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Ghostly Gatherings and Creepy Capers Await in the Big Apple!
Halloween enthusiasts, brace yourselves! The spookiest season of the year is just around the corner, and New York City is gearing up for a monstrous celebration like never before. October is about to be packed with ghoulishly good times, from hair-raising haunted houses to corn mazes that will leave you lost in laughter. And the best part? You won't need to thread a needle or wield a sewing kit because NYC's top Halloween stores have got you covered in the spookiest style. But that's not all – be sure to peruse our full lineup of NYC events happening throughout October to keep your spirit soaring right till the end of the month.
Better bookmark this link, because we'll be your Halloween guide, continuously updating this epic list throughout the autumn season.
NYC Halloween Events 2023
1. The Village Halloween Parade - A Spine-Tingling Spectacle
Picture this: More than 50,000 zombies, ghouls, witches, monsters, robots, Jedis, giant puppets, and things that go bump in the night, all unleashed on the streets of Greenwich Village. It's not a nightmare; it's the iconic Village Halloween Parade! This creative and spooky procession is a Halloween must-see, and it's creeping back into town on the night of Halloween itself, Tuesday, October 31. Whether you're marching alongside the ghastly throng or cheering from the sidelines, this Halloween extravaganza, now celebrating its 50th year in 2023, promises an unforgettable night of costumed revelry!
2. The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze - Pumpkin Paradise
Get ready to be dazzled as thousands of hand-carved jack o'lanterns light up the night at The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze! Returning for its 19th year at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson from September 15 to November 19, and for the fourth year at Old Bethpage Village Restoration in Long Island from September 22 to November 5, this event is nothing short of spectacular. Explore intricate displays, including a circus sideshow, a jack o’lantern tribute to the Day of the Dead, and even a pumpkin Ferris wheel in the Hudson Valley! And for our Long Island friends, prepare to be amazed by an under-the-sea installation featuring a giant pumpkin octopus and a Montauk mermaid. This Halloween, it's all about pumpkins and pure magic!
3. Halloween House at The Oculus - Fear-Free Fun
If you crave a more festive and less frightening Halloween experience, look no further than Halloween House at The Oculus! Running from Friday, September 29, to Wednesday, November 1, Halloween House will transform the transportation and shopping hub at 185 Greenwich Street into a wonderland of immersive, intricately designed themed rooms. Glow in the Dark spaces, mysterious Vampires' Lairs, a Horror Movie Graveyard, and even an indoor pumpkin patch await. What sets this attraction apart? No actors, jump scares, or strobe lights. Expect a night of spooky fun without the screams!
4. Dreams of Dracula: An Immersive Masquerade Experience - Vampires, Victorian Style!
Sharpen your stakes and don your finest Victorian attire because "Dreams of Dracula: An Immersive Masquerade Experience" is coming to NYC this fall! From October 4 to November 11 (with previews starting on September 22) at Musica NYC in Hell's Kitchen, you'll be transported into the classic Dracula universe like never before. Gothic and Victorian costumes are encouraged, and tickets start at $69. Prepare for a thrilling choose-your-own-adventure evening spanning two floors and six rooms across 25,000 square feet. Immersive theater, dance, and decadent masquerade await – just be sure to pack your garlic!
5. Pumpkin Nights at the Bronx Zoo - A Pumpkin Paradise
Head to the Bronx Zoo for an enchanting fall festival showcasing over 5,000 animal-themed carved pumpkins along a half-mile jack-o’-lantern trail. Live pumpkin carving demonstrations, games, fall treats, and food trucks are all part of the fun at Pumpkin Nights. The festivities begin on Thursday, September 28, and continue on select days through Sunday, October 29. Tickets range from $26.95 to $36.95 for adults and $24.95 to $26.95 for kids. And don't miss the return of "Boo at the Zoo" on select Saturdays and Sundays in September and October!
6. NYBG's Fall-O-Ween - Pumpkin Paradise Awaits!
Calling all pumpkin lovers! The New York Botanical Garden's Fall-O-Ween returns on Saturday, September 16, for its annual celebration of all things pumpkin. With hundreds of pumpkins and gourds on display, hands-on activities, food and beverage talks, tastings, and more, this is a pumpkin paradise! Family-friendly Spooky Garden Nights on October 21 and October 28 will offer Halloween-themed entertainment. And don't miss master pumpkin carver Adam Bierton showcasing his intricate and nature-inspired pumpkin carvings. Plus, you can pick and purchase the perfect pumpkin at the "pumpkin patch" at NYBG Shop.
7. Tompkins Square Park Halloween Dog Parade - Bark-tastic Fun!
Sure, the Village Halloween Parade is a blast, but does it feature a plethora of puppies in adorable outfits? For that, you'll want to attend the Tompkins Square Park Halloween Dog Parade on Saturday, October 21. Expect remarkably elaborate and conceptual canine costumes, as participants compete for Best in Show. Whether you're a dog owner or simply a dog enthusiast, this adorable and amusing canine contest is not to be missed!
8. Rooftop Cinema Club Halloween Movies - Spooky Screenings Under the Stars
As the nights grow longer and spookier, Rooftop Cinema Club has you covered with a lineup of rooftop movies running all the way through October 31. Sip wine, savor vegan popcorn, and enjoy classic films like When Harry Met Sally, The Addams Family, Hocus Pocus, and many more. Scary screenings include Rosemary’s Baby, Paranormal, The Exorcist, The Shining, American Psycho, and cult classics like Coco and Monsters, Inc. Cap it all off with special Halloween