Planning a September 2025 trip to NYC? You’re in for a wild ride! The city’s absolutely buzzing with events in September 2025, from colorful parades to massive concerts and street fairs loaded with food and fun. This guide is packed with all the details you need to plan your adventure, get around, and make every moment unforgettable.
On September 1, 2025, Brooklyn’s Eastern Parkway transforms into a vibrant explosion for the West Indian Day Parade, hands-down one of the top cultural festivals in September 2025. You’ll see thousands of revelers in dazzling costumes—think glittering sequins, towering feather headdresses, and bold colors—dancing to soca, reggae, and calypso blasted from massive floats with live steel drum bands.
The parade runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., stretching over two miles from Utica Avenue to Grand Army Plaza. Expect food stalls dishing out spicy jerk chicken, flaky beef patties, roti stuffed with curry, and sweet mango lassis to wash it down. You’ll spot kids waving flags from Jamaica, Trinidad, and Barbados, while dancers twirl and locals cheer like it’s the party of the year. Ever been somewhere the whole street feels like one big family? That’s the vibe here!
You should show up by 9 a.m. to claim a prime viewing spot near Grand Army Plaza—bring a folding chair, sunscreen, and a hat, because the sun’s no joke and over a million people pack the route. Take the 2 or 3 train to Eastern Parkway-Brooklyn Museum; it’s a five-minute walk. Cash is best for food vendors, so keep $20-30 in small bills handy.
Wear comfy shoes for standing and maybe a light scarf to wipe off sweat. If you’re bringing kids, hold their hands tight in the crowd. You’ll be dancing along before you know it!
On September 1, 2025, Oasis storms MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, for their much-hyped reunion tour, a total highlight of music festivals in September 2025. You’ll be singing along to classics like “Wonderwall” and “Champagne Supernova” under the stars, with the show kicking off at 7:30 p.m. and gates opening at 5 p.m.
Expect a massive crowd of 80,000 fans, epic light shows, and maybe even some surprise throwback tracks from the ’90s. The vibe’s gonna be electric—think sweaty, screaming fans and that moment when the Gallagher brothers hit the first chord. Ever been to a concert where everyone knows every lyric? That’s Oasis!
Your best bet is NJ Transit from Penn Station (7th Avenue and 32nd Street) to Secaucus Junction, then a quick stadium shuttle—about 25 minutes total. You should buy round-trip tickets on the NJ Transit app to skip the ticket booth chaos. Trains run every 10-15 minutes, but get to Penn by 4 p.m. to avoid the crush.
MetLife’s clear bag policy means a 12”x6”x12” clear bag or small clutch only, so pack light—phone, ID, tickets, and a portable charger. Wear sneakers for dancing and a light jacket for the evening chill. You’ll be buzzing from the energy all night!
From September 2 to 15, Broadway Week in September 2025 is your chance to catch shows like Hamilton, Wicked, or MJ the Musical with 2-for-1 tickets. You’ll find a lineup of 20-30 shows, from classic musicals to new hits.
Imagine belting out “Defying Gravity” in a packed theater or laughing through a quirky play—Broadway’s magic is unreal! You can also grab tickets on VisitNYC.com to lock in seats early.
Take the 1/2/3 or N/Q/R trains to Times Square-42nd Street, and dress smart-casual—think jeans and a nice top. Theaters are chilly, so bring a light sweater. Ever had that moment when the curtain rises and you’re just hooked? You’ll get it here!
From September 11 to 21, the Feast of San Gennaro in September 2025 turns Little Italy’s Mulberry Street into a food lover’s paradise. You’ll stroll past stalls piled high with cannolis, sausage and pepper heroes, zeppoles dusted with powdered sugar, and creamy tiramisu. Live bands play Italian classics, and there’s a cannoli-eating contest—think competitors scarfing down 10 in a minute!
The festival runs from noon to 11 p.m. daily, with parades and a street mass on September 19 for San Gennaro’s feast day. Ever been to a fair where the food smells make you hungry instantly? That’s this vibe!
On September 27, the Global Citizen Festival in Central Park in September 2025 takes over the Great Lawn with huge acts like Post Malone or Billie Eilish. You’ll need to earn free tickets by taking action on social issues like climate or poverty through their site—it’s a cool way to get in!
Gates open at 2 p.m., with the show starting at 4 p.m., and you’ll see 60,000 fans rocking out to live music, giant screens, and inspiring speeches. The vibe’s like a mix of concert and global rally—ever been to a show that feels bigger than just music? This is it!
New York Film Festival: Lincoln Center’s Movie Magic
Running from September 26 to October 12, the New York Film Festival in September–October 2025 at Lincoln Center is a cinephile’s dream. You’ll catch indie films, world premieres, and maybe even a Q&A with directors at venues like Walter Reade Theater and Alice Tully Hall.
Expect 30-40 screenings, from gritty dramas to quirky shorts, with stars sometimes popping in. Ever watched a movie that sparked a debate with strangers? That’s the vibe here! Check filmatlincolncenter.org for schedules, out in early September, and book tickets by September 1—they sell out fast.
You should book a room at NoMo SoHo (9 Crosby Street) for a stylish stay near subways and event spots. Its chic rooms and rooftop bar are perfect for unwinding after a day of festivals. September books up quick, so reserve a month early! You’ll love the trendy vibe and easy access to Manhattan and Brooklyn. Ever stayed somewhere that feels like a boutique getaway? This place rocks it.
On September 6, 2025, the Labor Day Parade marches up Fifth Avenue from 44th to 64th Street, starting at 10 a.m. You’ll see union workers, marching bands, and floats honoring labor history, with crowds waving flags and cheering.
It’s smaller than the West Indian Day Parade but full of pride—think drummers, bagpipes, and workers in matching T-shirts. The parade wraps by noon, leaving you time for more fun. Ever felt a city’s heartbeat in a parade? This one’s got it!
Get to 42nd Street by 9 a.m. for a great spot, and take the 4/5/6 to Grand Central. Bring a portable chair, water, and sunscreen—Fifth Avenue’s sunny. You’ll love the community spirit!
The US Open runs from August 24 to September 7, 2025, at Flushing Meadows, Queens, with finals in the first week of September. You’ll watch top players battle it out at Arthur Ashe Stadium—think intense rallies, tiebreakers, and roaring crowds.
Matches start at noon, with gates opening at 11 a.m., and tickets (check usopen.org in June) range from upper seats to courtside. The food court’s got lobster rolls, tacos, and ice cream to keep you fueled. Ever cheered so loud your voice gave out? That’s the US Open finals!
From September 14 to 22, with the main day on September 21, the Brooklyn Book Festival at Borough Hall is a book lover’s paradise. You’ll browse stalls with novels, comics, and poetry, plus catch author talks with names like Colson Whitehead or Zadie Smith (lineup on bkbf.org in August).
Expect panels on everything from sci-fi to memoirs, kid-friendly storytimes, and signings where you can chat with writers. It’s free, open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and draws a chill, artsy crowd. Ever geeked out over meeting an author? This is your spot!
Take the 2/3/4/5 to Borough Hall, and bring a reusable bag for books. Arrive by 11 a.m. for smaller crowds. You’ll love the literary vibe!
JAPAN Fes pops off on September 6 (Upper East Side, 86th Street), September 13 (Chelsea, 23rd Street), and September 20 (Upper West Side, 72nd Street). You’ll dive into steaming bowls of ramen, crispy takoyaki, and sweet mochi from dozens of vendors, plus watch taiko drummers and kimono-clad dancers perform.
Each event runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.—check japanfes.com for exact spots. Expect crowds snapping pics of matcha shaved ice and sushi burritos. Ever tried food that’s like a hug from Japan? You’ll find it here!
Take the 4/5/6 to 86th Street, B/C to 23rd Street, or 1/2/3 to 72nd Street. Bring $20-30 cash for food and comfy shoes. You’ll love the cultural buzz!
Climate Week NYC
From September 22 to 28, Climate Week NYC brings sustainability talks, panels, and workshops to venues like the Javits Center and NYU. You’ll hear from activists, scientists, and CEOs on topics like renewable energy and zero-waste living—check climateweeknyc.org in August for the schedule.
Events run 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and many are free. It’s a chance to learn how cities like NYC are tackling climate change. Ever left a talk feeling fired up to make a difference? That’s the goal here!
Take the 7 train to 34th Street-Hudson Yards for Javits. Dress business-casual, and bring a notebook for ideas. You’ll feel inspired!
On September 11, the Tribute in Light beams two columns of light into the sky near the World Trade Center from dusk to dawn, a quiet tribute to 9/11 victims. You’ll see the lights from Battery Park or Brooklyn’s Dumbo, creating a somber yet stunning view. It’s free, and crowds gather to reflect—bring a blanket and a camera. Ever seen a memorial that hits you right in the chest? This one does. Take the 1 train to South Ferry or R to Court Street, and arrive by 7 p.m.
Keep the mood respectful, and wear layers for the evening chill. You’ll appreciate the moment of peace.
On September 6, Chinatown’s Mid-Autumn Block Party on Mott Street celebrates the lunar festival with lion dances, glowing lanterns, and vendors selling mooncakes stuffed with red bean or lotus paste.
From noon to 8 p.m., you’ll see kids chasing dragon dancers and folks snapping pics of colorful displays. It’s a free, family-friendly event with food like sesame noodles and bubble tea.
Ever bitten into a mooncake and felt like you’re tasting tradition? You will here! Take the J/Z to Canal Street, and arrive by 1 p.m. for fewer crowds.
Bring cash for snacks and small gifts, and wear comfy clothes for walking. You’ll love the festive spirit!
On September 6 and 7, Sushi-Con at the Metropolitan Pavilion (125 West 18th Street) is a sushi lover’s heaven. You’ll join workshops to roll your own nigiri, taste rare sake, and sample dishes like spicy tuna rolls from top chefs.
Expect demos, food stalls, and even sushi-themed merch—open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets sell out fast, so book early. Ever tried making sushi and laughed at your wonky rolls? It’s so much fun!
Take the 1/2/3 to 14th Street, and wear casual clothes. Bring a small bag for swag. You’ll leave full and happy!
From September 28 to October 27, the Bronx Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo is a Halloween blast for families. You’ll see animals like giraffes and penguins surrounded by pumpkin displays, plus enjoy hayrides, costume parades, and pumpkin-carving demos.
Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., it’s got kid-friendly crafts and spooky trails. Tickets are on bronxzoo.com—book a week early. Ever watched a lion near a jack-o’-lantern? It’s hilarious! Take the 2/5 train to West Farms Square or BxM11 bus.
Bring a camera, snacks, and comfy shoes. You’ll love the festive, kid-friendly vibe!
From September 26 to 28, the All Things Go Music Festival at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens brings indie and pop acts—think bands like Tegan and Sara or Maggie Rogers (lineup on allthingsgofestival.com in June).
You’ll dance under the stars with 15,000 fans, with food trucks serving tacos and craft beer. Gates open at 3 p.m., shows start at 5 p.m. Take the E/F/M/R to Forest Hills-71st Avenue. Ever been to an outdoor fest where the music just hits? This is it!
Follow the clear bag policy (12”x12”x6” max), and bring a light jacket. You’ll love the chill vibes!
Greenwich Village Musical Theatre Piano Bar TourMusic Vibes
Your September NYC Adventure Awaits
You’re all set for an incredible September in NYC! From the West Indian Day Parade to the Global Citizen Festival in Central Park in September 2025, there’s so much to do. Wanna keep the fun going? Grab Hamilton Broadway tickets or MJ the Musical tickets for a show, or try a one day guided sightseeing tour to hit NYC’s highlights.
