September in NYC: Our tightly curated list of what you don’t want to miss!

New York City in September is a vibrant and exhilarating experience. As the summer heat pretends to wane, the city comes alive with a plethora of events. From fashion shows to climate activism, art exhibitions to sustainable shopping, and urban farming to rooftop gardens, here are five places you’ll find us this September – join us!


Attend Muse by dapperq: The World’s Largest Queer Fashion Show at the Brooklyn Museum

Photo by Eric Jukelevics

THURSDAY, Sept 7th 6–11pm
Fashion Week starts a day early with this epic production. Dive into the world of fashion and diversity by attending Muse, the eighth annual edition of the largest LGBTQIA+ fashion show. Produced by dapperQ, it is an event that redefines the boundaries of fashion and identity. Held at the iconic Brooklyn Museum, this event celebrates gender-fluid fashion and showcases the creativity of LGBTQ+ designers and models. The runway comes alive with unique styles and statements that challenge conventional norms. Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast or an advocate for inclusivity, this celebration of queer fashion/culture is an unforgettable experience.


Join the march to end fossil fuels – September 17th

September 17th, 1 pm at 56th and Broadway, NYC

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and our No Kill community is known for a passion for change. Join XR Rebellion, Fridays for the Future and several other climate activist organizations and concerned citizens marching together for a sustainable future. This event is not just about raising awareness but also about demanding action from leaders and policymakers. As you walk the streets of NYC with like-minded individuals, you’ll be part of a global movement striving for a greener, healthier planet.

This is also the end of a Week of Actions so take advantage of other opportunities to get involved in below!
From XR REBELLION


See Some Art

September is full of art fairs so we’ll leave those for publications that are only about art because there are too many to cover. Instead we’re picking two bigger exhibits worth seeing.

1. life cycles: the materials of contemporary design

At the Moma through July 7, 2023

“Today, if we were designing our goals to be more sustainable, more economical, more responsible — then the means also have to be redesigned. That’s why materials are so important to us.” –Paola Antonelli, senior curator of Design at MoMA

“Life Cycles” brings home the reality that “Everything is connected. By thinking of materials in a different way, we can also influence the culture. And by thinking of traditions and local cultures, we can come to new realizations and new wisdoms about the materials that we now need to use in the future…Materials contain memory.”

The new materials exhibited are elegant and innovative. They show a crucial path towards bringing ecosystems back into balance and the regenerative power of design. Whether its cow manure collected from Indonesian streets transformed into casings for loudspeakers and lamps or bricks made from crop waste and fungi mycelium, the collaboration between humans and the damaged planet posit design as an agent of positive change.


2. Africa Fashion

At the Brooklyn Museum through October 22nd, 2023
We’ve mentioned this exhibit before here and here. But ICYMI it’s still going on –so what are you waiting for? Celebrating the global reach and impact of African fashion from mid 20.c independence to now, the highlights Africa’s cultural renaissance. Celebrate immersive displays of haute couture and ready-to-wear apparel, as well as photographs, literature, sketches, music, film and catwalk footage, textiles, and jewelry. More than forty designers and artists from twenty African countries are represented, from the vanguards who first gained worldwide attention to the newest generation of cutting-edge creatives.


shop IRL and responsibly at Mia Vesper + Zero Waste Daniel

We love to support fashion designers who are doing things the right way (aka planet positive) and to shop local. So whether you live here or are just visiting check out these two new boutiques!

mia vesper: 69 Orchard St, NYC aka the lower east side

We’ve had our eye on Mia Vesper for awhile so were super excited to see she’s opened a store. Because no matter how much you can like something online, you don’t know how you’ll really feel about it until you can try it on IRL. The brand designs and produces all products in New York City so the local production avoids ghg emissions from transportation. They also focus on vintage and dead-stock materials.

zero waste daniel*: 257 Varet St, BK aka Bushwick. *opening September 16th!

We adore ZWD –both the brand and the person. Daniel was the first person we knew who was totally committed to zero-waste. In fact pre-ZWD we had never even heard of zero-waste! (yes, that was a lifetime ago!) After paying his dues on a fashion reality show, Daniel started his own unique brand, dressed several celebrities, got married, got a dog and is slaying it on social. ZWD had a store pre-Covid and now is opening up a new space that promises to be for the community as well. We can’t wait to see how it grows.


Visit the Brooklyn Grange at the Navy Yard and in Sunset Park

Escape the urban hustle and bustle by exploring the urban farms at the Brooklyn Grange. Located at the Navy Yard and in Sunset Park, these rooftop farms offer a unique perspective on agriculture in a densely populated city. Stroll through lush greenery, learn about sustainable farming practices, and enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline. The Brooklyn Grange often hosts events, workshops, and even yoga classes amidst their verdant rooftop gardens.

–kl dunn + katya moorman


Related Articles