Fall is upon us and Halloween is quickly approaching. New York has so many Halloween activities to check out, from the Village Halloween Parade to the Halloween Dog Parade and, of course, the  Annual Halloween Pumpkin Flotilla.

Taking place at the northern end of Central Park at the Harlem Meer, this family-friendly event has been around for nearly 30 years. Here's everything you need to know about this year's event.

2023 Pumpkin Flotilla in Central Park

About the Pumpkin Flotilla

The Annual Pumpkin Flotilla has been a fall staple in Manhattan for nearly 30 years. “Flotilla,” traditionally a Naval term, refers to a formation of ships. At the Pumpkin Flotilla, the ships are—you guessed it—pumpkins.

New Yorkers can bring their own carved jack-o-lanterns and watch as 100 glowing gourds set sail. All the pumpkins will be connected in a floating formation led by a wicked witch or pirate, and the jack-o’-lanterns will be equipped with waterproof LED lights to give them a ghoulish glow. Anyone interested in submitting a jack-o-lantern in the Flotilla can check out the guidelines here.

When and Where is the Pumpkin Flotilla?

The Pumpkin Flotilla takes place at the Harlem Meer in Central Park (west of Fifth Ave. and south of 110th St.) This year's event kicks off on Thursday, October 26th. Guests can expect to be enchanted by the glimmering pumpkins on the water and participate in Halloween activities, crafts, entertainment, and more. See a schedule of events below!

4:00 pm–5:30 pm
Pumpkin drop-off
Decorate your own treat-or-trick bag

4:30 pm–5:00 pm
Not-so-spooky story time hosted by the New York Public Library

5:15 pm–5:45 pm
Hair-raising magic with Rogue the Magician

5:45 pm–7:00 pm
Halloween dance party with DJ Dao

6:00 pm–7:00 pm
Pumpkin flotilla

Find more information on the Annual Halloween Pumpkin Flotilla.

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