As the leaves begin to change, New York City transforms into an autumn wonderland. 

There are countless ways to make the most of the season, like long walks amongst golden foliage, pumpkin spice and cinnamon treats, day trips to pumpkin farms, and haunted houses. 

To make it easy, we gathered a list of the city’s best autumn activities and created the ultimate NYC fall bucket list. Take a look below:

Tour Catacombs

See St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral like never before on this spooky walking tour. Your guide will bring you to the normally off-limits parts of the Basilica, including the creepy catacombs. There’s nothing better to get you in the Halloween spirit — and maybe you’ll learn a thing or two about history.

Where: Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral in Little Italy Manhattan

For more information on Catacomb Tours.

 

EXPLORE MORE:
The Best Ways to Celebrate Halloween in NYC
The Best Places to See Fall Colors in and Around New York
The Best Farms, Pumpkin Patches, and Fall Festivals in and Around New York

Strong New York Fitness and Wellness Festival | October 1

Why wait until the new year to start taking your health seriously? The Strong New York Fitness and Wellness Festival on October 1 can help your find your new favorite fitness regimen this fall and get ahead of that winter wellness slump. 

Where: Pier 60, Chelsea Piers Fitness, New York

For more information on the Strong New York Fitness and Wellness Festival.

Feast of San Gennaro | September 15-25

Move over, Thanksgiving! Real New Yorkers know that the Feast of San Gennaro is the real banquet event of the autumn season. Visit Little Italy from Thursday, September 15 through Sunday, September 25 to sample some of the best Italian cuisine New York has to offer, and to have a blast at the street fair. 

Where: Mulberry Street, Little Italy, between Canal St and Houston St. 

For more information on the Feast of San Gennaro.

Celebrate OktoberFest In Brooklyn | Fridays From September 9-30

Get ready to prost because Oktoberfest is back in NYC this fall. With authentic German beer and traditional Oktoberfest food, it'd probably be in your best interest to order that lederhosen at least one size up. 

Where: 86 N 11th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249

For more information on OktoberFest.

Go On An Apple Picking Day Trip

For a day out in the crisp autumn air, head to Pennings Orchard to gather some granny smiths! Find your favorite apple or grab a medley — each guest is welcome to pick 10 pounds of apples to take home. These trips include round trip transportation from NYC, plus a pour of cider at their on-site Cidery.  

Where: Pick Up From Lower East Side or Hell's Kitchen

For more information on the Apple Picking Day Trip.

Attend Beer Brunch

As the weather starts to cool down, it’s time to bring your brunch inside! Enjoy a variety of crisp brews alongside your comforting meal, then let loose with some ping pong, pinball, popcorn, tabletop games, or dancing to the live DJ!

Where: 

Uptown: Treadwell Park Uptown: 1125 1st Avenue New York, NY 10065

Downtown: Treadwell Park Downtown: 301 South End Avenue, New York, NY 10280

For more information on Beer Brunch - Uptown. 

For more information on Beer Brunch - Downtown

Free Bryant Park Film Festival

Grab your friends, a blanket, and your favorite snacks, and head to Bryant Park to catch a free outdoor movie. While their fall lineup hasn’t been released just yet, Halloween films on the lawn are always a fall favorite for New Yorkers. The lawn typically opens at 5pm for picnicking, and film begins at 8pm.

Where: Bryant Park

For more information on movies at Bryant Park.

Run (Or Watch) the NYC Marathon | November 6

Runners of New York: it's your time. NYC’s marathon is not only the premier event of New York Road Runners, it's the world's greatest road race. New York Road Runners, whose mission is to help and inspire people through running, serves 695,000 runners of all ages and abilities annually through races, community runs, walks, training, virtual products, and other running-related programming. 

Where: 320 West 57th Street New York, NY 10019

For more information on the NYC Marathon.

Stroll Through Central Park During Foliage Season

(Not so) bold take: fall is Central Park’s most beautiful season. You’ll need frequent walks to see all the majesty: from the photo-favorite Gapstow Bridge to the enchanted-forest-esque Ramble and North Woods areas, there’s an entire world of golds, browns, and reds to see. Track it all via the Cental Park Fall Foliage Map. Can't get enough? Bucket Listers rounded up the best places to see fall colors in New York.

Where: Central Park

For more information on fall in Central Park.

Attend The Beauty & The Beast Cocktail Experience

Looky for the perfect moody but romantic autumn date night? Look no further than the Beauty and the Beast Cocktail Experience! Enjoy an immersive Victorian cocktail party inside an enchanted castle, try your hand at making some magical drinks, and hit the dancefloor to be the belle of your own ball. 

Where: Perkana NYC, 594 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024

For more information on Beauty & The Beast.

The Pumpkin Flotilla In Central Park | October 27

Enjoy pumpkin carving, spooky stories, a costume parade, and the signature Pumpkin Flotilla at the Harlem Meer at twilight! Need we say more? The pumpkin flotilla is fun for all ages and has been around for about 30 years. Bring your own carved pumpkin to the free flotilla and watch as an over 100-pumpkin-strong fleet sets sail. Tickets are not required. 

When:

The flotilla takes place on Thursday, October 27, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The day before, on Wednesday, October 26, there will also be Halloween crafts and family-friendly entertainment at the same location. 

Where: Central Park, Harlem Meer beach near Fifth Avenue, and East 108th Street.

For more information on the Pumpkin Flotilla in Central Park.

Halloween Dog Parade | October 22

Hot diggity dog! The largest pooch costume parade returns to the East River for 2022. What’s more exciting than a wiener dog dressed as a hot dog? Answer: An entire showcase of pups in costumes. We’re pretty pawsitive you’re not going to want to miss it. Competition starts at 1pm. 

Where: Tompkins Square Park, E 10th St, New York, NY 10009

For more information on the Halloween Dog Parade.

Take Fall Foliage Tour At The New York Botanical Garden

Soak in the seasonal sights at the New York Botanical Garden. Discover plentiful pumpkins and hordes of gourds along the twists and turns of their Great Pumpkin Path on the Conservatory Lawn, culminating with some of the largest pumpkins in the world!

Where: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10458-5126

For more information on Fall Foliage Tours at the New York Botanical Garden.

GoldFish Presents Oktoberfest at the Williamsburg Hotel | October 15

Enjoy a German-inspired biergarten with a live performance by GoldFish at The Williamsburg Hotel in Brooklyn on Saturday, October 15! 

You can take your experience to the next level with Bucket Listers VIP Lounge Access. VIP Admission includes full access to the main event area and private access to the Water Tower lounge featuring a private bar, special guest DJ performances, direct views overlooking the main stage, and breathtaking views of New York City’s Skyline!

When: Saturday, October 15, 2:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Where: The Williamsburg Hotel: 96 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249

For more information on Oktoberfest at the Williamsburg Hotel.

Village Halloween Parade | October 31

Grab your closest witches and ghouls — NYC’s annual Village Halloween Parade is back again! The annual event will light up Greenwich Village with a parade of costumes, cars, and fantastic giant puppets.

Where: Beginning on Spring Street New York, NY 10013

For more information on the Village Halloween Parade.

Mexico Week: Día De Muertos at Rockefeller Center | October October 27th - November 2nd

Mexico Week: Día De Muertos is back for a second year at Rockefeller Center. Running from October 27th through November 22, the week celebrates Mexico’s heritage and culture with Mexican art, food, music, and education events noted by the Consulate General of Mexico in New York City, the Mexican Cultural Institute, Museo de Art Moderno, and Rockefeller Center. Experience large-scale sculptures at this public art event, including the iconic colorful jaguar by artist Cesar Menchaca. 

In addition to the art, New Yorkers can visit a Tianguis, or open-air market, featuring authentic Mexican food, handcrafted artisanal goods, textiles and Casa Dragones Tequila. The tianguis is open from October 28th through October 30th, 11AM to 10PM; and from October 31st - November 2nd, 4PM – 10PM on Center Plaza.  

Where: Rockefeller Center

For more informaiton on Mexico Week: Día De Muertos at Rockefeller Center.

Attend Emo Brunch

Now that summer’s over, you can finally pull out your favorite black clothes again — and add some eyeliner to match. This blacked-out brunch has everything you need to relive your teen angst, from the Taste of Ink Mimosa to the Coffee & Cambria. 

Where: Houston Hall: 222 W Houston St, New York, NY 10014

For more information on Emo Brunch.

Seasonal Treats at Lafayette

Lafayette is known for its french cooking and delicious pastries, and during the month of October, you can treat yourself to one of their seasonal goodies. Stop in for a Pumpkin Chai Latte Suprême, a flaky croissant made with Sleepy Hollow custard and autumn spice. Don’t forget to grab a hot coffee or chocolate while you’re there.

Where: 380 Lafayette St.
For more information on Lafayette.

Cocteleria de los Muertos

The immersive pop-up, Cocteleria de los Muertos, is back for its second year at The Garrett. Honor icons of days passed among a festive interior, while sipping themed cocktails like “Weeping in Queens” or “Juanny Appleseed.” Small bites like shrimp ceviche and short rib tacos are also available.

Where: 349 Broome St.
For more information on Cocteleria.

Day Trip To Storm King

Situated just over 60 miles north of Manhattan is Storm King Art Center, an open-air museum with unrivaled autumn views. Bike through the grounds, set up a picnic, get off the grid, and forget about how you need to switch out your summer closet for the coats under your bed. 

Where: 1 Museum Road, New Windsor, NY 12553

For more information on Storm King.

A Nightmare on 36th Street | October 29

Head to NoMad for an unforgettable Halloween party featuring spooky Halloween decor, a lineup of NYC’s best DJs, three bars, and plenty of room for dancing. Located in a freshly renovated, two-story bar & lounge, this is a 21+ event. Costumes are encouraged and open to any theme!

Where: 5th & Mad: 7 E 36th St
For more information on A Nightmare on 36th Street.

Take In The Changing Seasons On A Fall Foliage Cruise

Step aboard the luxury yacht the Manhattan or Manhattan II — two cozy, elegant, 1920s-style boats — and travel northbound on the Hudson River in style. Admire the Palisades through the skylights of the ship’s heated observatory, or while catching the breeze on her bow. Observe New York's most dramatic natural wonders and foliage in a whole new way!

Where: Departs from Chelsea Piers

For more information on the Fall Foliage Cruise.

Take A Candle Making Class

Candle season is upon us! Whether you’re a pumpkin spice lover or more of a crisp apple kind of person, you can concoct your favorite cozy fall smell at this fun candle making class. It’s the perfect time of year to pick up a new hobby, after all!

Where: 69 Mulberry St., New York, NY 10013

For more information on Candle Making.

NYC Wine Fest | October 8

Find your new favorite wine so you’re prepared to bring the perfect bottle to Thanksgiving dinner! At NYC Wine Fest, admissions gets you samples of hundreds of wines. So whether you’re all about the bubbles, crazy about cab, or wild for white, you can find something you’re sure to love.

Where: Chelsea Industrial: 535 W 28th St, New York, NY 10001

For more information on Wine Fest.

Sam Adams Octoberfest on Stone Street | October 8

Head downtown to Manhattan's historic Stone Street, where you'll find old-world charm and a Sam Adams Octoberfest pop-up Biergarten—complete with beer, food, live entertainment, giveaways, and NYC's largest Stein Hoist Competition!

Grab a pint from any of the participating bars listed below. The main event kicks off on October 8, but visitors can enjoy Sam Adams Octoberfest from mid-September through the end of October. Prost!

Participating Bars:

Underdog, Ulysses, Stone Street Tavern, Adrienne’s Pizzabar, The Cauldron, The Dubliner, Beckett’s Bar & Grill, Route 66 Smokehouse, Mad Dog & Beans Mexican Cantina

When: October 8, starting at 12pm

Where: Stone, Pearl and S. William Sts. and Mill Ln.

For more information on Sam Adams Octoberfest on Stone Street.

Marvel At The Great Jack O' Lantern Blaze

Nothing gets you in the spooky spirit quite like thousands of jack-o-lanterns. Each pumpkin is designed and hand-carved on site by professional artists, so you know they’ve got to be gourd. More than 7,000 jack-o-lanterns become illuminated during the event. 

Where: Van Cortlandt Manor at 525 S Riverside, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520

For more information on the Great Jack O' Lantern Blaze.

Visit NYC's Only Boozy Haunted House: Madhouse On Mulberry

Madhouse on Mulberry is NYC’s only boozy haunted house. The Madhouse Haunted House takes place in an abandoned asylum that housed patients over 20 years ago… their spirits are rumored to still haunt the halls and are finally ready to mingle with the public for Halloween 2022. Try some devilish drinks while navigating the many spooky rooms. 

Where: 133 Mulberry Street, New York, NY 10013

For more information on Madhouse on Mulberry.