October is one of the busiest months on the New York calendar. The weather is usually mild, the leaves start turning, and the city stacks up festivals, conventions and one very large parade. Here’s what’s on this year.
Dates were correct when we published, but schedules change. Check each event’s own website before you plan around it.
New York Comic Con, October 8–11
New York Comic Con takes over the Javits Center on the far west side for four days this year, from Thursday, October 8, through Sunday, October 11. Expect panels with TV casts and comic creators, a huge exhibit floor and a lot of cosplay on the subway. Tickets sell out, especially for Saturday, so buy them early.
Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival, October 15–18
The city’s big food festival runs from Thursday, October 15, to Sunday, October 18, with the Seaport in Lower Manhattan as its hub. There are around 50 events, from walk-around tastings to dinners hosted by well-known chefs. Proceeds go to hunger-relief charities. Most events are ticketed individually.
Open House New York Weekend, October 16–18
For one weekend each October, Open House New York opens the doors of hundreds of buildings across the five boroughs, many of them normally closed to the public. It includes private homes, offices, engineering sites and historic landmarks. Many sites are free and walk-in, while some popular ones need advance reservations. It’s one of the best free events of the year.
Fall foliage in the parks
This isn’t a single event, but it may be the best thing happening in the city this month. Color in Central Park tends to peak from late October into early November. The Ramble, the North Woods and the path around the Reservoir are the best places to see it. Prospect Park in Brooklyn and the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx are also good bets.
New York Film Festival
The New York Film Festival at Lincoln Center runs from late September into October, with premieres, restored classics and talks. Popular screenings sell out as soon as tickets go on sale, so buy early.
Village Halloween Parade, Saturday, October 31
The Village Halloween Parade falls on a Saturday this year, which means it will be even busier than usual. It starts at 7pm and heads up Sixth Avenue from Canal Street to 15th Street. Watching is free. To march, you need a costume and you line up on Sixth Avenue south of Canal, but plan on waiting.
If you’re watching, get to Sixth Avenue early and claim a spot along the barriers. Subway stations along the route get very crowded afterwards, so consider walking a few blocks east or west before heading home.
Coming up: the New York City Marathon
The marathon is always held on the first Sunday of November, which this year is November 1. If you’re in town that weekend, find a spot along First Avenue in Manhattan or Fourth Avenue in Brooklyn and cheer on the runners.
Looking for something to do on a quieter weekend? See our 20 things to do in NYC this weekend or the best free things to do in the city.
