From sizzling street eats in Little Italy to wine-soaked weekends in the Hudson Valley, September is when New York becomes a full-on buffet for foodies.
Whether you’re after old-school Italian sausages, Latin street tacos, African stews, or gourmet whisky pairings, the Empire State has something to satisfy every craving.
Here’s your guide to the best food festivals in New York for September 2025.
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Why September is Perfect for Food Festivals in New York
Think of September as the sweet spot between summer and fall.
The weather is cool enough to enjoy outdoor feasts without melting, yet warm enough to sip cold cocktails under the sun.
Farmers are bringing in the late-summer harvest—think apples, grapes, and corn—so festival menus are fresher than ever.
It’s also when cultural street fairs and wine-country festivals collide, giving you everything from fried calamari in Manhattan to grape stomping in the Finger Lakes.
Pro Tip: Plan to hit at least one city festival and one upstate event—you’ll taste both the global flavors of NYC and the farm-to-table bounty of the Hudson Valley.
Parking & Transport Tip: Most festivals offer nearby parking lots, shuttle services, or are accessible via public transit.
Feast of San Gennaro (Little Italy, NYC)
If you’ve ever dreamed of walking through a street filled with cannoli, sausages, and red-white-green banners fluttering overhead, this is it.
The Feast of San Gennaro is New York City’s most famous food festival, celebrating Italian-American culture in the heart of Little Italy.
Expect fried zeppole, fresh pasta, giant meatballs, and the famous cannoli-eating contest.
Beyond food, there are parades, live music, and a carnival atmosphere that makes it more than just a food fest.
Duration: Runs about 11 days in September, with events happening throughout the day and evening.
Family vs Adults: Family-friendly, but evenings are lively and bustling.
Nearby Accommodation: Plenty of hotels in Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn for easy access.
Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest (Rhinebeck)
Set against rolling hills and rustic barns, the Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest feels like stepping into a postcard.
Here, wineries, breweries, and food trucks come together for a weekend of tastings. It’s as much about sipping crisp Rieslings and bold reds as it is about sampling local cheeses, ciders, and farm-fresh dishes.
Duration: Typically a full-day event, with optional VIP tasting sessions.
Family vs Adults: Mostly adult-focused because of wine tastings, but some daytime activities welcome families.
Nearby Accommodation: Rhinebeck has charming inns, B&Bs, and boutique hotels within walking distance of the festival.
Smorgasburg (Brooklyn & Manhattan)
No New York foodie list is complete without Smorgasburg. From ramen burgers to lobster rolls, it’s a playground for food lovers who want to try a little of everything.
Duration: Weekly weekend events, usually 10 AM – 6 PM.
Family vs Adults: Family-friendly, but adults enjoy the craft beer and dessert stalls.
Nearby Accommodation: Brooklyn waterfront hotels or Manhattan East Side options make visiting easy.
Latin Food Fest NYC
Bright, bold, and bursting with flavor—the Latin Food Fest is where New York meets Latin America. Expect tacos, ceviche, empanadas, and dishes from across Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America.
Add in tequila tastings, salsa dancing, and cooking demos, and it becomes a cultural celebration as much as a foodie event.
Duration: Usually a full-day Saturday or Sunday festival.
Family vs Adults: Family-friendly, with plenty of interactive activities.
Nearby Accommodation: Midtown Manhattan hotels are ideal for easy access.
Creole Food Festival (Brooklyn)
Southern comfort with a New York twist—this festival brings Creole cuisine front and center. Gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish boils, and fried chicken are just the beginning.
Duration: Day-long event, usually on weekends.
Family vs Adults: Family-friendly, but adults can enjoy the live music and craft beer stalls.
Nearby Accommodation: Brooklyn Heights and Williamsburg hotels are a short ride away.
New York African Restaurant Week Festival (Brooklyn)
This isn’t just a food festival—it’s a celebration of Africa’s culinary diversity. From Nigerian jollof rice and Ethiopian injera to Moroccan tagines, you’ll travel across the continent in just a few bites.
The festival also spotlights local African chefs, artisans, and entrepreneurs, creating a community-focused atmosphere.
Duration: Runs over several days, including dinners and weekend events.
Family vs Adults: Mostly family-friendly, but some late-night tastings cater to adults.
Nearby Accommodation: Brooklyn and Williamsburg hotels or short Airbnbs nearby.
Purple Foot Festival (Fairport)
Ever wanted to stomp grapes barefoot like in the movies? The Purple Foot Festival makes it happen. Held in the Finger Lakes wine region, it’s part harvest celebration, part family fun.
There’s plenty of food and wine, but the grape stomping steals the show.
Pair that with live music and views of vineyards, and you’ve got one of the most unique foodie experiences in the state.
Duration: Weekend-long festival.
Family vs Adults: Family-friendly, but some wine tasting is adults-only.
Nearby Accommodation: Finger Lakes inns, B&Bs, and lakeside hotels are within a short drive.
The WhiskyX (New York City)
For adults looking to pair bites with something stronger, The WhiskyX is the place.
Dozens of whisky brands—from smooth Scotches to American bourbons—are poured alongside gourmet food trucks and curated tasting menus.
It’s less of a rowdy festival and more of a sophisticated night out, making it perfect for couples or groups of friends.
Duration: Evening event, usually 4–6 hours.
Family vs Adults: Adults-only event.
Nearby Accommodation: Midtown or Downtown Manhattan hotels make it easy to stay nearby.
Beyond Food: What Else to Do Nearby
- Little Italy: Walk Mulberry Street, visit old Italian bakeries, or explore nearby Chinatown.
- Rhinebeck: Pair the Wine & Food Fest with an apple orchard visit or Hudson River views.
- Brooklyn: After Smorgasburg, stroll Williamsburg’s waterfront or check out street art.
- Finger Lakes: Extend your trip with winery tours, lake cruises, or hiking trails.
Conclusion
From sipping wine in Rhinebeck to stuffing your face with cannoli in Little Italy, September is when New York transforms into a giant open-air dining room.
With food festivals that span cultures, flavors, and even grape stomping, there’s no better time to be a foodie in the Empire State.
Read More: Best Apple Picking Spots in New York for September 2025
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