Discover The Best October Events In Nyc 2025 – Fall Festivals, Halloween Fun & More

Published on October 19, 2025

October successful New York City is simply a magical time. The aerial turns crisp, nan trees burst into vibrant hues, and nan metropolis comes live pinch festivals, events, and Halloween celebrations. Whether you’re a section aliases visiting for nan first time, there’s nary amended clip to acquisition each that nan metropolis has to offer. From breathtaking movie festivals to spooky fun, here’s a look astatine nan apical things to do successful NYC this October.

Bronx Zoo Harvest Glow (September 25–October 31)

If you’re looking for a family-friendly Halloween activity, nan Bronx Zoo’s Harvest Glow is simply a must-see. This yearly arena features a 5,000-pumpkin way filled pinch jack-o’-lanterns, arsenic good arsenic interactive activities for illustration pumpkin carving, look painting, and a dino safari pinch animatronic dinosaurs. With themed euphony and a festive atmosphere, this arena offers a spooky escapade for some kids and adults. It’s held connected Thursdays done Sundays, making it a cleanable play outing.

New York Film Festival (September 26–October 13)

Film buffs will find plentifulness to bask astatine nan New York Film Festival (NYFF). The show runs done October 13 and features immoderate of nan champion films from some established board and emerging talent. This year’s lineup includes 34 films, including a Spotlight Gala action pinch Bruce Springsteen for his documentary Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere. Whether you’re a cinephile aliases conscionable looking for thing new, nan NYFF provides a wide scope of cinematic experiences.

Law & Order “Dun Dun Diner” astatine Rockefeller Center (October 3–5)

For fans of nan iconic TV bid Law & Order, NBC is celebrating its 25th play pinch a typical pop-up arena successful Rockefeller Center. The “Dun Dun Diner” is simply a unique, NYC-diner-inspired acquisition that allows visitors to immerse themselves successful nan world of nan Elite Squad. Guests tin bask diner classics, shop exclusive merchandise, and return portion successful interactive moments based connected immoderate of nan show’s astir memorable cases. It’s a limited-time event, truthful make judge to extremity by from October 3 to 5!

Fall Foliage Cruise connected nan Hudson (October 4–November 16)

One of nan champion ways to acquisition NYC’s beautiful autumn colors is by taking a Fall Foliage Cruise on nan Hudson River. Offering panoramic views of nan city’s skyline and nan stunning autumn foliage, this is an perfect measurement to bask a serene afternoon. The heated vessel provides comfortableness moreover connected cooler days, and a complimentary portion is included successful nan summons price. Whether you’re a photographer aliases conscionable personification who loves a awesome view, this cruise is simply a cleanable autumn activity.

New York City Wine & Food Festival (October 15–19)

If you’re a foodie, nan NYC Wine & Food Festival is simply a must-attend event. Taking spot from October 15 to 19, this five-day extravaganza brings together hundreds of renowned chefs, winemakers, and culinary icons. With events for illustration nan Grand Tasting, cooking demonstrations, and exclusive dinners, it’s a paradise for anyone who loves nutrient and drink. Not only will you get to sample unthinkable dishes, but you’ll besides person nan chance to meet immoderate of nan biggest names successful nan industry.

The Rink astatine Rockefeller Center (Opens October 11)

One of nan astir iconic New York City experiences is crystal skating astatine The Rink astatine Rockefeller Center. Opening connected October 11, this rink is known for its breathtaking views of nan metropolis and its festive ambiance. Whether you’re a seasoned skater aliases conscionable looking to glide astir nan rink, this is nan cleanable measurement to footwear disconnected nan vacation season. Insider tip: Try to skate successful nan greeting erstwhile nan crowds are smaller for a much relaxed experience.

Trick-or-Treating astatine Rockefeller Center (Every Weekend & Halloween)

For families pinch small ones, Trick-or-Treating astatine Rockefeller Center is simply a nosy and safe measurement to observe Halloween. Every play successful October (and connected Halloween day), children tin cod candy bags, bask look painting, and moreover skate for free astatine The Rink (skate rentals not included). With themed activities and a festive atmosphere, it’s a awesome measurement for kids to bask nan spooky play while exploring 1 of NYC’s astir iconic landmarks.

Central Park Fall Foliage

Central Park is 1 of New York City’s astir beloved spots, and it genuinely shines successful nan fall. As nan trees statesman to alteration color, nan parkland transforms into a patchwork of reds, yellows, and oranges. Take a leisurely stroll down nan Mall aliases transverse nan Bow Bridge to get nan champion views of nan autumn foliage. With its picturesque setting, Central Park offers a serene flight from nan city’s hustle and bustle, making it a cleanable spot for a autumn time out.

Art Installations astatine Rockefeller Center

For creation lovers, Rockefeller Center is hosting respective unsocial installations passim October. One notable grounds is Julia Chiang’s “This Way That Way, Here”, which features larger-than-life excerpts from her caller works. Visitors tin research these vibrant pieces scattered passim nan center. Another breathtaking exhibit, Cj Hendry’s “Flower Market”, offers a blend of performance, marketplace, and art, pinch 27 caller plush flower designs. These installations are portion of nan Art successful Focus series, and they’re a cleanable measurement to bask creation successful a nationalist space.

Conclusion

October successful New York City offers thing for everyone, whether you’re a instrumentality of autumn foliage, delicious food, thrilling films, aliases Halloween festivities. From nan spooky delights astatine nan Bronx Zoo and nan excitement of nan NYC Wine & Food Festival to nan charm of crystal skating astatine Rockefeller Center, there’s nary shortage of things to spot and do. If you’re looking to acquisition nan champion of nan Big Apple during 1 of its astir beautiful and festive months, make judge to cheque retired these apical events.