Dumbo Arts Festival

Date: September 23, 2011 to September 25, 2011
Event: Dumbo Arts Festival
URL: www.dumboartsfestival.com

Spectacular views of Manhattan provide the backdrop for the one of the newer festivals in New York City. Held in Brooklyn, indoor and outdoor venues host a variety of exhibitions, music performances, readings, and kid-friendly events.

It's a relatively short walk to downtown Brooklyn and Brooklyn Bridge Park. Rent a bicycle at Brooklyn Bridge Park and bike over the Brooklyn Bridge to Manhattan, or take the longer (and free) option and walk over.

Ciao! Free Annual Events in New York

Date: September 15, 2011 to September 25, 2011
Event: San Gennaro Festival
URL link: http://sangennaro.org

The 85th San Gennaro Festival is New York City's longest-running religious festival. September 19th is the official Saint Day when a celebratory Mass is held in Most Precious Blood Church (109 Mulberry Street), followed by a religious procession in which the Statue of San Gennaro is carried from its permanent home in the church through the streets that comprise Little Italy.

If you're not into the religious aspects, there's plenty of fried foods, carnival games, and a general party atmosphere to occupy your time. Little Italy is one of the oldest neighborhoods in New York City. Although the Italians have mostly disappeared, there are still some excellent Italian restaurants in the area, as well as  trendy boutiques.

Check out nearby Chinatown and Soho for more shopping and food.  

Next Wave Festival

Date: September 13, 2011 to December 18, 2011
Event: Next Wave Festival
URL: http://bam.org

Many events at this Brooklyn arts festival require payment but the art exhibits are free. Worth a look if you're into new art in a variety of media.

Featured artists include:

Featured artists for the 10th Next Wave Art include:

Jules de Balincourt
Rashid Johnson
Robert Lazzarini
Maria Levitsky
Eileen Quinlan
Lee Quinones
Raha Raissnia
Kevin Stahl
Kate Steciw
Letha Wilson
Marina Zurkow

BAM Howard Gilman Opera House Lobby and Leonard Natman Room
Open Monday—Saturday, 12noon—11pm & Sunday, 1—11pm.

September 11th Memorial

Date: Open to the public on September 12, 2011
Event: 9/11 Memorial
URL: www.911memorial.org

Construction will continue at the former World Trade Center site for several years but the National September 11 Memorial will be open to visitors for the tenth anniversary.  Reserve a free visitor's pass online.

Shop 'Til You Drop on Fashion's Night Out

Date: September 8, 2011
Event: Fashion's Night Out
URL link: fashionsnightout.com

Mingle with fashionistas and regular folk in the third annual shopping bonanza. Stores are open late with designer appearances, DJs, refreshments, contests and, if you're lucky(and tenacious), free gifts.

There are events throughout the five boroughs, with the biggest crowds in Manhattan (literally, a sea of people).

Check out the official website's interactive map to filter events and plan your itinerary.