Fall in NYC
While September brings the start of the school year and the beginning of Fall, I’ve always felt that October is a more fitting month to commence the leaf-falling season. After all, October brings Halloween, pumpkins, sweaters, apple cider and the magical transformation in nature from greens to oranges and reds and yellows. We’ve just concluded the first week of October and I dare say ‘tis the season for all autumnal goodness and glory!
We in New York are lucky to experience all four seasons and Autumn is quite spectacular. I think it goes without saying that taking a stroll through Central Park or any of the city’s wonderful parks is an absolute must. Take an afternoon or two, or three! It is simply gorgeous and won’t last long before winter settles in. Another must-do is skating at one of the many outdoor rinks which always open in October. Head to Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, or Central Park to experience a classic fall New York tradition.
Now, let’s get into some fall-tastic events coming up this month.
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
There's nothing else quite like the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze for experiencing the magic and wonder of Halloween with your family. The attraction is set along the beautiful 18th century riverside landscape of Van Cortlandt Manor, and you can stroll along the Pumpkin Promenade to take in thousands of Jack O' Lanterns (all of which are hand-carved)! This delightfully eerie walk is also set to cool sound effects, synchronized light displays and an original soundtrack. Expect to see spiders and snakes, animals of all kinds on this spooky stroll. Be sure to get your tickets early—they sell out fast!
Where: Van Cortlandt Manor
When: Until November 30, 2019
https://hudsonvalley.org/events/blaze/
Harvest Homecoming Festival
Brooklyn Botanic Garden is debuting its Harvest Homecoming Festival in a big way: families can expect classic autumnal activities (hayrides, cornhole games and bobbing for apples) BUT there will also be newfangled delights, such as pumpkin bowling. While kid-friendly, this event is also for adults. New York breweries will be on hand with cider and other delicious fall alcoholic beverages. Halloween costumes are encouraged!
Where: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Prospect Park
When: October 20, 2019
Queens Farm Pumpkin Patch
October is pumpkin month at Queens Farm. Enjoy the crisp fall air as you wander through the patch to find the perfect pumpkin. Walk the farm grounds and soak in a little bit of New York history. Did you know that Queens Farm is the longest continually farmed site in New York State? They also have goats, steer and alpacas! Note- pumpkins priced by size.
Where: Queens County Farm Museum, Floral Park and Glen Oaks neighborhoods, Queens
When: Sat & Sun, October 5–26; Mon, October 14, 2019 | 11:00 am–4:30 pm
Village Halloween Parade
Head over to Sixth Avenue to see thousands of costumes, dancers and floats, including giant skeletons that dance above your head and hordes of zombies jamming out. See creative costumes you’d never glimpse anywhere else, since some people spend all year making theirs! This year's theme will be “Wild thing”. Such a spectacle doesn’t come without crowds, though; partygoers are advised to get there early and stake out a spot. If you can’t make it in person (or don’t feel like braving the masses), never fear: The parade is broadcast live for all to see on NY1 from 7pm. Sixth Ave from Spring to 16th Sts.
Where: Various locations, Hell’s Kitchen
When: October 31, 2019
If you’re looking for fun and exciting events fall or Halloween events in the city, there’s no shortage of things to do! It’s easy enough to find out what all is going on online- just check Eventbrite or other similar sites.
