New York Dearest
The guide, $35

The Best of New York · Seasonal · Fall

The best things to do in New York City in October

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 Without further ado, let’s get to it.

Antonina PattizWriter and photographer · how I decide
Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

Best things to do in New York City in October, 2026

  1. Chelsea MarketMarket · Chelsea
  2. DumboweenEvent · DUMBODumboween’s yearly March to the Arch on October 31st is a beloved NYC Halloween tradition for families each October.
  3. Greenwich Village Halloween ParadeEvent · Greenwich VillageAs far as October activities in New York City go, the Halloween parade in Greenwich Village tops the list.
  4. Halloween Decorations Neighborhood WalkStreet · Greenwich VillageSpider webs, skeletons, and pumpkins adorn brownstones, turning city strolls into a unique experience.
  5. High Line (Stargazing)Park · ChelseaTelescopes are provided and spaced throughout the High Line, a former distinctive cargo line turned beloved New York City park.
  6. Loreley Beer GardenBar · Lower East Side
  7. Oscar WildeRestaurant · MidtownTruth be told, the food is decent but won’t rock your socks.
  8. Pumpkin Arch on Pier 17Landmark · Seaport
  9. Tompkins Square Halloween Dog ParadeEvent · East Village
  10. 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.
  11. Union Square Farmers MarketMarket · Union SquareMy personal favorite market for apple cider goodies is Union Square Farmers Market.
  12. Watermark (Oktoberfest)Bar · SeaportThe bar goes all out with lederhosen-clad staff, delicious food, and plenty of beer.
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. Central Park Fall FoliagePark · Central Park
  16. 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.
  17. Kayaking on the HudsonOther
  18. New York City Food and Wine FestivalEvent
  19. New York Comic ConEventAttending NYCC ranks high on the list of must-do activities in NYC each October.
  20. New York Film FestivalEventNYFF is famous for its carefully picked selection, showcasing high-quality cinema, including premieres of acclaimed works and potential award contenders.

On the map

Where they are

10 neighborhoods, Chelsea and Greenwich Village most of all.

Chelsea

Greenwich Village

Seaport

The Bronx

Central Park

DUMBO

East Village

Lower East Side

Midtown

Union Square

Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

The Best of New York 2026

The seal

If you're on this list, this is yours.

Every place on this list is welcome to display the Best of New York 2026 seal. It's the same seal for every place on every Best list, it's free, and it can't be bought.

Sharing it is optional. There's no need to post about it, link back or tag anyone. If you do link, the code below points to the guide this list comes from, so readers see the recommendation in context.

The code. Paste it where the seal should sit.

<a href="https://newyorkdearest.com/visiting-nyc-october-things-to-do/">
  <img src="https://newyorkdearest.com/assets/recognition/2026/best-of-new-york-2026.svg"
       alt="Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest"
       width="1800" height="1800" style="width:320px;max-width:100%;height:auto">
</a>

The files

Download PNGDownload SVGDownload the larger PNG

PNG: 1800 by 1800 pixels with transparent corners, for email and social. The larger PNG: 3600 by 3600 pixels. SVG: the vector, sharp at any size.

Is one of these yours? Get the seal for your place Request a window decal

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