Brooklyn in September is one of the reasons people love New York City so much. Visitors can enjoy all the best things to do in Brooklyn in September, seasonal or perfect for the season, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds!
From the nostalgic allure of Coney Island to the literary-lover’s Brooklyn Book Festival, there’s plenty to see and do. We would even say Brooklyn is the best area to stay in New York for the first time.
After walking dozens of miles between Manhattan’s skyscrapers, wondering which tower is best to visit, Empire State Building VS Summit One Vanderbilt, it’s time to visit the more laid-back Brooklyn!
Here are the coolest things to do in Brooklyn in September, from seasonal events to year-round sights.
What are the best fun things to do in Brooklyn in September?
There are many things to see and do in Brooklyn, but here are the ones best done during September.
1. Explore DUMBO
One of the best things to do in Brooklyn is to explore DUMBO, the neighborhood where you set foot after crossing the Manhattan Bridge.
Lined with cobblestone streets, this is the place to go if you want to wander amongst the coolest kids in town. The name itself is an acronym (Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass).
It is the place where you can take that iconic photo of the DUMBO Manhattan Bridge view, peeking through the brownstone buildings.
There is so much to see and do in this area. Aside from its weekly flea market, there is also plenty of street art, cozy coffees, independent boutiques. You can also find some cool big brands such as West Elm and Moncler.
How to get to DUMBO?
Dumbo is served by three nearby Subway stations: High St, York St, and Clark St. All the cool spots in Brooklyn, DUMBO, are a short walk from all of these stations.
- Location: under the East River and above Brooklyn Heights and Downtown Brooklyn
- Best time of the day to visit: early morning to beat the crowds
2. Visit Coney Island
We highly recommend visiting all the east coast of the USA, like this incredible New York to Maine road trip, or all the hidden places in Upstate New York. However, if you don’t have enough time, you can still escape the city… while staying in that city!
September is the best time to visit Coney Island. This is when Brooklyn’s southernly neighborhood transforms into a sun-soaked haven, offering a perfect escape from New York’s busy streets.
Giving off completely retro vibes, Coney Island boasts Luna Park and a gorgeous beach, as well as the New York Aquarium, so it’s a great spot for families to visit.
Luna Park might not exactly be Disney World, but it has an abundance of rides for both kids and adults alike. Seek thrills on rides like Cyclone or tuck into Coney’s Cones and Nathan’s Famous hot dogs.
When thinking of Brooklyn fun places to go to in September, Coney Island comes to mind for both locals and tourists! This mix creates a fun and vibrant atmosphere.
Plus, the milder temperatures in September make Coney Island way more fun to explore.
How to get to Coney Island?
Coney Island makes for the perfect day trip – it takes about an hour to get there from Manhattan. It is serviced by numerous subway stations, but the most convenient are W 8 St-NY Aquarium and Coney Island-Stillwell Av.
- Address: 1000 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224
- Price: accessing the boardwalk and the beach at Coney Island is free
- Opening hours: you can walk in Coney Island all day long but the attractions all have different opening hours
- Best time of the day to visit: at sunset
3. Soak up the September sun at Brighton Beach
September in New York City is a bliss when you have access to beaches!
That is something a few people know about the city. Since NYC is one of the biggest cities in the world, its beaches are not the first thing that comes to mind.
The south coast of Brooklyn is the place to be when the sun hits. It has a few beaches, the coolest one being Brighton Beach. It is a big beach with white sand that sometimes has good waves for surfers.
When Coney Island tends to be a little crowded, Brighton Beach offers a more relaxed atmosphere during the day.
How to get to Brighton Beach, Brooklyn?
You can either get there by car, taxi or with public transport. The subway line Q goes there, as well as the buses B1 and B68. Get off at the Brighton Beach stop.
- Location: south of Brooklyn, east of Coney Island
- Price: free
- Best time of the day to visit: morning or late afternoon
4. Shop at Brooklyn Flea Market
There’s no better way to immerse yourself in the district than by spending a morning at Brooklyn Flea. Running throughout the warmer months of the year, this market takes place around DUMBO archway every weekend.
Browse a wide selection of vintage clothing, jewelry, artwork, and more. Plus, there are many food vendors serving up everything from artisanal snacks to global cuisine.
The entire market has a cozy, neighborhood feel, with local creatives gathering to show off their work.
Credit to Something of Freedom
How to get to Brooklyn Flea Market?
You’ll find Brooklyn Flea underneath Manhattan Bridge. The nearest subway station is York St. From there, it’s a 5-minute walk away.
- Address: 80 Pearl St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- Price: free to enter
- Opening hours: Weekends, 8AM to 4PM
- Best time of the day to visit: morning
5. Head to Bushwick to see street art
The streets of Bushwick are dotted with colorful graffiti, from vast murals of Muhammad Ali to the famous depiction of The Notorious B.I.G.
A wander around this hip neighborhood is a feast for the eyes. Start by heading to the Bushwick Collective near Jefferson Street station and get lost in the different streets, following the colors on the walls!
If you are into street art, we highly recommend opting for a guided graffiti tour in Bushwick. You will learn so much about the district’s history. It’s one of the best things to do in Brooklyn in September.
How to get to Bushwick?
Start your street art tour by heading to Jefferson Street with the L train. From there, you can take a laid back stroll around the neighborhood.
- Address: 427 Troutman St, Brooklyn, NY 11237
- Price: free to walk around
- Best time of the day to visit: daylight hours
6. Stroll around Prospect Park
Another of the best places to visit in Brooklyn in September is Prospect Park.
This is one of the largest green spaces in Brooklyn, and home to the district’s only lake. There’s no better place to soak up the late summer sun.
For the prettiest views, head to the Lullwater section of water and rent a boat for an hour or so. This is a stunning pool that was modeled on the Serpentine Lake in London’s Hyde Park.
Another cool thing to do in Prospect Park is to go on an easy hike through the Ravine section. It offers great forest vibes that are highly appreciated when visiting a big city like New York.
🍎 Top tip: September is ideal for apple picking at Prospect Park!
How to get to Prospect Park?
Prospect Park is served by Prospect Park, 15 St-Prospect Park, and Parkside Ave stations. These stations drop you right next to the park.
- Address: there are entrances all around the park, on Flatbush Avenue, Prospect Park W Street, Prospect Park Southwest Street, Parkside or Ocean Avenues
- Price: free entry
- Opening hours: 6AM to 1AM
- Best time of the day to visit: during the morning or at sunset
7. Wander Through Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Prospect Park is also home to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, a seriously gorgeous place if you’re in the mood for hunting out pretty flowers.
Though you need to pay a small fee to get in here, it’s a slice of paradise amidst the concrete jungle that is New York City. With pleasant weather and many flowers in full bloom, September is the best time to visit.
Give yourself a couple of hours to explore the likes of the Japanese Garden and the Lily Pool Terrace. The Bonsai Museum is another favorite – home to a collection of bonsai trees and displays about the art of bonsai cultivation.
How to get to Brooklyn Botanic Garden?
To get to Brooklyn Botanic Garden, take the subway to the Botanic Garden station. From there it’s a short walk to the entrance.
- Address: 990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225-1008
- Price: Adults $18, Students/Seniors $12, Children under 12 free
- Opening hours: 8AM to 6PM on weekdays, 10AM to 6PM on weekends
- Best time of the day to visit: any time
8. Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge
Connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn, Brooklyn Bridge is the iconic hybrid cable-stayed and suspension bridge in New York.
It opened in 1983 and was the first pedestrian crossing of the East River. The Brooklyn Bridge has since become an iconic tourist attraction, with thousands of people crossing it each day.
Warning: It gets incredibly busy when walking across this bridge (especially in September) but it’s well worth it for the incredible views of Manhattan’s cityscape. Head there early, before the crowds gather, for the best photographs.
How to get to the Brooklyn Bridge?
If you want to cross the bridge starting in Manhattan, take the subway to Fulton St or City Hall. From Brooklyn, head to York St or High St.
- Price: free
- Opening hours: open 24 hours, though it’s not recommended to cross late at night.
- Best time of the day to visit: early morning, at sunrise
9. Grab Lunch at Smorgasburg Food Market
Another outdoor market that only operates during the warmer months is Smorgasburg. The market has two Brooklyn locations: Saturdays at Marsha P. Johnson State Park in Williamsburg and Sundays in Prospect Park.
Smorgasburg prides itself on its diverse food offerings, more often than not with locally-sourced ingredients. Expect tacos, burgers, and dumplings, plus plenty of dessert options.
This market is especially popular in September, as the cooler weather makes it far more fun to sit outside and enjoy your lunch.
How to get to Smorgasburg?
To get to Marsha P. Johnson State Park, take the subway to Bedford Av and head along N 7th St. Or. To get to Prospect Park’s market, take the subway to the station of the same name.
- Addresses: 90 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211 or Prospect Park, Breeze Hill, Brooklyn, NY 11225
- Price: free to enter, food varies
- Opening hours: 11AM to 6PM
- Best time of the day to visit: for lunch
10. Enjoy Dinner at the Time Out Market
While you can visit Brooklyn’s Time Out Market for dinner all year round, there’s something extra special about visiting during the warmer months.
After exploring this part of New York on foot, settle in for a comforting meal with a laid back ambience. The industrial-style food hall is filled with food traders of all cuisines.
Top picks include Felice Pasta Bar and Tiki Chick’s southern charm – finish with ice cream from Sugar Hill Creamery. Come here hungry and leave absolutely stuffed.
How to get to the Time Out Market?
The easiest way to reach the Time Out Market is to take the train/Subway to York St. From there, it’s a short 5-minute walk on foot towards DUMBO, where the food hall is located.
- Address: 55 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- Price: free to walk in, food depends on the stand
- Opening hours: Sunday – Thursday 8AM to 10PM, Friday and Saturday 8AM to 11PM
- Best time of the day to visit: evening
11. Picnic at Domino Park
Domino Park is easily in our top 3 favorite spots in all of Brooklyn! In the Williamsburg district, this park runs alongside the East River.
It offers breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline, as well as of the Williamsburg Bridge and Manhattan Bridge.
It has a few modern sports infrastructures, a place to eat and have a drink, and even sometimes dance shows! Most people go there for a picnic or jogging. Its quiet atmosphere and astounding views are unmatched.
How to get to Domino Park?
You can either hop on the subway lines J or L. The nearest subway station to Domino Park is Bedford Avenue.
- Address: 15 River St, Brooklyn
- Price: free
- Opening hours: 6AM to 11PM
- Best time of the day to visit: sunset
12. Be amazed at the Bensonhurst Statue House
Located in Bensonhurst, in the south of Brooklyn, the Bensonhurst Statue House is a quite unique artwork, signed by Steve Campenella. It’s a collection of almost 40 pop culture sculptures, human-size!
You cannot walk past number 2056 without stopping, in awe. From Superman, to Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley or Dracula, their creator wanted to show off his love of both pop culture and Brooklyn.
How to get to Bensonhurst Statue House?
You can take the subway D and stop at 20th Avenue, then walk for about 3 minutes.
- Address: 2056 85th street, Brooklyn
- Price: free (to see from the street)
- Best time of the day to visit: anytime of the day
13. Watch the last summer sunsets at a rooftop
One of the cool things to do in Brooklyn in September is to go up on a rooftop at golden hour.
This cocktail bar and restaurant, located in Greenpoint, is renowned for offering one of the best views on New York City.
With its panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows and round-shaped lamps, there is nowhere like the Westlight. Heading there in September is ideal for hopefully admiring the late-summer sunsets.
How to get to the Westlight NYC rooftop?
The closest subway stations to Westlight are Bedford Avenue, with the line L, and Nassau Avenue, with the line G. Then, it’s a 10-minute walk.
- Address: 111 N 12th St, Brooklyn
- Price: cocktails are $16 to $25 USD, food bites are $10 to $30 USD
- Opening hours: 4PM to midnight from Monday to Thursday, 4PM to 1AM on Friday, 12PM to 2AM on weekends
- Best time of the day to visit: sunset
14. Kayak on the East River
When looking for fun things to do in NYC in September, people mostly think of renting a boat in Central Park, Manhattan. However, you could do something much more unusual while staying in Brooklyn…
What about renting a kayak from Pier 4 Beach in Brooklyn Bridge Park, and paddling on the East River? Brooklyn Bridge Boathouse offers FREE kayaking sessions.
Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays are for adults, while Sundays are for kids and families. They even organize Kayak Polo games.
How to get to Brooklyn Bridge Park?
10 to 15 minutes from the Brooklyn Bridge Park piers, there is the subway station Court St. You can get there by the subway line R.
- Address: 150 Furman St, Brooklyn
- Price: free, based on donations
- Opening hours: 5PM to 7PM on Wednesday and Thursday, 10 AM to 3 PM on Saturday, 12 PM to 2:30 PM on Sunday
15. Admire the Wyckoff Street Mosaic House
The Wyckoff Street Mosaic House in Brooklyn is a stunning artistic wonder that has been put together piece by piece, with intricate mosaics covering every inch of the building’s exterior.
The artist, Susan Gardner, wanted to beautify her home and give back to her community. The mosaic artwork is made up of an array of materials, from broken tiles and dishes to sea glass and mirrors. Definitely one of the coolest things to see in Brooklyn NY!
How to get to the Wyckoff Street Mosaic House?
You can get there with the subway line G, by stopping at Bergen St, or C, with a stop at Hoyt – Schermerhorn Sts.
- Address: 108 Wyckoff St, Brooklyn
- Price: free from outside the house
- Best time of the day to visit: anytime at daylight
16. Swim in Brooklyn outdoor pools with views
NYC weather in September is good enough for you to enjoy an outdoor pool day! Where to find such a thing? Well, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge has THE most incredible outdoor pool with insane views on the Manhattan skyline.
If you can’t stay at the hotel, the McCarren Park Pool in Greenpoint is also great. When the temperatures get a little higher than usual, it becomes one of the best Brooklyn activities.
- Address: 60 Furman St, Brooklyn, or Lorimer St &, Bayard St, Brooklyn
- Opening hours of the public pool: 11AM to 3PM and 4PM to 7PM
- Best time of the day to visit: morning when it opens or golden hour
What are the best events in Brooklyn in September?
17. West Indian Day Parade
The West Indian Day Parade is an annual parade highlighting the West Indian Culture. It is a carnival of people with incredibly colorful costumes, great music and good vibes. It truly is one of some events that showcases the diversity and beauty of the melting pot of New York City the best.
- When: first monday of September (2nd of September in 2024)
- Location: Crown Heights, Brooklyn
- Price: free
18. OktoberFest celebrations
You might be thinking, isn’t OktoberFest in October? Well, in New York, we start celebrating it in Mid-September. This is a great opportunity to find cool events and fun places to go in Brooklyn. We recommend the German bar “Zum Schneider”, in Bushwick.
- When: from mid-September
- Location: german bars in Brooklyn
19. Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month happens every year from September 15th to October 15th. It highlights the culture and traditions of all hispanic americans, no matter where they come from.
Many activities, events and parties are organized for the Hispanic Heritage month in Brooklyn. You can find them at museums, bars, concert venues, or even libraries such as the Brighton Beach and Washington Irving libraries.
- When: from mid-September
- Location: all around Brooklyn
- Price: depends on the event
20. Momo Crawl
Among the many cool things to do in Brooklyn in September, do not forget the Momo Crawl! It’s an Himalayan food and cultural festival. If you have never heard of it, the “momo” is a steamed dumpling filled with meat or vegetables.
At the Momo Crawl Festival, you will be able to try momos for a very small amount of money at over 30 food trucks. Most of them are either Tibetan, Nepalese, and South Asian.
It is actually located in Queens, but very close to Brooklyn.
- When: third week of September
- Location: Diversity Plaza, 73-19 37th Rd
- Price: free entrance
21. Attend Brooklyn Book Festival
Usually taking place at the end of September, Brooklyn Book Festival attracts literary lovers far and wide. The free festival takes place in multiple venues, including Brooklyn Borough Hall and Columbus Park.
Book-related events, panels, and activities are spread across these locations. The line-up includes everything from author Q&As to workshops and masterclasses.
There’s something for everyone as this festival champions diverse communities and cultures. Attending is also a great way to hear from local Brooklyn authors who have fascinating stories to tell.
- When: September 28th to October 4th, 2024
- Location: it is held in venues across Brooklyn, so make sure you check the nearest subway station to the event and plan accordingly.
- Price: free
22. Open air cinemas in Brooklyn
As summer comes to an end and fall begins, September is the perfect time to catch a movie under the stars in Brooklyn. We believe it’s the best way to have outdoor fun in Brooklyn.
One of the most popular open air cinemas in Brooklyn is Movies With A View, located at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Every Thursday in September, this outdoor screening series takes place on Pier 1 with a stunning backdrop of the Manhattan skyline.
The movies range from classics to recent releases and are free for all ages. There are lots of new open air cinemas every year in Brooklyn, in parks or rooftops mostly.
Most big parks, such as Prospect Park or Brooklyn Grange Sunset Park, have one happening at some point!
- When: during all the month of September
- Price: most of them are free, but it depends on the event
23. Atlantic Antic Street Festival
The Atlantic Antic Street Festival happens every year at the end of September, all over the street of Atlantic in Brooklyn. It is not only the oldest street festival, but also the largest in Brooklyn.
From food stands from all around the world, music and all kinds of artsy activities, Atlantic provides some of the best entertainment in Brooklyn.
- When: usually the last sunday of September
- Location: Atlantic Street
- Price: free
24. Pumpkin carving in Brooklyn
It’s not too early either to start Pumpkin carving! In order to be ready for October, we need to start carving pumpkins in September, right?
You can find many pumping carving events in Brooklyn, in the Botanical Garden or at the Farm to People Kitchen & Bar for instance.
- When: end of September
- Location: throughout Brooklyn
- Price: depends on the event
Things to do in Brooklyn in September: your questions answered!
Where to stay in Brooklyn?
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge – this incredible hotel located in DUMBO offers incredible views on Manhattan skyline, from both the spacious rooms AND the outdoor pool!
➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 8,4/10 based on these reviews
Henry Norman Hotel – one of the best rated hotels in all of Brooklyn, and ideally located in the cool dynamic neighborhood of Greenpoint.
➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 9/10 based on these reviews
Is September a good time to visit New York?
September is ideal for exploring a city like New York. The temperatures are still warm, while not being as hot as it can be during peak summer time.
There are less tourists, which truly matters for a city as big as this one. Visiting it with fewer crowds can truly change your experience for the better.
Last but not least, there are so many exciting events to attend in all of New York City in September. As you just read in this article, Brooklyn is the place to be for cool late summer entertainment!
How is the weather in New York City in September?
Temperatures range from 60° to 77°F (16° to 25°C) in New York City in September. It’s only expected to rain 7 days out of the month. It means that if you spend one week in NYC, it will probably rain once or twice during your trip.
How touristy is New York in September?
Most tourists visit New York City from May to September, with a peak in July and August. September sees fewer crowds than spring and summer months, but it’s still touristy!
What to wear in New York in September?
You can wear summer clothes in New York City in September. From dresses, to lightweight pants and tops. If you are going out for the full day though, we recommend having a small jacket in your bag for weather changes.
Always look at the weather forecast and pack a rain jacket to make sure you can do outdoor activities even if it’s raining!
How are NYC prices in September ?
NYC accommodation and flights are considerably cheaper in September than in July and August. The cost of transport within the city and restaurants varies little or not at all from month to month.
You can find basic double hotel rooms for $150 to $250 USD per night. Flight prices depend on where you’re flying from, but they should be cheaper than at the height of summer.
Best Things to do in Brooklyn in September: a sum up
And that’s a wrap for the best adventures in Brooklyn in September! Whether you want to nerd out at Brooklyn Book Festival or seek thrills on Coney Island, Brooklyn in September is the place to be.
As the summer heat makes way for cooler temperatures, the buzzing streets become more inviting. Take some time to wander through Prospect Park, or hit up the iconic Brooklyn Flea for a browse without the heaving crowds.
To explore Manhattan highlights on limited time, here is a realistic yet complete New York one-day itinerary.
Just under 4 hours south of New York City, Washington DC is well worth a visit. It offers a multitude of activities. For instance, you could explore endlessly the things to do in Georgetown DC at any time of the day or night.
