20 Fascinating Things To Do In NYC This September

1. Attend The U.S. Open Tennis Championships

For a sports keen or tennis big fan, I recommend you attend the U.S. Open Tennis Championships in person at least once! The 2024 tournament, the fourth, and final Grand Slam tennis event of the year, could be one to remember.

The tournament will take place from August 26 to September 8 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, New York City, with every elite player on tour looking to hoist trophies. Feel free to use the 2024 U.S. open schedule and gate opening times in case you are planning NYC events in September 2024.

2. Catch A Broadway Show

One of the few shows in NYC September, you don't want to miss out on is the Broadway show. As a new season gets into swing in the theater district, there couldn't be a better time to get lost in some live performances.

From classics like Hamilton, The Lion King, and Wicked to newcomers like Six the Musical & Juliet, September is a month full of great shows on Broadway. NYC Broadway Week is coming soon with 2 for 1 tickets from September 3 to 15.

3. Visit The Tribute In Light

New York City is brilliantly illuminated every year on September 11, when the Tribute in Light marks a somber remembrance of the nearly 3,000 lives lost during the terrorist attacks.

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum, located at the World Trade Center, is where you can see this event. A stunning installation called the Tribute in Light comprises exactly 88 bulbs pointed toward the heavens to represent each floor of both Twin Towers, filling the void left in the skyline.

Now held annually, the NYC September 11 memorial stands as a tribute that draws thousands who turn out to honor and pay respects.

4. Be At Soho International Film Festival

The Soho International Film Festival has returned, and you can expect it to be bigger than ever! Marking the festival's 15th anniversary, it runs from September 17 tp 23, with over a hundred films from thirty-two countries presenting the best in independent cinema.

For those of you who love great cinema or just a superb night out to the movies, these shows in NYC September are more than a wonderful place for an astounding show.

The festival returns this year with a healthy offering of documents, shorts, and feature films, as well as informative panels and meet-ups to bring industry types together under one roof.

5. Enjoy The San Gennaro Feast

Living in NYC for a long time and never hearing of the San Gennaro Feast is like traveling to China without knowing that they have cute baby panda bears. The festival is from September 12 to September 22. Tourists and other nationals join the festivities with a lot of celebration, food, music, etc.

This annual Italian street festival in Little Italy, NYC, is to celebrate the patron saint of Naples, San Gennaro, who was Bishop of Benevento. You will see Italian favorites, parades, and eating contests with 11 days of free concerts.

Local restaurants get in on the action and provide a boon for both New Yorkers hungry to mingle with their visitors.

6. Explore New York Fashion Week

New York Fashion Week is here again this September, showcasing the forthcoming stylistic trends and styles. The bi-annual event, which takes place in the heart of Manhattan, is a smorgasbord of what both established and emerging designers alike are conjuring up.

New York City is on the catwalk from September 9 to14, showcasing gorgeous collections echoing its diverse culture and soul. This season, look for bold colors, innovative fabrics, PVC slouchy hats with clear visors, as well as a new focus on sustainability.

But it's not just the runway that hums with life, a frenzy of off-schedule fashion meets comes alive, sessions and parties uniting lovers from far across.

7. The Outlaw Music Festival

September events NYC such as the Outlaw Music Festival, are an event for any music fan, bringing the sounds of Americana to life. This year's festival will be held on Sept. 17 at Forest Hills Stadium, with stars including Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan performing along with up-and-comers Brittney Spencer and Billy Strings.

Blending country, rock, and blues influences from every end of the music spectrum, the festival is sure to bring tree-toppling tunes right into fans homes with intriguing live acts coupled with delicious food and local crafts.

In addition to iconic performances, the Outlaw Music Festival aims to foster community at each stop.

8. Participate In The African American Day Parade

The Day Parade is a colorful celebration of culture, history, and community in Harlem, New York City. This year, the African American Day parade will return for its 54th year on Sept. 15, marking one more step in honoring all the contributions of African Americans to society.

With the title Good Leaders = Good Government... VOTE! the event stresses civic engagement and why voting is important. It is one of the largest events in its category across the nation, drawing more than 200 organizations, including schools, churches, and community groups.

Visitors can look forward to energetic shows and colorful floats aplenty, all wrapped up in a spirit that is palpable in the streets.

9. Attend A Concert

This September is a music lover's dream month in New York City to choose from among the best concerts. And it's music and live performances galore at irresistible venues, from Madison Square Garden to smaller venues Rooftops at Pier 17 are tapped in the city.

Beginning with Bruce Springsteen on September 1, continuing through legends like James Taylor and Sting. A hearty selection from the Arctic Monkeys will be thrown down on May 8, and then Peter Gabriel and Duran Duran will keep it off the turf later in the month. Overall, attending these concerts in NYC in September will heighten your taste in music.

10. Indulge In National Cheeseburger Day

Among the best things to do in New York, one should not miss the opportunity to celebrate National Cheeseburger Day on September 18. This is the big day for burger lovers, so go out and leverage the city at any of New York City’s finest burger joints.

Fortunately, Shake Shack is one of those places to eat in NYC. This famed burger joint in New York City is giving out free fries whenever a customer buys a cheeseburger and a drink on National Cheeseburger Day.

Applebee’s posted an $8 cheeseburger and fries on September 18. At Wendy’s from September 18th to 22nd, use the Wendy’s app to buy anything, and you get a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger for $0. 01.

11. Go To The Book of Mormon Show

As August closes and September begins, any enthusiast within any genre should catch the performances of the Book of Mormon Broadway shows NYC at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre.

Since it opened on Broadway in 2011, this insanely funny musical from the folks who brought you South Park has been entertaining audiences ever since. Merging biting sarcasm with music and lyrics, it is therefore not amazing that this show has won the Tony Awards by the purse and amounts to be one of the best musicals of the century.

September is a great time to see the show, as it falls during NYC Broadway Week (September 3–15), and will be offering two-for-one tickets.

12. Uptown Night Market

The New York weather in September enjoyably changes from summer to autumn, making it the perfect time to explore various events and try diverse cuisines. Located at 701 W. 133rd St. in Harlem and taking place on September 12th, this colorful night market boasts over fifty multicultural vendors celebrating the culinary tapestry of our beloved neighborhood.

Over 15,000 guests are expected to come on either day in order to taste some delightful bites while supporting their community artisans or entrepreneurs. This event not only showcases the flavors of Harlem but also a sense of community and togetherness.

13. Attend A Guided Theater District Tour

There is no better time than September to take a guided tour of NYC's Theater District, with Broadway Week in full swing and buy-one, get-one free tickets on the table for some major theatrical productions.

Led by eager guides who were once a part of the theater scene themselves, experiencing this iconic spot up close surpasses simply checking it out from behind closed doors.

During your tour, you will hear fascinating tales about famous performers and the history of Broadway NYC, in addition to visiting iconic sites like Shubert Alley and Sardi's restaurant.

14. Join Seated Conversations On The High Line

The seated conversations at the High Line NYC will breathe life into the pedestrian spine of the city as the summer heat dissolves in an inviting autumn breeze. This September, join other nature and art lovers for a special opportunity to explore the gardens and public art installations of The High Line.

On September 18th, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the seated conversations about Wild by Design events observe the work of visionary garden designer Piet Oudolf.

Find out how the High Line's expert horticulture team has been maintaining and adapting Oudolf's masterpiece over the past 15 years, preserving its beauty without sacrificing ecological balance for generations to come.

15. Take A Free Staten Island Ferry Ride

There are a few better free activities in NYC, especially as we get into September. Among them is a trip on the Staten Island Ferry. You will travel through the water, enjoying the remarkable sights of the Statue of Liberty and iconic Manhattan views.

Offering 24/7 service, it is truly amazing on the ferry and much easier to add to your list of September things in NYC. A 25-minute ride away, this is the perfect place for a romantic evening or simply to relax in the afternoon. The ferry is also an excellent way to get away from the city and observe the sunset NYC.

16. Stay At Motto by Hilton

Motto by Hilton New York City, Chelsea, is where you will lay your head as you tour New York. The Motto Inn in the community of Chelsea provides comfortable facilities for business and leisure travelers alike.

If you dare venture out, some of the city’s most popular meeting places, the High Line and Madison Square Park, are all nearby. And when the sun comes to set and probably after having spent most of your day out sightseeing, why not visit the hotel’s rooftop bar, overlooking the city skyline?

Among various NYC hotels, this one is centered near various lookouts.

17. Stop By The American Museum of Natural History

The United States is home to the world-renowned American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), located in New York City. Situated in the Upper West aspect, this museum offers an incredible 45 long-lasting presentation corridors incorporating its celebrated Rose Center for Earth and Space with Hayden Planetarium.

September is a great time to go, as they frequently hold special exhibitions and educational programs that both involve and educate. Getting to the Natural History Museum NYC is easy. Just take a public transport and you get direct subway entrance.

18. Experience Films On The Green

September is right around the corner, and we have some good news for all film lovers. The Films on the Green return to New York City in their own colorful fashion.

Running until September 8th, this free outdoor French film festival offers an array of music-and-movement cinematic gems. Screened in beautiful park settings across Manhattan and Brooklyn, the festival brings you the best of underground movies outdoors. With English subtitles for every screening, the show is appropriate for all.

19. Witness Hans Zimmer Live Concert

If you are in New York City in September, then don’t think twice about being able to see a legend in the flesh. Madison Square Garden will welcome Zimmer on September 12th, 2024. Some movies in the chronology of his splendid career are Dune, The Lion King, Gladiator, and many others, for which he has won many awards for his film scores.

The legendary composer will perform alongside an exceptional band & orchestra. The evening begins at 8:00 PM, and the doors open up by 7:00 in case you want to immerse yourself in true vibes. Among the various concerts in NYC this September, watching Zimmer live will be an electrifying experience.

20. Watch A New York Giants Game

You must attend a game for the New York Giants this September. It is one of the best things to do in NYC if you are a sports lover. The Giants will open the show on September 8 at 1:00 p.m. against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.

The stadium is absolutely buzzing with supporters in the stands wearing blue and white. On top of that, the September weather in NYC, where temperatures begin to cool, makes the game more fun.