Top Things to Do in New York This Week (September 14–20, 2026)

Updated for Monday, September 14 to Sunday, September 20, 2026. This week in New York City brings festival season into its home stretch: US Open tennis wraps with finals, outdoor concerts headline city parks, and borough celebrations take over the streets. All picks below are checked for date, venue, and organiser—use this guide to plan your best local week.

Weather Watch: Showers and thunderstorms are forecast through midweek, with clearer, cool weather for the weekend. Some outdoor events may reschedule. Confirm up-to-date details on organiser sites before heading out. For wet-weather ideas—especially with kids—see our rainy-day things to do in New York guide.

Top Picks This Week

1. US Open Tennis Finals

September 14–15 · USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows, Queens
The US Open crowns its champions with men’s and women’s finals, doubles, and juniors play. Grounds passes offer access to matches, food courts, and interactive family zones. Main stadiums continue play even in rain.

• Tickets: Official sales here. Last-minute/night sessions often more affordable.
• Tip: Kids 12 and under have access to special pricing and family activities on site.

2. BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival

September 14–19 · Lena Horne Bandshell, Prospect Park, Brooklyn
BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! closes out its summer with acclaimed artists and one of the city’s most diverse public concert series. Most shows are free—just RSVP online. Full lineup and nightly details at BRIC’s website.

• Practical: Arrive early for lawn space; bring blankets or chairs and check for weather updates day-of.

3. Feast of San Gennaro (Little Italy’s Centenary Edition)

September 17–20 (continues to 9/27) · Mulberry Street, Little Italy, Manhattan
The Feast of San Gennaro returns for its 100th year in Little Italy, filling Mulberry Street with Italian food stalls, live music, processions, and neighbourhood tradition. Week 1 features the opening procession and first full weekend.

• Family: Stroller-friendly afternoons and kid-friendly street performers. Evenings get crowded.
• Tip: Expect packed sidewalks; check event schedule for processions/music.

4. SummerStage Outdoor Concerts

September 14–18 · Multiple Parks (Central Park & Outer Boroughs)
SummerStage finishes its outdoor tour with free and ticketed shows in Central Park and parks across the city. Genres range from indie and hip hop to world music and jazz—check the full calendar for artist and weather updates.

• RSVP: Some events require online registration.
• Access: Most venues stroller- and wheelchair-accessible; bring rain gear for uncovered lawns.

5. Brooklyn Bridge Park: Skyline CircleSing & Family Science

September 19–20 (Sat–Sun) · Brooklyn Bridge Park, DUMBO
Family-friendly programming includes the Environmental Education Center (99 Plymouth St, open 1–5pm Sat/Sun) with science activities, and Skyline CircleSing (9/20) featuring open-air community singing. Storytimes with Brooklyn Public Library on select days—see park calendar for times.

• Ages: Best for 4+; all free, no ticket needed.

6. Queens Museum: Free Weekend Family Workshops

September 20 · Queens Museum, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
Queens Museum hosts its regular Sunday drop-in art workshops for families (check calendar for themes/times). Community admission is suggested/no-fee; advance registration sometimes required for special activities.

• Ages: Children and families welcome; all backgrounds.

7. Governors Island: Public Art & Open Lawns

All Week · Governors Island
Governors Island remains open daily, with ferries running from Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. Visit for rolling lawns, interactive art installations, and weekend pop-ups by local groups. Family bike rentals and playgrounds available.

• Ferries: Schedule here; last return crossings can fill up, so check timings.

8. Little Island: Outdoor Performances & Mini-Workshops

September 14–20 · Little Island, Pier 55 at Hudson River Park
Little Island presents outdoor dance, music, and hands-on creative pop-ups, many free on the park’s lawns and amphitheatre. Kids’ programmes offered most afternoons.

• Location: Pier 55, off W 13th St.
• Practical: Park is free, but some workshops may need RSVP—see site for daily schedule.

City usuals

• Union Square Greenmarket: Four days a week (Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat) for just-picked produce, bread, and local specialties from regional farms. Check the site for hours and vendor lists.
• Brooklyn Museum: Open Wednesday–Sunday, featuring special exhibits and main collection highlights. Book in advance for popular times.
• The High Line: Elevated park strolls all week, with free public art and gardens—see the calendar for guided walks or evening events.
• Chelsea Market: Rain-or-shine food hall and shops, ideal for snacks, treats, and browsing unique city wares between events.

Practical notes and planning

• Rain and storms: Early-week forecasts call for rain—many headline events are outdoors. Double-check organiser pages for changes or cancellations before setting out. For indoor and last-minute family fun, check our rainy-day things to do in New York guide.
• Borough balance: Picks above include Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, with outer-borough public programming and access details where available.
• Family/community: Specific workshops and family spaces are included from Brooklyn Bridge Park and Queens Museum. If you spot a local event we missed, let us know for future updates!

Stay tuned for the next week’s picks, and enjoy the best of late-summer NYC!