NYC events in September 2022

Before you bid summer adieu, go out with a bang on Labor Day. Whether you want ideas for cool out-of-town spots or just want a staycation, we’ve listed all the best events and other unmissabale things to do, including ways to have the best summer ever before Labor Day weekend 2022.

The annual West Indian Day Parade draws close to two million people to Crown Heights in Brooklyn each year. During the seven-hour New York carnival, steel-pan and calypso bands in elaborate costumes march down Eastern Parkway, and vendors sell homestyle island grub along the route.

The U.S. Open—New York’s exhilarating summer sports event—is one of the most exciting things to do in Queens each year and finally, it’s back. This year, Serena Williams announced she’d retire from tennis after the U.S. Open, so she’ll be one to see play this year!

On Thursday, September 23, New Yorkers will get to enjoy the magic of Broadway…. for free. In honor of Broadway’s long-awaited comeback, a bevy of productions are coming together for a free, one-night spectacular performed in Bryant Park.  The performances, organized in part by New York soft rock station 106.7 Lite FM, will run from noon through two p.m. Confirmed shows taking part in the event include, Aladdin, Caroline, Or Change, Chicago, Diana The Musical, Girl From The North Country, Mrs. Doubtfire, Six, Stomp, The Lion King, The Phantom of the Opera, and Waitress. 

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, and you may be wondering what 9/11 memorial events there are in NYC to memorialize this solemn day. Over the past two decades, NYC has memorialized those we lost in the attacks through music, somber ceremonies, art installations and incredible symbols like the Tower Lights. In 2021, there are more ways than ever to remember 9/11—from a 5K for children affected by 9/11 to reflective concerts and more.

Although the Feast of San Gennaro is a celebration of faith (folks tip their hats to the Patron Saint of Naples, Italy) the festive atmosphere, delicious food and colorful processions are what it’s known for.

Get camera-ready for Fashion Week 2022. NYC will be filled with a stampede of posh editors, bloggers, stylists and shutterbugs. (They will be invading your favorite coffee shops and cafes. You’ve been warned). Tickets to some of the major runway shows aren’t available to the general public, but newsflash: you don’t have to be part of the elite fashion world to feel like an insider. Maybe you don’t have a front-row seat to the shows or a spot reserved next to Anna Wintour, but don’t fret—we’ve got you covered. 

One of the top things to do in New York this fall includes two weeks of drinking some of the best beer in NYC during Oktoberfest. Take in the beautiful fall foliage while drinking at one of the best beer gardens and German eateries in New York City. Oktoberfest New Yorkers, take advantage of this glorious holiday to sample fine Bavarian beer and food. Prost!

This open-air, food-centric market features Bronx-based vendors serving up tamales, soul food, latkes, ice cream, pastries, elotes and vegan creations, plus libations from the Bronx Brewery and others. In addition to all of the delicious provisions, the market offers nifty wares from local artisans and live music performances from Bronx musicians. Come appreciate all that NYC's northernmost borough has to offer. Check its website for a list of new health protocols it is taking this year.

New Yorkers—how much do you miss belly-laughing at a comedy show alongside fellow comedy fans? How about the roar that erupts after a good joke, the body language of an animated storyteller, or the chatter about the funniest sets after the stage clears?

While we cannot yet huddle inside some of NYC’s beloved comedy dens, one Bushwick-based performance venue is bringing live comedy back and hosting socially-distanced sets on its rooftop.

The Tiny Cupboard, a DIY rooftop comedy club, is hosting 15 shows to laugh at each week, with three to four shows per day on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The gig's space in Bushwick can be found on the rooftop of a building, which houses art studios.

Spectators are treated to a rotating roster of hilarious talent, with many on-the-rise comedians and established funny people on the mic. Some shows are free, while others are still affordable, costing $5, $7 or at the most 10 bucks.