Wondering what to do this fall in New York City? We’ve got you covered

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Runners outside of Central park
Outside of Central Park. Image by Nina Evans

A list of NYC’s best fall festivities that are coming up this season.

The leaves are beginning to change, Halloween is right around the corner and there are so many fall festivities to do. Here are some upcoming events around the New York City area to keep you entertained this fall season.

1. Tompkins Square Park Halloween Dog Parade

Saturday, Oct. 22 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The annual Tompkins Square Halloween dog parade will return this year on Saturday, Oct. 22!  This is a great chance to dress up your dog, take a stroll around the park and meet some neighbors. You can even attend in a matching costume as your pooch for some extra fun. Stop by the dog park anytime between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. to watch all the pups strut by as they show off their amazing costumes. The renowned dog costume competition will begin at 1 p.m., hosted by the official Puppy Bowl referee, Dan Schachner.    

2. Coney Island Halloween Harvest

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., now through Oct. 30

The Halloween Harvest is finally open at Luna Park on Coney Island and it’s the perfect time to take a trip over to see it for yourself. The festival will run until Oct. 30, happening every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. This is a great chance to grab some friends and enjoy a day of pumpkin picking, face painting, festive food and so much more. Incredible pumpkin carvers will be there to show off their artistic skills as well as caricature artists to capture your visit. This is a great event for people of all ages to get in the holiday spirit.

3. Pumpkin Point at Governors Island

Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oct. 22 through Oct. 30

Pumpkin Point will be returning to Nolan Park on Governors Island for the last two weekends in October from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pumpkin Point is a free festival and pumpkin patch for everyone. There will be various events spread throughout the weekends that include arts & crafts, music, pumpkin picking and more! You can head to their website to get a full layout of the festival schedule to better plan your visit. Various food vendors will be there to help you keep your energy up all day. 

4. Boozy Haunted House in Little Italy

Daily at various times, from now through Nov. 6

For anyone that may be looking for a fun and boozy festive activity this year, head on down to Madhouse on Mulberry. The attraction takes place in a 5,000-square-foot warehouse with spooks around every corner and is guaranteed to keep you on your toes! For as little as $24, get ready for jump scares, secret rooms and exclusive access to the secret bar. All age groups are welcome to the experience, but only those who are 21+ can enjoy the festive cocktails that will be available. This haunting experience is open until Nov. 6.

5. Village Halloween Parade

Monday. Oct. 31 at 7 p.m.

New York City’s Annual Village Halloween Parade is almost here! On Monday, Oct. 31 at 7 p.m., the nation’s largest Halloween parade will host all sorts of fun costumes and floats as they make their way up 6th Avenue from Canal Street to West 15th Street. The theme of this year’s parade is  “Freedom.” There will be special guests from all over the city with an official after party at Webster Hall for anyone 19+. The party will be hosting a $5,000 costume contest, so you won’t want to miss it! This parade is one of New York’s most beloved Halloween traditions and is celebrating its 49th year bringing smiles to the faces of thousands. 

6. Orchards and Farms 

Daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sometimes in the fall, you yearn for a bit of peace and quiet away from the busy bustling of the city. Take a day trip to one of the many wonderful farms and orchards that are only a quick car or train ride away! The Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard is open for apple picking every weekend until Sunday, Oct. 23. Located in North Salem, New York, the orchard boasts a pumpkin patch, a BBQ lunch and fresh cider. If you can’t make it up north in time to catch the apple harvest, don’t worry— beginning Nov. 18, Harvest Moon will host LUMAGICA, a dazzling light show featuring over 750,000 LED lights! The farm and orchard is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a farm store selling the best of their fresh produce. This spot is a year round attraction, with endless holiday festivities through every season. 

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