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September is a spirited month with no shortage of things to see and do in New York City — from outdoor activities that take advantage of the last warm days of summer to festive traditions that kick off fall fun. Whether it’s the runways of New York Fashion Week, the stages of Broadway, the streets of Little Italy, or the green grass of MetLife Stadium that excites you, there’s something for everyone to look forward to over the next few weeks.
They say April showers bring May flowers, but September brings something even better to Rockefeller Center: artist Cj Hendry’s Flower Market 2.0, the latest iteration of the viral sensation that invites visitors to browse stalls full of colorful plush flowers and pick their own for free. You can also be one of the first to snag the Sunset VIP Pass at Top of the Rock; the brand-new experience includes a sunset hour guided tour of Top of the Rock with expedited entry, a private SKYLIFT and Beam moment, and a Champagne toast at The Weather Room.
It’s a special month for culture in NYC as well, from international art at the Armory Show and literary connections at the Brooklyn Book Festival to a 10-day celebration of Italian heritage at the Feast of San Gennaro. Read on to explore the nine best September events, all happening from Labor Day on, in New York City.
Wondering what’s going on at Rockefeller Center in September? Scroll through our events calendar, and sign up for The Center Newsletter to get the latest news delivered to your inbox.
1. Cj Hendry’s Flower Market
September 19–21
When international artist Cj Hendry brought her Flower Market to Roosevelt Island last year, it was a really big deal. The cheerful installation full of plush flowers went viral, and crowds even shut down parts of the island. Now, Hendry’s Flower Market 2.0 is ready to bloom right here at Rockefeller Center, and everyone’s talking about it. Be sure to mark your calendars and sign up for The Center Newsletter to get the latest details on the event.
2. The Armory Show
September 5-7
Across three days, the Armory Show welcomes over 65,000 visitors to the Javits Center right after Labor Day Weekend. An annual event since 1994, the fair brings together over 235 leading contemporary and modern art galleries from more than 35 countries. Beyond the booths, the Armory Show offers a suite of thoughtful programming, including talks with industry leaders, artists, and market experts. Among 2025’s guest curators are Jessica Bell Brown of the Institute for Contemporary Art at Virginia Commonwealth University, who is spotlighting artists from the American South, and Canadian curator Ebony L. Haynes, who is leading a brand new section that studies the relationships between art and design. Grab your tickets now for the cultural event of the season. Kids ages 12 and under can attend with an adult for free.
3. Broadway Week
September 8-21
After another successful run in January, New York City’s Broadway Week is back for an encore engagement, offering 2-for-1 tickets from September 8 through 21. Score coveted tickets to a long-running favorite, or take a chance on something new to the stage. Either way, you’ll get to enjoy some of the best theater in the world at a fraction of the price. Tickets go on sale August 19 at 10 a.m. ET.
If you really want to treat yourself to the perfect New York day, head over to nearby Rockefeller Center for a pre-show meal, or soak in a sunset view at Top of the Rock after a great matinee. You’ll receive 15% off your bill at select Rockefeller Center restaurants—Le Rock, Jupiter, Lodi, NARO, Smith and Mills and 5 Acres—from September 8 through 21 with your ticket stub; the date on the ticket must match the date of dining.
Pro tip: Book the brand-new Sunset VIP Pass. Timed for golden hour, the ticket includes full VIP access, a ride on SKYLIFT, a private Beach Experience, a Champagne toast at The Weather Room, and more.
4. New York Fashion Week
September 11-16
Couture is coming to town. For one week in September, fashion luminaries from around the world converge on New York City for nonstop runway shows, panels, film screenings, gifting suites, and more.
Although many New York Fashion Week happenings are reserved for press, influencers, and industry insiders—you never know who you’ll see out and about between events. Stay tuned for more on NYFW is coming to Rockefeller Center…
5. The Feast of San Gennaro
September 11-21
Most New Yorkers will recognize the vibrant sights and delicious smells of the Feast of San Gennaro when they come across it in Little Italy, but few know the full story behind the street fair. More than just an excuse to eat extra pizza and pasta with friends, it was created to honor the life of San Gennaro of Naples, who served as the Bishop of Benevento, Italy, and was martyred after his death in 305 AD. Italian immigrant families first celebrated this religious day of remembrance on Mulberry Street in 1926 and have continued to do so ever since. Highlights include the authentic Italian food stands and the Grand Procession, with floats, live music, antique cars, and celebrity guests. See vendors, events, top attractions, and more at sangennaronyc.org.
6. Brooklyn Book Festival
September 14-22
As the largest free literary festival in New York City, the Brooklyn Book Festival has been connecting readers of all ages with renowned and new authors and publishers from around the world for 20 years. Shop Literary Marketplace, the ultimate book fair with more than 200 publishers representing a wide range of genres, or attend author talks and book signings. September 20 is Children’s Day in Brooklyn Commons, where kids will partake in readings, performances, arts and crafts, and more. Plus, look for Bookend Events in all five boroughs. To see the full list of authors coming to Downtown Brooklyn and beyond this year and to plan your visit to the annual festival, go to brooklynbookfestival.org.
7. Le Dîner en Blanc
September 19
If you find yourself filled with joie de vivre and prone to FOMO, you won’t want to be one of the many New Yorkers who will be caught by total surprise on September 19 when thousands of party people dressed in white suddenly appear at a secret location, ready to partake in the impossibly chic picnic known as Le Dîner en Blanc. The element of surprise is key at this global event; even guests won’t know where they’re headed. They’ll meet volunteers at designated locations around the city, picnic baskets in hand, and be led to this year’s venue. Once there, they’ll eat, drink, and dance the night away — and, of course, take plenty of photos in their coordinated looks.
8. Global Citizen Festival
September 27
Global Citizen Festival is an annual music festival aimed at inspiring the masses to rally together against extreme poverty. It started in Central Park and has since spread around the world. This year, the Central Park edition includes performances by The Weeknd, Shakira, Tyla, and Hugh Jackman, and the highlighted causes are securing clean energy access for Africa, supporting Indigenous-led conservation projects in the Amazon, and ensuring widespread access to education for children. You can learn more about all of the supported causes and buy tickets — or, better yet, earn free ones by taking action yourself.
9. Cheer on New York’s Football Teams
All month long
Fall is for football, and New Yorkers are lucky to have two home teams to choose from. Both the Jets and the Giants, who share MetLife Stadium, will be looking to give their fans something to cheer about when the season kicks off. The Jets will open at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 7, while the Giants get set to play their first home game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, September 21, after two games away. The Jets will have nine home games in total this season and the Giants will host eight, offering plenty of opportunities to hop on New Jersey Transit dressed in green or blue.
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