We are excited to welcome October and all the best things that come with it to New York City! While we have some rainy days ahead, that will not be stopping us from enjoying the big apple and the best places in town. This is one of the best months to visit the city because there truly is so much to do leading up to the holidays. Beyond popular attractions, there are so many outdoor activities to enjoy in the crisp air with fall treats. Now that we have beat the summer heat, we are rounding up some of the coolest things to check out from early October through the end of the month.
Celebrate Halloween
This is one of our favorite holidays! So much goes into it from decor to costumes to pumpkin carving activities. Stay tuned for some great costume options this year but for now, here is a list of top places to trick or treat in NYC. I’ll be putting out a bunch of fun Halloween themed recipes all month long to enjoy!
Halloween Favorites:
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Go to a Pumpkin Patch
Ever since my kids were babies, we have been going to pumpkin patches! Not only is it a fun family friendly activity, but you get to leave with cute pumpkins to decorate. One of my favorite parts are the apple cider donuts! Here’s a list of our favorite pumpkin patches near the city! There’s even a rooftop in LIC that has pumpkins to choose from!
Go Apple Picking
Apple picking is another family friendly activity we enjoy! We have already begun going and love to make apple pie from the apples we gather. I have a fabulous list of some of the very best orchards not too far from New York City linked here.
Annual Pumpkin Flotilla
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! It’s all happening leading up to halloween from 4-7PM.
Pier 17 Pumpkin Arch
Welcome to the 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! You’ll be able to spot it until November on the northside of the pier. Make an afternoon out of it and dine at the delicious restaurants over there or check out a movie at the Seaport Cinema.
Morningside Lights
Every fall, the annual Morningside Lights parade transforms Morningside Park into a glowing wonderland of handmade lanterns. Community members and artists come together to design imaginative illuminated sculptures, filling the night with color and creativity. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that blends art, performance, and neighborhood spirit, perfect for soaking in the magic of an autumn evening.
Go to an NFL Game
NFL season is officially here, which means it is time to get your game-day plans and your Giants tickets in order. This year, Aviator Nation is giving traditional football merch a stylish update with its first full NFL collection, bringing its signature vintage-inspired California cool aesthetic to officially licensed apparel for 25 teams. The collection has launched with cozy hoodies, crewnecks, sweatpants and tees, including gear for the New York Giants starting at $89. Whether you are heading to MetLife Stadium, watching from the couch or meeting friends at your favorite sports bar, these pieces are made to feel more like everyday wardrobe staples than traditional team merch. So grab your Giants gear, get your tickets and get ready for another season of football.
XploreRide
XploreRide is an immersive 45-minute sightseeing adventure aboard a double-decker bus that combines the real city with XR technology, bringing New York landmarks and stories to life in an entirely new way. Guided by Liberty, the Spirit of the Statue of Liberty, the experience travels through iconic spots including the New York Public Library, Grand Central Terminal, Broadway and Times Square, with interactive scenes and digital storytelling along the way. Designed for ages 7 and up, it is a fun way for families to see New York City while experiencing something that feels like an adventure.
Love Child Yoga
Love Child Yoga, the beloved pre and postnatal wellness studio that has called the West Village home for the past decade, is opening its second location in Fort Greene on October 1st. Founded by Certified Nurse-Midwife and pre and postnatal movement expert Neelu Shruti, the studio supports parents through pregnancy, postpartum and early parenthood with classes including prenatal yoga, postnatal strength, Baby & Me yoga and childbirth education. The new Brooklyn location brings Love Child’s intimate, community-focused approach to expecting and new parents, with classes offered throughout the week, including Baby & Me on Wednesdays and Fridays. To celebrate the opening, Love Child is offering 50% off its intro special and first month of membership, with additional membership and drop-in options available online.
NY Food and Wine Festival
The New York Food and Wine Festival is a must for food lovers, bringing together celebrity chefs, local restaurants, and tastemakers for four days of indulgence. From grand tastings to intimate dinners, guests can savor everything from global flavors to hometown favorites. It’s not just about the bites, the proceeds benefit charity, so you can feel good while enjoying some of the city’s best culinary creations.
Handmade Happy Hour
Handmade Happy Hour brings together a community of makers for a casual evening of creativity and connection. Guests can sip drinks, shop unique handcrafted goods, and meet the artists behind them in a relaxed, social atmosphere. It’s a perfect October outing for anyone who loves supporting local talent and finding one-of-a-kind treasures. Check out their schedule on their site to find a happy hour that works best for you and your friends.
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
The magic of the holiday season returns as the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park officially back, featuring the beloved Holiday Shops by Urbanspace with over 180 merchants, including exciting newcomers and returning favorites. From artisanal gifts and small-batch treats to stylish apparel and festive eats, this open-air market is the ultimate holiday shopping destination in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Plus, Bank of America’s Small Business Spotlight program is back, supporting four NYC-based entrepreneurs with rent-free booths, giving everyone the chance to discover unique, locally made goods all season long.
Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is here! It will run through October 4th, so if you’ve been craving a beer and giant pretzel, now is the time more than ever to get it. This is a fun day out with friends, too if you want to bar hop!
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! It’s on rain or shine. After all, who doesn’t love a good Halloween party?! This is one of the most special events at the end of October and for good reason. It’s Halloween night!
Pumpkin Nights at the Bronx Zoo
Boo and the Zoo is located at the Bronx Zoo. The zoo transforms into a magical, pumpkin-themed wonderland. This immersive experience features over 1,000 illuminated jack o’lanterns, each carved with spooky designs and arranged in stunning displays. Walk along the illuminated pathways to encounter whimsical pumpkin sculptures, dazzling light shows, and seasonal decorations that create a captivating ambiance that is family friendly.
Show Up, Kids
Show Up, Kids! celebrates its 8-year run with a return to The Rat in DUMBO, where kids ages 3 to 10 become part of the action and help create the comedy show themselves. When the main attraction is a no-show, host Bebe turns to the audience to choose the characters, costumes, props, settings and storyline, making every 45-minute show completely different. Shows take place Saturdays at 2 PM from October 3rd through November 28th, with tickets just $20 including fees. It’s a hilarious, interactive way to spend a fall afternoon in Brooklyn with the kids.
Harbor Frights Halloween Cruise
Fall foliage cruises are pretty popular around here, but have you been on a Halloween themed horror cruise? Have a dance party in your costumes, enter the costume contest and enjoy a live band. They have an open bar form 7-10PM and so much fun is to be had! Check out their timing and tickets on their site.
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. It’s one of my favorite things to do for a date night in the autumn season. It’s always a good time!
The Great Jack O Lantern Blaze
It’s back! Located in Hudson Valley or on LI, you can see thousands of carved pumpkins light up in the night. The magical walk through experience is perfect for families or even a fall date night. Tickets are available now and they have free parking! Each location has different times and dates but the latest it runs is November 8th. Check it out this holiday season!
Color Factory Haunted Hues
To celebrate the spooky season, they will be having treats and photo opportunities and their very own version of a pumpkin patch! This is a fantastic spot to have a family friendly day and the Halloween fun is even better. In previous years, they have done a costume night where you can grab your costumes and your favorite ghosts and trick-or-treat through Color Factory’s Halloween experience, Haunted Hues.
NY Film Festival
The New York Film Festival is at Lincoln Center until October 12th! 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!
Comic Con
New York Comic Con is back October 8th-11th 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!
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