New York has a rich history and culture, and it also is the economic hub of the country. Visiting New York is like a dream come true for many people, and it attracts millions of tourists every year. The city offers everyone a unique experience no matter what their interests are, and where they come from.
Over the years, it has garnered a reputation being the culinary heaven for food lovers, thanks to its diversified food scene and peculiar tastes that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. It is home to some of the best architectural marvels, art galleries, museums, and historical monuments. Simply put, New York has something for everyone.
New York receives little to moderate rain showers in September, and you get a feel of mild weather setting in, with chilly winds blowing at night. This is the perfect time to visit New York and experience the flavors of the fall season. If you are planning a trip to New York in September, be considerate and cautious. Plan your visit in advance to avoid any last-minute emergencies.
In this blog, we’ll explore 20 of the best things to do in NYC in September and make your visit memorable that you’ll cherish for life.
Top 20 Things to Do in NYC in September
1. Hit the Beach
Who doesn’t enjoy being at the New York beach in the scorchingly hot summer? It’s the best time to have and experience of a lifetime at the beach with your loved ones. Not to mention, New York has one of the best coastlines in the USA, and offers a great opportunity to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and relax under the sun. It is one of the cheap things to do in NYC with a family.
2. Catch a Broadway Show
Need a pleasant and entertaining break from your busy schedule? How about you catch a Broadway show. It can be one of the bucket list things to do in New York for you. The stories, songs, sets, and costumes of a Broadway production are a thing of dreams. Swing State is coming to Broadway this September.
3. Experience the Fall Foliage
As stated earlier, in September, the fall season starts in New York. You can experience this transition during the New York Fall Foliage. This is the most aesthetic thing to look at, so maybe you can take a snap or two. It’s one of the unusual things to do in New York.
4. Watch a Match at the US Open
The US Open Tennis Tournament, the last Grand Slam of the year, commences during the last week of August and continues till mid-September. The Flushing Meadows in New York hosts the event, and attracts many international players and tennis enthusiasts. If you are into tennis, you can catch a game or two. It is easily one of the best adventurous things to do in New York. If you plan on watching a game, ensure to book your tickets in advance.
5. Attend the Annual West Indian Parade
As we know, New York is a diversified city, owing to its massive immigrant population, with people from different countries calling it their home. The New Yorkers value their rich cultural heritage, and celebrate ethnicity. On September 4, the National West Indian Day Parade will commence in New York City. This day commemorates and honors the significant contributions of the Caribbean people in the city’s development. The day features songs, dance performances, spectacular fireworks, and special gatherings. If you are in New York, you can participate in this event. It’s one of the most unique things to do in NYC.
6. Go to A Candlelight Concert
Many couples go out on a romantic candlelit dinner date and enjoy their time under the starry night sky. In New York, you can take it up a notch and opt for a romantic candlelit concert. It is easily one of the many romantic things to do in NYC. Visit these breathtaking nighttime concerts in NYC to treat yourself to a peaceful evening.
7. Eat Your Heart Out at the Annual Momo Crawl
Looking for some unusual things to do in New York? How about the Annual Momo Crawl? The largest Himalayan cultural and culinary event, Momo Crawl, is back. It’ll be held on September 24 in Jackson Heights. It offers guests a sample of some of the top South Asian, Tibetan, and Nepalese dishes. This year, you will have the chance to sample momos from more than thirty local eateries.
8. Go Apple Picking
There are plenty of fun things to do in NYC with kids and apple picking is one of them. The Big Apple moniker for New York isn’t undeserved! The orchards aren’t precisely in the city, but they’re usually only a short distance away. Bring a basket full of apples home, and have a crunchy, tasty apple pie to get yourself ready to embrace the spirit of fall.
9. Check out Pumpkin Patch
If you’re in New York, or planning to visit the city in September, you’d love spending some time on a pumpkin farm. You can get your pumpkins ready for Halloween! It is definitely one of the fun things to do in NYC the weekend. What are you waiting for? Take your family out to pick some pumpkins.
10. Join the Oktoberfest Fun
Want a beer? You’re in for a treat! New York is known for its finest craft beers and breweries, and Oktoberfest is surely an interesting event, you can attend during the fall. This may just be the romantic thing to do in New York. Oktoberfest is an annual German event that commences from mid to late September. However, because the celebrations are extravagant, the city hosts many activities till October.
This year, NYC is hosting a number of thrilling Oktoberfest celebrations, which include:
- German-themed food and drink offerings on a cruise
- Weekly pig roasts and beer keg tappings
11. Attend Adirondack Balloon Fest
Who doesn’t love to take a trip on board a hot air balloon? Whether you are a young kid or a full-grown adult, there is something peculiar yet attractive about these life-sized balloons that just leaves you in an awe. It is one of the most fun things to do in NYC as a couple. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Adirondack Balloon Fest. Managed solely by a committed group of volunteers, the event attracts visitors from across the world. If you are planning to visit New York in near future, you can enjoy a life-changing camping experience. You can also visit an artisan market, and taste various delicacies during this event.
12. Catch Some Fall Breeze at New York Street Fairs
New York is famous for its street fairs, spread over whole blocks in each of the city’s five boroughs. At a typical street fair, you’ll get a chance to tantalize your tastebuds with delicious food. You can also interact with food vendors. If you are visiting New York in September, you should not miss the chance to sample some food.
13. Go To New York State Fair
Looking for things to do in NYC with kids or teens? NYC State Fair is the perfect place to be. You get a chance to attend daily concerts, experience exhilarating rides, and taste the delicious funnel cakes. From August 23 to Labor Day, Syracuse will host the Great New York State Fair.
14. Be a Part of the Legendary Dîner En Blanc
The renowned Dîner En Blanc is coming back to NYC on Thursday, September 14, 2024. Get yourself ready to witness a large number of New Yorkers decked out in white once more. A decade ago, this French-inspired pop-up supper event made its US premiere in New York City, where it attracted hundreds of thousands of people. You shouldn’t miss it, as it’s a one-of-a-kind experience.
15. View The Annual 9/11 Tribute
9/11 was a tragedy that shook everyone living on Earth. And it shook New Yorkers more than ever. This year, on September 11, at Ground Zero, the poignant Tribute in Light tradition in memory of those lost on that day will commence. Eighty-eight 7,000-watt xenon luminaries are used to create the light beams, which reach four miles into the sky.
16. Celebrate the Hispanic Heritage Month
One of the not-so-hidden things to do in New York is joining in the celebration of Hispanic Heritage. From September 15 to October 15, every year, New York hosts various events to commemorate the contributions of the Hispanic Community.
17. Lounge at A Fancy Rooftop Bar
One of the fun things to do in New York at Night is to enjoy a few cocktails on one of NYC’s stunning rooftop bars in Manhattan or Queens.
You can select from the following:
- Westlight NYC, Williamsburg
- Panorama Room, Roosevelt Island
- Vista Sky Lounge, LIC
- The Ready Rooftop, East Village
18. Party at the Beer Garden New York
If rooftop bars are not your thing, don’t worry. There are plenty of beer gardens in NYC! You can enjoy a beer at one of the city’s many beer gardens as you celebrate the end of the summer. It’s one of the craziest things to do in NYC!
You can have a beer at:
- Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden, Astoria
- Loreley, Lower East Side
- Radegast Hall & Biergarten, Williamsburg
- Clinton Hall, FiDi
19. Attend the Annual Brooklyn Book Festival
Are you a bookworm looking for a cool thing to do? This fall, one of the most significant literature events, The Brooklyn Book Festival, is back. The event will start on September 24 and will feature more than 200 writers, poets, and graphic novelists from around the world.
20. Connect With Nature at Botanical Garden
New York Botanical Garden can be one of the best places that you can visit in September. It boasts immaculate greenhouses, lush fields, meandering hikes, and beautiful flower gardens. In fall, you can experience how the foliage changes colors. You can either spend a short time strolling through the garden or plan a small picnic there.
Conclusion
There you have it. The top 20 things to do in NYC in September. In this blog, we have covered just about everything. From fancy rooftop bars to beer gardens and cool Oktoberfest festivals. We have also mentioned about state fairs, beaches, apple picking, and all the adventurous things that you can indulge in while in New York.
New York is a city that has something for everyone, and if you are on a quest, you might just find what you are looking for. New York is all yours.
Frequently Asked Question’s
Is September a good time to visit NYC?
Indeed, September is one of the best times to visit New York if you look forward to avoiding the crowded holiday season and enjoying a mix of summer and fall. If you like the warm, vivid colors of fall, visit New York in September. The average temperature of 24 degrees Celsius is just suitable for enjoying a stroll in Central Park and taking in the breathtaking fall foliage. It is indeed one of the most pleasant times of the year.
What happens in New York during September?
A lot happens in New York in September. In fact, several of the annual events commence in September, such as the famous New York Fashion Week. There are prestigious banquets and galas for socialites. Some might like the more symbolic commemorations of the September 11 Tribute in Light and Labor Day parades. Oktoberfest and State Fair usually take place in September, along with the US Open.
What’s on in NYC in September?
There is a lot happening in NYC in September, from festivals to special shows and exhibitions and days commemorating the rich cultural heritage of the city. You can have a chance to celebrate the annual West Indian Culture Day and Hispanic Heritage Month. All of it happens in September in NYC.
Why is New York so expensive in September?
New York means business, and it gets busy and expensive in September because of supply and demand. In fact, businesses get the momentum going in September following the Labor Day. Furthermore, since New York City isn’t an ideal summer destination; people start flocking here at the start of the fall season.
