October Happenings in NYC

Welcome to the spookiest month of the year! There’s always fantastic happenings in the city, but it’s always a little bit more fun approaching the holiday season! And that all begins with Halloween. Get your costumes ready because there are plenty of things to do this month in New York City! This is for New Yorkers and those of you who are visiting town!

Here’s a full list of everything you should check out with your family and friends:

UNICEF Digital Trick or Treat Experience

Unicef has a great digital Trick or Treating experience this year! People of all ages can participate in this virtual event! UNICEF USA will have a QR code available for use on your smartphone. You will be able to make donations that are much needed, especially with the harsh winter coming. This experience will support children and families in the Ukraine and in East Africa. People are in need of everyday essentials, such as food and water. As Thanksgiving approaches, we think about all we are thankful for. It’s always great to give back and that can start today!

Image: UNICEF USA

King Tut Immersive Experience

The National Geographic has a really cool new experience in town! Head to Pier 36 to view the Beyond King Tut Immersive Experience. Those of you who are fans of history will especially love this, but it’s really informative and interesting for the entire family. With 9 sensory galleries, you can learn all about Tut’s life and see the National Geographic’s archives come alive! Get your tickets now, they open October 28th and close January 1st!

Image: National Geographic

Go to the Whitney Museum

The Whitney has some great October happenings! On the 29th, from 11AM-3PM, it’s Magical Masquerade Family Day! Arrive in your costumes and come ready to go on a scavenger hunt, create masks and so many more family friendly activities. On the 27th, from 7:30-10PM, there is a 21+ Halloween Party! There will be an exclusive gallery, cocktails, small bites and more!

Image: Whitney Museum

Lights Festival

I am all here for positive experiences. So when I heard about the Lights Festival, I was so excited! This is an event for everyone to come together and participate in the lantern release as a way to honor lost loved ones. A really great idea some people do is that they write a list of things they’d like to let go of or hopes for the future to put out into the universe. They will have live music, dancing, food and so much more! Everyone is welcome and you can bring your kids! It will be in NY/NJ October 1st, tickets are available now.

Image: The Lights Fest

Wonderland Dreams

Alexa Meade has created an immersive art experience that is based on the world of Alice in Wonderland! It feels as though you fell down the rabbit hole and have entered the world of Wonderland! This immersive exhibit has interactive art, to make you, yourself feel like a piece of art. They even have a painted wine bar and cafe! Get tickets and bring your family and friends!

Image: Alexa Meade

Book a Staycation at Mr. C

Mr. C Seaport is a luxury hotel that has not only stunning views of the water and the city, but fantastic amenities! It’s very European hospitality there and they make you feel right at home. They have tons of room options, amenities like a fitness center, spa appointments and they’re steps away from all of Seaport. With restaurants, shopping and a movie theater all nearby, there’s plenty to do!

Image: Mr. C Seaport

The Madhouse on Mulberry

Who here likes haunted houses? If you’re brave enough, you have to check this one out! This is in an abandoned asylum, to make it that much spookier. If you’re 21+, you’ll have access to a secret bar! Visit hidden rooms such as the doll room and the phobia room, a maze and enjoy spirits. Tickets are currently on sale, you won’t want to miss out on this spooky adventure! The experience is running until November 6th.

Image: Bucketlisters

Big Apple Circus

Tickets are officially on sale for the Big Apple Circus! So we can offically almost say the circus is in town! They officially open November 9th, but tickets will fly off the shelves, so you will want to get your hands on those ASAP. My kids love going, so think about making a family fun day out of it!

Image: Big Apple Circus

Pumpkin Fest at The Seaport

Welcome to the First Annual event for the Pumpkin Fest at The Seaport! All month long, there will be Halloween activities and things to see. First and foremost, the pumpkin arch is back on Pier 17. This is a the best spot to get pictures! On the 15th and 30th, there will be pumpkin decorating for your kids to enjoy. They’re also starting a pumpkin punch card, where if you buy 5 pumpkin related things, you get a sixth for free! So for example, you can try Dante Seaport’s Pumpkin Radler, Malibu Farm’s Pumpkin Spice Latte or Funny Face Bakery’s Pumpkin Sugar n’ Spice cookie. Barktoberfest will be a Halloween costume contest for your dogs on the 23rd! And they finish off with a Halloween block party and month long Halloween movies at the Seaport Cinema!

Image: The Seaport

Rockaway Hotel+Spa

We could all use a weekend getaway! The Rockaway Hotel is not far at all, you can even take the ferry out there! They have tons of family friendly activities, restaurants and of course, their own spa to relax at! On November 6th, they have their Fall Fest, where there will be music, activities, shopping and so much more. Make a whole weekend out of it and stay there! The event will be from 12-7PM on Sunday, November 6th. Plan ahead!

Image: The Rockaway Hotel

Museum of Illusions

Looking for something fun to do this month? The Museum of Illusions is one of the coolest places I’ve been! My girls and I went a couple weeks ago and we are obsessed! It’s made for all ages and you can experience optical illusions, educational games, puzzles, an upside down area and so much more. Use my code: briannemoinyc for 10% off your tickets!

NYC Winter Lantern Festival

Staten Island has a really fun lantern festival you will want to bring your family to this month! It’s that time of year where lights will start to be on display in just a few week’s time. So why not start with fun lanterns?! It celebrates Asian culture and will feature over 40 handmade lanterns of different characters and animals. These LED lights will also be joined by traditional music and dances. Tickets are on sale now, it opens October 21st.

Image: NYC Winter Lantern Festival

Oktoberfest

The biggest beer festival of the year is here! All month long, you can enjoy authentic German beer and traditional Oktoberfest German food, such as pretzels! This is one of the best free things this month, as in you don’t need to reserve tickets, but you do have to pay for what you order. Good food, great beer and an even better time! Grab your friends and join in on the fun!

Image: Oktober-Fest NY

The Village Halloween Parade

Who doesn’t love a good parade?! Especially when you get to dress up! Beginning at 7PM on the 31st, the parade begins in Greenwich Village and the parade route ends in by Union Square on 6th avenue and 15th street. It’s free, there will be puppets, live music and so much more! Dress up to have the best time! Elaborate costumes are welcome!

Image: Village Halloween Parade

Go to an NHL Game

Any hockey fans here?! The New York Rangers are great to watch even if you don’t think of yourself as a sports fan. Hockey is incredibly entertaining and makes for a great date night, too! Tickets are now available for the season, so plan a night out!

Image: Stubhub

Go to an NFL Game

We all know football season has begun. Personally, I like to cook for it! I have a few recipe posts out for game day you will love! But it’s also great to get out of the house and go to a game. We like to go as a whole family and make a day out of it. New York Giants fans or fans of any team, honestly can come to a game to support NY or your home team!

Image: Seatgeek

Ice Skating

As it gets cooler out, rinks will start to open up. Here is a list of the best ice skating rinks in the city! Chelsea Piers is indoors, but they are always open, so I suggest getting some practice there before the outdoor ones open and are crowded!

See the NYC Ballet

I can honestly say the New York Ballet is one of the most beautiful performances I’ve ever seen, year after year. The performances are at Lincoln Center and run through October 15th. It’s a mixture of masterworks and contemporary pieces and I highly recommend taking friends or a date there! I can’t wait to bring my girls this season!

Image: NYC Ballet

Comic Con

Comic and pop culture fans– New York Comic Con is back October 6th-9th at the Javits Center! There’s a great lineup of guests and plenty of occasions for photo ops. There are panels, exhibitors and the artists alley to explore. Now is the perfect time to get tickets, it’s always best to be prepared!

Image: New York Comic Con

Fall Foliage Cruise

Sometimes on the weekends, I just want to relax in nature and we can’t always do that in the city. The Fall Foliage Cruises are a great way to fulfill this desire because you can see all of NYC and the leaves changing, while experiencing a great meal. They have drinks, as well! This also makes for a great date! Cruises run between 2.5 hours to 3.5 hours, depending on which you sign up for. Sail along the Hudson River in the crisp fall air.

Image: Sail-NYC

NY Film Festival

The New York Film Festival is at Lincoln Center until October 16th! The lineup is phenomenal and tickets are still available! I think this is one of the most fun things to experience in the city, as it’s not something you get to see just anywhere. I love supporting the arts and this is a great way to do so!

Image: NY Film Festival

NYC Wine and Food Festival

Now these are always a great time! The New York City Wine and Food Festival is a great way to support local businesses and experience new foods and wines in the area. It’s running through from the 13th-16th and there is so much to see and try! They even have some family fun events! Get your tickets ASAP!

Image: NYWFF

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

It’s Hispanic Heritage Month! There are some really great events going on in the city in celebration that everyone should check out! The annual Hispanic Day Parade is October 14th and there is even a Latino Short Film Festival this month!

Image: NYC Go

Shop at the Autumn Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is located on the Upper West Side and it’s a flea market type of spot where you can experience local artists and small businesses. There are artisans and food to try! This is also a great place to get gifts for the holiday season. The Autumn Bazaar is on the 16th, but there are events every weekend from 10AM-5PM!

Image: Grand Bazaar NYC

Annual Pumpkin Flotilla at Central Park

If you don’t know what this is, basically it where you can bring your carved pumpkins and watch them set sail in Central Park! It’s actually adorable, they light them so they can be seen at night! This is a totally free event, no tickets necessary, either. There will be plenty of activities and entertainment, as well. So bring your pumpkin and have a great time!

Image: Bucketlisters

Go to the NY Coffee Festival

From October 7th-9th, coffee lovers can experience what I can imagine is the best day of the year for them! There are signature drinks, emcees, street food and so much more. Even if you don’t drink a ton of coffee, this is a really cool festival to check out! The New York Coffee Festival is at the top of the list for New Yorker festival must-sees!

Image: NY Coffee Festival

Harvest Festival at Pier 6

Brooklyn Bridge Park has a Harvest Festival on October 16th from 11AM to 4PM. The city of New York gathers to celebrate the fall harvest and changing of the seasons. It’s a great reason to celebrate! There will be arts and crafts, a pumpkin patch, storytelling and so much more! Bring your kids!

Image: Brooklyn Bridge Harvest Festival

National Tacos Day

National Taco Day is on October 4th, so what’s a better excuse to eat tacos than this?! Here are a few taco places we love to go to: Tacombi, Cowgirl Seahorse and Los Tacos No 1. It’s literally Taco Tuesday! Or make it a family cooking night and make your own! Here is my chicken tacos recipe!

 

For more NYC happenings, visit here!