Exclusive September Events in New York City: San Gennaro Festival, Broadway Week, US Open, and additional highly anticipated happenings
New York City is gearing up for an exciting September in 2025, with a diverse lineup of events that showcase the city's rich cultural heritage, tantalising food festivals, and captivating performing arts.
Cultural Parades and Celebrations
The month kicks off with the National West Indian Day Parade on September 1st, a major cultural celebration that attracts over 1 to 3 million people annually. The parade features vibrant Caribbean music, dancers, and food, making it a must-see event for those visiting the city.
On September 7th, the Feast of San Gennaro will return to both Manhattan's Little Italy and the Bronx Little Italy, offering a taste of Italian culture with traditional food, music, and religious processions.
Food Festivals Galore
Food lovers will be delighted by the array of food festivals happening throughout September. The Taste of Times Square, one of NYC’s longest-running food festivals, will take place on September 8th, featuring over 30 restaurants and live entertainment outdoors.
The Latin Food Fest 2025, the largest Latin food festival in the US, will be held at Brooklyn’s Industry City on September 13-14, offering a culinary journey through Latin America with 70+ food vendors, music stages, and cultural activities.
Performing Arts and Concerts
Broadway Week, from September 3 to September 15, offers 2-for-1 tickets to some of the most popular shows. Broadway Sings, a concert series featuring the best theatrical artists, will also take place during this period, with shows featuring ABBA on September 26th and Taylor Swift on September 27th.
Outside of Broadway, the Global Citizen Festival in New York will bring The Weeknd, Shakira, and more to Central Park on September 27th.
Other Notable Events
September in New York is expected to be packed with extraordinary events before the cold sets in. The 2025 US Open will take place from August 24 to September 7, offering tennis fans a chance to witness top players in action.
The weather in September is cool enough to enjoy without melting, but still warm enough for outdoor evenings. This makes it an ideal time to visit the Queens Botanical Garden, a beautiful urban oasis celebrating the beauty of plants and cultural diversity.
The Disney "Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas" Light Trail returns to NYBG, bigger and better than ever, while Bubble Planet offers an immersive pastel wonderland with themed bubble rooms and wacky photo ops.
Special Mentions
The Tribute in Light, a commemorative public art installation honoring the victims of 9/11, will take place on September 11th.
Blood Manor, New York’s premier haunted house, returns to Manhattan for Halloween.
Shakespeare in the Park returns to its Delacorte Theater home in Central Park for its 63rd season, with shows running through September 14.
The Old Farmer's Almanac predicts a cooler-than-average fall that could "translate to beautiful foliage."
Finally, don't miss Diner en Blanc, the all-white pop-up dinner party, which will take place on September 19th. Oktoberfest celebrations with live music, great food, and drinks can be found in New York's many beer gardens.
September in New York City promises to be a month filled with unforgettable experiences. Whether you're a foodie, a culture enthusiast, or a performing arts aficionado, there's something for everyone. So mark your calendars and get ready to explore the city like never before!
As the cultural heritage of New York City is showcased, lifestyle enthusiasts can also look forward to the return of Diner en Blanc on September 19th, an all-white pop-up dinner party that's not to be missed. For travelers seeking a taste of global cuisine, Oktoberfest celebrations with live music, great food, and drinks can be found in New York's many beer gardens throughout September.
