Things to do in Brooklyn in September

This September, there’s no shortage of things to do in Brooklyn. From outdoor markets and festivals, to special performances and tours, there’s something for everyone. Start off the month with a stroll through Boerum Hill’s favorite summer hangout spots or head over to Brooklyn Bridge Park for some fun for the whole family!

Labor Day Weekend at Time Out Market

Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to get out and about, so why not check out Time Out Market’s outdoor patio? This fall festival will be filled with live music and entertainment, lawn games and food specials, plus an extended happy hour from 11am to 8pm. Visitors can expect delicious Labor Day fare from Time Out Market’s vendors, including Little Neck Raw Bar’s lobster rolls, Jacob’s Pickles’ fried chicken and mac & cheese, ice cream from Sugar Hill Creamery and more!

There will also be special Labor Day drinks, including a champagne punch, sangria and a specialty lemonade. Live music will be provided by local bands like DJ Ignishun, Ronnie Roc & Co Salsa and others.

West Indian Day Parade

The West Indian Day Parade is held each year on Labor Day, and it’s one of the biggest celebrations in Brooklyn. The parade starts at Schenectady Avenue and ends at Grand Army Plaza, where it throws its last doubloon (a coin with a face value of $1). Afterward, you can enjoy a variety show featuring performances by top soca artists while vendors sell homestyle island grub along the route in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. The parade is one of the longest running and largest parades in New York City and has been held since 1959. It attracts more than 1 million spectators each year and features more than 100,000 marchers representing different Caribbean islands and ethnicities. The parade celebrates Caribbean culture, heritage and traditions. It’s also a celebration of African Americans who are of Caribbean descent.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

There is still time to catch all of the summer blossoms before they wither away. For the Birds, a multi-disciplinary exhibit that will be on view at Brooklyn Botanic Garden through October 23rd, features work by more than 30 artists exploring relationships between birds and humans. The exhibition also includes two installations created specifically for the garden: an installation by artist Paul Sietsema and a live performance space designed by architect/artist Matthew Silva.

For those looking for something less cerebral, there are several exciting ways to enjoy the end of summer. This month’s perennial highlights tour will take visitors around the garden and discuss some of its most beautiful plants; tours depart every Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 1pm-2pm.

Free day of Broadway at Bryant Park

Bryant Park is a park located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. It’s one of the most visited parks in New York City, and it’s always bustling with activity. The park is located between Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue, from 40th to 42nd Street. Bryant Park was created in 1936 and named for former New York City mayor Abram Hewitt. It is operated by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation. The park has undergone several renovations during its history, including one in 2008-2009 that added new amenities such as Wi-Fi service, a cafe, and more seating areas.

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.

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. 

Enjoy the beautiful weather with a food & walking tour of a Brooklyn neighborhood

A great way to get to know Brooklyn is to take a food tour in one of the borough’s many neighborhoods, such as Williamsburg, Brooklyn Heights, and DUMBO. Like A Local Tours offers tours that explore the history and culture of each area while introducing you to some of its best restaurants. For those looking for a more sustainable experience, check out the Sustainable Brooklyn Food & Fashion Tour.

Williamsburg Bites: A Brooklyn Foodie Adventure is an excellent way to get a sample of what Williamsburg has to offer. This tour takes you through a number of the neighborhood’s best restaurants, including Mable’s Smokehouse & Tacombi Taco You’ll learn about the history of Williamsburg as well as its current status as one of New York City’s most popular neighborhoods for dining out.

Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn Bridge, & DUMBO Food Tour gives you a chance to check out the neighborhoods at the foot of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and fill up on delicious eats. You’ll start off at a local deli, passed down for generations. From there, you’ll head over to DUMBO for more samples and learn about the history of this neighborhood and its development over time. You’ll also take a stroll around the Brooklyn Bridge, which offers excellent views of Manhattan’s skyline as well as iconic sights like the Statue of Liberty in the distance.

If you’d like a greener option, check out the Sustainable Brooklyn Food & Fashion Tour through Williamsburg. Get a chance to learn the history of why this neighborhood is considered Brooklyn’s greenest!

Use code NYCEATS20 at checkout to get 20% off tour tickets this month!

With the changing of the seasons, there’s no better time to experience all that Brooklyn has to offer. From world-class shopping and dining destinations to cultural icons like Broadway and Botanic Garden, there’s truly something for everyone. Whether you want to spend your weekend exploring Fort Greene Park or checking out an outdoor flea market at Coney Island, we hope this guide gives you some inspiration for what’s in store this September!