End of September Activities in the Big Apple

As September draws to a close, the days are still sunkissed and warm, and the fall leaves are starting to change colors. It’s the perfect time to be out and about in New York. This week we’ve compiled a short list of some of the best events going in New York City!

It’s time for the annual New York Film Festival! This year is the 61st year of the prestigious film festival, which brings star-studded premiers and exciting industry Q&As to New York. The festival will still show some of the best films of the year including several which won awards at the Cannes film festival, including Justine Triet’s Anatomy of a Fall, Jonathan Glazer’s The Zone of Interest, Wim Wenders’s Perfect Days, and lots more. The festival includes invigorating discussions with Tilda Swinton, Robert Downey Junior, Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig and many more creatives.

For tickets to screenings and other events, see the official festival website. There are a variety of passes to choose from at varying price points. The festival runs from September 29–October 15, 2023.

Lincoln Center

Lincoln Center Plaza

New York, NY 10023

The first of its kind, Heiva Pasifika is a Pacific Islander cultural and dance festival coming to NYC this week. In Tahitian, the word Heiva refers to cultural activities, pastimes, physical exercise, and festivals. Hosted by the Library for the Performing Arts, the two day festival is a celebration of the cultures and peoples of the Pacific Island communities. With over 37,000 Pacific Islanders living in New York, the event is much anticipated. Events include an Ori Tahiti dance contest, an art exhibit, and cultural workshops. Heivia Pasifika runs from September 29-30.

Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center

40 Lincoln Center Plaza

New York, NY 10023

Free museum exploration is always the best kind of museum visit. This Friday, enjoy the Frick on Madison— for free. The event is inspired by the Barkley L Hendricks exhibit titled Portraits at the Frick. The show’s curators will present Hendrick’s work and legacy; included in the night is access to the galleries, reading room and live jazz music. Complimentary refreshments from The SisterYard round out the cultural evening.

September 29, from 5-9pm

The Frick Museum

945 Madison Avenue at 75th Street

New York, NY 10021

Another first for New York in our blog this week is West Side Fest. The festival is an all-day, free event hosted by the West Side Cultural Network. The WSCN is a collaboration of more than 20 museums, parks, and performing arts and cultural facilities centers, all located within a mile of historic New York. Visitors to the festival can explore museums and cultural institutions for free! Numerous additional activities are being planned.

WSCN’s mission is to “ensure New Yorkers know they have access to the myriad, dynamic cultural offerings along the Hudson River and the adjoining neighborhoods.” For a complete schedule, map and a list of participating institutions, see the WSFC website. All events take place on Saturday, September 30, 2023.

From hot dogs and pretzels on street stands to 5 star Michelin restaurants, New Yorkers are passionate about their city’s food. But how often do we think about the long route from farm to table, or the costs involved both human and financial? This voyage and other food-related themes are now on display at the Museum of the City of New York in a special exhibition Food in New York: Bigger than the Plate. The show explores the city’s complex relationship with food on the museum’s back terrace in an indoor/outdoor exhibition. Visitors are treated to more than 20 pieces by contemporary artists who were invited to contemplate solutions to key global and local food-related challenges.

Through September 30, 2023

Museum of the City of New York

1220 Fifth Ave

New York, NY 10023

The Lombardy Hotel’s timeless elegance is iconic to Midtown Manhattan. Our rooms are spacious, comfortable and thoughtfully designed to make you feel at home. We look forward to hosting you on your next visit to New York City.

*Due to Covid-19 our restaurant, cafe and gym will remain closed for a time.