Two major Broadway celebrations will take center stage in September in NYC’s Theater District and Times Square, one recognizing the central role of theater in the city, one raising funds for essential services in the theater community, and both free to attend, with no RSVP or ticketing required.
On Sunday, September 7, from 11 am-12:30 pm, Founded By Broadway – a free live concert featuring performances from 23 celebrated Broadway shows – will be presented, rain or shine, in Times Square’s Duffy Square, to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the founding of New York City and the vital role Broadway has played in the city’s history, culture, and economy, as part of the Founded By NYC campaign, with events taking place across the five boroughs.
The concert, in conjunction with NYC Tourism + Conventions and The Broadway League (the national trade association for the Broadway industry) will include performances and appearances by the casts of Aladdin, & Juliet, The Book of Mormon, Buena Vista Social Club, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, Chicago, Death Becomes Her, The Great Gatsby, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Hell’s Kitchen, Just in Time, The Lion King, Mamma Mia!, Maybe Happy Ending, MJ, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical, The Outsiders, Punch, SIX: The Musical, Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), and Wicked, all accompanied by live music courtesy of The Music Performance Trust Fund and the Film Funds. Please note that the performances and artists are subject to change closer to the final performance date.
As noted by Julie Coker, President and CEO of New York City Tourism + Conventions: “Broadway is synonymous with a visit to New York City, and what better way to celebrate 400 years than with a free, live concert in the center of it all, Times Square? As a marquee moment of our Founded By NYC campaign, this celebration will spotlight our renowned theater scene and launch NYC Broadway Week, offering 2-for-1 admission to a variety of remarkable shows this season while supporting local businesses in the theater district.
Founded By Broadway plays on Sunday, September 7, 2025, 11 am-12:30 pm, at Duffy Square, W 46th-47th Streets, Broadway-Seventh Avenue, NYC.
The Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction returns on Sunday, September 21, from 10 am to 7 pm, with a treasure trove of theatrical collectibles from current and recent Broadway and Off-Broadway shows, autographs and photographs with members of the casts, and live and silent auctions, including such one-of-a-kind items as stage-used props and costume pieces, and opening night packages and behind-the-scenes meet-and-greets with the Broadway stars. This year, the 39th annual outdoor event expands to both sides of West 44th Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenues. Tables will also be on West 45th Street, with the silent auction in Shubert Alley and the live auction in the pedestrian plaza at Times Square, beginning at 5 pm. Online pre-bidding opens September 5; more details, including participating tables, auction lots, and special guests, will be announced after Labor Day.
Last year’s Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction raised a record $1,421,675. Since it began in 1987, the 38 past editions have raised more than $20.2 million. The event is produced by and benefits Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS – the major supporter of the social service programs at the Entertainment Community Fund (formerly The Actors Fund) and one of the nation’s leading industry-based nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organizations, having awarded more than $300 million for essential services for people with HIV/AIDS and other critical illnesses across the US since 1988 – with support from corporate sponsors The New York Times and United Airlines, the official airline of Broadway Cares.
Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction takes place on September 21, 2025, 10 am-7 pm, at Shubert Alley, W 44th-45th Streets, Seventh-Eighth Avenues, NYC.
