New York Dearest
The guide, $35

Seasonal · Fall · 2026

The best things to do in New York in October.

Every one from my own visits, updated September 2026. 20 places.

Secretly I think October is the best month to visit New York City. The weather is still enjoyable, the season isn’t fully into fall just yet and the crowds are still manageable. Plus with the holidays just around the corner, stores and businesses can’t help but decorate with pumpkins and hay bales giving us a taste of what’s to come.

Between Oktoberfest, farmers markets selling apple cider goodies, and Halloween there are plenty of things to be doing in NYC during October. In this guide, we’ll cover all the can’t-miss events and reasons why you should visit New York City in October.

Antonina PattizI went to every one · how I decide
  1. Boo at the Zoo (Bronx Zoo)Event · The BronxLocated less than 20 minutes from the New York Botanical Garden is the Bronx Zoo, offering another great family-friendly activity for October in NYC.
  2. Carl Schurz Park's Annual Harvest FestivalEventCarl Schurz Park hosts an annual harvest fest packed with exciting fall activities for families every October in NYC.
  3. Central Park Fall FoliagePark · Central Park
  4. Chelsea MarketMarket · ChelseaI brought my mom here on her first visit. She still talks about it.
  5. DumboweenEvent · DUMBODumboween’s yearly March to the Arch on October 31st is a beloved NYC Halloween tradition for families each October.
  6. Fall-O-Ween at the New York Botanical GardenEvent · The BronxMake sure to catch Fall-O-Ween at the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG), a top family-friendly activity in NYC this October.
  7. Greenwich Village Halloween ParadeEvent · Greenwich VillageAs far as October activities in New York City go, the Halloween parade in Greenwich Village tops the list.
  8. Halloween Decorations Neighborhood WalkStreet · Greenwich VillageSpider webs, skeletons, and pumpkins adorn brownstones, turning city strolls into a unique experience.
  9. High Line (Stargazing)Park · ChelseaTelescopes are provided and spaced throughout the High Line, a former distinctive cargo line turned beloved New York City park.
  10. Kayaking on the HudsonOther
  11. Loreley Beer GardenBar · Lower East Side
  12. New York City Food and Wine FestivalEvent
  13. New York Comic ConEventAttending NYCC ranks high on the list of must-do activities in NYC each October.
  14. New York Film FestivalEventNYFF is famous for its carefully picked selection, showcasing high-quality cinema, including premieres of acclaimed works and potential award contenders.
  15. Oscar WildeRestaurant · MidtownTruth be told, the food is decent but won’t rock your socks.
  16. Pumpkin Arch on Pier 17Landmark · SeaportIf you only do one thing on this list, make it this one.
  17. Tompkins Square Halloween Dog ParadeEvent · East Village
  18. Trick or Drink Bar Crawl (Barcrawlerz)EventBarcrawlerz is hosting this year’s annual Trick or Drink bar crawl, where for 3 days you can dress up and head to participating bars for drink specials surrounded by other ghouls and goblins.
  19. Union Square Farmers MarketMarketMy personal favorite market for apple cider goodies is Union Square Farmers Market.
  20. Watermark (Oktoberfest)Bar · SeaportThe bar goes all out with lederhosen-clad staff, delicious food, and plenty of beer.

Best things to do in New York in October, 2026

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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 23 Exciting Things to Do in New York City in October.