October in New York City is a season of transformation: crisp air, creative energy, and events that only happen once. From giant puppets to hidden architecture tours, these are the best New York City events in October—ten standout experiences for locals and visitors alike. Whether you crave spectacle, art, flavor, or community, these are things to do in New York City this October you won’t want to miss.

At a Glance

Halloween magic in Greenwich Village: The Village Halloween Parade tops the list of the best New York City events in October with costumes, puppets, and spectacle.

Food and flavor: The NYC Wine & Food Festival serves chef dinners and tastings, making it one of the best NYC events in the fall.
Pop culture and design: New York Comic Con and Archtober deliver the biggest fandom and architecture experiences among things to do in New York City this October.
Film, culture, and community: The New York Film Festival, Diwali Motorcade, and Brooklyn Horror Film Festival round out the most diverse best New York City events in October 2025.

1) Village Halloween Parade

All of Greenwich Village becomes a nocturnal festival of art and imagination on Halloween night. The Village Halloween Parade along Sixth Avenue is arguably the crown jewel of best NYC events in the fall, filled with costumed participants, giant puppets, live music, and street performance that turns the city into a stage.

When: October 31, 2025, starting around 7:00 p.m. (halloween-nyc.com)
Where: Sixth Avenue from Spring Street to 16th Street, Manhattan
What to expect: Tens of thousands in costume, floating puppets, interactive performance, illuminated spectacles
Tip: Arrive early for curbside spots; dress boldly — the parade encourages expressive costumes

2) New York Comic Con

Geek culture takes over the Javits Center with panels, cosplay, screenings, and exclusive reveals. New York Comic Con is top of mind among best New York City events in October for pop culture devotees and fandom pilgrims. It's a place where creators, fans, and legends converge under one roof.

When: October 9–12, 2025 (NYCWFF)
Where: Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, Manhattan
What to expect: Celebrity panels, artist alley, merch reveals, cosplay moments
Tip: Buy multi-day or VIP passes early; plan panels in advance since the schedule fills up fast

3) Open House New York Weekend

Architecture lovers and curious explorers get insider access to buildings rarely open to the public. Open House New York is one of the best NYC events in the fall, giving you walking tours, installations, and lectures throughout neighborhoods.

When: October 18–19, 2025 (OHNY)
Where: All five boroughs — check neighborhoods in the official map
What to expect: Access to private buildings, guided tours, design talks, special exhibitions
Tip: Use the OHNY app or map to plan, arrive early at popular sites to skip lines

Open House New York Weekend — Image Credit: OHNY

4) Archtober (Architecture Month)

All month long, Archtober offers daily features like “Building of the Day,” lectures, ghost tours, installations, and exhibitions tied to NYC’s built environment. It’s a centerpiece of things to do in New York City this October for design buffs.

When: Throughout October 2025 (Archtober)
Where: Across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, host venues vary
What to expect: Free/low-cost events, walking tours, gallery shows, architecture lectures
Tip: Bookmark favorites early; many events have limited capacity

Archtober (Architecture Month) — Image Credit: Archtober

5) NYC Wine & Food Festival

Food Network’s signature festival returns, uniting chefs, restaurants, and food lovers in tastings, dinners, and culinary events. It’s easily among the best New York City events in October if your agenda includes flavor.

When: October 15–19, 2025 (NYCWFF)
Where: Various venues in Manhattan and beyond
What to expect: Grand tastings, chef dinners, cooking demos, curated pairings
Tip: Grand Tasting and After Dark tickets sell out fast — grab them early

NYC Wine & Food Festival — Image Credit: NYCWFF

6) Brooklyn Horror Film Festival

For fans of the uncanny and spooky, the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival screens genre films, hosts panels, and delivers immersive horror experiences. It ranks as one of the better things to do in New York City this October for late-night thrills.

When: October 15–20, 2025 (Brooklynhorrorfest)
Where: Indie cinemas in Brooklyn
What to expect: World/NYC premieres, midnight shows, filmmaker Q&As, surprise screenings
Tip: Festival passes offer better flexibility; reserve tickets for highlight shows

7) New York Burlesque Festival

This four-night festival brings theatrical flair with performances spanning classic burlesque, neo-burlesque, music, and aerial acts. It’s one of the more daring entries among best NYC events in the fall.

When: October 9–12, 2025 (View event details here.)
Where: Venues in Manhattan & Brooklyn
What to expect: Cabaret-style shows, troupe performances, themed nights
Tip: Grab early seating for headline nights; check fringe events or workshops

Image Credit: New York Burlesque Festival

8) The New Yorker Festival

Every fall, The New Yorker Festival brings writers, thinkers, performers, and artists together for conversations, screenings, and live shows. It’s a must-add when looking for best New York City events in October 2025 and one of the standout things to do in New York City this October.

When: October 24–26, 2025 (The New Yorker Festival)
Where: Various venues across NYC, including Webster Hall and SVA Theater
What to expect: Panels, interviews, performances, film premieres, literary and cartoon events
Tip: Buy multi-day or premium passes early — top sessions often sell out

9) Columbus Day Week Events & Parades

Beyond the parade, Columbus Day in NYC often includes Italian heritage festivals, street fairs, and cultural celebrations in Little Italy and beyond. As part of things to do in New York City this October, these events add local flavor and pageantry.

When: Around second Monday of October (Oct 13, 2025), View parade details here.
Where: Little Italy, Manhattan and surrounding enclaves
What to expect: Street vendors, music, cultural performances, open shops
Tip: Combine with a walking tour of SoHo/Little Italy for a full day

Columbus Day Week Events & Parades — Image Credit: New York Welcome

10) Ghosts of Greenwich Village Tour

Roam the shadowed streets of Greenwich Village with local guides, exploring haunted buildings, hidden cemeteries, and city lore. This Ghosts of Greenwich Village Tour is one of the sharper things to do in New York City this October for thrill-seekers and history buffs alike.

When: Daily at 8:00 p.m., 2-hour duration (View event here)
Where: Meeting point at Sixth Avenue & Waverly Place, Greenwich Village
What to expect: Stops at Washington Square Park, Murder House, Hanging Tree, historical ghost stories, local legends
Tip: Book early—they limit group size; wear layers and comfy shoes for walking after dark

Ghosts of Greenwich Village Tour — Image Credit: Top Dog Tours

FAQ

What are the best New York City events in October 2025?

Highlights include the Village Halloween Parade, New York Comic Con, and the NYC Wine & Food Festival.

What are the best NYC events in the fall beyond Halloween?

Archtober, Open House New York, and the New York Film Festival are major draws.

What are unique things to do in New York City this October?

Join the Diwali Motorcade in Queens, explore ghost tours like the Ghosts of Greenwich Village, or catch the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival.

Are there family-friendly events in NYC in October?

Yes — Queens County Farm’s Harvest events and Open House New York offer great options for kids and families.

When should I book tickets for the best NYC events in the fall?

Secure spots for major events like Comic Con, Wine & Food Festival, and Film Festival months in advance.

Final Curtain Call

October 2025 promises New York City at its most vibrant, with parades, festivals, film, food, and fall traditions filling the calendar. From the spectacle of the Village Halloween Parade to the flavors of the NYC Wine & Food Festival, every weekend has something unmissable. Architecture buffs, families, and culture seekers alike will find endless things to do in New York City this October. Plan early, grab your tickets, and experience the best NYC events in the fall while the city is alive with autumn magic.