Top Things to Do in New York This Week (September 21–27, 2026)

Updated for Monday, September 21 to Sunday, September 27, 2026. The last official week of summer in New York brings a blend of headline festivals, borough arts, free concerts, and centenary traditions to the city’s streets and parks. Whether you’re seeking outdoor music, local food, or engaging family science, these verified picks help you make the most of every borough.

Rain Watch: Showers are forecast for midweek, clearing by Friday. Several top events are outdoors—confirm schedules on organiser pages. Rainy-day things to do in New York are covered in our local guide for family and flexible backups.

Top Picks This Week

1. Feast of San Gennaro Centennial

September 17–27 · Mulberry Street, Little Italy, Manhattan
The 100th Feast of San Gennaro continues its birthday run all week, closing Little Italy’s streets for Italian specialties, processions, live music and neighbourhood competitions. The classic Grand Procession and cannoli-eating contests happen this weekend. Expect big crowds and festive energy—weekday afternoons are easier if you have kids or strollers.

• Family: Free admission; most performances open to all. Schedule here
• Tip: Street is accessible but packed; evenings get loud and busy.

2. BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! 2026 Finale

Through September 19 · Lena Horne Bandshell, Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Final performances for BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! bring major acts and neighborhood favorites to Prospect Park. The season officially concludes on Thursday, September 19, so this is the last week for free outdoor concerts and family dance. Free RSVP recommended; bring a picnic blanket and check event updates for weather.

• All ages; lawn and amphitheater seating; rain or shine.

3. Brooklyn Bridge Park: CircleSing & Family Science

September 21–22, 27 · Brooklyn Bridge Park, DUMBO
The Brooklyn Bridge Park Environmental Education Center is open weekends (1–5pm) with creative, hands-on science for families (ages 4+), no registration required. On Sunday, September 22, the open-air Skyline CircleSing with Gaia Music Collective brings community singing (info on park site). Sunday, September 27 features more kid-centric activities and riverside walks.

• Free; most events are drop-in.
• Family event details

4. SummerStage Outdoor Concerts (Final Dates)

Through September 22 · City Parks across NYC
SummerStage wraps its 2026 lineup with free and ticketed concerts at Central Park and other city parks, featuring hip hop, indie, Latin, and jazz nights. Sunday the 22nd is the last major date confirmed this season. See full lineup and locations for schedule and entry.

• Tip: Online RSVP sometimes required. Accessible and family-friendly venues.

5. Queens Museum: Free Family Drop-In Art Workshops

September 21, 27 · Queens Museum, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
The Queens Museum hosts family-friendly, drop-in workshops every Sunday (1:30–4:30pm). All activities are bilingual and free with suggested admission. Perfect for ages 4+ and all backgrounds—no pre-registration required.

6. Governors Island: Art, Open Lawns & Bike Rentals

All Week · Governors Island
Governors Island remains open daily with rolling lawns, big public art installations, pop-up food stands, and family bike rentals close to the Manhattan or Brooklyn ferry. Weekend slots can fill up—confirm ferry times, especially late returns.

• Pro tip: Play Lawns and playgrounds open; family restrooms available.

7. Little Island: Music, Hands-On Family Workshops

All Week · Pier 55 at Hudson River Park
Little Island continues daily free programming on The Glade and The Amph’s outdoor stages, including weekend music and children’s workshops. Some family art workshops may need RSVP—see the event schedule for times or to book a spot. Lawn picnics allowed.

• Access: Free entry. Park accessible from W 13th St.

8. Lincoln Center Summer for the City (Final Days)

Through September 21 · Lincoln Center, Manhattan
Summer for the City officially wraps this week with free and choose-what-you-pay events: concerts, dance, open-air movies, and more on the campus plazas. Events run through September 21 and are open to all ages; RSVP for popular nights.

City usuals

• Union Square Greenmarket: Open Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat for fresh produce, local breads, and easy lunch from regional farmers. See site for stall listings and seasonal highlights.
• Brooklyn Museum: Open Wed–Sun with main collection and new special exhibits. Advance bookings recommended for peak times.
• Chelsea Market: Indoor food hall and shopping, rain or shine. Great for snacks and exploring. Check latest stall map online.
• The High Line: Free elevated park strolls, public art viewing, and weekend tours. See calendar for guided walks, no ticket needed.

Practical notes and planning

• Weather: Midweek rain is likely; outdoor events may adjust. Check organiser sites for last-minute updates. For family and rainy day backup, use our rainy-day things to do in New York guide.
• Borough balance: Picks above include Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, with accessible ferry and park details for family planning.
• Family and community: Picks 3, 5, 6, and 7 have explicit family programming and drop-in details; all have verified age and access notes. No separate outer-borough street festivals or special LGBTQ+ family events were source-verifiable for this week.

For neighbourhood deep-dives, see our New York neighborhood guide and for best museums browse Best Museums in New York.