As the calendar turns and the leaves begin their transformation into color, September marks the beginning of something truly special in NYC. Known as the sweet spot between the lazy days of summer and the full-on holiday hustle, this is the season when crisp air, cozy sweaters, and resonant gatherings come to life.
This year, especially, promises a lineup of events in September in NYC that bring fresh flavor to the Upper West Side. Let’s dive into what’s new this fall, teasing out must-see gatherings.
Every September, the captivating Verdi Square, located between Broadway, Amsterdam Avenue, and 72nd/73rd Streets, comes alive with a Festival of the Arts featuring free live performances, from jazz ensembles to Latin beats and everything in between. Just a 6‑minute stroll from the Lucerne Hotel, it's an ideal spot to wander into for an impromptu concert or a laid-back weekend vibe.
A weekly highlight for September 2025, Columbus Avenue Open Streets takes place every Sunday, September 7, 14, 21, and 28, from 11 AM to 7 PM. The avenue closes to traffic between West 68th and 77th Streets, transforming into a pedestrian haven filled with food vendors, music, and community booths. With the Lucerne Hotel just a 14‑minute walk away, it's the perfect way to step into local life and soak up neighborhood energy and events in September in NYC that truly shine.
One of the most beloved fall festivals in NYC, Japan Fes brings the sounds, sights, and flavors of Japanese culture to various neighborhoods. On September 20 and 23, 2025, the festival is scheduled to land on the Upper West Side with ramen stalls, takoyaki, handmade crafts, and traditional performances. Broadway has been earmarked for the event, just a 15-minute rideshare from the Lucerne Hotel.
Scheduled for September 20, 2025, the long-running Upper Broadway Fall Fair typically takes over the Upper West Side’s northern reaches, spanning from 110th to 116th Streets. Think family games, local artisans, handmade jewelry, food trucks, and live music. From the Lucerne Hotel, it’s a 15-minute rideshare uptown.
Central Park is always magical, but early fall heightens its natural beauty. The Ramble, the Mall, and the North Woods are especially radiant with golden and crimson foliage. The park also hosts seasonal guided walks and bird-watching programs on the weekends in September. Since Central Park is just two blocks from the Lucerne Hotel, a 3-minute walk, it’s an effortless nature escape.
A confirmed seasonal favorite, Oktoberfest in Central Park happens on Sunday, September 20, 2025. Expect festive cheer with beers, bratwurst, live music, and outdoor games near the Great Lawn, about a 17‑minute walk from the Lucerne Hotel. Cozy layers recommended!
A warm, community-focused kick-off to fall, the West Side Country Fair returns Sunday, September 7, at Riverside Park South around 70th Street. Featuring live music, carnival-style games, local vendors, and pony rides, it’s an ideal family-friendly event. The walk from the Lucerne Hotel takes about 10 minutes.
What makes these events in September in NYC so special is their strong local character. Unlike the mega-festivals downtown, these gatherings are rooted on the Upper West Side's residential charm. They’re easy to reach on foot, refreshingly uncrowded, and packed with variety, from serene park moments to cultural happenings and lively food fairs.
September also offers the ideal backdrop: just cool enough for jackets and scarves, but warm enough to dine outdoors or stroll tree-lined streets. Whether you’re taking in a jazz quartet at Verdi Square or sipping Oktoberfest beer under string lights on Amsterdam Avenue, you’re experiencing autumn at its most authentic.
With so much happening within walking distance, there’s no better place to stay this fall than the Lucerne Hotel. Perfectly positioned at 79th and Amsterdam, it places you in the heart of the neighborhood’s fall energy, steps from the park, the festivals, and the performances that make the Upper West Side shine.
Whether you're planning a weekend escape or a longer city break, booking a stay at the Lucerne Hotel is your gateway to a truly memorable fall in New York.