NEW YORK (PIX11) -- With the worst heat waves seemingly behind us, late summer in New York City is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors. Food vendors will be lining the streets through September, offering food enthusiasts an opportunity to experience cuisines from around the world.
Whether you’re a foodie, a music lover, or simply looking for a fun and unique experience, these festivals and night markets are not to be missed.
Vegan Night Market – September 3
Looking for a wide spread of plant-based cuisine? Look no further! The Vegan Night Market is back for the second year after a successful launch in 2023. Held at Columbus Circle, the market will be open from 12-8 p.m. every first Tuesday through October.
The Bronx Vegan Bazaar - September 4, 18
Stop by at 1 Fordham Plaza from noon to 6 p.m. for savory vegan delicacies combined with curated yoga and dance experiences.
Taiwan Fest – September 7
Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to try some of Taiwan’s most traditional street foods. You can sample Bahtsang, a bamboo tamale, Bawan, a Taiwanese-style glutinous meatball, and Lobapng, braised pork over rice. The festival is held at the Culture Lab LIC from 2 to 8 p.m.
Taste of Times Square - September 9
Taste of Times Square is returning on September 9 and showcases over 25 restaurants, with cuisine ranging from Mexican, Caribbean, Argentinian, Italian, Indian, and more.
Participants can purchase a wristband at the event to purchase “tastes” at the participating restaurants onsite. All “tastes” will be under $10. Most range between $3 and $6.
The festival will be held at Duffy Square and the Broadway Plazas between 45th and 48th Streets from 5 to 9 p.m.
Feast of San Gennaro - September 12-20
The annual celebration in Little Italy is back! The tradition celebrates the life of San Gennaro of Naples who was Bishop of Benevento, Italy.
The food is the centerpiece of the event, with savory dishes like sausage and peppers and a myriad of pasta dishes to sweet ones like sfogliatelle and cakes.
Chef and Food Network personality Anne Burrell has been named the Grand Marshal for the 98th Annual Festival di San Gennaro.
Uptown Night Market - September 12
Held under the arches at West 133rd Street and 12th Avenue, the open-air market runs from 4 to 10 p.m. and features over 60 vendors. The market runs through October and is held every second Thursday. Admission is free but RSVPs are encouraged.
New York Latin Food Festival - September 13, 14
Held at Pier 76 from 4 to 10 p.m., the two-day festival highlights Latin and Caribbean cuisine and showcases the traditions and rhythms of Latin America. Live performances include salsa, reggae, rumba, jazz, Latin pop, and hip-hop. There will be family-friendly activities throughout the event.
Queens Night Market - September 14
What are your taste buds craving? Brazilian, Cambodian, Ethiopian, Peruvian, Sudanese, Tibetan, or Venezuelan? These are just a few types of cuisine offered by the impressive lineup of 72 food vendors slated to be at the Queens Night Market.
Stop by from 4 p.m. to midnight, eat delicious food, enjoy live performances, and visit the many artisans and makers.
The Queens Night Market is behind the New York Hall of Science in Flushing Meadow Corona Park.
Thai Fest - September 14, 22
Thai Fest promises a taste of Thailand’s unique food culture, with delicious dishes like Crab Fried Rice, spicy KraPow, sweet Mango Sticky Rice, flavorful Garlic Noodles, and tangy Tom Yum Ramen. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the following locations:
- September 14 - 8th Avenue, 20th–22nd Street
- September 22 - Astor Place
12th Annual Momo Crawl - September 15
Dubbed the "Biggest momo event of the year", the Momo Crawl allows participants to sample momos from over 25 Tibetan, Nepalese, and South Asian restaurants for $1 a piece after purchasing a $15 Momo Crawl Passport.
The passports can be picked up at the venue as early as 11:45 a.m. on September 15. The event runs from noon to 5 p.m. at Diversity Plaza and along 37th Road between 74th and 75th Street in Queens. Proceeds support Students for a Free Tibet.
Philippines Fest - September 21
The very first running Filipino street fair in the U.S. showcases the vibrant Filipino culture through handcrafted products, art, and food. But that’s not all — you’ll also enjoy cultural and FilAm performances. So, head over to Woodside in Queens between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and join in on the fun!
Taste of Seaport - September 21
Taste of the Seaport is a culinary festival held at Pier 16. It brings people together over great food and for a good cause. The event's proceeds support education for public schools, including professional development, cultural enrichment programs, and more.
The festival runs from noon to 5 p.m.
Brooklyn Night Market - September 30
Nestled in Industry City, the Brooklyn Night Market is a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts. The outdoor night market showcases 65 vendors with food and drinks from all corners of the world. The free festival runs from 4 to 10 p.m. at 220 36th Street in Brooklyn.
Dragon Fest - September 8, 14, 22, 28
Are you looking to try some delicious soup dumplings or a roasted crispy Peking duck bun? Look no further! Dragon Fest offers a wide variety of delectable Chinese dishes in one location. You can come with your friends or journey to the festival on your own to immerse yourself in art, traditions, and culture.
- September 8 – Astor Place
- September 14 – 8th Avenue (20th-22nd Street)
- September 22 – Astor Place
- September 28 – Broadway (114th-115th Street)
Japan Fes - September 7, 14, 15, 28
Japan Fes is a food festival that offers a wide range of culinary delights and unique variations of traditional Japanese dishes, from Grade A wagyu steaks to cute dog-shaped taiyaki. The festival features vendors from all across NYC and even out of state, who come together to showcase their delicious cuisines. The festivals run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the following locations are as follows:
- September 7 - Upper East Side (3rd Avenue, 84th - 85th Street)
- September 14 - Chelsea (8th Avenue, 15th - 16th Street)
- September 15 - Upper West Side (Broadway, 93rd - 94th Street)
- September 28 - Upper West Side (Broadway, 115th - 116th Street)
Latin Night Market – September 4, 11, 18, 25
The Latin Night Market features flavors, sounds, and sights of South and Central America. With 50 vendors showcasing Latin cuisine and a diverse musical lineup, this event is the ultimate celebration of community and the rich tapestry of Latin culture. The night market runs from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Quisqueya Plaza.
Smorgasburg – Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
A smorgasbord is a buffet-style meal that typically offers a variety of hot and cold dishes and Smorgasburg in NYC is no different. The food festival boasts an array of foods from tacos to Portuguese egg tarts. Smorgasburg is held at the World Trade Center on Fridays, the Marsha P. Johnson State Park in Williamsburg on Saturdays, and Prospect Park on Sundays.
Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here.
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