Fall transforms New York City into something magical. The leaves change colors in Central Park, Halloween takes over Greenwich Village, and the city buzzes with festivals and events you can only experience this time of year. These 25 activities to enjoy the NYC in fall. The perfect mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and seasonal celebrations that locals and visitors love most.
NYC Fall Events
1. NYC Village Halloween Parade
The Village Halloween Parade has grown into one of New York’s biggest annual celebrations. This Greenwich Village tradition happens every October 31st, and you can actually join in if you come in costume.
The parade kicks off at 7 PM sharp and runs up Sixth Avenue. You’ll see massive puppets, live bands, and some of the most creative costumes you’ve ever laid eyes on.
| Date | October 31st annually |
| Time | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Route | Canal Street to 15th Street along 6th Avenue |
| Cost | Free to watch and participate |
| How to Join | Show up in costume, no registration required |
Best viewing spots for NYC Village Halloween Parade
- Bleecker Street intersection
- 8th Street intersection
- West 4th Street
Get there early, as these spots fill up fast, but give you the best view of all the action.
2. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
Thousands of hand-carved pumpkins illuminate historic Van Cortlandt Manor this fall. This spectacular display happens at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson and creates one of the most photographed Halloween experiences in the region.
The experience runs from mid-September through mid-November on select evenings. Synchronized lighting and original music transform the historic grounds into a pumpkin wonderland.
Essential details:
- Advanced tickets required – weekends sell out quickly
- Free parking on-site
- Takes about 1 hour to walk through
- Not recommended for small children who scare easily
“The synchronized lighting makes each pumpkin display feel like a live performance. It’s unlike anything else in the area.” – Local visitor
3. Blood Manor
Blood Manor is a haunted house attraction on Broadway in New York City that comprises approximately 10,000 square feet of themed rooms, corridors, and a labyrinth of passageways designed to maximize one’s fears.
This attraction has built a reputation as one of NYC’s most intense haunted experiences.
Location Details
4. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The parade route stretches 2.5 miles through Manhattan. Giant balloons float down Broadway while millions watch live and millions more tune in on TV.
The parade starts at 77th Street and Central Park West at 9 AM on Thanksgiving morning.
Quick facts about Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade:
- Balloon handlers must weigh at least 120 pounds
- Only been canceled 3 times in history
- Features about 30 giant balloons each year
- Takes 3 hours to complete the route
Prime viewing locations for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
| Central Park West (75th-59th Streets) | Classic parade views |
| Columbus Circle | Great for photos |
| Broadway (59th-38th Streets) | Less crowded sections |
| Herald Square | Parade finale near Macy’s |
Tip
The balloon inflation happens the night before at the American Museum of Natural History. It’s free to watch and way less crowded than parade day.
5. Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy
This 11-day festival transforms Mulberry Street into an outdoor Italian restaurant. The feast honors the patron saint of Naples and brings serious Italian-American food culture to Manhattan every September.
Food stalls line the streets, selling classic Italian-American specialties. The festival typically runs for nearly two weeks, starting the second Thursday after Labor Day.
Must-try San Gennaro Feast foods:
- Sausage and peppers – The classic festival sandwich
- Zeppole – Italian donuts dusted with powdered sugar
- Cannoli – Fresh shells filled to order
- Pizza fritta – Fried pizza dough with various toppings
- Italian ice – Perfect for warm September days
Tip
Skip the overpriced drinks and grab a bottle of water before you arrive
6. New York Film Festival
Lincoln Center becomes the epicenter of cinema every fall. Running from late September through early October, this festival showcases premieres, international films, and documentaries that often go on to win major awards.
The festival screens about 50 films across multiple venues at Lincoln Center. Many screenings include Q&As with directors, actors, and producers.
New York Film Festival Venues
- Alice Tully Hall – Main venue for premieres
- Walter Reade Theater – Smaller, intimate screenings
- David H. Koch Theater – Special presentations
New York Film Festival ticket strategy
Individual tickets go on sale to the public in early September. Members get earlier access. Popular weekend screenings sell out within hours.
7. ComicCon New York
Jacob Javits Center transforms into a pop culture paradise every October. Comic fans, cosplayers, and celebrities gather for panels, exclusive merchandise, and meet-and-greets.
The convention spans four days and attracts over 200,000 attendees. You’ll find rare comics, limited edition collectibles, artist alleys, and sneak peeks at upcoming movies and TV shows.
What to expect at ComicCon New York
- Long lines for popular panels (some start 2+ hours early)
- Celebrity photo ops and autograph sessions
- Exclusive merchandise is only available at the convention
- Cosplay contests with incredible craftsmanship
8. New York City Marathon
50,000 runners participate while millions line the streets to cheer them on. The marathon happens on the first Sunday in November and takes runners through all five boroughs.
The route starts in Staten Island and winds through Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and finishes in Central Park. Spectators can watch for free along the entire 26.2-mile course.
Best Spectator Spots for NYC Marathon
| Location | Mile | What Makes It Special |
|---|---|---|
| Verrazzano Bridge | Mile 1 | Race start energy |
| Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn | Mile 8 | Loudest crowds |
| Queensboro Bridge exit | Mile 16 | Emotional Manhattan entry |
| Fifth Avenue | Mile 24 | Final push energy |
| Central Park finish | Mile 26.2 | Victory celebrations |
Timing of NYC Marathon
Runners start crossing the bridge around 9:30 AM. The fastest runners finish around noon, but the celebration continues until 6 PM.
Embrace the Spooky Season
9. NYC Catacombs at St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral
Go behind-the-scenes at the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral and see parts of the church that are otherwise off-limits during catacombs tours.
These guided tours reveal the underground burial chambers beneath one of Manhattan’s oldest Catholic churches.
The catacombs contain the remains of notable New Yorkers, including business leaders, clergy, and immigrant families. Tours run throughout October and November.
St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral tour details
- Limited to 20 people per tour
- Tours last approximately 75 minutes
- Not recommended for claustrophobic individuals
- The temperature stays around 55°F year-round
10. Haunted Mansion Tours
3 historic NYC locations offer paranormal experiences that blend history with ghost stories.
Morris-Jumel Mansion (Washington Heights)
Manhattan’s oldest house holds paranormal investigation gatherings where guests try to communicate with former residents.
Built in 1765, this mansion served as George Washington’s headquarters and allegedly houses several spirits.
Investigation sessions at Morris-Jumel Mansion
- October weekends only
- Groups limited to 15 people
- Includes EMF detectors and voice recorders
- Sessions run 9 PM – midnight
Merchant’s House Museum (NoHo)
This 1832 townhouse museum is said to be haunted by Gertrude Tredwell, who lived here with her parents and never left. Special October events explore the building’s supernatural reputation.
Halloween programming at Merchant’s House Museum:
- Candlelight ghost tours
- Historical séance recreations
- “Ghosts of New York” lectures
- Family-friendly ghost story sessions
Historic Richmond Town (Staten Island)
Staten Island’s living history museum becomes the site of paranormal investigations in September and October. Hear stories about the island borough’s haunted locations while exploring historic buildings.
11. NYBG Haunted Pumpkin Patch
The New York Botanical Garden hosts fall-themed events, including a Haunted Pumpkin Patch experience. Located in the Bronx, NYBG transforms its grounds into autumn celebration spaces.
Haunted attractions at the New York Botanical Garden
- Pumpkin carving stations
- Harvest-themed activities for kids
- Spooky garden walks after dark
- Fall plant and flower displays
Unlike many Halloween attractions, NYBG focuses on fun rather than fear. Most activities work well for children ages 3-12.
12. Halloween Entertainment Citywide
NYC goes all-out for Halloween with events spanning all five boroughs. Beyond the major attractions, the city offers dozens of smaller Halloween experiences.
- Coney Island Halloween celebrations – Beach boardwalk transforms into a carnival
- Pumpkin Sail events in parks – Carved pumpkins float on park lakes
- Neighborhood haunted houses – Community-run attractions in all boroughs
- Ghost tours – Walking tours through Greenwich Village, Lower East Side, and other historic neighborhoods
Nature and Fall Colors of NYC
13. The High Line
This elevated park built on former railway tracks gives you a unique perspective on Manhattan’s fall transformation. The High Line runs from Gansevoort Street to 34th Street on the West Side.
Fall brings special beauty to the carefully planned landscaping. Native plants turn brilliant colors while you walk 30 feet above the streets.
Best fall viewing sections of the High Line
- Gansevoort Woodland – Natural plantings mimic a wild forest
- Chelsea Market Passage – Views of the market and surrounding buildings
- 10th Avenue Square – Stadium seating overlooks the street below
- Northern Spur – Quieter section with intimate garden spaces
| Access Point | Best For | Elevator Available |
|---|---|---|
| Gansevoort Street | Starting point, less crowded | Yes |
| 14th Street | Middle access, near market | Yes |
| 23rd Street | Quick access to main section | No |
| 30th Street | Northern end, newer section | Yes |
Tip
Visit early morning (8-9 AM) or late afternoon (4-5 PM) for the best light and fewer crowds.
14. Central Park Foliage
Central Park transforms into an 843-acre canvas of fall colors. The park contains over 26,000 trees representing dozens of species, creating a spectacular autumn display.
Prime Foliage Locations of Central Park
The Mall and Literary Walk
American elm trees create a cathedral ceiling of golden leaves. This straight pathway offers some of the park’s most photographed fall scenes.
Bethesda Fountain Area
The fountain plaza surrounded by changing trees makes for perfect photo opportunities. The nearby Bow Bridge provides classic Central Park autumn shots.
Shakespeare Garden
This small garden near the Delacorte Theater contains plants mentioned in Shakespeare’s works. Fall brings rich colors and peaceful walking paths.
15. Bear Mountain by Boat
Bear Mountain State Park becomes one of the Hudson Valley’s top fall destinations. Weekend boat trips from NYC provide scenic transportation plus Oktoberfest celebrations.
The boat ride itself offers spectacular Hudson River views. Mountains on both sides display peak fall colors while you cruise north from Manhattan.
Oktoberfest at Bear Mountain:
- Live German music and dancing
- Traditional German food and beer
- Hiking trails with foliage views
- Family-friendly activities
“The boat ride up the Hudson might be even better than the destination. You get two hours of fall scenery before you even reach the park.” – Frequent visitor
16. Storm King Art Center
Storm King Art Center is a 500-acre outdoor museum located in New York’s Hudson Valley, where visitors experience large-scale sculpture and site-specific commissions under open sky. Fall provides the perfect backdrop for the museum’s impressive collection.
Over 100 sculptures dot the rolling landscape. Fall is Storm King’s busiest season thanks to the combination of comfortable weather and spectacular foliage.
Location Details
Notable sculptures of Storm King Art Center
- Maya Lin’s “Storm King Wavefield” – Rolling grass mounds that look like frozen ocean waves
- Alexander Calder’s “The Arch” – Massive red sculpture visible from miles away
- Mark di Suvero’s works – Large-scale steel sculptures throughout the grounds
17. Apple Picking
The tri-state area offers numerous orchards within day-trip distance of NYC. Fall apple picking combines outdoor activity with seasonal treats.
Popular orchards accessible by car or organized tours:
| Orchard | Location | Distance from NYC | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm | Yorktown Heights, NY | 45 minutes | Pumpkin patch, corn maze |
| Pennings Farm | Warwick, NY | 1 hour | Cider donuts, farm market |
| Masker Orchards | Warwick, NY | 1 hour | U-pick apples, scenic views |
| Dykeman Farm | Pawling, NY | 1.5 hours | Historic farm, hayrides |
18. Prospect Park, Brooklyn Fall Foliage
Prospect Park transforms into a vibrant display of red, orange, and yellow foliage every fall. This 526-acre Brooklyn park offers some of NYC’s most spectacular autumn colors plus activities you can’t find in Manhattan’s more famous parks.
The park contains over 30,000 trees representing dozens of species. Fall brings brilliant colors to sugar maples, oaks, sweet gums, and London plane trees throughout the grounds.
19. Staten Island Greenbelt Hiking
This 2,800-acre nature preserve offers six hiking trails for various abilities and four woodland trails permitting bikes. The Greenbelt provides serious nature experiences without leaving NYC.
Staten Island Greenbelt Trails
| Name | Length | Info |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Trail | 5.5 miles | The longest trail takes you through diverse ecosystems including wetlands, woodlands, and meadows. Fall brings brilliant foliage to this challenging hike. |
| Yellow Trail | 2.8 miles | Moderate difficulty trail passes through the heart of the preserve. Well-marked and maintained for comfortable hiking. |
| White Trail | 1.5 miles | Family-friendly option with gentle slopes and interpretive signs about local wildlife and plants. |
20. Pelham Bay Park Exploration
At 2,772 acres, Pelham Bay Park is NYC’s largest park. Located in the Bronx, this park offers serious wilderness experiences, including forests, meadows, and shoreline.
The park contains several distinct environments:
- Hunter Island – Tidal wetlands and bird watching
- Thomas Pell Wildlife Refuge – Protected forest habitat
- Orchard Beach – Mile-long sandy beach on Long Island Sound
- Bartow-Pell Mansion – Historic house museum with grounds
21. Highbridge Park and High Bridge
On the western bank of the Harlem River in Washington Heights, this park is home to High Bridge – the city’s oldest standing bridge. Originally opened as part of the Croton Aqueduct in 1848, the bridge reopened to pedestrians in 2015.
High Bridge carried fresh water from the Croton Reservoir to Manhattan residents. The restored bridge now serves as a pedestrian walkway and symbol of NYC’s engineering heritage.
22. Roosevelt Island Tramway
For two MetroCard swipes round-trip, the Roosevelt Island Tramway provides sweeping overhead views of the East River. The tram runs between Manhattan (60th Street and Second Avenue) and Roosevelt Island.
The 3.1-mile round trip takes about 15 minutes and offers unique perspectives on Manhattan’s East Side skyline, Queensboro Bridge from above, and Roosevelt Island’s developing waterfront.
On Roosevelt Island:
- Franklin Delano Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park – Memorial park at the island’s southern tip
- Smallpox Hospital ruins – Gothic Revival ruins from 1856
- Cornell Tech campus – Modern university campus
- Roosevelt Island Lighthouse – 19th-century lighthouse
23. Marshland Hiking Adventures
NYC contains several preserved marshland areas that offer unique hiking experiences. These wetland environments provide important bird habitat and peaceful walking opportunities.
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge (Queens)
Over 9,000 acres of salt marshes, uplands, and open water. The refuge sits along the Atlantic Flyway and hosts over 300 bird species.
Trail highlights:
- West Pond Trail – 1.75-mile loop around freshwater pond
- East Pond Trail – Shorter loop with excellent bird watching
- North and South Gardens – Landscaped areas near the visitor center
Freshkills Park (Staten Island)
Built on a former landfill site, this developing park will eventually cover 2,200 acres. Current sections offer grassland hiking with sweeping views
Arts and Remembrance in NYC
24. New Broadway Shows
Fall brings the Broadway season’s biggest premieres. September through November traditionally launch the most anticipated productions as shows aim for Tony Award eligibility.
Getting Broadway Tickets
- Rush tickets – Day-of-show discounted tickets at the box office
- Lottery systems – Digital lotteries for premium seats at reduced prices
- Advance booking – Popular shows sell out weeks ahead
- TKTS booth – Discounted same-day tickets in Times Square
Tip
Tuesday through Thursday shows often have better availability and lower prices than weekend performances.
25. 9/11 Memorial Museum
The 9/11 Memorial Museum provides a moving experience that honors those lost in the September 11 attacks. Located at the World Trade Center site, the museum combines historical artifacts with personal stories.
The memorial features twin reflecting pools built in the footprints of the original towers. The museum below ground level contains extensive exhibits about the attacks and their aftermath.
Nearby: The One World Observatory offers panoramic city views from floors 100-102 of One World Trade Center.
