Happy October! There’s nothing like a change in seasons in New York City! And with a new season, brings a bunch of new things to see and do here. I love all of the little pop-ups and new experiences that we have in this city. I’m excited to introduce new options and activities for you, your friends and your family!
If you’re looking to get some last minute Halloween shopping done, you’ve got to check out City Point Brooklyn! First of all, they have the cutest “BKLYN BOO” sign made out of candy corn that you can take a picture in front of! There’s a Target there, so Halloween and fall decor, costumes and candy can all be purchased there! McNally’s bookstore has whole section of Halloween books you can check out with your kids. And of course, the CAMP store is there, too! That’s a must-go, especially with the whole Trick-or-Treating daily event they have going on all month long.
Looking for the perfect place to take a photo this month? Look no further, because I have found the ultimate pumpkin spot! The Seaport District has brought back the Pumpkin Arch! Located at 89 South Street on Pier 17, this arch is the ultimate backdrop. The best part is that it’s open 24/7, so you can stop by whenever works for you! It’s near Malubu Farm, The Fulton and so many more great brunch spots, so you can make a whole day out of it!
The luxury glamping retreat on Governor’s Island has some amazing fall introductions this month! The Collective has officially a Speakeasy and a Pumpkin Patch! For the speakeasy, adults can actually text in their orders and on site mixologists will prepare the fall themed cocktails. They also have a cool candy bar this month! Their pumpkin patch is open until the 31st and you have the opportunity to paint your pumpkins there, so you don’t have to make a mess at home!
Food For Thought: Dating Real Talk
On October 28th, Brookfield Place is hosting the final Food For Thought discussion of the year! It’s from 6:30-7:30 in Hudson Eats and you can actually submit your questions online anonymously for them, if you’d like. Maria Avgitidis Matchmaker Maria and CEO of Agape match and Lindsey Metselaar of the We Met At Acme Podcast will be hosting! They will be answering all of your questions about dating and finding the one post-pandemic.
The Rockaway Hotel in Rockaway Beach is hosting The Super Heroes Ball on October 29th from 8PM-12AM. Come join the costume contest, amazing views, special drinks and, of course, a live DJ! The winner of the costume contest will receive a 2 night stay at the hotel, so wear a cool costume! Tickets are $10 and the views from their rooftop are priceless!
FAO Schwarz Halloween Spooktacular
FAO Schwarz is having their 1st Annual Halloween Spooktacular on October 30th from 9:30AM-11AM, before store hours! Tickets are $28 with free entry for parents and guardians. There will be shopping, magic, a trick or treat bag filled with over $200 worth of goodies from top vendors and a costume contest at 10:30! The top 3 costumes will win a FAO Schwarz gift card! Grab your tickets now before they sell out!
It’s the 48th Annual Village Halloween Parade! It’s happening at 7PM on October 31st and the theme is Let’s Play! Tickets are free, but they sell them for special sections and take donations! Since last year’s Halloween was a little sad, they are dedicating this year to children and they even have the opportunity for kids to help design the giant pumpkins that lead the parade! Check it out!
Memento Mori: Interactive Installation
Tuesday October 26th- Sunday October 31st, Brookfield place will be hosting an interactive display for the Halloween season! It was created by Gabe BC- a mixed media artist who focuses on leaving an impact for future generations to come. The installation features large skeletons! Post a picture there and tag #BFPLNY to get a special treat from the concierge desk! While supplies last, the “treat” will feature a coloring book and treats from sponsors. Check it out this free event in the Winter Garden!
Manhattan West has a special Halloween treat for everyone this year in the form of a dog costume event! They have a lot of fun things going on, including caricatures of your pet and a costume contest for you and your pet! Registration is free and tickets are recommended as space is limited. They have a waiver to sign on their site prior to going and once you get there, you get a fun surprise! October 30th at Manhattan West– be there!
Foodies, this is a phenomenal event! You can get full sized items for only $2! Where else in the city can you get this kind of deal? They have foods from Ceriello Fine Foods, Eli Zabar’s Bread and Pastry, Eli Zabar’s Farm to Table, Li-Lac Chocolates, Murray’s Cheese, Pescatore Seafood Co. and Spices and Tease. With options like lobster cakes, decadent chocolate, pastries, mediterranean salads and so much more, there is truly something for everyone! And it’s so great to support local businesses. It’s going on October 19th, 26th and November 2nd at Grand Central Market in Grand Central Terminal.
Meatpacking has a great Halloween Trick-or-Treat event happening this spooky month! On October 30th from 11am-5pm several businesses will be open to offer treats for both kids and adults– so this is great to bring your family to or grab some friends and have a great Halloween Eve! There will be games, live music and a dog costume contest, so be sure to bring your furry friend! They have a great schedule on their site to check out and treats aside, the Future Streets Design Expo will be happening on West 13th Street. They will be showcasing products for the future of NYC streets and public outdoor spaces!
The Seaport District has a whole Halloween weekend planned out for you! On Saturday, the 30th you can go to the Hester Street Fair for vintage finds, food, music, an adult costume contest and more! They will also be hosting the Fulton Stall Market which is all outdoors and they have great cider, Trick or Treating, Haunted Halloween Books, Kalamata’s Diwali Adventure book reading and signing and pumpkin painting. On Halloween, they will have a Halloween block party where you can trick or treat and pumpkin painting at the South Street Seaport Museum! Check out their site for info on times for these events! They’re great options for both family and friends!
To celebrate Oktoberfest, come to the biggest brew fest in Jersey City! Come try over craft 150 beers that feature many NJ Breweries. Harborside’s Morgan St Lot will host a variety of beers and ciders. Where craft beer festival meets beer garden, find yourself at one of the coolest events this month! Tickets start at $15 and the event is open from 1-4:30 and 6-9:30 Saturday October 23rd. Get your tickets now!
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19 thoughts on “Things to do in October in NYC”
This is why New York City is one of my favorite cities in the States. There’s always so much going on!
That pumpkin arch is so lovely. Lucky you to live where the seasons change and there’s so much to do.
Wow, so many things to do! I’ve never been to NYC and didn’t realize there was such a variety.
SO many funny things to do in NYC! Would love to visit in the Fall one year.
Who says New York is only at its best at Christmas? Even from this point of view and the things to do in Autumn it is still magical!
I’ve been to NYC few years back and it wasn’t a Halloween. I would love to experience NYC’s spooky sights and historic hauntings and find what will scare me!
Oh wow so many cool things going on! I love the sound of the Halloween parade I bet that is going to be a real blast.
Nnniiicceeeeee…I’d love to enjoy the Spooky nights at the Grand Central Market this time around. Sounds so much fun and fright! Thanks for sharing about it.
New York City is well known as one of the busiest cities in the world, but also known for many things going on like Halloween celebrations.
Sounds like there are so many great things to do! This is a wonderful time of year and these are awesome ways to enjoy October in NYC.
I knew there would be plenty to do around NYC at this time of the year but I honestly didn’t expect this much! We’re not as big into Halloween as the US but I’ve always wanted to join in the festivities to the same extent as my American friends!
These are really fun things to do in NYC. I`d love to go Halloween shopping!!
So many fun things to do this year. Thanks for sharing this. The kids love this time of the year and This would be a fun experience for them
The Halloween celebration is gonna be awesome this year. We couldn’t do anything like this last year but I`m glad things have opened up. I can’t wait to go to the Central Market
The Halloween arch is so fabulous. It was definitely not a traditional thing to do when o grew up but I can certainly see family memories being made there.
Amazing things to do, it looks like NYC has so much fun Halloween stuff.
Such amazing travel tips! Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Oh man I love NYC at this time of year!! SO beautiful.
I’d love to visit. My son has been super hyped about visiting NYC and the crisp air fall would be so perfect.