Hopefully you put your whites away early, because Labor Day falls on the very first day of September this year. That means fall has basically arrived, which means winter is right around the corner, which means Earth has continued to circle the sun, and pretty soon the warm, long days filled with free activities will be a distant memory.
But fret not. September still has a huge selection of free shows, exhibitions, fitness classes and more to keep you occupied before the cold weather comes. Live it up while you can, and save your money for darker times!
Catch ‘Pericles’ before it’s too late
Calling all Shakespeareans: A musical adaptation of the Bard’s “Pericles” is ending a five-night run at the beginning of the month, so this is your last chance to see it. Public Works’ production puts a gospel twist on Shakespeare’s play, which should sound especially powerful in the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. The final performances are Monday, Sept. 1 and Tues, Sept. 2, and the shows start at 8 p.m. each night.
Ato Blankson-Wood and Crystal Lucas-Perry in rehearsal for “Pericles.”
Get outside your box at South Street Seaport
South Street Seaport continues its summer of exceptional, offbeat programming with two fun free activities to set the tone for your September. First, on Thursday, Sept. 4, acrobat Tatiana-Mosio Bongonga will walk a tightrope following a performance from French acrobat troupe Compagnie Basinga. Then, on the following Sunday, there will be a live, in-person sea shanty singalong. Very few places in the world host tightrope walkers and sea shanty singers in the span of a few days, so live it up. Watch the high-wire act on Thursday, Sept. 4 at 6 p.m. (advance registration recommended), then sing your shanties on Sunday, Sept. 7 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Witness the power of dance at Manhattan West
Works & Process, an organization that supports performing-arts residencies and puts on live events, is hosting a free dance series at Manhattan West every Wednesday in September. Each week has a different theme, starting with Latin Hustle on Sept. 3, then followed in succession by swing, salsa, and queer line-dancing and two-stepping. See the dances on Wednesdays at Manhattan West starting at 5 p.m.
Domino Park
Bask in the magic of Molière in Domino Park
French playwright Molière’s “The Imaginary Invalid” takes on fresh life in Domino Park, where a staged reading will give audiences a taste of the legendary play. The aptly named organization Molière in the Park typically stages performances in Prospect Park, where it has made free theater a regular occurrence for more than half a decade. Now’s your chance to see them ply their trade in Williamsburg. Catch “The Imaginary Invalid” on Friday, Sept. 26 and Saturday, Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. in Domino Park.
Laugh it up at Summer Shebang performances
The Creative Stage Collective describes its 2025 Summer Shebang as a musical sketch comedy revue that “is packed with parody songs, wacky characters and big laughs.” So if musical comedy is your thing, these free shows are not to be missed. There are four performances at different spots around the city in September; check out the dates, times, and locations here.
Celebrate Feast of San Gennaro
Nothing says September in the city like the intense smell of frying peppers and onions, sausages and fresh zeppole that mark the Feast of San Gennaro. Vendors set up throughout Little Italy, transforming the neighborhood into a pedestrian haven packed with food and performances. Even if you don’t see one of the musical acts or buy too many baked goods, the Feast is worth at least one walkthrough during the month. Feasting begins on Sep. 11 and lasts through Sept. 21. You can see the full schedule of official events here.
The Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy, pictured in 2021.
Pacific Press / GettyConnect with the literati at the Brooklyn Book Festival
It’s the 20th year of the Brooklyn Book Festival, which is the city’s largest free literary festival. So, whether you’re an aspiring author or just a lover of good books, you don’t have to drop a dime to attend one of the many workshops or readings happening in all five boroughs. The festival lasts from Sept. 14 through 22, and you can check out a full list of events here.
Take in a Dizzy Gillespie tribute concert
There’s never a bad time to pay tribute to the great jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie. Yaacov Mayman’s Super-Hot Afro-Latin Jazz Band heads to Queens’ Central Library to explore Dizzy’s influence on bebop and Afro-Cuban jazz in this free show. The concert is Saturday, Sept. 6 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Central Library in Jamaica, Queens.
Go camping with the family in Staten Island or the Bronx
Summer’s not quite over, so you still have a chance to go on an urban campout in the nation’s biggest city! The Urban Park Rangers will take families to Blue Heron Park on Staten Island and the Bronx’s Pelham Bay Park for a night of enjoying the nature that can be overlooked in the concrete jungle. Camping in both boroughs happens on Friday, Sept. 19, with the lotteries opening on Wednesday, Sept. 10. Make sure you put your name in on time to try to snag a coveted spot.
Learn about mushrooms on a fungi hike
Have you always wanted to be able to pick a mushroom off a tree and be able to tell whether or not it will kill you? Now you can learn how! The Fantastic Fungi Hike will take participants on a hike through Staten Island's Greenbelt, where there are sure to be plenty of fungal varieties to explore. Meet at the Greenbelt Nature Center to go ‘shroom-hunting on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 10:30 a.m.
Spend all day at a Bushwick block party
The Yes Block Party will once again take over a Bushwick street this September for a day of music, art and dancing. House of Yes is now a cultural institution in the neighborhood, and this year’s performers include the likes of HardCandy, Soul Summit Music, Bridge and more. Those over 21 can keep the good vibes going with a free afterparty at House of Yes. The block party goes down Sunday, Sept. 21, from noon to 6 p.m. in Bushwick.
Bronx paint-and-sip
Who doesn’t love a nice, relaxing paint-and-sip? Experienced artists and novices alike can head to Mill Pond Park on Friday, Sept. 5 for an evening of, well, painting (obviously) and sipping on an adult beverage. Hang out, paint (and sip) on Friday, Sept. 5 from 6-8:30 p.m. at Mill Pond Park in the Bronx. Refreshments will be served.
