Free Things to Do on The UWS This September
September can feel like somewhat of a reset month. As summer draws to a close and fall flavors and colors emerge, it’s a great time to plan some family fun activities in New York. There is a wide array of free things going on during the month. Here is what’s on in September 2023 on New York City’s Upper West Side. Enjoy these UWS September free events and things to do!
Summer HD Festival at Lincoln Center: Friday, September 1 – Monday, September 4
The Metropolitan Opera sets up 2,500 seats in front of the opera house at Lincoln Center Plaza nightly. Beginning at 8 p.m. they screen performances from their Live in HD series. Seating is first-come, first-served and begins at 7 p.m. Reservations are not required.
Friday, September 1: Umberto Giordano – Fedora
Saturday, September 2: Terence Blanchard – Champion
Sunday, September 3: Verdi – Rigoletto
Monday, September 4: Giacomo Puccini- La Boheme
An opportunity to see some of the Met’s thrilling performances in a spectacular setting, free of charge!
Amsterdam Avenue Fair: Saturday, September 2
This festival runs from 100 to 110 Streets from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It features over 250 vendors.
Columbus Avenue Open Streets
Columbus Avenue Open Streets returns this year starting September 3 and continues every Sunday in September (10, 17, 24, 28). Columbus Avenue will be closed from W. 68th to 77th Streets from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. where pedestrians can enjoy the avenue unencumbered by cars, trucks, or buses. There will be food, music, and events throughout the day.
Amsterdam Labor Day Weekend Fair: Sunday, September 3
This street fair, complete with entertainment, food, drink, and shopping runs from 73rd to 79th Streets on Amsterdam Avenue from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Riverside Park Bluegrass Jam: Sundays in September (September 3, 10, 17, 24)
If you are a music lover looking to spend a tranquil Sunday afternoon in the park listening to some darn-good free music, try this. Riverside Park at 102nd Street any Sunday afternoon from 2-5 p.m. Slow jam music that is 90% Bluegrass, a gift of local musicians. There is a real sense of community at this weekly event, in what feels like a beautifully relaxed and inviting setting. Try it out!
Free Your Voice at MFC Garden: Tuesdays in September (September 5, 12, 19 & 26)
Located within the Mobilization for Change Community Garden at 955 Columbus Avenue and the corner of 107 Street, this Tuesday evening event runs weekly from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. “Weekly open-mic series that provides unique safe space for community members to share their personal stories, poems, and songs on a variety of topics.” The event is free, but tickets should be obtained in advance online.
Smith School of Music Open House: Sunday, September 10
This is an opportunity for people of all ages and skill levels to sign up for a free trial lesson on an instrument of your choice. Classes are by appointment only from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For those interested, sign up online. There is a limited number of spaces. The Smith School of Music is located at 131 West 86th Street between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues.
West Side Country Fair: Sunday, September 10
This country fair is in Riverside Park South at 500 West 70th and Riverside Park. The event runs from 1:00 -6:00 p.m. Entertainment includes live bands, sideshow performers, carnival rides, and games. Local food and merchandise vendors round out the offerings. The rain date is Sunday, September 17.
International Coastal Clean Up Day: Saturday, September 16
This event engages the community in caring for the environment by cleaning up some local waterways. It takes place from 10 a.m to 1 p.m, rain or shine. Meet up on Saturday, September 16th on the Cherry Walk, Riverside Park at 100th Street. Participants are encouraged to bring their reusable water bottle, sturdy closed-toe shoes, long pants, comfortable clothing that can get dirty, sunscreen, and a hat.
Free Friday at the Intrepid Museum: Friday, September 29
While not on the Upper West Side, this free family-friendly opportunity is too good to miss. The Intrepid Air and Space Museum is located aboard the aircraft carrier Intrepid, a national historic landmark. Enter through the Welcome Center at Pier 86, on 12th Avenue at West 46th Street to get a ticket before entry. Note that entry is not guaranteed and is subject to capacity. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the last entry is at 8:30 p.m.
Monuments Tour of Riverside Park: Saturday, September 30
The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation offers this tour. It runs from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon and highlights the historic and commemorative monuments on Riverside Drive. The tour begins at the 72nd Street Riverside Park entrance and proceeds north. Since it covers approximately one and a half miles, comfortable shoes are suggested. If you are not able to schedule this tour try a “Self Guided Tour of the Riverside Drive Monuments”.
Upper Broadway Fall Festival: Saturday, September 30
Enjoy arts, crafts, entertainment, games, food, and drink from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Festival is on Broadway from 110th Street to 116th Street.
