New York Fashion Week has always been known for its exclusivity—securing a show invite feels harder than ever, especially as many designers are opting for smaller, more intimate presentations due to shrinking budgets. But the magic of NYFW isn’t just inside the shows. If you’re looking to soak in the energy, connect with industry insiders, and start building meaningful brand relationships, there are plenty of free events open to the public.
From pop-ups to interactive experiences, these activations are the perfect way to get a taste of Fashion Week while networking and discovering new brands. Here’s your guide to the best free NYFW events this season:
Tata Harper – The Radiance Runway
📍 The High Line (Corner of Gansevoort & Washington)
📅 Sunday, Sept. 14, 12 to 7 p.m.
Clean beauty lovers won’t want to miss this. Tata Harper is transforming The High Line into a sensorial skincare runway. Guests can enjoy mini facials (limited spots, so book in advance), complimentary samples, refreshments, and exclusive gifts. A great way to refresh your skin in between shows. Secure a free facial appointment here.
House of ESPN – Center 415
📍 Center 415 (415 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016)
📅 Friday, Sept. 12, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
ESPN will be participating in New York Fashion Week this season, creating a Fashion House installation in partnership with Andscape and the WNBA. As part of the experience, they’re celebrating the series Aesthetically Speaking and are inviting designers featured in the series to showcase their work. The vision is for a MET-style installation: a floating wardrobe gallery featuring key looks from each stylist.
ANTA HELA SEASON 2 – Kyrie Irving
📍 214 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012
📅 Friday, Sept. 12, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
NBA Player Kyrie Irving will showcase the 2nd Season of his ANTA HELA Collection in a Retail Exhibition.
Couture Connections – Rooftop Party
📍 Highwater Rooftop (120 Water Street, New York, NY 10016)
📅 Thursday, Sept. 11, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Influencer and Fashion Curator Amanda Finesse is hosting a NYFW mixer and networking party to connect fashion industry pros. Enjoy a night of cocktails, connections, high fashion, and beautiful scenery. To attend, please RSVP here.
Abbode x Good Girl Snacks Pop-Up
📍 252 Elizabeth Street
📅 Saturday, Sept. 13, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This collab celebrates Good Girl Snacks’ viral “Hot Girl Pickles Pouch Set.” Guests can shop the kit and score extras: the first 10 customers will receive free embroidery and an extra jar of pickles. A quirky, fun stop that combines food and fashion.
Noyz Photography Event
📍 Chelsea Triangle, 14th St. between Hudson & 9th Ave
📅 Friday, Sept. 12, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ever wanted to feel like a model? Photographer Ryan Murray is giving attendees the chance to be photographed—and your image might even end up in a future Noyz campaign. Plus, the first 1,000 guests can try Noyz’s new fragrance for free.
True Religion Pop-Up Truck
📍 410 Lafayette Street
📅 Friday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
True Religion is rolling into NYFW with a mobile shopping experience featuring its fall collection. Expect exclusive photo moments and interactive fun. From 2 to 6 p.m., “Love Island” star Chelley Bissainthe will host meet-and-greets, giveaways, and more at the brand’s new Queens store.
Ôrəbella “Eternal Roots” Café Pop-Up
📍 62 Bedford Street
📅 Saturday, Sept. 13 – Sunday, Sept. 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Bella Hadid’s fragrance brand brings an experiential café to Brooklyn. Guests can sip curated drinks, try special treats, and score exclusive branded gifts like custom engraved mirrors and fragrance samples. A perfect Instagrammable moment.
Complex NYFW Interactive Event
📍 Moonlight Studio, 330 Hudson Street
📅 Thursday, Sept. 11, 2 p.m. + 6 to 9 p.m.
This event blends gaming, fashion, and financial empowerment with panel discussions, DJ performances, immersive installations (including one by LUAR), and exclusive merch. RSVP is required, but entry isn’t guaranteed—so arrive early.
Tata Harper – The Radiance Runway
📍 The High Line (Corner of Gansevoort & Washington)
📅 Sunday, Sept. 14, 12 to 7 p.m.
Clean beauty lovers won’t want to miss this. Tata Harper is transforming The High Line into a sensorial skincare runway. Guests can enjoy mini facials (limited spots, so book in advance), complimentary samples, refreshments, and exclusive gifts. A great way to refresh your skin in between shows.
Glance AI Fashion Newsstand
📍 The Bustle Plaza, 2 Pennsylvania Plaza
📅 Friday, Sept. 12, 12 to 6 p.m. + Saturday, Sept. 13 – Sunday, Sept. 14, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Glance AI is putting a futuristic twist on the classic newsstand. Guests can create personalized AI-powered fashion content, shop curated looks in real time, and leave with unique digital fashion week memories.
Google Cloud x KFN Venue Collective
📍 The Salon, 508 West 28th Street
📅 Thursday, Sept. 11 – Monday, Sept. 15, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tech meets fashion here. Google Cloud and Emote showcase AI-driven virtual try-on experiences that reimagine the shopping process. Appointments are required, so book ahead.
Soma’s Newsstand Takeover
📍 Iconic Magazines, 188 Mulberry Street
📅 Wednesday, Sept. 10, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Start NYFW off with an early morning activation. Soma is taking over an NYC staple, offering an interactive newsstand moment with branded surprises and a chance to mingle with fellow fashion lovers.
NYFW isn’t just about the runway—it’s about the community, creativity, and connections happening around the city. These free events offer an accessible way to immerse yourself in the fashion week spirit, discover emerging brands, and meet people who could become future collaborators.
Even if you don’t snag a front-row invite, these experiences ensure you won’t miss out on the magic of Fashion Week.
XOXO,
Dynamically Branded
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