food & drink · music & nightlife · attractions & tours · outdoor activities ·
Published October 19, 2023
The Best Ways to Celebrate Halloween in NYC
Parties, parades, haunted houses, and more! Here's where to get spooky in NYC this season. 🎃👻🕷️
by New York Bucket List
Spooky season is upon us, and no matter your age, scare affinity or favorite fall festivities, NYC has the perfect Halloween event for you. From costume parties to bar crawls and haunted houses to Halloween movies, October is packed with spine-tingling events.
We’ve rounded up some of the most haunted tours, wildest parades, and best places to dance in your costume all Halloweekend long—along with a heart-melting dog parade and some kid-friendly options as well.
Halloween Events and Activities in NYC
Haunted Soiree
For a grown-up take on Spooky Season, dress up and attend Haunted Soiree: A Macabre Cocktail Party. More than just drinks and costumes, this experience pulls you into a story filled with intrigue and mystery. Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere with mini-cocktail tastings, captivating live performances, and wandering entertainers.
Where: Sixty Pine Street: 60 Pine St, New York, NY
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EXCLUSIVE
Dreams of Dracula Immersive Theater
Experience the legendary tale of Dracula like never before in a mix of immersive theater, dance, and masquerade. This show is a choose-your-own-adventure journey through history’s most famous vampire story. You'll walk through the darkness, meet the Brides Of Dracula, dance in Dracula’s ballet as it unfolds around you, and much more.
Note: Gothic or Victorian costumes are very much encouraged, and Friday and Saturday nights are black-tie affairs!
Where: Musica Club NYC, 637 West 50th Street, New York, NY
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Village Halloween Parade | October 31
The iconic Greenwich Village parade on Halloween night is back, with over 50,000 costumed New Yorkers planning to march, dance, and “float” the night away. Come in your wildest costume, or take in the creative get-ups of everyone else! The parade begins north of King Street, ends at 15th Street, and is free and open to the public. VIP passes can be purchased for anyone wanting a guaranteed viewing spot or participants wishing to skip the line or secure a spot in one of the special areas of the parade.
P.S. There will be an after-party at Webster Hall to keep the spooky merriment going!
Where: Greenwich Village, along Sixth Ave. between King St. and 15th.
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Frankenstein's Mad Scientist Cocktail Lab
Frankenstein's might look like an ordinary bar from the outside, but inside, you’ll find yourself surrounded by mysterious potions, shimmering elixirs, and spine-tingling concoctions. Mad scientists will guide you through the experience, and together, you'll unlock the secrets hidden within the simmering beakers and test tubes! This Halloween-inspired pop-up bar also has additional drinks at the bar and spooky photo ops.
Where: Mad Morton: 47 7th Ave S, New York, NY
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PRESENTS
Cityside Pumpkin Patch
You can experience all the fun of fall on the farm without having to leave the city. Cityside Pumpkin Patch in LIC is a rooftop pumpkin patch that offers locally harvested pumpkins from upstate New York, along with a pumpkin-smashing activity zone, scarecrow archery, an array of scrumptious treats and beverages, a "not haunted" haunted house, and lots of Halloween-inspired decor and photo ops!
P.S. Want more? We rounded up all the best pumpkin patches, farms, and fall festivals in and around New York!
Where: The Summer Club: 8-08 Queens Plaza S, Queens, NY
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TerrorVision Haunted House
For anyone looking to get truly scared this Halloween, you need to check out TerrorVision in Times Square. Step into the twisted world of infamous director Bobby Castle as the boundary between reality and nightmares fades, taking you on a chilling journey through three tales of terror. Brace yourself for an onslaught of pure, unadulterated fright in TerrorVision, and see if you can escape the clutches of Castle's demented mind or be doomed to exist as a rerun forever.
Where: TerrorVision Haunted House: 300 West 43rd Street
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Spooky Tipsy Brunch at Selene
We love brunch (that might be the most basic sentence we've ever written), and a themed brunch? We're all in. Head to Selene for haunted cocktails and Halloween-inspired food items, but don’t be surprised to find an eye or two in your eggs. You can even try Halloween jello shots, and Bloody Mary syringes if you need to be revived after your night out.
Where: Selene: 11 Hanover Square, New York, NY
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Journey Halloween Bash | October 28
This Halloween masquerade promises to whisk you away on a journey that traverses this globe without ever leaving the venue...we're intrigued. Held at Journey NYC, you'll step into a realm where beauty and adventure combine to create a night of unforgettable enchantment. Tickets include a mask to ensure everyone is immersed in and part of the masked mystique adventure.
Where: Journey NYC: 27 W 24th St, New York, NY
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Morris-Jumel Mansion Haunted Tours
Featured on The Holzer Files, Ghost Adventures, Netflix’s Surviving Death, Haunted USA: New York, BuzzFeed, the Today Show (and more!), the Morris-Jumel Mansion is a world-renowned paranormal site
All October, guests can take an after-dark, candlelight ghost tour of Manhattan’s oldest surviving house. Guided tours will include learning the history of the Mansion, a ghost hunt in the period rooms of the Mansion (normally closed to the public), and the opportunity to communicate with Morris-Jumel Mansion’s former residents using paranormal investigation equipment.
Where: 65 Jumel Terrace
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Central Park Pumpkin Flotilla | October 26
See over 100 glimmering jack-o-lanterns set sail in the annual Pumpkin Flotilla at Central Park on October 27. Pumpkin drop-offs are at 4pm, followed by trick-or-treat bag decorating, storytime for little ones, a magician, and a live DJ and dance party. The float itself will take place from 6 to 7pm! Anyone interested in submitting their own gourds can check out the guidelines here.
Where: The Harlem Meer, Central Park (west of Fifth Ave. and south of 110th St.)
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Trick-Or-Streets | October 31
Back for its second year, New York’s open streets program will take place on Halloween for Trick-Or-Streets. Kids and families can enjoy maximum trick-or-treating opportunities as safely as possible with nearly 100 open streets and other newly pedestrianized streets going car-free on October 31 between 4pm and 8pm.
Where: Various locations. The city's website shows a full map and a list of participating streets.
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Halloween Dog Parade | October 21
The country’s biggest costume parade for dogs is back for its 33rd year with the most adorable lineup of dog-testants at Tompkins Square Park! Expect hundreds of dogs in their Halloween best competing in costume contests like best celebrity theme, best food theme, best Chihuahua, etc.
If you have a pup you’d like to enter, registration starts at 12pm, and the judging begins at 1pm. The parade is free for spectators; we just suggest bringing warm layers, snacks, and a phone charger to take photos throughout the event!
Where: Tompkins Square Park, E 10th St
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NYC Halloween Parties
Halloween Party with Open Bar at Motto by Hilton | October 28
Experience an Enchanting Seance Soiree at Lulla inside Motto by Hilton! Mingle with spirits and enjoy the drinkable kind at the open bar. There will also be a live DJ, tarot readings, and psychic conjuring throughout the night.
Where: Motto by Hilton New York City Chelsea: 113 W 24th St, New York, NY
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EXCLUSIVE
Halloween Bash at Arlo Midtown Hotel | October 28
Arlo Midtown is hosting an Enigmatic Eyes Wide Shut Experience. Immerse yourself in a night of masked enchantment, exclusive tastings and a special cocktail presentation by Altair's master mixologists. Plus, enjoy an open bar all and live music all night.
Where: Arlo Midtown Hotel: 351 W 38th St, New York, NY
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Halloween Parties at 230 Fifth | October 27 & 28
Check out a Bollywood Halloween Party at NYC's premier rooftop venue, 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar, on October 27. Dance to electrifying Desi beats in the heart of Manhattan, featuring DJ Browny. Then, continue the Halloween fun at the Village Halloween Parade After Party, 'Devil’s Heaven,' on Halloween night at the iconic 230 Fifth Avenue rooftop venue. Costumes, cocktails, and incredible views await you for a Ghoul's Night Out to remember!
Where: 230 Fifth Rooftop: 230 5th Ave, New York, NY
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Dead Disco at Sony Hall | October 28
One of the biggest Halloween parties in the city will take place at the iconic Sony Music Hall. On October 28, dress to impress in your spookiest costume, and expect a night of dancing, cocktails, and a headliner DJ set from local NYC legend, Luke Alexander. Doors open at 9pm and the party lasts until 4am.
Where: Sony Hall: 235 W 46th St, New York, NY
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Halloween Parties at Highwater Rooftop | October 27 & 28
Attend a Zombie Fest on October 27 or a Monster Mash on October 28 at Highwater Rooftop. The parties will both feature live DJs and ghoulish vibes with amazing views of the city, and run until 3 am.
Where: 120 Water St., New York, NY
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Halloween Party Cruises | October 27 & 28
Take your Halloween celebrations offshore and party on the water at these Halloween-themed cruises. Happening on the weekend before Halloween, you can choose from a 70s Disco Burlesque, Reggaeton Halloween Party, or a classic Halloween Cruise. No matter your choice, you'll get to enjoy three hours of scenic views, multiple levels of party space, an open-air deck, live DJ, and more.
Where: Varies depending on the party. Check the event sire for details.
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Nightmare on 36th Street | October 28
This Halloween weekend, step into a spookily transformed two-story bar and lounge in Manhattan’s centrally-located NoMad neighborhood. Bucket Listers has arranged an extravaganza of Halloween decor, hip-hop and house DJs, and a costume-encouraged dress code across two floors, three bars, and four rooms.
Where: 5th&Mad: 7 E 36th St.
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EXCLUSIVE
A Wednesday Addams Halloween | October 28
If you're one of the millions of people who became enamored with Wednesday Addams this past year, this party is for you. Step into Nevermore Academy and get ready to dance dance dance with your hands hands hands all night. Whether you’re a werewolf, vampire, siren, or gorgon, Nevermore has something for you throughout its 4 party-filled rooms, interactive themed photo ops, and 3 bars serving glowing cocktails and mystical potions.
Where: Saint: 136 2nd Ave, New York, NY
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Barbie Party at Not a Speakeasy | October 28
Put your Barbie costumes to good use at this Barbie-themed party at Not a Speakeasy on the Upper East Side. Join Stereotypical Barbie, Just Ken, Weird Barbie, Doctor Barbie, Other Ken, President Barbie, Allan, and friends as you party and dance the night away with a live DJ, complimentary cocktails, and Barbie Bags. There will also be a dance contest with prizes given to the best Barbie or Ken dancer!
Where: NAS: 301 E 84th St, New York, NY
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The Bloody Disco | October 28
Party in the brand new Virgin Hotels Everdene room as it's transformed into The Bloody Disco! The party goes from 10pm until 4am and costumes are mandatory. Overlook NYC's skyline, win prizes, and experience Everdene's DJs at this unique discotheque.
Where: 33 West 29th Street, New York, NY
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Power Ranger Halloween at UES | October 28
It's mighty morphin' time! This Halloween party is themed after your favorite alien-fighting high school students of the 90s. Enjoy spooky cocktails, bar bites, a live DJ, and tricks and treats all night long at this ice cream parlor with a hidden room in the back. Costumes aren't required but strongly encouraged (honestly, why wouldn't you want to dress up as the pink ranger though?). Prizes will be awarded to the top three contestants, and tickets include a welcome cocktail and swag bag!
Where: UES: 1707 2nd Ave, New York, NY
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EXCLUSIVE
Life After Death at Life Rooftop | October 27
Spend this Halloween at the lavish Life Rooftop Located on Billionaire's Row in the Le Meridien Hotel with SPOOKtacular views of Central Park! Offering a special cocktail menu, Hundreds of amazing guests, Top NYC DJs, breathtaking views, and an overall amazing experience.
Where: 120 W 57th ST, New York, NY
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Trick or Drink: Halloween Bar Crawls | October 27 – 31
Claim drink specials from all the best bars in town in the Halloweekend pub crawl for the ages. Guests will check in at DROM to receive a wristband, then be on their merry way to enjoy free entries and drink specials at participating bars across NYC. Costumes are highly encouraged.
Where: DROM: 85 Avenue A, New York, NY
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Space 54 Halloween Party: Down the Rabbit Hole | October 28
Halloween Parties at The Unlisted Rooftop | October 27 & 28
The Unlisted Rooftop on the Lower East Side is hosting two Halloween parties on October 27 and 28. Meet hundreds of people while dancing to top 40, house music, and hip hop, and enjoy handcrafted cocktails in an awesome rooftop space.
Where: 3 Freeman Alley, New York, NY 10002 (formerly known as Bowery Rooftop)
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EXPLORE MORE:
NYC's Ultimate 2023 Fall Bucket List
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What's Happening in New York This Month
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