By: Stefanie DiMartino

It’s the start of a new month and the city is as lively as ever! So, if you’re looking for all the best things to do, the best art exhibits, and the best in dining, then here are my top picks of the best things to do in NYC September 6-12.

The Top 7 Best Things to do in NYC September 6-12

THINGS TO DO

SPEAKEASY MAGICK

Thursday and Friday nights until mid-October | Age 18+ | $1,500+ (for 10 people)

The Club Car at The McKittrick Hotel, 530 West 27th Street, New York, NY 10001

Speakeasy Magick is a show so amazing that only describing it with words cannot possibly do it justice! But, some of the best words I can think of to describe it are: dazzling, thrilling, captivating, enchanting, and straight up mind-blowing! 

Certainly, you need to experience it in person for yourself to be awe-struck. 

The show is hosted by acclaimed magician, Todd Robbins who accurately describes the show as a “soirée of secrets.” Once you step inside the smoky Club Car, you feel as if you’ve been transported to a different time. And, you quickly realize that this is no ordinary magic show. You are immersed right into this fantastical and magical world. You are not simply watching magic being performed – as a guest, you are an active part of the magic. It is one of the most interactive and entertaining experiences ever.

You get the chance to be up close and personal with a rotating cast of tremendously talented magicians and mentalists. Each one with unique and special “tricks” up their sleeves (literally and figuratively)!

Speakeasy Magick is the most perfect escape from reality, especially during these times. Surely, you will become a true believer in magic and the impossible. 

Note: Tables can seat up to 10 guests and includes 2 bottles of champagne. If you would like to split the cost of the reservation among your party, email [email protected]

PIXAR PUTT

Now – October 31, 2021 | 7 days a week, 10am-8pm | $35+

Pier A, Battery Park City, 22 Battery Place, New York, NY 10004

NYC’s newest pop-up is here – Pixar Putt! Pixar Putt is the perfect place for a socially distant outing for all ages, and especially for Pixar fans! 

It’s an open-air mini-golf experience with 18 fun and interactive holes inspired by some of the best Pixar films including Toy Story, The Incredibles, Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, Coco, A Bug’s Life, Wall-E, and Inside Out. Pixar Putt is set to take guests to infinity… and beyond!

Note: Tickets are only available for purchase digitally, there are no physical tickets available for purchase on site.

TIMES SQUARE WHEEL

Now – September 12, 2021 | 7 days a week, 12pm-12am | $20+

Barton Orchards, 63 Apple Tree Ln, Poughquag NY 12570

NYC is full of fun pop-ups and this one might be the most unique yet. For a limited time only, you can head to Times Square and ride The Times Square Wheel! Yes, a 110-foot tall ferris wheel right in the middle of all the Times Square action! It’s a once in a lifetime experience and the perfect activity for Instagram worthy pictures! The wheel is only here until the 12th, which is why it’s one of the best things to do in NYC September 6-12. Don’t miss out on this fun opportunity!

SEA THE CITY: HOT TUB BOAT TOUR

Liberty Landing Marina, 84 Audrey Zapp Dr., Jersey City, NJ 07305

Summer’s not quite over yet. If you haven’t experienced it yet, then you must join a Sea The City hot tub boat tour. You read that right – a hot tub ON a boat! Certainly, this is such a unique and fun experience that you do not want to miss! 

This boat has two full size hot tubs on it and sails to the Statue of Liberty and back, offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. I went with about 20 friends (10 per hot tub). The ride is BYOB and 90 minutes long. Coolers, Ice, and Cups are provided free of charge.

PS: For FREE towels on your tour, write FUNK TOWELS in the booking comments and let them know that you got the idea from me!

SARAHFUNKY NYC TOURS

Saturdays, Sundays, Custom day/time | $49-$599

Tourism is finally ramping back up in NYC! And, there’s no time like the present to book a SarahFunky NYC tour. Rated 5-stars on TripAdvisor, you certainly do not want to miss out on any of these one-of-a-kind experiences! 

There are quite a few tour options to choose from to fit your interests and your budget!

For a truly unique experience, book a custom designed private tour with either Sarah, Luis, Marcus, Gary, or Nicola! Prices for private tours range from $299-$599. For the best of both worlds, with food and sightseeing, consider joining the Best of New York Food Tour with Luis- offered on Sunday mornings. The tour includes four epic spots and behind the scenes experiences! On Saturday mornings, you can join A Secrets of New York Tour that will take you to hidden locations in lower Manhattan and teach you secrets that most New Yorkers don’t even know! Each guide is an NYC expert and enjoys showing others around the city they love, so be sure to book today!

And now, you can also get expert help with planning your dream NYC vacation with FunkyTours Concierge! You can make your NYC trip and experience more special with custom-designed plans that fit your budget and your unique interests.

MUSEUM/ART EXHIBITIONS

COWPARADE NYC 2021

Now – September 30, 2021 

CowParade is the largest and most successful public art event in the world! And, the CowParade is on display right here in NYC until September 30th! It’s the first time the event is back in the city after 20 years. The beneficiary of the event is God’s Love We Deliver, a charitable organization that cooks and home-delivers delicious, medically tailored meals to New Yorkers (for free) who are too sick to shop or cook for themselves.

“The cows will graze in eight pastures across New York City: Industry City (Brooklyn), Hudson Yards (Manhattan), the New York Hall of Science (Queens), Bronx Community College (Bronx), National Lighthouse Museum (Staten Island), Rockaways Beach (The Rockaways), and Macy’s at 34th Street and Bloomingdale’s at 59th Street.” – CowParade NYC

You can donate here to support the mission. 

DRINKS/DINING

LA BARCA CANTINA

Pier 81, West 41st Street, New York, NY 10036

La Barca Cantina is NYC’s first *and only* floating restaurant! You can dine and set sail Thursday – Sunday. The menu is full of Mexican-inspired street food, tequila, mezcal, and signature cocktails. Of course the best part is the amazing views of the New York City skyline. 

And if you’re looking for a fiesta, then enjoy “ La Barca After Darka” every Thursday night in September! The sailing dates are September 9, 16, and 23, and La Barca After Darka features DJs, dancing, tequila, mezcal, beautiful people, and of course, breathtaking views of NYC. The event is age 21+ and there is a $35 boarding fee. 

Boarding begins at 10pm and sailing on the Hudson lasts from 11pm – 1 am!

Note: VACCINATED GUESTS ONLY. Prior to boarding all guests must show proof (Excelsior app, NYC Covid-Safe app, or a vaccination card + valid ID) that they have had at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine.

In conclusion, these are the top 7 best things to do in NYC September 6-12. Have fun and most importantly, stay safe!