Autumn in New York City offers families a chance to enjoy cooler weather and vibrant fall colors, paired with an array of exciting events. Whether you’re looking to explore a pumpkin patch, take a spooky tour, or enjoy fall festivals, every borough has something unique to offer. Here are some of the top upcoming events in each of NYC’s five boroughs this fall.
Manhattan
1. Village Halloween Parade (October 31, 2024)
• Location: Greenwich Village
• The iconic Village Halloween Parade is perfect for families who love the festive Halloween spirit. Dress up and either participate or watch this incredible spectacle of costumes and creativity.
2. The Great Pumpkin Flotilla (October 29, 2024)
• Location: Harlem Meer, Central Park
• Bring a carved pumpkin and watch it set sail across the Harlem Meer. Families can also enjoy spooky storytelling and crafts at this event.
3. Oktoberfest at The Standard (September 21 – October 5, 2024)
• Location: The Standard, High Line
• This two-week celebration includes family-friendly activities like carnival games, cookie decorating, and live entertainment.
4. Fall Foliage in Central Park (All Fall)
• Location: Central Park
• Take a family stroll through Central Park to experience the vibrant autumn colors. Consider renting bikes or taking a pedicab tour to make the most of the scenery.
5. Climate Science Fair on the High Line (September 21-23, 2024)
• Location: High Line, Chelsea
• Explore the latest in climate science at this interactive fair, which features hands-on activities, perfect for curious kids and families.
Brooklyn
1. Coney Island’s Halloween Harvest (September 27 – October 27, 2024)
• Location: Luna Park, Coney Island
• Enjoy pumpkin painting, costume contests, and other fall activities at Luna Park’s family-friendly Halloween festival.
2. Brooklyn Book Festival (September 22 – October 2, 2024)
• Location: Downtown Brooklyn
• Don’t miss the kid-friendly day during this literary event, where children’s books and author meet-and-greets are the main attractions.
3. Flatbush Frolic (September 22, 2024)
• Location: Flatbush, Brooklyn
• This long-running street fair features games, pony rides, and live performances, making it a fun-filled day for families.
4. Brooklyn Botanical Garden’s Ghouls & Gourds Festival (October 28, 2024)
• Location: Brooklyn Botanic Garden
• Kids can dress in costume for a parade, enjoy live music, and explore interactive activities in the beautiful gardens.
5. Best of Brooklyn Festival (September 30, 2024)
• Location: Various Brooklyn locations
• Celebrate Brooklyn’s best small businesses, restaurants, and cultural attractions during this borough-wide festival that offers family-friendly fun.
Queens
1. The Amazing Maize Maze (Fridays – Sundays through October 26, 2024)
• Location: Queens County Farm Museum
• Navigate one of NYC’s largest corn mazes, a challenge that’s fun for both kids and adults. Be sure to check out the pumpkin patch while you’re there!
2. Pumpkin Patch at Queens County Farm (October 1-31, 2024)
• Location: Queens County Farm Museum
• Pick your perfect pumpkin at this daily event, offering a farm-fresh experience right in Queens.
3. Forest Park Fall Festival (October 21, 2024)
• Location: Forest Park, Woodhaven
• Enjoy carnival rides, pumpkin painting, and live performances in one of Queens’ largest parks. This is a free event for the whole family.
4. Halloween Harvest Festival at Socrates Sculpture Park (October 28, 2024)
• Location: Socrates Sculpture Park, Long Island City
• This festival combines art, culture, and fall fun. Families can enjoy costume-making, face painting, and participate in a dog costume contest.
5. Making Moves Dance Festival (September 20-22, 2024)
• Location: Jamaica Performing Arts Center
• Introduce your family to emerging dance companies and choreography at this annual festival, celebrating its 15th year.
The Bronx
1. Boo at the Zoo (September 28 – October 27, 2024)
• Location: Bronx Zoo
• One of the Bronx’s biggest fall events, Boo at the Zoo offers haunted trails, a costume parade, pumpkin carving, and wildlife shows—fun for the whole family.
2. New York Botanical Garden Fall-O-Ween (September 27 – October 27, 2024)
• Location: NYBG
• Experience the beauty of fall at the NYBG, featuring pumpkins, scarecrows, and fall foliage, along with hands-on activities for kids like pumpkin carving.
3. City Island Fall Arts & Crafts Fair (September 14-15, 2024)
• Location: City Island
• Explore local art and crafts while taking in the scenic views of this charming maritime community.
4. Fiesta on the Hudson (September 26, 2024)
• Location: Wave Hill
• Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with live music, salsa lessons, and fun family activities overlooking the Hudson River.
5. Giant Pumpkin Carving Weekend (October 26-27, 2024)
• Location: New York Botanical Garden
• Watch artists carve massive pumpkins into intricate designs during this finale to the Fall-O-Ween series at the NYBG.
Staten Island
1. Pumpkin Picking at Decker Farm (Weekends from October 5-27, 2024)
• Location: Historic Richmond Town
• Pick pumpkins, navigate a hay maze, and enjoy seasonal treats at Staten Island’s favorite fall event.
2. Halloween in Richmond Town (October 28, 2024)
• Location: Historic Richmond Town
• Get into the spooky spirit with trick-or-treating, ghost stories, and haunted tours in Staten Island’s historic village.
3. Staten Island Greenbelt Pumpkin Festival (October 15, 2024)
• Location: Greenbelt Nature Center
• Celebrate fall with pumpkin decorating, nature walks, and family-friendly crafts at the Greenbelt.
4. Halloween Hikes at Clay Pit Ponds (October 27, 2024)
• Location: Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve
• Take a twilight hike through the woods for a spooky and educational adventure, perfect for families with older children.
5. Pumpkin Point at Governors Island (October 26-27, 2024)
• Location: Governors Island (Accessible via Staten Island Ferry)
• Head over to Governors Island for a weekend of pumpkin picking, festive crafts, and Halloween activities with stunning views of the Statue of Liberty.
No matter where you are in New York City, there’s an autumn event that’s perfect for your family. From pumpkin patches to spooky parades, make sure to add these borough-based fall festivals to your calendar this year!