Fashion Week New York

NYFW Events 2026 Part 2: Free Pop-Ups & Events in NYC

nyfw events 2026

NYFW Events 2026 Part 2: What You Can Actually Attend in NYC

Apparently, one list wasn’t going to cut it.

After pulling together the first round of public events happening around New York Fashion Week, even more started popping up. And the second half of the week has everything from designer showrooms and beauty activations to pop-ups, casting calls, runway shows and plenty of places to shop.

So, welcome to Part 2.

This guide covers events happening September 11–15, with a focus on things you can actually attend without a traditional Fashion Week invitation.

Looking for events happening earlier in the week? Start with Part 1 of the NYFW Events Guide here.

As always, Fashion Week plans change quickly. RSVP requirements, capacity, hours and event details can change, so check the linked event page or brand account before heading out.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

Afrikrea NYFW Pop-Up: Created by Africa and the African Diaspora

When: September 11–13, 12–7 PM daily
Where: 124 W 36th Street
Cost: Free
Access: Registration available

ANKA is bringing together independent Black-owned fashion brands and designers from around the world for a three-day pop-up in Herald Square.

You’ll be able to shop clothing, accessories and jewelry, meet designers directly and discover custom and made-to-order pieces. For anyone interested in emerging designers, entrepreneurship or independent retail, this is also a chance to see how smaller brands use Fashion Week to get in front of new customers.

Register for the Afrikrea NYFW Pop-Up →

NYFW Photobooth with Velvet Turtle Events

When: September 11, 5–8 PM
Where: Bar Moxy at Moxy Times Square, 485 Seventh Avenue
Cost: Free
Access: Reservations available

Moxy Times Square is turning Bar Moxy into a mini Fashion Week photo moment with a free photobooth from Velvet Turtle Events.

Stop by in your NYFW look for a printed keepsake or digital photo you can share immediately. It’s a simple one, but also an easy addition if you’re already moving through Midtown that afternoon. The event is currently featured directly in Moxy Times Square’s event links.

NYFW Photobooth Details + Reservations →

The Penthouse Edit: RAISEfashion × Refinery29

When: September 11, 11 AM–6 PM
Where: The Penthouse at The Standard, East Village, 25 Cooper Square
Cost: Free
Access: Open to the public; no RSVP required

RAISEfashion and Refinery29 are taking over The Penthouse at The Standard East Village for a full day of fashion discovery, shopping and connection.

The event brings together a lineup of brands and designers in one space, with the day presented alongside Afterpay, Crown Royal, The Standard and Victoria’s Secret.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

Princess Polly × Foreigner

When: September 12, 9 AM–4 PM
Where: Foreigner, 31 Bond Street
Cost: Free
Access: Open to the public

Princess Polly is taking over Foreigner in NoHo for a day of custom drinks, DJs and a free photobooth.

It’s an easy Fashion Week stop if you’re already downtown, particularly if you’re interested in seeing how a digital-first fashion retailer translates its brand into an in-person consumer experience.

Princess Polly × Foreigner Details →

The People’s Runway with KidSuper

When: September 12; doors 5 PM, show 6 PM
Where: Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon Street, Brooklyn
Cost: Free
Access: RSVP required; first come, first served and RSVP does not guarantee entry

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and KidSuper founder Colm Dillane are bringing Fashion Week to Brooklyn with The People’s Runway, a public runway show spotlighting five emerging Brooklyn designers.

Each selected designer receives a $5,000 grant and mentorship from Dillane before presenting their work on the runway, making this one especially interesting if you want to see emerging talent rather than another established-brand activation.

For anyone trying to build a career in fashion, it’s also a good reminder that Fashion Week extends well beyond the official calendar. Some of the most interesting opportunities to discover new designers, see how shows come together and meet people in the industry happen outside the traditional venues.

RSVP for The People’s Runway →

Rizos Curls × Ulta Beauty Style Bar

When: September 12
Where: Ulta Beauty, 620 Avenue of the Americas
Cost: Free
Access: Reservation required for a time slot

Rizos Curls is taking over the styling bar at Ulta Beauty with complimentary appointments centered around the brand’s newest fall launches.

Guests can learn how to build a customized hair routine, get styling advice and access gifts, samples and special offers while quantities last. This is another good example of how beauty brands use Fashion Week-adjacent programming to turn product launches into actual consumer experiences.

Even better, Ulta has an official reservation page for this one, so we don’t need to send readers through an event aggregator.

Reserve a Rizos Curls Style Bar Appointment →

NYLON Nights Fashion Week

When: September 12
Where: Classic Car Club Manhattan
Access: RSVP required; capacity is limited

NYLON Nights returns during Fashion Week with live performances from SOFI TUKKER, Jackie Hollander and more at Classic Car Club Manhattan.

This is definitely more nightlife than daytime pop-up, but it gives the guide some variety and is one of the bigger branded Fashion Week events on the list. NYLON says RSVPs are required and capacity is limited, so registering does not necessarily mean waiting until the last minute is a good idea.

And this is the official NYLON page, not a third-party event listing:

RSVP for NYLON Nights →

Wrangler Blue Bell Collection Preview at ESSX

When: September 12
Where: ESSX, 140 Essex Street
Access: Check ESSX’s current event announcement for entry details

Wrangler Blue Bell is bringing a collection preview to ESSX as part of the retailer’s NYFW programming.

The Blue Bell line taps into Wrangler’s heritage while pushing the brand into a more fashion-driven space, making this a good stop if you’re interested in denim, heritage brands or how established labels reinterpret their archives for a contemporary customer.

And if you’re studying merchandising or brand strategy, pay attention to the setting too. Showing the collection at ESSX puts Wrangler in a very different context than you’d get from seeing the product in a traditional department store or Wrangler retail environment.

Wrangler Blue Event Details →

Fragrance.com NYFW Takeover

When: September 12, 10 AM–5 PM
Where: Multiple locations across SoHo, West Chelsea and Flatiron
Cost: Free
Access: Open to the public

Fragrance.com is taking over several downtown neighborhoods with fragrance brands including TUMI, Bujairami and Vierro.

The activations are expected to include short fashion shows, sampling, photos and staged paparazzi moments inspired by early-2000s Fashion Week culture.

If you like the experiential-marketing side of Fashion Week, this is an interesting one because the activation isn’t confined to a single storefront.

Fragrance.com NYFW Takeover Details →

Nia Thomas SS27 NYFW Showroom

When: September 12–13, 10 AM–6 PM
Where: The Standard, East Village, 25 Cooper Square
Cost: Free
Access: Public showroom

Nia Thomas is taking over The Standard East Village for a two-day SS27 showroom where visitors can see the collection, discover new arrivals and shop.

And because this is a showroom rather than a traditional runway presentation, you get a much closer look at the product itself.

If you’re interested in design, merchandising or buying, pay attention to how the collection is presented and how the brand translates its identity into a physical space. The current 2026 event calendar confirms the showroom runs both Saturday and Sunday.

Want to get better at following the industry?

Your feed can actually be a career resource if you’re following the right people.

I put together a free list of 100+ fashion professionals to follow, across different roles and areas of the industry, so you can start learning from the people actually doing the work.

The NOYZ Confessional

When: September 12–13, 10 AM–6 PM
Where: 173 Elizabeth Street
Cost: Free

NOYZ’s Loose Ends Social Club is bringing a scent-focused experience to Nolita for the weekend.

Visitors can meet scent sommeliers, participate in the activation, grab coffee or matcha and potentially receive a fragrance gift while supplies last.

Maidens Shop × Colbo

When: September 12–14, 11 AM–7 PM
Where: Colbo, 51 Orchard Street
Cost: Free
Access: Open to the public

Japanese retailer Maidens Shop is returning to New York for a three-day pop-up at Colbo on the Lower East Side.

Expect one-of-a-kind pieces, Japanese brands, special items created for the event, vintage from Whopeez and, for the first time at its New York pop-up, a selection of womenswear alongside menswear.

This is a particularly good stop if your interests lean toward independent retail, buying, merchandising or discovering brands outside the traditional Fashion Week circuit.

Maidens Shop × Colbo Event Details →

The OLAPLEX Shape Set Style Studio

When: September 12–13, 11 AM–5 PM
Where: Flatiron Plaza, 23rd Street + Broadway
Cost: Free
Access: Open to the public

OLAPLEX is celebrating the launch of Shape Set, its first hairspray, with a two-day Flatiron activation.

Expect complimentary samples, OLAPLEX merch and photo moments. And if you’re committed to the freebie game, the first 50 attendees each day are expected to receive a full-size Shape Set while supplies last.

OLAPLEX Shape Set Style Studio Details →

Mattias Gollin CATALOGO at Dover Street Market New York

When: September 12–13, 11 AM–6 PM
Where: Dover Street Market New York
Access: Appointment-only based on current event information

Mattias Gollin is bringing a temporary CATALOGO retail experience to Dover Street Market, including new pieces and Vans collaborations.

This one is worth watching if you’re interested in collaborations, streetwear or how designers use specialty retail environments during Fashion Week.

Important: current reporting says the pop-up is available by appointment, so don’t simply show up assuming entry.

Mattias Gollin × Dover Street Market Details →

Dolce & Gabbana Beauty: Your Devotion Pop-Up

When: September 12, 12–9 PM; September 13, 11 AM–7 PM
Where: 38 Gansevoort Street
Cost: Free
Access: Open to the public

Dolce & Gabbana Beauty is celebrating the global launch of Your Devotion Eau de Parfum Intense with a two-day Meatpacking activation.

Expect product discovery, makeup consultations, photo moments, a game station, food and beverages and beauty samples and minis while available.

Dolce & Gabbana Beauty Pop-Up Details →

The Stoop by Calzedonia

When: September 12–13, 12–5 PM
Where: 188 Lafayette Street
Cost: Free
Access: Open to the public

Calzedonia is taking over SoHo with a brownstone-inspired Fashion Week stop designed for a little mid-show recovery.

The experience includes hair and beauty touch-ups, coffee, a photobooth, stickers and an embroidery customization station for select knee highs.

The Stoop by Calzedonia Details →

StylePointe Nouvelle

When: September 12, 4:30 PM + 7:30 PM
Where: Dixon Place, 161A Chrystie Street
Cost: Ticketed, approximately $30–$60 in advance

StylePointe does Fashion Week differently, pairing fashion designers with choreographers who interpret their collections through dance.

There are two performances Saturday, making this particularly interesting if you’re interested in the intersection of fashion, performance, movement and creative production.

StylePointe Tickets + Details →

Want to do more than just attend Fashion Week?

Going to Fashion Week is one thing. Knowing how it actually works, where the opportunities are and what to do once you’re there is another.

The NYFW Masterclass takes you behind the scenes, from the teams and roles that make Fashion Week happen to how you can turn the experience into something that actually helps your career.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

Maybelline Fit Me Casting Call Experience

When: September 13, 10 AM–7 PM
Where: Ideal Glass Studios, 9 W 8th Street
Cost: Free
Access: In-person casting; eligibility requirements apply

This one is much more than a beauty pop-up. Maybelline is holding an in-person Fit Me casting call during NYFW, giving eligible attendees the opportunity to potentially become one of the next faces of Fit Me and appear in a Maybelline campaign.

There will also be professional shade matching, full-size foundation and other giveaways while supplies last, photo moments and product previews.

Participants must be at least 18, or the age of majority where they live, and physically present at the NYC event. Maybelline also notes that travel expenses will not be covered.

Read the Official Maybelline Casting Details →

MOORE FW 26/27

When: September 13, 1–4 PM
Where: Washington Square Park Arch
Cost: Free
Access: Open to the public

A Fashion Week runway show you can actually walk up to.

MOORE is staging its FW26/27 experience at Washington Square Park with a runway show, shopping and a live performance by BENZO DA B.

MOORE FW 26/27 Event Details →

Threads of Tomorrow

When: September 13, 2–5:30 PM*
Where: LOFT39, 38 W 39th Street
Cost: Ticketed

Threads of Tomorrow combines emerging-designer runway shows with a live design competition, fashion pop-ups, performances, networking and a rooftop party.

This one is less “stop by while you’re in the neighborhood” and more of an actual Fashion Week event.

*Eventbrite currently displays 1pm in the event header but lists the main event as 2–5:30pm in its description. I would plan around the organizer’s 2 PM event time but confirm your ticket details before going.

Threads of Tomorrow Tickets →

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

NEST New York Cardamom Latte Café

When: September 14, starting at 10 AM; while supplies last
Where: Chelsea Triangle, Meatpacking District
Cost: Free
Access: Open to the public

NEST New York is turning its new Cardamom Latte Eau de Parfum into an actual complimentary Cardamom Latte café.

You can stop by, grab a latte and experience the fragrance that inspired it.

One current listing gives hours through 9 PM while another lists 5 PM, so I would not wait until the end of the day for this one. Supplies are limited anyway.

NEST NYFW Pop-Up Details →

Smart Fashion Day @ New York Fashion Week

When: September 14, 3:30–6:30 PM
Where: 529 Fifth Avenue
Cost: Free
Access: Request to join

If you’d rather spend Fashion Week talking about where the industry is going than waiting in line for another free tote bag, put this one on your list.

Smart Fashion Day is an AI-powered fashion-tech startup pitch competition featuring industry feedback and curated networking.

For students and early-career professionals interested in fashion tech, entrepreneurship or innovation, this may actually be one of the more career-relevant events in the guide.

Smart Fashion Day Details + Request Access →

Story Wear SS27: LOVE REVOLUTION

When: September 14, 5–6 PM
Cost: Free

Story Wear’s SS27 presentation takes an immersive approach, using five installations to explore sustainability, craftsmanship, human connection, cultural exchange and circular design.

It’s another opportunity to experience a designer presentation outside the usual invite-only runway format.

Story Wear SS27 Event Details →

Fashion Designers of Latin America: The Life of Giannina Azar

When: September 14; doors 6 PM, show 7 PM
Where: United Palace, 4140 Broadway
Cost: Complimentary
Access: RSVP required

Yes, an actual Fashion Week runway show with complimentary admission.

Fashion Designers of Latin America is presenting The Life of Giannina Azar at United Palace, with an immersive runway showcase and live performance by Maria Del Sol.

The official ticketing page notes that additional complimentary tickets will be released in September, so if it’s currently full, check again.

Giannina Azar Complimentary Tickets →

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

NET-A-PORTER Private Shopping Event

When: September 15, 11 AM–6 PM
Where: New York City; address provided after confirmation
Access: RSVP + confirmation required

NET-A-PORTER and stylist Gloria Nakash are hosting a one-day private shopping event featuring an edit of the retailer’s fall collections.

This isn’t a walk-in public activation. The event location is provided after registration is accepted, so treat this as an access request rather than guaranteed admission.

For anyone interested in styling, luxury e-commerce or buying, however, it’s a particularly interesting Fashion Week experience.

RSVP to glorianakash@gmai.com 

FDLA × The Canvas SoHo Latin American Fashion Showcase

When: September 15, 12–6 PM
Where: The Canvas SoHo, 456 W Broadway
Cost: Free
Access: RSVP request; approval required

FDLA is continuing its Fashion Week programming with a one-day showcase at The Canvas SoHo featuring Latin American designers across womenswear, tailoring, knitwear, footwear, leather goods and sustainable fashion.

This one is especially useful for discovering independent designers and seeing how collections are merchandised in a retail/showcase environment.

Registration is subject to host approval and does not guarantee admission.

Request Access to the FDLA Showcase →

eos × NYLON Dewy Lip Shine Pop-Up Truck

When: September 15, 12–5 PM
Where: 575 Broadway, SoHo
Cost: Free
Access: Open to the public

eos and NYLON are closing out Fashion Week in SoHo with a branded truck celebrating the new Dewy Lip Shine collection.

Expect product sampling, sweet treats and photo moments, with the activation giving visitors a chance to try the new collection in person.

eos × NYLON Pop-Up Details →

Marlies Grace at Kirna Zabête

When: September 15, 4–7 PM
Where: Kirna Zabête, 160 Mercer Street

Marlies Grace is celebrating its New York arrival with a pop-up and cocktail at Kirna Zabête in SoHo.

This is also one I’d look at through the retail lens. Pay attention to how an emerging brand uses a partnership with an established luxury specialty retailer to introduce itself to a new market.

Check the latest event announcement before attending for any access or RSVP requirements.

Before You Go

Fashion Week events move fast.

Some of these NYFW events are completely open to the public. Others require registration, tickets or confirmation. And free events can hit capacity quickly.

So before you leave your apartment, dorm, office or wherever Fashion Week has you changing shoes this week, check the event or brand’s latest information one more time.

And remember: you don’t need an invitation to a major runway show to make Fashion Week useful.

Pop-ups, presentations, showrooms and public activations give you a chance to see how brands create experiences, merchandise product, introduce collections and interact with consumers in real life.

If you’re trying to build a career in fashion, don’t just go for the free stuff.

Pay attention to how it all works.

Still Planning Your Week?

Don’t forget Part 1.

It covers the earlier NYFW events, pop-ups and public activations happening around the city, so between the two guides you’ve got a lot to work with.

See NYFW Events 2026: Part 1 →

And keep checking back. I’ll update this guide if more worthwhile events are announced.

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