What’s Happening in NYC in September
Summer is winding down in New York City, and as the temperatures taper off, the Big Apple resumes its traditional fast-paced cadence. New Yorkers return from their summer outposts in the Hamptons and the Vineyard, and the city’s events calendar swells with unique activities and things to do for locals and visitors of all stripes.
In fact, some of New York City’s most famous annual events return in September, including Fashion Week and the eponymous film festival. For culture hounds, there are high-profile dinners and galas. Others may prefer the more symbolic celebrations of the Labor Day parades and the September 11 Tribute in Light.
Whether you’re sticking to Manhattan or want to explore the boroughs beyond, these are the best New York City events in September.
Labor Day Parades – September 07
The weekend following Labor Day weekend is New York City’s annual Labor Day Parade. Beginning at the corner of 44th Street and Fifth Avenue on Saturday, September 8, the city’s finest union workers will march together at 10:00am. On the actual Labor Day holiday, however, visitors can experience the city’s famous West Indian Day Parade. Head to Crown Heights, Brooklyn (along with a couple million other spectators) to see the elaborate Caribbean costumes, sip sugar cane juice and dance to the rythmic sound of steel drums.
New York Fashion Week – September 04-11
Opening the morning of Wednesday, September 4, New York’s fall fashion week shows may be one of the most important New York City events of the year—and a pivotal mainstay of the annual fashion calendars. Though many of the fashion shows are invite-only for industry insiders and buyers, there are a select number of public shows (details to be announced closer to Fashion Week). Another way to score a seat in front of the catwalk? Splurge on curated NYFW experience. For $899, fashionistas can secure an invite and a guaranteed seat to a show, while a $1,999 all-access pass includes seats to shows, a beauty touch-up and an array of other perks. nyfwexperience.com
Tribute in Light – September 11
One of New York City’s most awe-inspiring, striking and solemn moments is the Tribute in Light — an art installation that commemorates the anniversary of September 11.Though it’s most powerful to view the 7,000-watt lights that pierce the sky like haunting twin towers from Memorial Plaza, they can be seen for 60 miles. Head to the 16-acre park as early as 3:00pm to view the display. Complete the experience and by visiting the museum during your visit and ascending to the top of the gleaming new One World Trade tower. 911memorial.org
Oktoberfest New York – September 13-15, 28 and 29
You don’t have to fly to Germany to experience a traditional Oktoberfest — and you don’t have to wait until October, either. Don your lederhosen and grab your favorite stein and head to New York City’s Oktoberfest, which starts the weekend of September 13 at Pier 15 in downtown Manhattan. Tickets are free, but you’ll want to buy a food and beverage package, like the Weissbier: $100 for 11 food and beer tickets (a large stein refill costs two tickets — as do the giant pretzels). If you miss the first weekend, don’t fret. Every weekend is Oktoberfest in New York City this September. oktober-fest.nyc
NYC Ballet – September 17 onward
September sees the return of the New York City Ballet with its Fall 2019 programming. The season opens on September 17 with Jewels, a Balanchine classic considered to be the first full-length abstract ballet, with music from Fauré, Stravinsky and Tchaikovsky. The season continues with more choreography by Balanchine, Wheeldon and founding NYCB choreographers.Photo courtesy of @nycballet.
Season tickets are available here.
Harvest in the Square – September 19
Now in its 24th year, Harvest in the Square is your opportunity to taste signature dishes from Midtown’s most renowned chefs (think: the culinary masters behind Dos Caminos and Gramercy Tavern, among others) paired with local wines and brews. The event takes place on Thursday, September 19 at Union Square Park and celebrates the community’s commitment to culinary expertise. Tickets purchased in advance are available from $99 and general admission opens at 7:00pm.
Click through for more information.
New York Film Festival – September 27 – October 13
Returning for the 57th time, New York City’s eponymous film festival begins on Sept. 27 and runs through mid-October. Expect screenings of feature films by such celebrated directors as Edward Norton and Martin Scorcese, as well as screenwriting masterclasses, conversations and a parade of short films. Individual tickets go on sale Sept. 8 at noon.
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