Top 3 Things To Do on Staten Island This Weekend: September 18–20, 2026

Looking for things to do on Staten Island this weekend?

From free family activities and a celebration of Chinese culture to Shakespeare under the stars, Staten Island has several interesting events happening Friday, September 18 through Sunday, September 20, 2026.

Whether you're planning a day out with the kids, looking for something different to do with friends, or searching for a unique Staten Island date-night idea, here are three local events to put on your weekend calendar.

Quick Answer: What Are the Best Things To Do on Staten Island This Weekend?

Three events happening on Staten Island this weekend are:

1. NYC Emergency Management Family Preparedness Fair & FREE Admission Day at the Staten Island Children's Museum on Saturday, September 19.

2. Autumn Moon Festival at the New York Chinese Scholar's Garden on Saturday, September 19.

3. Macbeth in the Connie Gretz Secret Garden at Snug Harbor on Friday, September 18 and Saturday, September 19.

Here's what you need to know before heading out.

1. NYC Emergency Management Family Preparedness Fair & FREE Admission Day

Best for: Families with children

📅 Saturday, September 19, 2026

⏰ Preparedness Fair: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
⏰ Free Museum Admission: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

📍 Staten Island Children's Museum
1000 Richmond Terrace, Building M
Staten Island, NY 10301

💲 FREE with advance registration

If you're looking for free things to do with kids on Staten Island this weekend, this is an especially easy one to consider.

The Staten Island Children's Museum and NYC Emergency Management are hosting a Family Preparedness Fair designed to teach families about emergency preparedness while keeping the experience fun and engaging for children.

Kids can become "Emergency Super Heroes" while participating in activities including a bounce house, balloon artist, face painting and superhero cape coloring.

Ready Girl will also make a special appearance and lead an activity for children.

At the same time, parents and caregivers can pick up useful emergency-preparedness information and supplies.

The Preparedness Fair runs from 11:00 AM until 3:00 PM, while free admission to the Staten Island Children's Museum is available from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM with advance registration.

Why Families May Want to Check It Out

This event combines entertainment with something practical.

Children get a day of activities, crafts and museum exhibits while families have an opportunity to learn more about preparing for emergencies.

And because museum admission is free with advance registration, it's also an affordable way to spend part of Saturday without leaving Staten Island.

Important: Advance registration is required for free museum admission.

Family Preparedness Fair & FREE Admission Day – Official Information and Registration

2. Celebrate the Autumn Moon Festival at Snug Harbor

Best for: Culture, families and something different

📅 Saturday, September 19, 2026

⏰ 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

📍 New York Chinese Scholar's Garden
Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
1000 Richmond Terrace
Staten Island, NY

🎟️ General Admission: $12 in advance / $15 in person
👧 Children 5 and under: FREE

You don't have to leave Staten Island to experience one of the most important traditional celebrations in the Chinese calendar.

On Saturday afternoon, Snug Harbor's beautiful New York Chinese Scholar's Garden will host its Autumn Moon Festival.

The celebration brings together legends, traditional experiences, performances, demonstrations and hands-on crafts for all ages.

Snug Harbor describes the Autumn Moon Festival as one of the most important holidays in the Chinese calendar, making this an opportunity for Staten Islanders to experience the traditions surrounding the celebration right here in the borough.

What Can You Expect at the Autumn Moon Festival?

The festival is scheduled to include:

• Traditional performances

• Cultural demonstrations

• Legends and storytelling

• Crafts for all ages

• Time inside the New York Chinese Scholar's Garden

The setting itself is part of the experience.

The New York Chinese Scholar's Garden offers a distinctive backdrop for an afternoon centered around Chinese culture, art and tradition.

How Much Does the Autumn Moon Festival Cost?

General admission purchased in advance is $12, while in-person general admission is $15.

Discounted student, senior and Snug Harbor member tickets are also available, and children age 5 and younger are admitted free.

If your family enjoys exposing the kids to different cultures and traditions, this could be a great way to spend Saturday afternoon.

Autumn Moon Festival – Official Information and Tickets

3. Watch Macbeth Under the Stars in Snug Harbor's Secret Garden

Best for: Date night

📅 Friday, September 18 & Saturday, September 19, 2026

⏰ 7:30 PM

📍 Connie Gretz Secret Garden
Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
Staten Island, NY

💲 FREE

Looking for a date-night idea on Staten Island this weekend that's a little different from dinner and a movie?

How about Shakespeare in a secret garden?

The Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre Company is presenting William Shakespeare's Macbeth outdoors in Snug Harbor's Connie Gretz Secret Garden.

Performances are scheduled for 7:30 PM on Friday, September 18 and Saturday, September 19. Admission is free, although seating is limited and registration is required. Free tickets may also be available at the door before each performance if space remains.

Why This Makes an Interesting Staten Island Date Night

There are plenty of places to grab dinner on Staten Island.

But seeing a live performance of Macbeth outdoors in the Secret Garden offers something you won't find on an ordinary night out.

You could make an evening of it by having dinner beforehand and then heading to Snug Harbor for the 7:30 PM performance.

The performance is free, which also makes this a creative date-night option without the cost associated with many live theater productions.

Because seating is limited, however, don't assume you'll be able to walk in at the last minute.

Registration is recommended.

Macbeth at Snug Harbor – Official Details and Free Tickets

This Weekend's Staten Island Quick Picks

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fun: NYC Emergency Management Family Preparedness Fair & FREE Admission Day

🏮 Culture: Autumn Moon Festival at the New York Chinese Scholar's Garden

❤️ Date Night: Macbeth in the Connie Gretz Secret Garden

One convenient detail this weekend is that all three picks are located on or around the Snug Harbor campus at 1000 Richmond Terrace.

That means Saturday could potentially become an entire day out. Families could visit the Children's Museum earlier in the day, explore the Autumn Moon Festival during the afternoon, and adults interested in Shakespeare could finish the evening with Macbeth at 7:30 PM.

Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do on Staten Island This Weekend

What free events are happening on Staten Island this weekend?

Two of these three picks offer free admission.

The NYC Emergency Management Family Preparedness Fair is free, and the Staten Island Children's Museum is offering free museum admission on September 19 with advance registration.

The Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre Company's production of Macbeth at Snug Harbor is also free, although seating is limited and registration is required.

What can families do on Staten Island this Saturday?

Families can attend the Family Preparedness Fair and Free Admission Day at the Staten Island Children's Museum or visit the Autumn Moon Festival at the New York Chinese Scholar's Garden.

Both take place on Saturday, September 19.

Are there any cultural events on Staten Island this weekend?

Yes. The Autumn Moon Festival takes place Saturday, September 19 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the New York Chinese Scholar's Garden at Snug Harbor.

The event features traditional experiences, performances, demonstrations and crafts for all ages.

Are there any free date-night ideas on Staten Island this weekend?

The Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre Company's outdoor production of Macbeth is a free option for Friday or Saturday evening.

Performances begin at 7:30 PM in Snug Harbor's Connie Gretz Secret Garden. Seating is limited, so advance registration is recommended.

What is happening at Snug Harbor this weekend?

Snug Harbor's official schedule includes Macbeth on Friday and Saturday evening, the Autumn Moon Festival on Saturday afternoon, and additional activities during the weekend.

Enjoy Your Weekend, Staten Island!

One of the best things about living on Staten Island is that you don't always have to cross a bridge or get on a ferry to find something interesting to do.

This weekend is a good example.

You can take the kids out for a free day at the Staten Island Children's Museum, experience the traditions of the Autumn Moon Festival, or spend an evening watching Shakespeare outdoors in one of Staten Island's most distinctive cultural settings.

Whatever you choose, get out and enjoy the borough, support our local organizations, and take advantage of what's happening right here in our community.

We'll be back next week with another edition of Top 3 Things To Do on Staten Island This Weekend.

About Hal Blake

Hal Blake is Broker/Owner of Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty Advisors LLC, serving homeowners, buyers and families throughout Staten Island.

Through the Home Sale Certainty System™, Hal helps homeowners eliminate uncertainty by guaranteeing verified market value and predictable outcomes.

When he's not helping Staten Islanders buy and sell real estate, Hal believes in supporting the organizations, businesses and events that make Staten Island a great place to call home.