New York, New York City
Fall in NYC’s 21 Special Events & Places to Visit (A Local’s Guide)
New York is BUSTLING with events in the Fall. On top of that, it’s the greatest time to visit New York. The summer crowds have fizzled out, the air is crisp, but you can still enjoy being outdoors, surrounded by breathtaking foliage. As a born-and-raised New Yorker, fall in New York City is my favorite time of year. Here’s why, and things you can’t miss in NYC during autumn.
Table of Contents
NYC Fall Weather Tips
Temperatures in NYC can fluctuate significantly during the fall, ranging from the 70s to the low 50s. September can still have summer elements, and there’s a risk of rain due to hurricane season. My local tip is to watch for hurricanes; if many are passing through the Caribbean/southern USA, that usually causes cooler weather to come on earlier. Regardless, layers are essential in NYC because we crank up the air conditioner here, so you’ll need a sweater inside most places and for cooler nights. So whether it’s a warm or chilly fall, pack a jacket, sweaters, and a scarf that you can mix and match. If you’re coming in December, definitely a jacket/light coat.
You’ll 100% also be doing a lot of walking in NYC. That is a huge privilege of living and traveling here. You’ll get your 10-30k steps a day. So be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes or sneakers.
There is a teeny tiny chance of snow. With the climate changing, it’s become extremely rare to get snow before January. Some years we don’t even get snow, really. It’s sad. But you never know, it wasn’t uncommon in the past. So keep an eye out the week before your trip to see what the weather looks like closer to your date.
Don’t miss my 2025 guide on what to wear in New York + packing tips.
Things to Do in NYC in the Fall + Special Events
1. City Biking Trails & Tours ★
Biking is one of the best ways to explore various neighborhoods in the city. The bridges here are BUILT for biking. Many have separately dedicated bike-only pathways, like the Manhattan Bridge. You can grab a Citi e-Bike and venture on your own or go on a tour where all equipment is provided, and the guides are super knowledgeable about the area you’re exploring.
- Lower Manhattan: This 2-hour tour takes you through Lower Manhattan and over the Brooklyn Bridge. Your guide will explain the history of the area and point out prime photo opps!
- Central Park: To explore Upper Manhattan, hop on this 3.5 hour electric bike tour. You’ll cycle through classic landmarks in Central Park and the surrounding neighborhoods.
- Brooklyn Bridge Waterfront: Discover the lively neighborhoods of DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights on this 2-hour guided tour. You’ll ride over the Brooklyn Bridge and along Brooklyn’s gorgeous waterfront.
- For biking trails to do on your own, I highly recommend the Manhattan Bridge, Randalls Island, Starlight Park (Bronx River Greenway), and the West Side Highway. Avoid the bridges without an e-bike, unless you have good leg muscles. The incline is gnarly.
If you want to bike on the streets, I don’t recommend it unless it’s very early in the morning on weekends. Our streets can get crowded with buses, pedestrians, mopeds, and chaos. Lots of scary bike accidents happen.
2. Hudson Valley Cruise from Manhattan
This cruise to Bear Mountain leaves from Pier 83 in Manhattan and takes you along the Hudson Valley’s dreamy fall foliage. It’s such a unique way to get out of the city! On the boat ride up, you can listen to live music and enjoy some Oktoberfest-themed food and beer. But the biggest highlight is arriving at Bear Mountain State Park to explore the beautiful nature. Here, you can go boat paddling, hike one of the many trails (right now only Popolopen Creek Trail is open), eat at the 1915 Restaurant, and much more.
For this cruise, I recommend getting the VIP tickets as this will grant you access to the nicer parts of the boat and includes your food and beverage. Or, you can wait until getting to the Bear Mountain State Park and eat at the on-site restaurant, but this may eat at your time in Bear Mountain State Park which is limited to 3 hours.
Bonus – Their Oktoberfest theme is complemented by a German Polka band playing on the second floor.
3. Halloween Dog Costume Parades & Contests
There are endless dog costume parties and contests around the city ahead of Halloween. Starting with the NYC Dog Costume Parade in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Get here at least 30 minutes early to snag a good spot for viewing. And if you have a dog, make sure to sign up for the parade. It’s free!
There’s also the Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, where crowds gather around an amphitheater in Fort Greene Park to admire the dogs (and their humans) in costumes before voting for the best costume.
There are way more pop-up dog costume parties; look them up in September and October, but the ones above are the most popular annual ones.
4. Green-Wood Cemetery Autumn Tours ★
This 478-acre cemetery in Brooklyn was founded in 1838 and is a National Historic Landmark. Green-Wood offers stunning views of the skyline and hosts annual events, movie nights, concerts, and art installations. It’s so beautiful and vast that it used to get more visitors than Central Park, back in the day!
Sign up for a guided tours (either by foot or trolley) to learn more about its unique history. I’ve done their Afterhours walk during Halloween season, which included gorgeous fall trails, local New York history, and a stop at the catacombs. And also, their Queer Walks (one of the coolest queer communities to meet people) and their Gay Gothic trolley tours through Close Friends Collective.
Other events include concerts in the catacombs and the season-themed events when visiting Green-Wood Cemetery in the fall.
5. Open House New York (OHNY) Weekend ★
For three days in October, Open House New York Weekend gives you access to some of NYC’s most exclusive spaces, organizations, and iconic buildings. That includes historic landmarks, factories, skyscrapers, architectural gems, and cultural institutions across all five boroughs, most of which are normally closed to the public.
For instance, in 2024, I finally got to meet the Billion Oyster Project on Governor’s Island! And this year, I got to experience Bronxlandia and Rocking the Boat in the Bronx River in one day! Unforgettable experiences. I cannot speak highly enough of this event. It might be my favorite weekend in NYC.
From expert-led experiences to self-guided tours, you can explore places such as private residences, artist studios, and government buildings, offering a unique glimpse into the city’s history, culture, and architectural design landscape.
6. Fall Markets for Crafts Shopping ★
NYC markets are the best places to find unique souvenirs or gifts for the holidays. From vintage items to handmade crafts, you can find anything at these markets!
- The Market at the Brooklyn Museum: Every Sunday, this market sets up in front of the Brooklyn Museum, selling handmade goods from local artisans. Clothing, jewelry, home goods, and apothecary items are all available from the 20+ local vendors that participate.
- FAD Market at Governor’s Island: Take a quick ferry to this market, which takes place on the third weekend of the month, through October. While perusing handmade items, enjoy a delicious cocktail or game of pétanque!
- Brooklyn Flea Market: Brooklyn’s largest flea market takes place each weekend, underneath DUMBO’s archway. Shop for vintage pieces and antique furniture, along with a small selection of jewelry, crafts, and delicious food.
- Bushwick Flea Market: This eclectic market is located on Wyckoff Ave in the trendy neighborhood of Bushwick. You’ll find everything from giant plants to vintage knick-knacks and antique furniture.
- Christmas Markets: I have dedicated a whole post to the best Christmas Markets in NYC <– click to see.
7. NewFest: NYC’s Queer Film Festival ★
This LGBT film festival takes place annually in October, offering both in-person and virtual screenings. The festival showcases a range of queer stories, including films that haven’t yet been released in theaters. In addition to screenings, you can enjoy panel discussions and Q&A Sessions with the filmmakers. If you love film and queer stories, this is a must-attend cultural event.
NewFest passes, or attending together, make the perfect lesbian gift for the film enthusiast queer women in your life!
8. NYC Special Parks for Fall Foliage ★
To see the most impressive NYC fall foliage, head straight to some of the city’s most idyllic parks.
- Wave Hill Gardens ★: This hidden gem in the Bronx is sprawled across a 28-acre estate. Greenhouses, gardens, a cafe, galleries, and woodland comprise the stunning space. Sign up for their fall foliage tours to learn more.
- Prospect Park: While beautiful all year, Prospect Park is especially magical in the fall. Stroll through the lush park and along its expansive lake to admire the vibrant fall colors. The park also houses the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, which is gorgeous in the fall.
- Central Park: This is Manhattan’s ultimate spot for leaf peeping. Stroll along the Reservoir or walk through the Ramble for some of the park’s most vibrant foliage. At the Loeb Boathouse, rent a rowboat and appreciate the stunning colors from the water!
- Fort Tryon ★: This gorgeous oasis is a prime spot for experiencing NYC’s foliage. The park offers 8 miles of tree-lined pathways and amazing riverfront views. Don’t miss the park’s stunning 3-acre Heather Garden!
9. NYC Fall Food Markets
Visiting outdoor food markets is one of the best things to do in New York City. They’re a great way to discover local businesses and try delicious dishes from around the world.
- Smorgasburg: Brooklyn’s biggest open-air food market takes place on Saturdays in Williamsburg and Sundays in Prospect Park. Over 65 vendors sell a diverse range of delicacies, so it’s perfect for discovering local restaurants!
- Bronx Night Market: This monthly outdoor food market in Fordham Plaza features over 40 global cuisines. The market also includes fantastic musical performances each month. One of my fav things to do in the Bronx
- Queens Night Market: Every Saturday from 5pm to midnight, 100 vendors sell art, products, and incredible food. Cultural performances are scheduled each week, making this a wonderfully festive, and delicious, market!
- Other markets pop up around the city that I LOVE, like Japan Fest★, Ube Fest, and Dragon Fest. These are also amazing, but you have to catch them on social media to see when/where they show up.
10. Fall Day Trip to Cute Small Towns
To experience that stunning fall foliage and get a break from the city, take the train (or bus) to one of many charming small towns in Upstate NY. The first two are also some of my favorite day trips from NYC:
- ★ Cold Spring, NY: One of the most gorgeous and walkable small towns in New York. Check out the antique shop along Main Street, go for a hike, or visit Bannerman Castle on the Hudson River. The scenic train ride from NYC takes about 90 minutes and brings you straight to the town center.
- ★ Beacon, NY: This charming town along the Hudson River is easily reached by a 90 minute train ride from NYC. Museums, art galleries, scenic hikes and delicious restaurants make Beacon an ideal day trip from NYC. The town is quite walkable, though there’s also a free bus that takes visitors to key spots.
- ★ Woodstock, NY: A Catskills gem. Not only is the downtown one of the cutest and most bustling in the Catskills with great restaurants like Silvia. But this region boasts some of the most gorgeous hikes in the Catskills. See my full guide here: Most Beautiful Hikes from NYC.
- There are many others, even closer, in Westchester, such as Peekskill and Sleepy Hollow. Starting at around 30 minutes north of NYC. However, I prefer the Hudson Valley and Catskills for that *wow* fall outdoorsy/worlds-away factor.
11. New York Film Festival
Taking place every fall, this is one of the longest-running and most prominent film festivals in the United States. Works by both renowned filmmakers and new artists are showcased throughout the festival. Attendees can purchase single screening tickets or multi-day passes for the whole event.
- Location: Lincoln Center
- Cost: Prices Vary [Get Tickets Here]
- Dates: September 29 – October 15
12. NYC Helicopter Tour
To appreciate the fall foliage from above, hop on a NYC helicopter tour. Take in breathtaking views of the city’s iconic landmarks as you soar over Central Park and the Statue of Liberty. The ride lasts 15 minutes, leaving you plenty of time to continue exploring these sites once you’re back on the ground!
13. San Gennaro Festival in Little Italy Neighborhood
Touristy? Yes. But full of foodie gems? Also. GET THERE EARLY. Otherwise, it’s not worth it because it gets crazy crowded. This 10-day celebration takes over Little Italy every year, featuring games, rides, and, of course, food from around the world.
Historically, the Feast of San Gennaro celebrates the life of the Italian bishop and has become a beloved festival in NYC. Music performances, dance groups, and several eating competitions are all part of the festivities!
Today, much of the Italian diaspora has since shifted to other parts of the USA. So the festival reflects the city’s changing cultural influences and also features foods and vendors from around the world.
Fun fact: Did you know that the ORIGINAL Little Italy neighborhood is actually in the Bronx?
14. Fall Foliage Sailing Tours
Seeing the NYC skyline from the water is a must, but especially when it’s draped in vibrant fall colors. Hop on a half-day tour along the Hudson River to enjoy cityscape views, along with New York’s impressive foliage.
- Sunset Cruise: Take in vivid fall colors and iconic NYC landmarks on this 2 hour sunset schooner cruise. Sip on champagne, wine or beer as you sail past the One World Trade Center and the orange hues of Battery Park.
- Sailboat Cruise to Statue of Liberty: Cruise past the Statue of Liberty while admiring NYC’s skyline, surrounded by fall colors. Your sail comes with one complimentary drink and lasts two hours.
- Fall Foliage Sail: Specifically designed for scoping out fall foliage, this tour sails up the Hudson River. Take in the stunning fall colors from the water on this scenic half-day trip, which includes hot chocolate, beer or wine. It’s a more intimate experience on a traditional wooden sail boat with a cute interior. You can also bring your own picnic.
15. Best Fall Hiking Day Trips from NYC ★
Fall in NYC is the best time of year to go for a hike. Enjoy the crisp air and extraordinary colors on one of the many easily accessible hikes from NYC.
- Bull Hill: Reachable from Cold Spring, this 6 mile hike is considered long and moderate. Located in the Eastern Hudson Highlands, you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with picturesque views of the Hudson River. (TRAIN)
- Cornish Estate: The Cornish Estate Ruins in Cold Spring are reached by a quick and easy 1.8 mile trail. It’s a very peaceful hike along a mostly paved trail, and perfect if you’re not looking for an extreme workout. (TRAIN)
- Kaaterskill Falls: This two-stage waterfall in the Catskills is reached by a short, 1.4mile round trip hike. It’s a popular trail, so get there early or opt for a weekday visit. (CAR)
- Awosting Falls + Minnewaska Lake: Minnewaska State Park is just 2 hours from the city, and known for its stunning lake and waterfall. Reach the Awosting Falls by a 1.1mile trail, or picnic along the park’s stunning lake. (CAR)
16. New York’s Annual Village Halloween Parade
I used to do this in high school, so now I feel like the *wow* factor has worn off for me. Every October 31st, the Village Halloween Parade takes place, starting from King Street and running up 6th Avenue to 15th Street. The NYC Halloween parade showcases the city’s most elaborate and creative costumes. You can participate or admire from the sidelines for a fun and festive night!
17. New York Comic Con
The East Coast’s largest comic and pop culture event takes place every October. Panels by comic creators, celebrity meet and greets, and countless fans decked out in elaborate costumes all join together for this 4 day convention. Buy your tickets early, because this popular event always sells out!
18. Atlantic Antic
This beloved Brooklyn event is the oldest and biggest street festival in Brooklyn. From Fourth Ave to the waterfront, Atlantic Avenue is filled with music, entertainment, diverse food and local crafts. Try cuisine from some of the avenue’s many restaurants, and shop from local artisans at this lively street festival.
19. Brooklyn Book Festival
Authors of all sizes and avid readers are brought together at NYC’s biggest free literary festival. Taking place every fall in Downtown Brooklyn, the festival lasts one week. Discover up-and-coming authors, take part in discussions, and connect with the literary community at this wonderful event!
20. Queens County Farm (FOR KIDS)
The Queens County Farm Museum is NYC’s largest remaining stretch of undisturbed farmland, and one of the most unique free museums in NYC. The grounds are open to the public and they host fun events throughout the year, including special dinners and farmhouse tours.
In the fall, fun events are scheduled, like:
- Amazing Maize Maze: the only corn maze in NYC, and pumpkin picking every October! If you’re in NYC in November, check out the Harvest Dance Celebration, which celebrates Native American culture through music and dance.
- Annual Queens County Fair: This weekend-long agricultural fair takes place every September. Trade in the hustle of the city for pie-eating contests, hayrides, and carnival rides. There’s always plenty of live music, theatrical performances, and food vendors.
21. Go Ice Skating in NYC (Starting in late October)
Depending on the weather, ice rinks around the city open from late October to early November. I have a full guide on all the places to ice skate in NYC HERE . But real quick, these are a few of the most iconic spots:
- The Rink at Rockefeller Center: Under the Rockefeller Christmas tree, this the most emblematic place to go ice skating in NYC, where skaters are allowed 40-60 minutes on the ice. Beginners can sign up for a 30-minute skating lesson, followed by free time to practice their new skills.
- LeFrak Center at Prospect Park’s Lakeside: Nestled in a picturesque corner of Prospect Park, this is the best place to go ice skating in Brooklyn. Featuring two open-air rinks, skaters are allowed 90-minutes on the ice.
- Bryant Park’s Winter Village Skating Pavilion: Get in the holiday spirit at this free skating rink, though you will need to pay for skate rentals if you don’t have your own. After your skate session, warm up with a hot chocolate at one of the best Christmas Markets in NYC.
My Other Related Posts
- Fun Winter Activities in New York City
- Fun Hiking Trails on Long Island
- New York’s Best Waterfalls
- Winter activities in NYC
- NYC in December
About the Co-Authors
Shea Glaser was born in NYC and has lived in the city for most of her life. Gerry Isabelle is the founder and editor of @DominicanAbroad! Also born and raised in NYC.