Fall in New York City brings entertainment to suit every cosmopolitan interest. There are jazz concerts, international hip-hop dance performances, a Romanian film festival and a slew of other opportunities to have fun while also patting yourself on the back for expanding your horizons. Read on for some of our picks.
September 1–30
Generations in Jazz at Jazz at Lincoln Center
Wynton Marsalis and Sammy Miller are among the artists lending their talents to this year's festival, whose theme is “Jazz and American Song.”
September 9–13
Harlem International Film Festival
One highlight of this year's lineup is the poignant Stories of Our Lives, a documentary about the challenges faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Kenya.
September 10–October 4
Crossing the Line at French Institute Alliance Française
This French cultural institution hosts performance art including dance, music and experimental work.
September 16–December 20
Next Wave at Brooklyn Academy of Music
Avant-garde performances return to Brooklyn in this annual festival.
September 25–October 11
New York Film Festival at Film Society of Lincoln Center
Catch buzzy biopics about Steve Jobs (Steve Jobs) and Miles Davis (Miles Ahead), plus the world premiere of Steven Spielberg’s Bridge of Spies.
October 13–17
CMJ Music Marathon
Discover up-and-coming indie rock, pop and hip-hop stars through performances, parties and panels.
October 14–November 22
White Light Festival at Lincoln Center
This cerebral series of music, theater and dance performances aims to inspire and entertain.
October 14–June 4
Great Performers at Lincoln Center
NYC’s premier classical music series features artists like tenor Mark Padmore, violinist Ray Chen and soprano Christine Brewer.
October 16–18
Breakin' Convention at the Apollo Theater
Hip-hop dancers from around the world strut their stuff.
October 31
New Orleans Masquerade and After Party at the Apollo Theater
At this Halloween-themed show, vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater performs with The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra.
October 30–November 5
Scary Movies at the Film Society of Lincoln Center
Watch with one eye open.
November 10–15
New York Comedy Festival
Laugh with Billy Crystal, Sarah Silverman, future Daily Show host Trevor Noah and many others.
December 3–7
Making Waves at Film Society of Lincoln Center
Catch the latest Romanian narrative and documentary movies.