September is one of the best times of year to be in New York City. The weather begins to cool, summer crowds start to shift, and the city’s calendar fills up with major sporting events, festivals, Broadway, fashion and unforgettable things to do across all five boroughs.
Whether you're visiting New York for the first time, planning a weekend getaway or looking for new ways to experience your own city, September 2026 offers something for everyone.
From the final days of the US Open and the energy of New York Fashion Week to the Feast of San Gennaro, Broadway Week and immersive attractions in the heart of Times Square, here are some of the best things to do in NYC this September.
1. Experience New York City From a Whole New Perspective at RiseNY
If you're looking for an experience that captures the energy, history and culture of New York City all in one place, start with RiseNY.
Located in the heart of Times Square, RiseNY is part ride, part museum and all New York. The experience takes visitors on a journey through the city's past and present before lifting them 40 feet into the air for a soaring, multisensory 4D ride over the New York City skyline.
Your visit begins inside a recreation of New York's first City Hall subway station, where a film by award-winning documentarian Ric Burns—narrated by Jeff Goldblum—takes you through the story of how New York became the city it is today.
Then, explore seven interactive galleries celebrating the industries and cultural moments that helped shape NYC, including:
- Broadway
- Music
- Fashion
- Film
- Television and radio
- Finance
- The New York City skyline
The grand finale is RiseNY's flying ride, where you'll soar above iconic landmarks across all five boroughs. With 8K aerial footage, wind, mist and scents, it offers a completely different way to experience the skyline—one that lets you feel like you're flying over the city rather than simply looking at it from above.
A typical visit takes approximately 60–90 minutes, making RiseNY an easy addition to a September day exploring Times Square, Broadway, Bryant Park or Midtown Manhattan.
Why visit RiseNY in September? It is the perfect indoor activity to balance out a packed day of outdoor sightseeing, sporting events and festivals—and a great option for families, couples, groups and anyone looking for a uniquely New York experience.
For tickets and availability, visit RiseNY.
2. Catch the Final Days of the US Open
One of the biggest sporting events of the year returns to Queens as the US Open brings the world's best tennis players to New York.
The tournament runs into mid-September, giving visitors the chance to experience the excitement of Grand Slam tennis at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Even if you're not a die-hard tennis fan, the US Open has become one of NYC's signature late-summer events, combining elite competition, food, entertainment and unmistakable New York energy.
After a day in Queens, head back to Manhattan for dinner, Broadway or an evening exploring Times Square.
3. Celebrate at the Feast of San Gennaro
Few September traditions feel more quintessentially New York than the Feast of San Gennaro.
Every year, Little Italy transforms into a multi-block street festival filled with Italian food, live entertainment, carnival games and celebrations honoring the neighborhood's Italian-American heritage. The 2026 celebration is scheduled for September 17–27, making it one of the month's biggest cultural events.
Come hungry and spend time exploring Mulberry Street before wandering into nearby Chinatown, Nolita or SoHo.
4. See a Broadway Show During Broadway Week
September is an ideal time to add Broadway to your NYC itinerary.
Broadway Week traditionally brings special ticket offers to some of the city's biggest shows, making it a great opportunity to finally see a classic favorite or discover something new. September's theater calendar is also packed with the excitement of a new season, with productions ranging from long-running blockbusters to fresh shows making their mark on Broadway.
Make a day of it: Visit RiseNY before your show to explore the city's Broadway history and iconic theater culture, grab dinner in the Theater District, then take your seat for curtain up.
5. Take in the Energy of New York Fashion Week
New York Fashion Week brings designers, celebrities, editors and fashion lovers together for one of the city's most influential annual events.
While many runway shows are industry-only, Fashion Week's impact can be felt throughout the city, especially in neighborhoods like SoHo, Chelsea and the Meatpacking District. September is a great time to explore New York's shopping districts, spot creative street style and discover pop-ups and fashion-related events happening around the city.
Fashion lovers can also continue the experience at RiseNY, where one of the interactive galleries explores New York's influence on fashion through historic and contemporary looks.
6. Enjoy One Last Taste of Summer Outdoors
September offers some of the best weather for exploring New York on foot.
Take a walk through Central Park, spend an afternoon along the Hudson River, explore the High Line or grab food at one of the city's outdoor markets. It's also a great time to visit Bryant Park, wander through Washington Square Park or take the Staten Island Ferry for views of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan.
The city's outdoor event calendar remains busy throughout the month, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to enjoy food, music, markets and festivals before fall fully arrives.
7. Explore Times Square Beyond the Billboards
Times Square is more than just a place to take a photo.
September is a great time to explore the area as part of a larger Midtown itinerary. Catch a Broadway show, visit Bryant Park, see the lights after dark and discover immersive attractions that offer a deeper connection to New York.
One of the best ways to experience the neighborhood is to combine several activities into one day:
Morning: Start with breakfast and explore Bryant Park or Fifth Avenue.
Afternoon: Visit RiseNY and journey through New York's history, culture and skyline.
Evening: Have dinner in the Theater District before seeing a Broadway show.
Because RiseNY is located at 160 West 45th Street, just steps from Times Square and major subway connections, it fits easily into a Midtown sightseeing itinerary.
8. Discover a New NYC Museum or Immersive Experience
New York is home to some of the world's most famous museums, but September is also a great time to discover experiences that go beyond traditional galleries.
If you're looking for something interactive, RiseNY offers a combination of museum-style exhibits, hands-on experiences, film and a flying ride. Instead of focusing on just one part of New York, the experience brings together the people, industries and cultural moments that have helped define the city.
It's especially ideal for visitors asking questions like:
- What are the best indoor things to do in NYC?
- What should I do near Times Square?
- What is a fun NYC activity for families?
- What can I do in New York in 90 minutes?
- What is the best immersive experience in Manhattan?
RiseNY is designed to answer all of those questions with one experience.
9. Build the Perfect September Day in NYC
Not sure how to fit everything into one trip? Here's an easy September itinerary that combines some of the best things about New York City:
Morning
Start with a walk through Central Park, Bryant Park or one of NYC's iconic neighborhoods.
Afternoon
Head to RiseNY in Times Square and experience the city's history, culture and skyline from a completely new perspective.
Evening
Choose your own New York adventure: Broadway, dinner in Little Italy during the Feast of San Gennaro, a concert, live music or simply a walk through the city after dark.
September is one of those months when New York feels like it has everything happening at once—and that's exactly what makes it special.
What Are the Best Things to Do in NYC in September?
The best things to do in NYC in September include attending the US Open, experiencing New York Fashion Week, visiting the Feast of San Gennaro, seeing a Broadway show, enjoying the city's parks and outdoor spaces, and exploring immersive attractions like RiseNY in Times Square.
September is especially appealing because visitors can experience both the final energy of summer and the beginning of fall, all while taking advantage of one of the city's busiest event calendars.
Don't Just See New York This September. Feel It.
From cheering at the US Open to celebrating in Little Italy, seeing a Broadway show or exploring the streets of Manhattan, September is the perfect month to experience everything that makes New York unforgettable.
And if you want to see the city from an entirely new perspective, add RiseNY to your itinerary.
Explore the stories, sounds, style and culture that shaped New York—then take to the skies on a soaring 4D journey above the city's most iconic landmarks.
This September, don't just visit NYC. Experience it.
Plan your visit to RiseNY and discover why it's one of the most unique things to do in Times Square.
