Best Ways to Celebrate Fall in NYC (2024 Guide)
NYC Summers are unmatched, but Autumn in New York just might come to a close second. The nights might get shorter as the seasons change, but there are still plenty of things to do in New York City during the fall season.
Best Ways to Celebrate Fall in NYC
Whether you’re a native New Yorker or just visiting, this guide will help you make the most of the season. From leaf peaking to annual events, there’s something for everyone. Read more to learn about some of the best fall activities in the Big Apple this year.
Explore Central Park’s Fall Foliage
Central Park is a must-visit during the fall. The vibrant red, orange, and yellow leaves make it one of the best places to go for a walk, especially along Central Park West. The best spots for fall foliage include The Mall, Bethesda Terrace, and Bow Bridge.
Central Park also hosts an Oktoberfest celebration in early October, featuring German beer, food, and live music. It’s a fun way to experience the park and enjoy some traditional German culture.
Visit the New York Botanical Garden
Celebrate Fall-O-Ween at The New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx. From September 28 to October 27, enjoy fall-themed displays, pumpkin patches, and a spooky night experience. It’s a great place for family-friendly fun.
Take a Trip to the Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo offers several fall activities, including the “Boo at the Zoo” Saturdays & Sundays from September 28 – October 27. This event features beer vendors, food trucks, and live music. After Halloween, the Bronx Zoo transforms for its annual Holiday Lights event, which runs through early November.
Enjoy the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a classic New York City family event that can’t be missed. On Thanksgiving Day, the parade travels from Central Park West to Herald Square, featuring giant balloons, floats, and live performances.
If you can’t attend the parade, check out the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade balloon inflation event the night before. Held near the American Museum of Natural History, it’s a fun and less crowded way to see the giant balloons up close.
Visit The Queens County Farm Museum
The Queens County Farm Museum hosts the Amazing Maize Maze, one of the largest corn mazes in New York City. It’s a fun challenge for kids and adults and a great way to spend a fall afternoon.
The Queens County Farm Museum for their Pumpkin Patch during October. Enjoy live music, nature walks, and pumpkin picking. It’s one of the best spots for affordable fall activities in Queens.
Explore Prospect Park
Prospect Park in Brooklyn is a great destination during the fall months for relaxing and admiring the beautiful fall foliage. Attend the Smorgasburg Prospect Park outdoor food market every Sunday through October 27.
Visit Governors Island
Take a day trip to Governors Island and enjoy the crisp air as you explore art installations, historic sites, and the annual Pumpkin Point event. The island offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, making it a great spot for fall photography.
Attend the Village Halloween Parade
Greenwich Village comes alive during the Village Halloween Parade. On October 31, the streets fill with costumed revelers and live music. It’s the perfect time to experience New York’s vibrant culture and creativity.
Go Apple Picking in Upstate New York
For a more rural fall experience, take a trip to upstate New York for apple picking. Locations like Cold Spring and Bear Mountain offer scenic views, fresh fruit, and a great way to enjoy the fall season.
Visit the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze in the Hudson Valley is one of the best ways to celebrate Halloween. This event features thousands of hand-carved pumpkins illuminated in intricate displays. It’s a fall favorite among New Yorkers.
Discover Little Italy’s Feast of San Gennaro
Little Italy hosts the annual Feast of San Gennaro in late September, celebrating Italian culture with food, music, and fun. It’s a great way to enjoy the fall season in one of New York’s most historic neighborhoods.
Take a Walking Tour of Historic Sites
Explore New York’s history with a walking tour of iconic locations like the Brooklyn Bridge, Ellis Island, and Greenwich Village. The fall is a great time to learn about the city’s past while enjoying the cooler weather.
Explore the Staten Island Greenbelt
The Staten Island Greenbelt offers over 2,800 acres of natural parkland, making it a perfect place for a fall hike. The park’s trails are lined with maple trees, offering some of the best fall foliage in New York.
Take a Fall Foliage Cruise on the Hudson River
Fall is the perfect time for a cruise, as the foliage adds vibrant colors to the city’s landscape. Several companies offer fall foliage cruises on the Hudson River, providing a unique way to see the changing leaves. The cruises often include stops at towns and historic sites along the river.
Attend the NYC Wine and Food Festival
The NYC Wine and Food Festival in mid-October is a culinary celebration that brings together top chefs and food enthusiasts. It’s a great way to taste the best that New York has to offer.
Explore the High Line
The High Line is a unique green space in Lower Manhattan that offers beautiful city views. Fall is the best time to visit, with less crowds, seasonal plantings and art installations.
Visit the Haunted Houses in NYC
For those who love a good scare, New York has several haunted houses to visit. The Blood Manor in Lower Manhattan and Greenwich Village’s haunted attractions are popular choices.
Attend the New York Film Festival
The New York Film Festival runs from late September to early October, showcasing some of the best films from around the world. It’s a must-attend event for film lovers.
Explore the Cloisters Museum and Gardens
The Cloisters Museum and Gardens in Upper Manhattan is a tranquil spot that offers stunning views of the Hudson River and beautiful fall foliage. The museum is home to medieval art and architecture, making it a perfect destination for a peaceful fall day.
Go Pumpkin Picking on Long Island
Long Island is home to several farms that offer pumpkin picking, corn mazes, and hayrides. It’s a perfect day trip from the city, providing an authentic taste of the fall countryside.
Visit the National Museum of the American Indian
Located in Lower Manhattan, the National Museum of the American Indian offers exhibitions on Native American culture. It’s a great indoor activity for a rainy day.
Explore Staten Island via the Staten Island Ferry
The Staten Island Ferry is a free and scenic way to see New York’s harbor and the Statue of Liberty. Fall is a great time to take the ferry, with cooler weather and stunning city views.
Enjoy a Day at the Bronx River
The Bronx River offers scenic beauty in the fall, perfect for a day of kayaking or simply enjoying the changing colors of the season. The Bronx River Alliance often organizes guided tours and events.
These activities capture the essence of fall in New York City, offering a mix of cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and seasonal celebrations. With pumpkin patches, haunted houses, and festive parades, there’s something for everyone to celebrate the season.
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Oh my goodness! There’s so much to see and do. I love events that are pup-friendly. I’d like to visit NYC for New Year’s Eve or Christmas one year. I look forward to seeing some of your travel tips. Great post!
Thanks Michelle! I also have a NYC during the holidays post. Hope you get to visit here one day. 🙂
A lot of great suggestions. New York is amazing. I hope to visit again very soon. Two of my best friends live there and it would be good to visit some of these spots with them.
SO many cute free things to do! I love it! I’ll definitely be passing this post along.
Oh my goodness! There are so many great things to do in New York during the fall. Wish I could visit to experience it all up there.
So many wonderful activities, If I were closer I’d try them all.
All of these events sound so nice! I would love to see the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! A friend of mine went last year and she had an amazing time!
Fall is such a beautiful time of year. NYC would be amazing to visit during the holidays too.
Awesome activities! I’d love to try that food and wine festival.
Love the ideas! New York is on my bucket list.
I need to take a Fall visit to nyc! Im sure it’s nice but definitely not during the macys parade. No crowds for me 🙂
I have a NICE view of the parade right on my TV screen. lol
I need to visit NYC in the fall. It sounds like there is much fun to be had!
It really is a lot to do year round.
Man. I need to get to NYC to visit and enjoy some of this fall fun (especially the FREE fall fun)! NYC is one of my favorite short trips to make.
These sound like great, fun activities. I have to admit I really want to try the “Ghostbusters’ experience. That sounds like it would be so much fun.
Same here. I loved the movie as a kid, so it will be nostalgic.
This sounds like a great list. I love fall and I know I would enjoy all of those activities.
Wow! It sounds like there is a lot of things to do in the city. I think l would really enjoy the Ghostbusters and the brews ones. They are kind of starting that pumpkin stuff here too, and trick or treating.