Just because summer is over, doesn’t mean that the fun has to be! So grab a cardigan and a pumpkin spice latte, and head to one of these exciting events and make memories that will carry you over into the winter months.
Psst… Check Out New York Family’s 20 Best September 2026 Events Across NYC
Manhattan
Summer on the Hudson: West Side County Fair
Pier I in Riverside Park South, West 70th St., Upper West Side
Sunday, Sept. 6, 1 – 6 pm
All ages
Free
Enjoy a full day of county fair magic in Manhattan with live bands, sideshow performers, carnival amusements, local vendors, and cotton candy.
Taste of Times Square 2026
Duffy Square, Broadway bet. 45th & 47th St., Times Square
Wednesday, Sept. 9, 4 – 8 pm
All ages
Free admission
As one of NYC’s longest-running outdoor culinary festivals, highlighting the global cuisine of the district, the Times Square Alliance’s annual Taste of Times Square will feature over 30 participating restaurants, ranging from Mexican, Caribbean, Cuban, Italian, Indian, American, and beyond. The festival will include live music and performances celebrating Broadway. Participants will have the chance to register a wristband with their credit or debit card at the event to purchase “tastes” at the participating restaurants onsite. Most “tastes” will be just $5, with a few costing $10.
Uptown Kid Lit 2026
Pat’s Lawn at Inwood Hill Park, 33 Indian Road, Inwood
Sunday, Sept. 13, 11 am – 4 pm
Ages 8 and younger
Free
Young readers will have the opportunity to meet beloved local authors and illustrators as they present new books, lead story times and activities, readings and discussions, workshops, games, and more. Plus, free books and school supply giveaways for all registrants.
The 100th Annual Feast of San Gennaro
Mulberry St., Little Italy
Sept. 17 – 27, see website for complete schedule
All ages
Free
Celebrate a century of tradition as the iconic Feast of San Gennaro returns for its 100th year! Spanning 11 blocks in the heart of Little Italy, “The Feast of All Feasts” showcases Italian culture and traditions with authentic Italian fare, live entertainment, and old-world charm.
57th Annual African American Day Parade
111th St. – 136th St. at Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd., Harlem
Sunday, Sept. 20, 12:30 – 6 pm
All ages
Free
Celebrate African American culture at this lively parade featuring marching bands, majestic floats, community organizations, celebrities, and more! This year the AADP theme is “Good Businesses Sustain Our Future”, and will honor those individuals in the business field who have made a positive impact in the African American community.
Bronx
Ferragosto Festival in Bronx Little Italy
Arthur Ave. & East 187th., Bronx Little Italy
Sunday, Sept. 13, noon – 6 pm
All ages
Free
The Ferragosto Festival is a special day in the community filled with Italian culture, delicious food, wonderful live entertainment, and great fun. Ferragosto is a vibrant celebration and shares what the neighborhood has to offer as a historic and culinary center that remains an authentic Little Italy.
Fall 2026 Arts & Crafts Fair
City Island Ave. from Bay St. to Schofield St., City Island
Sept. 19 – 20, Saturday and Sunday, 11 am – 7 pm
All ages
Free admission
Walk City Island Avenue for two days of local art, crafts, jewelry, clothing, fresh air, food, and live music.
Brooklyn
Brooklyn Book Festival Children’s Day
Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon St., Downtown Brooklyn
Saturday, Sept. 26, 10 am – 4 pm
All ages
Free
The Brooklyn Book Festival Children’s Day features a full day of readings, workshops, performances, book signings, and art projects with favorite authors and illustrators.
The Atlantic Antic
Atlantic Ave. from Hicks St. to Fourth Ave., Downtown Brooklyn
Sunday, Sept. 27, noon – 6 pm
All ages
Free
Brooklyn’s oldest and largest street festival draws local residents and visitors back year after year for a joyful celebration. Stroll along Atlantic Avenue to enjoy international food, fine arts and crafts from around the world, nonstop live music and entertainment, and much more.
Queens
17th Annual NYC Unicycle Festival
34th Avenue Open Streets, 34th Ave. bet. 69th St. and Junction Blvd., Jackson Heights
Sept. 5 – 6, Saturday and Sunday, noon – 5 pm
All ages
Free
Families will enjoy races, workshops, exhibitions, and games like unicycle basketball and hockey at this annual event. Plus, there will be opportunities to learn how to ride!
Annual Padre Pio Festival
St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 28-46 44th St., Astoria
Sept. 18 – 20, Friday and Saturday, 6 – 10 pm; Sunday, 11:30 am – 6 pm
All ages|
Free admission
Celebrate faith, family, culture and community with three days of music, food, games and fun!
Making Moves Dance Festival 2026
Jamaica Performing Arts Center, 153-10 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica
Sept. 18 – 20, Daily, 7 – 10 pm
All ages
$10
Get ready for an exciting display of dance from cultures across the world. Witness the power of movement and celebrate diverse cultures through dance.
Queens Hispanic Day Parade
37th Ave. – 69th St. to 89th St., Jackson Heights
Sunday, Sept. 27, noon – 3 pm
All ages
Free
Celebrate the heritage and diverse culture of the community at this annual parade featuring floats, community groups, local leaders, and more.
Staten Island
The Richmond County Fair
Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Ave., Richmondtown
Sept 5 – 7, Daily, noon – 8 pm
All ages
$7 – $15
Celebrate 46 years of fun with three full days of everything that makes Staten Island shine. Families will enjoy carnival rides, live music, local food, shopping, and the sights and sounds of Staten Island’s biggest summer tradition.
7th Annual La Colmena’s Mexican Independence Day Parade
La Colmena, 774 Port Richmond Ave., Port Richmond
Sunday, Sept. 13, noon – 2 pm
All ages
Free
Experience an unforgettable day of spectacular performances by local groups showcasing traditional Mexican Folklórico dance, live music, colorful cultural displays, and festive entertainment. Enjoy the sights and sounds that celebrate the rich traditions passed down through generations while uniting the community.
The Westerleigh Folk Festival
Westerleigh Park, Neal Dow and Maine Ave., Westerleigh
Saturday, Sept. 19, 11 am – 7 pm
All ages
Free
This all-day music and arts festival features live music, vendors, children’s activities, and more! Discover new artists, enjoy captivating performances, and shop the vendors’ incredible selection of handcrafted goods!
76th Annual Fence Show
Staten Island Museum, 1000 Richmond Terr., Randall Manor
Saturday, Sept. 29, noon – 5 pm
All ages
Free admission
Each year, the Fence Show transforms the Museum’s front lawn into an outdoor gallery featuring local artists and craftspeople. See and purchase paintings, ceramics, prints, jewelry and textiles and take something original home from this longstanding festival.
Staten Island Water Lantern Festival
Wolfe’s Pond Park, 240 Cornelia Ave., Prince’s Bay
Saturday, Sept. 29, 4 – 8 pm
All ages
Tickets start at $30.99
The Staten Island Water Lantern Festival brings people together for a celebration of light and community! This unforgettable evening will be filled with tasty food trucks, fun music, activities, and thousands of lanterns lighting up the night with love, hope, and happiness.
Psst… Check Out 10 Best Free Kids & Family Activities in NYC this Week
