NYC Weekly — Things to Do in NYC This October

October is here, and New York City is settling fully into fall. From outdoor art and food markets to film festivals, Halloween traditions, fall celebrations, and the first signs of the holiday season, here are some of the things that caught my eye this month.

October in New York City

October 1: DUMBO's Waterfront Projection Walk

October 1–3: Taste of Iceland

October 3–November 2: Día de los Muertos at the New York Botanical Garden

October 4: Howl-O-Ween Pawty at Boris & Horton

October 4: Blessing of the Animals — various NYC locations

October 6–9: Central Park Conservancy Film Festival

October 8: Prospect Park Fall Festival

October 9: Bronx Museum Fall Exhibitions Opening

October 10: The Rink at Rockefeller Center opens for the 2026–2027 season

October 10: Bronx Night Market Fall Edition

Fridays in October: Hudson Yards Fall Movie Nights

Wednesdays in October: Jazz Lunch at Bogardus Plaza, Tribeca

October 15–18: New York City Wine & Food Festival

October 15–25: NewFest — New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival

October 17: Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade

October 18: Art & Fashion Bazaar at Grand Bazaar NYC

October 17–31: Trick-or-Streets — Halloween events across NYC

October 24–25: Free Pumpkin Patch & Fall Festival at Governors Island

October 24: Bronx Halloween Parade

October 28: Bryant Park Winter Village opens

October 31: Village Halloween Parade

October in NYC

There is something especially fun about October in New York: the month seems to move from fall into Halloween and then, almost without warning, toward the holiday season. Whether you're looking for a neighborhood event, a movie under the stars, a food festival, or simply an excuse to get outside and enjoy the city, there is plenty happening around NYC this month.

Image Credit By Emily Kessler on Unsplash

Written by Laura

Creator of Live Your Dreams Fully, a website exploring NYC daily life POV, seasonal moments, weekly city updates, and short stories inspired by New York City.