NYC October Bucket List: 11 Best Things to Do

This blog is about the NYC October Bucket List!

As someone who was raised in NYC, I know there’s something magical about NYC in October. The air gets crisp, the trees light up with vibrant shades of orange and gold, and the city just feels alive with fall energy. It’s one of my favorite times of the year.

Whether you’re wandering through the streets with a hot coffee in hand or heading to one of the many seasonal events happening throughout the month, there’s no better time to be in the city!

From spooky Halloween celebrations to the beauty of the changing leaves in Central Park, October is packed with activities that make you want to get outside and enjoy everything NYC has to offer. Fall in New York is pure magic, and October is when it truly shines.

Use this blog as your guide to all of the fun and upcoming events happening in New York City in October!

Ducks flowing in calm lake surrounded by tall autumn trees placed un Central Park in New York City in daytime

NYC October Bucket List

Catch the Village Halloween Parade

You can’t visit or live in New York City without checking out the iconic Greenwich Village Halloween Parade. I used to go all the time in high school and it was so fun with its quirky costumes and Halloween spirit. If you love all things spooky, this is the perfect way to experience NYC’s festive side. Plus, it’s completely free to attend!

This year’s theme is “Meow,” but feel free to come in any costume that suits your vibe. The parade kicks off at 7 p.m. EST, so be sure to grab a spot early!

Explore the New York Botanical Garden’s Spooky Pumpkin Garden

Another must-see fall event is the New York Botanical Garden’s Spooky Pumpkin Garden. Whether you’re going with friends, family, or planning a fun date night, this place has something for everyone. The garden comes alive with carved pumpkins, spooky displays, and plenty of seasonal vibes that’ll get you in the Halloween spirit.

This year, the Spooky Pumpkin Garden runs from September 28th through October 27, 2024. The garden is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and tickets range from $15 to $35. Be sure to grab your tickets in advance, as this event tends to fill up quickly!

Two Persons Holding Drinking Glasses Filled With Beer

OktoberFest NYC at Watermark (Pier 15)

One of the best places to experience Oktoberfest in NYC this year is Watermark, located at Pier 15 in the Seaport District. Running from September 14 to October 27, 2024, this celebration offers everything you need for a festive fall day.

Here you can enjoy traditional German beer, hearty food like pretzels and bratwurst, and plenty of fun activities like stein-holding contests and live music. The best part? You can soak in stunning views of the East River and Brooklyn skyline while enjoying all the festivities.

Whether you’re looking for a fun night out with friends or a fun date, Watermark’s OktoberFest has something for everyone! Just make sure to grab your spot early, as it’s a popular event throughout the season.

Take a Haunted Walking Tour in Greenwich Village

If you’re in the mood for something spooky, taking a haunted walking tour in Greenwich Village is the way to go. This neighborhood is full of eerie history, creepy stories, and haunted landmarks that will give you chills. From ghostly sightings to mysterious tales from the past, these tours dive deep into the darker side of NYC.

It’s a fun way to explore the Village, especially in October. You’ll hear stories about old buildings, forgotten cemeteries, and even a few famous ghost sightings along the way.

Whether you believe in ghosts or not, it’s a cool experience that mixes history with just the right amount of spookiness. Tickets range from $25 – $30 per person. Perfect for a fun night out with friends or anyone who loves a good ghost story

Attend Open House New York

Open House New York is an incredible event that gives you access to NYC landmarks and spaces that are usually off-limits. It’s a dream for architecture and history lovers, offering a rare chance to explore hidden gems around the city.

Whether you’re visiting or living here, if you’re in town from October 18-20, 2024, this is your chance to see a side of NYC that most people never get to experience. The event only happens one weekend in October, so don’t miss it!

Want to find more fun NYC Fall activities? Check out our blog, “The Best NYC Fall Bucket List.”

Visit the New York Comic Con

If you’re a fan of comics and pop culture, New York Comic Con is the ultimate event to check out this October. Held at the Javits Center, it’s packed with everything from celebrity panels to incredible cosplayers showcasing their creativity. Whether you’re into comics, TV shows, movies, or gaming, this convention has something for everyone.

Tickets are priced at $75 per person, but they’re selling fast—so be sure to grab yours soon before they’re gone! Don’t miss out on one of the biggest pop culture events of the year!

Bow Bridge crossing calm lake in autumn park

See the Fall Foliage at Central Park and Prospect Park

The best part of fall for me is watching the leaves change colors. While New York City is known as the concrete jungle, we’ve got some amazing parks that really showcase the beauty of nature. Central Park and Prospect Park are must-visits to take in the stunning fall foliage.

October is prime time for this, as the colors reach their peak, making it the perfect time to visit. If you’re there on the weekend, you can also enjoy the local farmer’s markets, grab some fresh cider and donuts, and enjoy the fall vibes. It’s the perfect way to experience the season’s magic right in the heart of New York City.

Enjoy the NYC Wine & Food Festival

The annual NYC Wine & Food Festival is running from October 17-20, 2024. This event is a must for food lovers, offering everything from tastings hosted by celebrity chefs to exclusive dinners that give you a chance to enjoy top-tier cuisine. It’s the perfect opportunity to try delicious cuisines and fine wines, all while learning from the best through fun cooking demos and workshops.

Beyond the incredible food and drink, the festival supports local food programs, so your participation helps give back to the community. If you’re looking to dive deep into NYC’s culinary scene, this is the event to attend. Be sure to grab your tickets early, as this foodie favorite tends to sell out quickly every year!

Walk the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze

This was one of my favorite Halloween activities as a kid, and it’s still an incredible experience as an adult! The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze in the Hudson Valley is a fall tradition that features over 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins illuminated in stunning displays.

As you walk through, you’ll see pumpkins transformed into everything from life-sized dinosaurs to intricate bridges and tunnels, making it a breathtaking experience!

The event’s atmosphere is perfect for getting into the Halloween spirit, with eerie lighting, festive music, and plenty of photo ops. It’s a beautiful blend of art and tradition that truly makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a Halloween wonderland. Whether you’re visiting with family or friends, the Jack O’Lantern Blaze is one October event that you won’t want to miss! Buy tickets here.

Go Apple Picking in Upstate New York

For the best apple picking, you’ll need to head upstate for the perfect day trip. Just a couple of hours outside the city, you’ll find beautiful orchards filled with ripe apples waiting to be picked.

Places like Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm, Fishkill Farms, and Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard are great options, offering not just apple picking, but also hayrides, cider tastings, and freshly baked apple cider donuts. It’s an ideal way to spend a crisp October day, surrounded by the colors of fall and indulging in the best seasonal treats. With many orchards accessible by car or train, it’s easy to get out of the city!

Experience the Rooftop Films Fall Series

If you’re into movies, the Rooftop Films Fall Series is a must-do in October. Set against the backdrop of the NYC skyline, this outdoor film festival features independent films in unique locations, like rooftops and outdoor spaces around the city.

Whether you’re watching a documentary or a short film, it’s the perfect fall activity. The cool October air, the city lights, and the cozy vibe of the event make for a perfect fall night. Grab a blanket, bring some friends, and settle in for a night of great storytelling under the stars.

Woman Taking a Photo of the Lake in Central Park in New York

NYC October Bucket List

As we get ready for October, it’s the perfect time to plan out all the fun fall activities New York City has to offer. From spooky events like the Village Halloween Parade to breathtaking displays of nature in Central Park, there’s something for everyone. October in NYC is full of vibrant fall colors, seasonal foods, and festive events that you won’t want to miss.

Whether you’re apple picking upstate, catching a rooftop film screening, or strolling through the pumpkin-lit paths of the Jack O’Lantern Blaze, make the most of this magical season. There’s no better time to explore and experience everything that fall in NYC has to offer!

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