Best Free Things to Do in New York in September

Commemorating 9/11

September marks the anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center and 11th September 2026 will mark 25 years since the attacks. The 9/11 Memorial in Lower Manhattan is centred around two reflecting pools located in the footprints of the former Twin Towers. The names of the victims of the attacks on 11th September 2001 and 26th February 1993 are inscribed around the pools.

There are remembrance events across New York throughout September with the main commemorations taking place on 11th September. If you’re visiting the area during your trip, allow enough time rather than trying to squeeze it between several other attractions.

Date: 11th September 2026
Location: 9/11 Memorial, World Trade Center, Lower Manhattan
Price: Memorial plaza is free, museum admission is separate

Free Outdoor Movies at Seaport Cinema

Seaport Cinema is continuing into September with two free movie screenings at Pier 17. Films are shown on the Heineken Riverdeck with views over the East River. The September lineup includes King Richard on 1st September and National Treasure on 8th September.

Movies begin at sunset and you can bring blankets or chairs for the turf. RSVP is encouraged but it doesn’t guarantee seating so arriving early is still the safest option. Food and drinks are also available to buy before the film.

Dates: 1st and 8th September 2026
Time: Movies begin at sunset
Location: Heineken Riverdeck, Pier 17, 89 South Street
Price: Free

Gottesman Pool at Central Park

If New York is still warm during your trip, you can swim for free in Central Park until 13th September 2026. Gottesman Pool is part of the Davis Center at the Harlem Meer and is one of New York’s newest public swimming facilities.

The pool is open daily from 11am–7pm with a closure between 3pm–4pm for cleaning and entry is completely free. It’s located towards the northern end of Central Park so I’d plan this alongside anything else you want to see around Harlem or the north side of the park.

Dates: Until 13th September 2026
Time: 11am–7pm, closed 3pm–4pm for cleaning
Location: Davis Center at the Harlem Meer, Central Park between 106th and 108th Streets
Price: Free

Metropolitan Opera Summer HD Festival

The Met’s Summer HD Festival returns to Lincoln Center from 2nd–7th September 2026 with free outdoor screenings of opera performances. Around 2,500 seats are set up outside the Metropolitan Opera House each evening and seating is first come first served. You don’t need to book an advance ticket.

The 2026 programme includes performances of Tristan und Isolde, I Puritani, Eugene Onegin, El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego and La Bohème. If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, arrive before the scheduled start because there isn’t assigned seating.

Dates: 2nd–7th September 2026
Time: Evening screenings, times vary by performance
Location: Lincoln Center Plaza, outside the Metropolitan Opera House
Price: Free

Summer on the Hudson

Summer on the Hudson continues through September with free events taking place along Riverside Park. The programme runs from May through October and includes hundreds of events across the stretch of park between 59th and 181st Streets. Depending on your dates, you’ll find concerts, fitness sessions, dance events, films and community activities throughout the programme. Most events don’t require registration although I’d check the specific listing before travelling to it.

Dates: Throughout September 2026
Location: Riverside Park, 59th–181st Streets
Price: Free

US Open Experience at Hudson Yards

If you want some of the US Open atmosphere without buying a tournament ticket, keep an eye on Hudson Yards during the first week of September. The wider Hudson Yards summer programme includes large-screen sports coverage and tennis-related activity around the Public Square and Gardens. I’d check the Hudson Yards events calendar immediately before your trip because specific US Open activations can change and additional experiences are often announced closer to the tournament.

Dates: Early September 2026
Location: Hudson Yards, Manhattan
Price: Free for public screenings and selected activities

Free Kayaking at Brooklyn Bridge Park

Free kayaking at Brooklyn Bridge Park is one of the best summer activities in New York if you want to do something different from traditional sightseeing. The sessions allow visitors to get out on the East River with views of the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan skyline and waterfront.

You don’t need previous kayaking experience and all equipment is provided, including the kayak, paddle and life jacket. Sessions are around 20 minutes, which makes this an easy activity to fit into a busy sightseeing day. Reservations are required and spaces can fill quickly during September, so I’d recommend booking as soon as your dates become available.

Dates: 27th May – 26th September 2026
Time: Various sessions throughout the week
Location: Brooklyn Bridge Park
Price: Free

Bryant Park Movie Nights

Watching a film at Bryant Park is one of the easiest free summer activities to add to a New York itinerary. The park hosts outdoor movie nights where visitors can bring a blanket, grab food nearby and watch classic films in the middle of Midtown.

The lawn opens from 5pm, with movies starting at 8pm, and people usually arrive early to choose their spot. Chairs, tables and large seating equipment are not allowed on the lawn, so a simple blanket is the best option.

Dates: 13th July – 14th September 2026
Time: Lawn opens at 5pm, films start at 8pm
Location: Bryant Park, Midtown Manhattan
Price: Free

Bryant Park Picnic Performances

Bryant Park’s Picnic Performances are a great way to experience live entertainment in New York without buying a ticket. Throughout summer, the park hosts a programme of outdoor performances including theatre, dance, music, opera and orchestral shows.

The schedule changes throughout the season, so there is usually something different happening each week. Some performances are from well-known cultural organisations and provide visitors with the chance to experience live shows in one of Manhattan’s most central locations.

Dates: 28th May – 11th September 2026
Time: Performance times vary
Location: Bryant Park, Midtown Manhattan
Price: Free

Brooklyn Bridge Park Movies With A View

Movies With A View at Brooklyn Bridge Park is one of the best free outdoor cinema experiences in New York. The screenings take place on the waterfront at Pier 1 Harbor View Lawn with views across the harbour and Manhattan skyline.

The films begin around sunset, but the lawn opens from 6pm so visitors can arrive early, find a spot and enjoy the views before the movie starts. I’d recommend bringing snacks, a blanket and arriving earlier than you think, especially for popular screenings. The September schedule includes films such as Jurassic Park, Do The Right Thing, Bridesmaids and a public choice screening.

Dates: 18th September 2026
Time: Lawn opens at 6pm, films begin around sunset
Location: Pier 1 Harbor View Lawn, Brooklyn Bridge Park
Price: Free

The Big Screen Schedule at Backyard at Hudson Yards

If you’re visiting New York during a major sporting event, the Big Screen at Backyard at Hudson Yards is worth checking. The outdoor screen shows major sporting events throughout summer, including tennis, football, basketball and other large competitions.

The location makes this easy to add into a sightseeing day because it’s close to The High Line, Edge and The Vessel. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving earlier is recommended for popular events.

Dates: 1st May – 31st October 2026
Time: Event times vary
Location: Public Square and Gardens, Hudson Yards
Price: Free

Smorgasburg

If you’re looking for somewhere to try different foods during your New York trip, Smorgasburg is one of the best places to add to your itinerary. The outdoor food market brings together dozens of local food vendors selling everything from burgers and dumplings to desserts, drinks and international dishes.

There are several locations across New York during August, making it easy to fit into your plans whether you’re exploring Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn or Central Park. I’d recommend going earlier in the day if you want the best choice of food as some popular vendors can sell out later in the afternoon.

Dates: Every weekend until October 2026
Time:
World Trade Center: Fridays from 11am–6pm
Central Park: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm–8pm
Williamsburg: Saturdays from 11am–6pm
Prospect Park: Sundays from 11am–6pm

Location: Multiple locations including World Trade Center, Central Park, Williamsburg and Prospect Park
Price: Free entry, food and drinks are paid separately

Best Paid Things to Do in New York in September

RiseNY

RiseNY is one attraction I think a lot of people visiting New York still don’t know about and I experienced it for the first time during my latest trip. It’s located just off Times Square and combines an immersive museum experience with a flying ride over New York City. You start by learning about different parts of New York’s history and culture through a series of galleries before finishing with the ride itself.

The final experience lifts you into the air in front of a huge screen and takes you flying across some of New York’s most recognisable landmarks. The whole attraction takes around 60-90 minutes which also makes it easy to fit into a day around Times Square, Broadway or Midtown. It was my first time doing RiseNY and I’ll be sharing a full review separately because there’s quite a lot more to it than I expected before visiting.

Location: 160 West 45th Street, Times Square
Price: tickets start from $42 per person
Time needed: Around 60-90 minutes

NYC Broadway Week

If seeing a Broadway show is already on your New York itinerary, September is a really good time to look at tickets because NYC Broadway Week returns during the month. Broadway Week usually gives you access to 2 for 1 tickets across a selection of participating Broadway productions, including a mixture of long running shows and newer production such as Lion King, Wicked and Chicago.

It can make a big difference if you’re travelling as a pair or as part of a girls trip because Broadway tickets can easily become one of the more expensive parts of your itinerary. The most popular shows and better seating options can go quickly once tickets are released so I’d check the participating productions as soon as the September sale opens.

Dates: 8th-20th September 2026
Location: Participating Broadway theatres, Manhattan
Price: Varies depending on the production and seating

Watch the US Open

If you’re visiting New York during the first half of September, the US Open is one of the biggest events happening in the city. The 2026 tournament runs until 13th September 2026 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens. Main draw matches take place throughout the first two weeks of September before the women’s final on 12th September and men’s final on 13th September.

There are several different ticket options including Arthur Ashe Stadium, Louis Armstrong Stadium and Grounds Admission. A Grounds ticket gives you access to the outer courts and first-come first-served access to selected stadium seating but doesn’t include Arthur Ashe Stadium.

If you’re planning to go, I’d compare different days rather than only looking at finals weekend. Earlier rounds give you the chance to see more matches across several courts and prices can vary massively depending on your session.

Dates: 23rd August–13th September 2026
Location: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows, Queens
Price: Varies by date, court and session

Central Park Row Boats

Hiring a row boat is one of the New York activities I’d look at doing if you get a warm September day. The boats leave from the Central Park Boathouse and take you onto The Lake with views towards Bow Bridge, Bethesda Terrace and the surrounding park.

You don’t need to reserve in advance because rentals are first come first served. Each boat holds up to four people and life jackets are provided. September weekends can still be busy so I’d probably go earlier in the day rather than leaving it until mid-afternoon. For 2026, rentals are $25 per hour from Monday to Thursday and $30 per hour from Friday to Sunday.

Dates: Throughout September 2026, weather permitting
Time: 10am–7pm or dusk
Location: Central Park Boathouse, East 72nd Street and East Drive
Price: $25 per hour Monday–Thursday, $30 per hour Friday–Sunday

Best Pop-Ups & Festivals in New York This September

New York Fashion Week

If you’re interested in fashion, September is when one of New York’s biggest annual events takes place. New York Fashion Week 2026 runs from 10th–15th September 2026, with designers presenting their Spring/Summer 2027 collections. The official CFDA schedule currently includes designers such as Calvin Klein, Carolina Herrera, Michael Kors, Tory Burch, Tommy Hilfiger and Anna Sui.

Most of the major runway shows are industry events so you shouldn’t expect to simply buy a ticket to every designer show. However Fashion Week also brings brand activations, independent shows and pop-ups across the city.

If you’re visiting during these dates, I’d keep an eye on individual fashion and beauty brands in the weeks leading up to your trip because a lot of public-facing events get announced closer to the time.

Dates: 10th–15th September 2026
Location: Various locations across New York
Price: Varies by event

The Feast of San Gennaro

The Feast of San Gennaro returns to Little Italy from 17th–27th September 2026 and this year is particularly significant because it marks the festival’s 100th anniversary. The festival takes over Mulberry Street and surrounding streets with food vendors, entertainment, processions and events celebrating Italian-American culture.

Some of the biggest events already announced include the Solemn High Mass and religious procession on 19th September as well as the Grand Procession and a special live performance from Naples on 26th September. Food is a big part of San Gennaro so expect Italian street food, pastries, zeppole, sausages, pizza and plenty of other food stalls throughout Little Italy. Entry itself is free so you can easily add it to a day exploring Little Italy, Chinatown and SoHo.

Dates: 17th–27th September 2026
Location: Mulberry Street and surrounding streets, Little Italy
Price: Free entry, food and drinks paid separately

Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day falls on 7th September 2026, which means the long weekend runs from 5th–7th September. Most of New York’s main tourist attractions, restaurants, shops and Broadway theatres continue operating across the weekend although individual opening times can change.

You’ll also find additional events taking place across New York during Labor Day weekend so if your trip falls across these dates I’d check individual attraction hours before making your itinerary. The US Open is also running across Labor Day weekend, making the first weekend of September particularly busy around Queens.

Dates: 5th–7th September 2026
Location: Across New York City
Price: Depends on the event

OktoberFest NYC

OktoberFest NYC takes place at Watermark on Pier 15 and brings a version of Munich’s Oktoberfest to Lower Manhattan. The event normally includes German beer, bratwurst, giant pretzels, Oktoberfest decorations and games with views across the East River towards Brooklyn.

General admission has previously been free with food, drinks and additional packages paid separately. One important thing to know is that the event’s official website is currently still displaying its 2025 dates rather than confirming the 2026 schedule, so I’d wait for this year’s dates before planning your itinerary around it.

Dates: 2026 dates to be confirmed
Location: Watermark, Pier 15, 78 South Street
Price: General admission has previously been free

Capital One City Parks SummerStage

SummerStage continues into September with concerts and performances taking place across New York. The programme is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026 and includes more than 60 free and benefit performances across Central Park and neighbourhood parks in the five boroughs.

Some September performances are paid benefit concerts rather than free events so check the individual listing before heading over. The programme continues into the autumn with dates in September and October.

Dates: Throughout September 2026
Location: Central Park and parks across New York City
Price: Many events are free, selected concerts are ticketed

Sephora Summer Club at The William Vale

If you’re in New York right at the beginning of September, the Sephora Summer Club at The William Vale runs until 7th September. The experience takes place around the rooftop pool at The William Vale in Williamsburg with Sephora beauty experiences, pool access and seasonal activities.

Day passes mean you don’t have to be staying at the hotel to visit, although availability and prices depend on the date. Because it finishes during the first week of September, this is mainly one for anyone visiting over Labor Day weekend.

Dates: Until 7th September 2026
Location: The William Vale, Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Price: Day passes from around $85

FAQs About Visiting New York in September 2026

Is September a good time to visit New York?

Yes, September is a really good month to visit New York because you still have warm weather at the start of the month alongside major events including the US Open, New York Fashion Week and the Feast of San Gennaro. A lot of the free summer events also continue into September including outdoor movies, kayaking and live performances, so there’s still plenty happening even if you’re trying to keep your budget down.

What are the best things to do in New York in September?

Some of the best things to do in New York in September include watching the US Open, seeing a Broadway show during NYC Broadway Week, visiting New York Fashion Week events and going to the Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy. You can also add free activities such as Bryant Park Movie Nights, Seaport Cinema, kayaking at Brooklyn Bridge Park, SummerStage performances and free museums to your itinerary.

What free things can you do in New York in September?

There are loads of free things to do in New York in September. You can watch outdoor movies at Bryant Park and Pier 17, go kayaking at Brooklyn Bridge Park, visit Gottesman Pool in Central Park, watch free opera screenings at Lincoln Center and attend selected SummerStage performances.

Is New York still warm in September?

It can still be warm in New York during September, especially at the beginning of the month. I’d pack for a mixture of warmer days and cooler evenings and check the weather forecast just before you travel. Layers are useful because temperatures can change quite a bit throughout the day.

What should I wear in New York in September?

I’d pack comfortable trainers or walking shoes, lightweight outfits for warmer days and a jacket or cardigan for the evenings. You’ll probably spend a lot of time walking so I’d prioritise comfort over bringing too many dressier outfits.

Is New York busy in September?

Yes, certain parts of September can be busy because of major events including the US Open, Fashion Week and Labor Day weekend. Hotel prices can also increase around larger events so if you’re visiting during specific September dates I’d recommend booking accommodation early.

How many days do you need in New York in September?

I’d recommend at least 4–5 days if it’s your first visit. That gives you enough time to see the main attractions while also fitting in some of the events happening in New York in September. If you’re visiting specifically for something like the US Open or Fashion Week, I’d build the rest of your itinerary around those dates first.

I’ll keep this guide updated as more New York September events, pop-ups and free things to do are confirmed. If you’re planning your trip, you can also find all of my other New York guides on The Girls Trip To including where to stay, what to book and how to plan your itinerary.

Check out my other New York guides here:

• New York City Travel Guide for First Time Visitors
• 31 Best Things To Do in New York City
• 4 Days in New York City Itinerary
• 4 Days in New York Christmas Itinerary
• The BEST Hotels in New York City With a View
• How to Get From JFK Airport to Manhattan by Subway (Under $20)
• New York Monthly Guides