Even cold New Yorkers’ hearts begin to melt with the arrival of our fall bucket list and all of its cozy goodness.
From seasonal favorites like apple picking and trick-or-treating to the unconventional — yes, there’s a 16-foot-tall pigeon on the High Line — our guide has the best can’t-miss activities worthy of your time this season, just like our summer bucket list.
Without further ado, it’s time to enjoy an autumnal overhaul in NYC.
1. Go pumpkin picking near NYC
If your stoop or fire escape is in need of a jack-o-lantern, check out our favorite pumpkin patches near NYC to hunt down the perfect seasonal gourd.
If you’re staying local, everyone’s favorite season comes to life with harvest-themed photo-ops and family-friendly activities at the Queens Botanical Garden. If picking pumpkins, seed planting, and chalk art doesn’t get your kiddo pumped for the season, autumn-themed book readings and friendly costumed characters just might! Get tickets now.
2. Check out this Jimmy Fallon Haunt
The first-ever ‘Jimmy Fallon Tonightmares‘ is an intimate haunted experience, taking place in Rockefeller Center. Step inside 10 themed rooms each inspired by Fallon’s greatest nightmares. This is no laughing matter, the event isn’t recommended for kids under 13-years-old.
🎃 For more details and tickets go here!
3. Celebrate Halloween on October 31st
It’s no secret that New York City goes all out for Halloween, with tons of events, parties, decorative bars, and so much more headlining the festivities! Check out some of our favorite happenings below and even more events here!
- NYC Village Halloween Parade – October 31
- The Central Park Pumpkin Flotilla – October 30
- Pumpkin Nights at The Bronx Zoo – September 26 – October 27
4. Make your own sweet treats at Cricket’s Candy Creations
Channel your inner Willy Wonka and kick your imagination into high-gear at Cricket’s Candy Creations. Kids and adults of all ages are invited to create whatever sounds tastiest (or wackiest), from edible slime to candy sushi and chocolate tacos! So roll up your sleeves and prepare for the sweetest fun around fun at Cricket’s Candy Creations—Click here for more info..
5. Stop by New York Botanical Garden’s Fall-O-Ween
“Fall-O-Ween” at NYBG is returning once again this year, and it’s sure to offer an array of attractions and activities for all ages, from lawn games and self-guided tours to spooky nights on select evenings and dance parties. While we officially wait on this year’s announcement, you can learn more about last year’s festivities and what to expect here.
🍂 Buy your NYBG All-Garden Pass here!
6. Go apple picking and make allll the apple treats
Make sure to head to an orchard soon to have your pick of the crispest, juiciest apples. The real question: are you a McIntosh or Granny Smith person? Find our full list of orchards near NYC here.
7. Compete in Squid Game: The Experience in Midtown
The new competition and immersive experience from one of Netflix’s most popular shows is coming to Midtown Manhattan! Squid Game: The Experience On October 11th tickets were recently released and have been selling fast! Play classic games like “Red Light, Green Light,” shop for exclusive merch and experience the incredible Night Market at the Manhattan Mall, steps from K-town.
Find out about general admission tickets and special VIP tickets here!8. Get a peep of NYC’s gorgeous fall foliage
Nothing says fall like witnessing the leaves change into gorgeous shades of reds, oranges, and yellows. Here are our recommendations for how to best enjoy it:
- Check out this map to see exactly when fall foliage is peaking across the state!
- Plan a weekend away to one of the 5 Best Places To Catch The Changing Fall Foliage In New York State
- Head to these 20 Best Spots To See NYC’s Peak Fall Foliage
- View the foliage from a mountain roller coaster in upstate NY
9. Visit the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
If you love carving pumpkins and all things Halloween, you’ll love the spectacular Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. The event takes place in the Hudson Valley a quick train ride away, featuring over 7,000 illuminated pumpkins all hand-carved with various designs to create glowing sculptures. The illuminated pumpkins are turned into things such as dinosaurs, trains, carousels, snakes, skeletons, and just about anything you can think of. It runs during spooky season from September 13 – November 17. Read more here.
10. Munch on delicious apple cider donuts
Do you prefer apple cider in liquid or doughnut form? Doughnut, of course! Some of our favorite donut shops to grab them at when the time comes are Dough in Flatiron, Peter Pan Doughnut in Greenpoint, and at some of the city’s local farmer’s markets. Check out all the spots here.
11. Celebrate Oktoberfest around NYC
Prost! There are many ways to celebrate Germany’s most famous beer-filled holiday here in NYC. From beer, lederhosen, schnitzel, and more at Loreley Beer Garden to tasty German dishes at Clinton Hall, there’s so many celebrations and Oktoberfest deals happening around NYC. Oktoberfest typically runs from September 21 – October 6 this year. Check out our favorite events happening here.
12. Eat your heart out at NYCWFF
Hungry? We’re willing to bet you’ll find a lot to savor at the 17th annual Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by Invesco QQQ from October 17th to 20th. The four-day celebration features 80 events and over 500 chefs who are ready to send tastebuds on an extraordinary journey. This year, the foodie extravaganza will expand into Brooklyn — and feature a NYCWFF Ferry powered by Invesco QQQ — truly showcasing the global culinary status of the five boroughs.
Expect run-ins with celebrity chefs, samples of your favorite local fare, and of course, plenty of entertainment. The menu will be as expansive as the cool things to do: Bobby Flay’s Triple Threat Party, the Theodora x Olmstead lunch, and a cake decorating class with Maman Bakery, to name just a few.
Plus, the festival’s expansion into Kings County will include a headlining event, Brooklyn Eats & Beats featuring celebrated borough chefs and Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, who will serve their premium ready-to-drink cocktail, Gin & Juice. Even better? It’s all for a good cause, as NYCWFF supports God’s Love We Deliver, NYC’s only provider of life-sustaining meals and nutrition counseling.
Secret NYC readers can even cash in on a discount: 25% off general admission tickets to any of the festival’s events at the Brooklyn Army Terminal. Type in “Secret 25” at checkout.
13. Admire the beauty of NYC from 100 stories up at One World Observatory
One World Observatory offers 360° views of NYC from Harlem to the Staten Island Ferry and the Hudson to the East River. One of our favorite times to go is in the fall when you can see all the stunning foliage from above. If you’re ready to take to the clouds, grab your tickets here.
14. Step into this dreamy pastel-hued ‘Bubble Planet’
This fall, venture to this whimsical ‘Bubble Planet’ for a fun escape just an hour from Midtown. It’s the perfect experience to bring out your inner child or have a great time with your kids. Discover 10 bubble-themed rooms, where you can explore every kind of bubble imaginable, from soapy suds to the smokey variety. Be sure to try the VR experience that shows you what it’s like to be inside a giant bubble! This attraction is located at the American Dream Mall, with an indoor amusement park, water park, and more, so plan to spend the day there having plenty of fun! Grab tickets here! Kids under 4 get to enjoy it for free!
15. See the massive pigeon sculpture on The High Line
A humongous pigeon sculpture is coming to The High Line this October, and its name…Dinosaur. The whopping 16 foot tall pigeon is a work of artist Iván Argote, who is looking to challenge the idea of traditional monuments that celebrate historical figures. It’s set to be installed over the intersection of 10th Avenue and 30th Streets this fall, so you can stop and become one with the popular NYC creature. Learn more about it here.
16. Visit the Bronx Zoo’s Pumpkin Nights
The second-annual spectacle is joining the ranks of the best Halloween events in NYC, and with good reason: a half-mile display of 5,000+ pumpkins adorn the attraction and highlight the amazing ecosystems of our planet.
Once the sun sets, the luminous jack-o-lanterns expertly carved to look like our favorite animals — bears, otters, cheetahs, the list goes on — give visitors a unique perspective on the Amazon rainforest, Himalayas, African Savanna waterhole, and beyond.
Visitors are welcome on Thursdays through Sundays from September 26 to October 13 from 7-10pm and October 17 to October 27 from 6:30-10pm.
17. Explore church Catacombs by Candlelight
Nothing says fall like getting a little spooky, and this candlelit tour of the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral is an absolute must! With this tour, you’ll get access to normally off-limit areas…where you can explore the Catholic catacombs and learn some NY history along the way. It’s captivating, secretive and fascinating all in one!
⛪ Buy your tickets to Catacombs by Candlelight here!
18. Catch a Giants game at MetLife Stadium
Football season is here and the New York Giants are celebrating their 100th year as a franchise! You can watch them at MetLife Stadium all autumn long…welcoming in some of the league’s biggest opponents like the Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, and Dallas Cowboys. Learn more about the Giants’ 100th season here.
19. Snap a picture at the Pumpkin Arch at Seaport
You have to make sure your Instagram is looking autumnal too! The Seaport’s annual pumpkin arch is returning this year to the waterfront where you and others can take special festive photos! We’re also hoping that their lovely Pumpkin Fest returns too. Learn more about the arch here.
20. Explore the best NYC neighborhoods with extravagant Halloween decor
While we love a good costume party and can’t resist marching in the Village Halloween Parade, some of the best Halloween events in NYC consist of simply walking down the street, eyeing seasonal aesthetics adorned on brownstones, mom and pop shops, attractions, and beyond. We’ll tell you where to find the best sights!
21. Get spooky with these hauntingly beautiful Halloween concerts by candlelight
Fever’s wildly popular Candlelight concert series is going all out for the spooky season! This October, let the ominous yet melodic sounds of the violin possess you as you enjoy your favorite Halloween classics, like the Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics performance.
22. Lose yourself in a mysterious NYC corn maze
Since this month is flying by we can only imagine October is going to creep up on us faster than ever, and what better way to celebrate trickery than solving your way out of a corn maze?! Bring family and friends for a day of trial and error as you navigate your way through corn as far as the eye can see at mazes nearest to New York City. Find the full list here.
23. Feast on delicious food at Japan Fes
Explore and eat your way through dozens of Japanese and Asian-inspired vendors like Yakitori Tatsu, Oconomi, Tiger Tai, So Sarap, Tonkatsu Me, and so much more! The event normally brings in thousands of visitors and has multiple dates (in multiple locations) through November 9. Learn more here.
24. Tour this Halloween town only 1 hour from NYC
Can you believe there’s a real world Halloween town just an hour away from NYC…us either! It’s home to Gothic mansions, haunted taverns and the Headless Horseman himself! Plus, there’s ton of events happening throughout the fall including haunted hayrides, glowing pumpkins, a 5K run, and a Halloween parade. See what town it is here!
25. Go on a stunning fall hike
It’s the perfect time to check out some amazing hikes that are right on NYC’s doorstep as fall kicks in. With gorgeous fall foliage set to peak across New York pretty soon, this is the time to get out and take a little adventure! Each of these hikes are accessible by public transit, perhaps with a bit of walking (or even a short cab ride if you’d prefer) to reach the trailhead…but you’re there to hike so might as well start early. Here are a few to get started, and check out the full list here:
- Franny Reese State Park
- Arden Point and Glenclyffe
- Anthony’s Nose Hike
- Camp Smith Trail
- Wanaque Ridge Trail
26. Dress up at New York Comic Con
New York City’s annual Comic Con is set to return this October, consisting of 4 days of panels, celebrity appearances, interactive experiences, and more! It’s one of the country’s largest fan conventions, and it’s taking over the Javits Center from October 17 – 20. Learn more about NYCC here.
27. Take a rowboat out on Central Park’s picturesque lake
There’s nothing like a lovely afternoon rowing on Central Park’s lake, especially when the leaves change! Rent rowboats now through November, from 10 am until dusk (weather permitting). It costs $20 per hour (CASH ONLY) and $5 for each additional 15 minutes, with a $20 cash deposit, and each boat holds up to four people. Find out more here.
28. Do some shopping at NYC street fairs
As the cool autumn breeze funnels in, take advantage of the last of the street fairs happening across New York City! Across the 5 boroughs there are tons of markets and street fairs serving up the best food and selling the best goods. Check out the calendar of upcoming street fairs here.
29. Escape to a castle bed & breakfast upstate
This weekend getaway will take you straight into the pages of a fairytale! Wings Castle is a bed and breakfast inside of a replica of a medieval castle right in the middle of the Hudson Valley in the town of Millbrook in upstate New York — only 75 miles north of NYC. Find out more about it here.
30. Go on a ghost tour…if you dare
With Halloween around the corner we’re ready for all things spooky and ghoulish! With NYC home to many a haunted places, we’ve put together a list of the best walking tours that will put you nose-to-nose with some creepy ghosts. We’re talking creepy cemeteries, haunted mansions, and even abandoned hospitals. Check out the best ghost tours in NYC and book your tickets before it’s too late!
31. Watch movies at the New York Film Festival
The 62nd annual New York Film Festival is happening this fall at Lincoln Center, and it will be chalk full of film screenings from renowned names across the world. It’s happening from September 27 – October 14, and will feature Cannes prizewinners Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine as Light (Grand Prize), Sean Baker’s Anora (Palme d’Or), Roberto Minervini’s The Damned (Best Director, Un Certain Regard, shared with Rungano Nyoni), Miguel Gomes’s Grand Tour (Best Director), Rungano Nyoni’s On Becoming a Guinea Fowl (Best Director, Un Certain Regard, shared with Roberto Minervini), and Mohammad Rasoulof’s The Seed of the Sacred Fig (Special Prize), amongst more.
It will be happening at Lincoln Center as well as four other partnered venues: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema (Staten Island), BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) (Brooklyn), The Bronx Museum (Bronx), and the Museum of the Moving Image (Queens).
32. Seek thrill at Halloween Harvest at Luna Park
The perfect fall activity for kids this year is Luna Park’s Halloween Harvest which will once again have loads of thrilling rides, fall treats, and seasonal activities. We’re still awaiting official details on this year’s rendition but bookmark this as one of the best kid-friendly activities of the season.
33. Take in the New York City Ballet’s Fall 2024 Season
The New York City Ballet’s fall 24-25 Season kicks off with 6 different programs throughout September October, including George Balanchine’s beloved comedic full-length Coppélia in its 50th year, a Justin Peck x Sufjan Stevens collaboration Everywhere We Go, and one with Lar Lubovitch’s pas de deux, amongst many more performances. Other notable acts include George Balanchine’s Mozartiana, Christopher Wheeldon’s This Bitter Earth, Alexei Ratmansky’s Concerto DSCH, and Jerome Robbins’ Glass Pieces. Learn more about NYCB’s fall season and all the performances here!
34. Take a Weekend Trip to Dinos Alive
Pack up friends and family for a roadtrip that’s a few hours from Midtown! Dinos Alive in Schenectady showcases over 80 life-like, animatronic dinosaurs. There’s even a virtual aquarium to see and learn about prehistoric sea creatures! There are so many photo ops to be had so step back in time while you can!
Find out more info & book tickets here.35. Visit a real-life haunted attraction
This month, we’re all looking to add a little mischief to our lives, and what better way to do so than by adventuring to some of the most allegedly haunted spots across the city?
From popular restaurants to chilling cemeteries, NYC is home to plenty of locations that will get you in the spooktacular spirit, including:
Washington Square Park, Greenwich Village
Machpelah Cemetery, Queens
Blood Manor, Tribeca
House of Death, Greenwich Village
White Horse Tavern, West Village
36. Hop aboard a fall foliage cruise
Now that the leaves are changing, you’ll want to take in the warm hues from all angles possible. Once you hop aboard a fall foliage cruise, you’ll be able to find Insta-worthy moments that aren’t accessible on land. Plus, plenty of the cruises leaving NYC offer seasonal treats, fun activities, and even hikes and other excursions once the boat docks.
37. Get an early start ice skating
Believe it or not, the best ice rinks in NYC tend to open in October, right before the busy holiday season gets underway. Why not sharpen up your skills before the mad rush comes in late November and early December? By the time the end of the year rolls around, your skating will reach gold medal status. The iconic Rockefeller Center Rink opens on October 12th, followed by Wollman Rink on October 26th.
38. Enjoy Halloween activities for kids in NYC
From trick or treating to costume parties and everything in between, NYC ensures that its littlest residents thoroughly enjoy spooky season (or not-so-spooky season, if they prefer). You can enjoy crafts, candy, and tractor racing at Luna Park’s Halloween Harvest or pumpkin picking at the Queens Botanical Garden, to name just a few.
39. Attend a Halloween dog parade
The Tompkins Square Park Halloween Dog Parade has long been a favorite tradition of animal lovers — and it takes place on October 19th this year — but this year NYC is getting another similar celebration uptown: the New York Dog Parade. The premier dog parade organization and registered 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation joined forces with Camp Canine’s Trick-or-Treat night and the Columbus Avenue BID to host a Halloween extravaganza for Fido and humans on Sunday, October 27th.
40. Attend the New York Comedy Festival
In need of a good laugh? You’re in luck. The 20th iteration of the New York Comedy Festival features top-notch acts from November 8th to 17th. Performers include Judd Apatow, Tracy Morgan, How Did This Get Made?, and more.