Halloween events in NYC for a scary good time in 2024 (2025)

Halloween events in NYC for a scary good time in 2024 (1)

Photograph: By Iri Greco & Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media

Check out the creepiest and coolest Halloween events NYC has ever seen including parties, parades, and haunted houses.

Written by Rossilynne Skena Culgan

Things to Do Editor

Contributors: Adam Feldman, Christina Izzo & Ian Kumamoto

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We're throwing the spookiness into high gear with events for Halloween in NYC. October is filled with costumed parties, jump scaresat haunted houses, corn mazes, parades and even dog parades — and we're so ready!Don't bother breaking out your sewing kit,New York's greatestHalloween storeshave plenty ofoptions tomake you look really spooky.Make sure to check out our NYC events in Octobertooforeven moreactivitiestofinish off the month inkiller spirits.

Bookmark this link because we'll be updating this guide allautumnlong.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Halloween in NYC

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The best of the city under one roof

Halloween at Time Out Market
  • Things to do
Photograph: Shutterstock

It's going to be a Hallo-WEEK at Time Out Market New York!

Head to the Dumbo food hall between Friday, October 25, and Saturday, November 2, for a wicked-good time that includes live music, costume contests, tarot card readings, spooky specialty cocktails and more.

Don't miss the following on our line-up:

Friday, October 25: Friday Night Vibes Halloween Costume Party
Saturday, October 26: Latin Mix Saturday Halloween Costume Party
Thursday, October 31: Salsa Thursdays Halloween Edition
Saturday, November 2: Dia De Los Muertos Dinner with Ivy Stark

NYC Halloween events 2024

1.The Village Halloween Parade
  • Things to do
  • Festivals
Photograph courtesy Virginia Rollison 39th Annual Village Halloween Parade

The Village Halloween Parade—NYC’s creative and spooky procession—is one of the bestHalloween eventsinGreenwich Villageand it's coming back this year on Halloween, Thursday, October 31. Each year, more than 50,000 zombies, ghouls, witches, monsters, robots, Jedis, giant puppets and more things that go bump in the night take to the streets for a night of costumed revelry that you won't want to miss.

Whether you march or watch from the sidelines, don't miss this iconic Halloween event.

2.Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas light trail
  • Things to do
  • City Life
Photograph: Roy Rochlin

Get a chance to feel like you're inside the mind of the one and only Tim Burton. The New York Botanical Garden is hosting the worldwide debut of a new lighttrail entirelyinspired by the 1993 classic Disney filmTim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas.

The trail is comprised of over 8,300 square feet of light installations with interactive video projections, intelligent LED lighting and 3D printed sculptures of the film's iconic characters.

The outdoor adventure runs from September 27 through November 30; get ticketshere.

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3.The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
  • Things to do
  • Events & Festivals
Photograph: Tom-Nycz / Courtesy Historic Hudson Valley

Carving a jack-o'-lantern may be a time-honored American tradition for many, but nobody—and we mean nobody—does pumpkin carving quite like Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze.

Every fall,pumpkins aplenty decoratetwo locations of this festive, family-friendly attraction. This year promises thousands of intricately carvedjack-o'-lanterns in mesmerizing displays, plusdazzling new experiences in honor of the event's founding 20 years ago.

Blaze: Hudson Valleyruns at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson in Westchester County from September 13 through November 17.Blaze: Long Islandruns at Old Bethpage Village Restoration in Old Bethpage, Long Island from October 4 through November 3.Tickets are on salenow.

4.Pumpkin Nights at the Bronx Zoo
  • Things to do
  • Events & Festivals
Photograph: Courtesy Bronx Zoo

After the sun goes down, theBronx Zoowill light up this fall with more than 5,000 animal-themed jack-o’-lanterns in incredible displays.Officially called Pumpkin Nights, this festivity is back for its second year after a popular debut in 2023.

Expect to see intricately carved jack-o'-lanterns set up in different animal ecosystem scenes, such as the Amazon rainforest, Himalayas, Congo, bioluminescent deep-sea, an African Savanna waterhole and many more. Pumpkin Nightswill be heldon select dates from September 26 through October 27 withtickets on sale here.

This year's festivities include an expanded and enhanced jack-o'-lantern trail that stretches for half a mile. As you walk through the experience, you'll be met with atmospheric sounds, music, costumed characters, fog, bubbles and colored lights. Last year's carved creations included a furry bear, a wrinkly elephant and a dramatically decorated leopard.

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5.Boo at the Zoo
  • Things to do
Wildlife Conservation Society

Lions, tigers and bears—oh my! The Bronx Zoo goes all out every Halloween season, and this year is no exception, with a month of spooky festivities.Come dressed in yourAll Hallows Evebestto enjoy live pumpkin carving demos, animal encounters, family-favorite outdoor games, costumeparades, local food trucksand plenty of treats.

Activities runon Saturdays and Sundaysfrom September 28 through October 27 (and on Monday, October 14).

For an extra special treat, book a ticket for the zoo's Pumpkin Nights where you can wander through a trail of animal-themed jack-o'-lanterns.

6.Black Lagoon pop-up bar
  • Eating
Photography: Black Lagoon

Promising to get us all in the Halloween spirit, a spooky pop-up bar is rising from the dead, bringing goth, ghouls and all the scary good times.

Starting October 1,Black Lagoonwill bring mixology and the macabre to Someday Bar(364 Atlantic Avenue).Described as “an immersive, creepy-as-hell cocktail experience,” expect skeletons, life-sized coffins you can take a selfie in, illuminated skulls, and themed cocktails.

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7.Blood Manor haunted house
  • Things to do
  • Events & Festivals
Photograph: Courtesy of Blood Manor

Prepare to scream in horror.Blood Manoris back from September 28 through November 3, markingmore than two decades of terrifying New Yorkers.

The 10,000 square-foot mansion at 359 Broadway in Manhattan boasts plenty ofblood-chilling rooms, spooky corridors and a labyrinth filled with surprises that will make you jump inabject horror.But there's more: a great cast of actors equipped to instill maximum jump scares and state-of-the-art special effects and technology that combine reality with fantasy so that you don't quite know what's real and what isn't. Snag your timed entry tickets here.

8.Halloween Pumpkin Flotilla
  • Things to do
Photograph: Courtesy of Central Park Conservancy

At this beautiful annual event, look on as the Harlem Meer lights up with a flotilla of floating pumpkins at twilight on Wednesday, October 30.Plus, see a magic show, listen to not-so-scary stories and make some crafts at thisfamily-friendly Halloween eventat Harlem Meer. Activities start at 4pm.

If you would like to see your own jack-o'-lantern floatin the parade,bring your masterpiece to the information table at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Plaza before theevent starts (between 4-5:30pm). If there's space, they'll let you know where to drop it off. Space on the float is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The flotilla begins at 6pm.

Pumpkin owners may retrieve their gourds after theflotilla ends at 7pm. Pick-up is at the Harlem Meer Beach near Fifth Ave and E. 108th Street.

Make sure to abide by the following guidelines when working on your pumpkin:

- Artificial decorations are off limits as they will pollute the Harlem Meer. So make sure not to use any paper, food dye, paint, glitter or plastic whencarving.

- Choose a regular-size pumpkin. It should weigh about 8 poundsafter it's carved and be about the size of a soccer ball. Super big and/or minigourds won't be accepted.

- Make sure to bring the top of your carved or gutted pumpkin.

- Floats, bulbs and candles will be provided to you by the staff onsite, so you don't need to bring any of that stuff along with you.

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9.The Amazing Maize Maze
  • Things to do
  • Weird & Wonderful
Photograph: Courtesy of Queens County Farm Museum

Each year, the AmazingMaize Maze's shape changes, and thisyear, it's designed like a butterfly. The species starts their life cycle on the farm's milkweed plants before they migrate nearly 3,000 miles toMexico every year.The maze is not only a fun family activity this year, but also an homage to a threatened species that we should all protect.

You can visit the AmazingMaizeMaze at the Queens County Farm Museum every Friday through Sunday until October 26. Tickets are $14 for adults and $10 for children ages 4-11. Entry is free for children under 3 years old.Online tickets are required before you visit and youcan get them through theirwebsite.

10.Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest
  • Things to do
Photograph: Courtesy Jasmin Chang

Cheer for all the cutedoggos intheirHalloweenfinery during this year's 26th Annual Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest on Saturday, October 26. Held every year by Fort Green Park Users and Pets Society since 1998, the event is held atthe bottom of the Prison Ship Martyrs’ Monument stairs, where more than a hundred dogsrun around in silly and creative costumes from RBG to hot dogs and more.

The entry fee for participants is $20; dogs and their humans must register before Sunday, October 20th at 10pm. It's free to watch the show with no registration required.

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11.Rooftop Cinema Club's Halloween lineup
  • Things to do
  • Events & Festivals
Photograph: By John-Warren Hendricks / Courtesy of Rooftop Cinema Club

At Rooftop Cinema Club this October, you can scare yourself silly (or laugh yourself into a fit if that’s more your style) withits slate of festive films.

Rooftop Cinema Club promises to put the "sin" in cinema with a lineup ofhaunting and horrifying films—if you’re brave enough to watch. On the calendar for October:Hocus Pocus, Friday the 13th, Mean Girls, The Shining, Beetlejuice, Death Becomes Her, Halloweentown, Practical Magic, American Psycho, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Halloween, Scream, and more.Here'sthe full lineup andhow to get tickets.

12.The Spirits' Speakeasy
  • Circuses & magic
  • East Village

Photograph: Courtesy of the artist

The scrappy immersive-theater troupe Broadway Murder Mysteriesconjures up a newproductionin time for Halloween season: a 1920s soirée at which the celebratedmedium Margery tries to convince the skeptical stage magician Harry Houdini of her supernatural powers. The show is inspired by the real encounters, facilitated by Houdini's more credulous friend Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, that led to Houdini's 1924's exposéA Magician Among the Spirits. Co-conceived by writerMonica Hammond and director Sarah Sutliff, the show featuresKrystyn LambertasMargery and Patrick Terry as Houdini; to fill out the atmosphere, the evening includes close-up magic and period cocktails.

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13.Madame Morbid’s Trolley Tours
  • Things to do
  • Walks and tours
Photograph: courtesy Madame Morbid

The trolley tour that's outfitted to look like a Victorian funeral parlor—think chandeliers and velvet curtains—and takes you on a trip through the shadows of historic Brooklyn is back. The tour visits the secret location where Murder, Inc. disposed of bodies, alien abduction sites along the Brooklyn Bridge, a brothel and more spooky sites spanning 400 years of Brooklyn history.

Even if you're a supernatural skeptic, it's fascinating to see hidden cemeteries, mobster dumping grounds, and an EPA Superfund site. Plus, get the chance win prizes with spooky trivia.

14.Pumpkin Arch in the Seaport
  • Things to do
  • Events & Festivals
Photograph: Keeyahtay Lewis

The Pumpkin Arch in the Seaport has been installed for the season, and this incredibly Instagrammable installation is worth checking out for free through November 3.

What is a pumpkin arch exactly? Think of a balloon arch but with decorative pumpkins instead of balloons,plus some fall foliage and vines to add to the autumnal energy. You can find it on the Heineken Riverdeck on the north side of Pier 17 in the Seaport. In the background, you'll see the Brooklyn skyline and the East River. If you frame your photograph just right, you can even get the Brooklyn Bridge perfectly aligned in the background.It's open 24/7 for photographs.

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15.Village Halloween Costume Ball
  • Things to do
  • East Village

Photograph: Courtesy Jonathan Slaff

More a full-fledged festival than a mere ball, this spirited event has been a tradition at Theater for the New City since 1976. Costumes or formalwear are highly encouraged, and live performances and music contribute to this monster bash. The outdoor events, from 3:30pm to 7pm, includea variety show emceed by Mary Tierney, a children's costume competition andThe Red and Black Masque, a short Medieval ritual show performed by torchlight.

The action moves indoors from 7pm through11pmwith 10-minute cabaret performancesbyartistsincludingstage icon Austin Pendleton,fire jugglerJohn Grimaldi,composer Peter Dizzoza and belly dancer Carol Tandava—as well as short plays, vaudeville, aerial dance, a scream contestand a"Monsters and Miracles Costume Parade." The swing orchestra Art Lillard's Heavenly Big Band (8pm–9:30pm) andMr. Pablo's Latin Dance Band (9:45pm–11pm) help keep the ballroom moving.

16.Catbaret Presents: Meowloween
  • Things to do
Desiree De Sade

Calling out cat lovers! We’ve found the purr-fect way for you to celebrate Halloween: Catbaret, a cat-themed cabaret hosted by Gemma Smith, will take place at Caveat on Thursday, October 31, featuring a night of comedy, music, magic and burlesque (or purr-lesque—yes, the cat puns will end soon but not today!).

Partygoers are invited to don their most "cat-tastic" costumes for a chance to win the audience costume contest—free cat ears will be given out to all attendees, to give your fit an extra-feline boost—and there will also bea-meow-zing raffle prizes up for grabs. In a special partnership with Rescue NYC, Catbaret will also highlight adoptable cats during an intermission slideshow.

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17.Tompkins Square Park Halloween Dog Parade
  • Things to do
Photograph: Francine Daveta

The Village Halloween Parade is fun and all, but does it have a plethora of puppies in adorable outfits? For that, you’ll have to head to this annual dog parade held this year on Saturday, October 19. The getups are remarkably elaborate and conceptual—no surprise given the prizes up for grabs for Best in Show.

This year'sparade will take place from 1-3pm. Though the exact parade route hasn't been announced, it typically runs onAvenue B from E. 6th Street to E. 14th Street, with staging on E. 7th Street between Avenue A and Avenue B.Follow along on the Tompkins Square Park Dog Run's Instagram account for more info as the date approaches.

Whether you're competing to be top dog or just watching from the sidelines, this canine contest can't be missed. Here's the list of last year's winners for inspiration.

18.Washington Square Park Dog Halloween
  • Things to do
Photograph: By Bea Kossodo

Ooh and ahh (and aww) over the cute dogs in costumes at the Washington Square Park Dog Halloween event. From decked-out doodles to costumed corgis, all the goodest doggos will be dressed up in their finery for this fall festivity on Saturday, October 26. The parade starts at 11am with the costume contest at 12:30pm.

For the first time, entry is free. Just be sure to register on-site on the day of the event starting at 9am.

All the fun's hosted by the Washington Square Park Conservancy.

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19.Cityside Pumpkin Patch at The Summer Club rooftop
  • Things to do
  • Events & Festivals
Photograph: Courtesy of Cityside pumpkin patch

Choose from more than 10,000 gourds sourced from upstate New York at Cityside Pumpkin Patch at The Summer Club rooftop in Long Island City. The pumpkins will bespread across 25,000 square feet of space at 8-08 Queens Plaza South from October 4 through Halloween.

In addition to the pumpkin patch, expect photo ops to archery sessions, face painting, tarot card reading, a smash-o-lantern activation and—of course—food and drink offerings to boot. Tickets are on salehere.

20.Treats in the Streets
  • Things to do

Halloween revelers of all ages—and all species—will descend upon the Meatpacking District on Saturday, October 19 for the area's annual Halloween celebration, Treats in the Streets.

From 11am to 6pm, the west side neighborhood will offer all treats and no tricks at participating restaurants and businesses, including pumpkin ring toss, pumpkin tic-tac-toe, cornhole, pumpkin painting Halloween mask making, spooky storytime readings and plenty of sweet treats, including mini dipped croissants from Maman, Petrossian chocolates and signature tea, Halloween cookies from RIVIAN, mini apple cider donuts at The Standard, High Line and more.

And, of course, Treats in the Streets' headlining event will return: the Meatpacking District’s 6th Annual Doggie Costume Contest, taking place on Gansevoort Street and Ninth Avenue. After both pups and their owners strut down the runway showing off their costumed best, a panel of judges will decide the top three looks of the day. The winner will receive an overnight stay at The Standard, High Line, while all three finalists will take home a personalized pet portrait by artist Laura Baran.

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21.Events at Green-Wood Cemetery
  • Things to do
  • Events & Festivals
Photograph: By Maike Schulz / Courtesy of Green-Wood Cemetery

This fall, Green-Wood Cemetery is hosting a wide array of programming, from performances in its catacombs to trolley tours to powerful discussions about grief.

Nightfall, a two-day spectacle with after-dark immersive experiences, is among the fan favorites, and it's coming back in October. Other stand-out events include the trolley tour Gay Gothic and Spirited Stroll, a pre-Halloween walking tour withtales ofmurder, mayhem, and captivating oddities. Here's the full list.

22.Sleepy Hollow: Autumn’s Harvest immersive experience
  • Things to do
  • Events & Festivals
Photograph: Courtesy of HERO

This new immersive experience at Rockefeller Center is based on the story ofIchabod Crane and the Headless Horseman.The experience starts at the Sleepy Hollow Harvest, where you'll encounter freshly pressed apple cider and characters from the Headless Horseman tale. Then, you'll make your way through the Hollows and the cornfield before you arrive atIchabod’s Enchanted Grove. The journey winds through a few more experiences before ending at the Jack O’Lantern Atelier, where you can carve and decorate your own pumpkinto take home.

“Sleepy Hollow: Autumn’s Harvest”runs from Saturday, October 12, until November 12.Tickets range from $34-$44 per person. You canplan your visit ontheir website here.

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23.Candlelight Ghost Tours of Manhattan’s Most Haunted House
  • Things to do
Photograph: Courtesy Steven Acres

Once upon a time, people lived in building now called the Merchant’s House Museum in Noho. Then they died ... but their spirits may not have moved on. This 50-minute tour reveals the dark, haunted past of this old structure—as well as its spooky present.

Try the Candlelight Ghost Tour where doors slam, floorboards creak, and voices call into the dead of night.Has all that construction nearby has dredged the ghosts from their slumber?

During this tour, you may just find out.

24.Haunted Broadway: The Ghostlight Tour
  • Things to do
  • Walks and tours
Photograph: By Sociopath987 / Shutterstock

During this two-hour stroll through New York’s busiest part of town, you’ll learn about Broadway and Vaudeville Stars from the great beyond, dance the Time Warp, sing songs from Phantom of the Opera and visit legendary haunted theaters.

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25.Greg's Great Pumpkin Patch
  • Things to do
Greg's Great Pumpkin Patch

The Greenwood Park Beer Garden (555 Seventh Ave. in Brooklyn)has transformed into Greg’s Great Pumpkin Patch with plenty of family-friendly fun through All Hallows Eve. Pick from a massive selection of pumpkins, fancy gourds and festive Halloween decor, from corn stalks to fall mums.

Autumn-loving kids and adults alike can participate in pumpkin painting, pose in Instagram-ready photo set-ups, wander through a hay maze and, if they've got a family pooch at home, get their furry friend all dressed up and enter them into the fan-favorite dog costume parade on October 12 at 1pm.

26.Dark Matter at Mercer Labs
  • Things to do
  • Events & Festivals
Photograph: Courtesy of Mercer Labs

Are you afraid of the dark? After exploring Dark Matter, a new immersive art exhibition at Mercer Labs in Lower Manhattan, you just might be.

The exhibition, runningon selectevenings from October 4 to 30, is the brainchild ofexperimentalartist Roy Nachum, Mercer Lab’s co-founder and creative director. Through immersive visuals, interactive displays, audio installations, oil painting and robots, Dark Matter explores the depths and darkness of the human psyche and paranormal expression. The show is available from 8pm-midnight in October; get tickets herefor $52/adult.

In creating the exhibition, Nachum drew on his own nightmares for inspiration; "the exhibit explores surreal and hypnotic themes of darkness and the human psyche and the unsettling realm of nightmares, inner demons and paranormal occurrences," he tells Time Out.

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27.The Phantom of the Opera with Brooklyn Chamber Orchestra
  • Music
Brooklyn Chamber Orchestra

What’s more elegantly spooky than a classic horror film accompanied by a live orchestral score? On Friday, October 25, the Brooklyn Chamber Orchestra willset the stage for a spine-tingling Halloween with two performances of the 1925 silent filmThe Phantom of the Opera, at St. Ann and the Holy Trinity Church, at 8pm and 11pm respectively.

Featuring the historic Peabody Memorial Organ—an instrument comprising 4,718 pipes—the orchestra’s live score along with the historic gothic architecture of the space will amp up the immersively eerie atmosphere. “This fusion of film and music will create an atmosphere that’s both haunting and electrifying, setting the perfect tone for the season,” said Maestro Phil Nuzzo, Artistic Director and Conductor of the Brooklyn Chamber Orchestra.

Guests are welcome to further embrace the Halloween spirit by attending in costume!

28.Silent Scream Halloween Party at Housewatch
  • Nightlife
Photograph: Courtesy of Shutterstock

For a multi-sensory silent disco Halloween party experience, the Silent Scream Halloween Bash is returning to House Watch in the East Village on October 25.This particular Halloween silent disco is great not just because you can dancein your most dazzling costume, but also because you can move sonically across different soundssimply byswitching channels. Transport yourself to an EDM set; rock out to 80s, 90s and 2000s hits; or vibe out to hip-hop, all in the exact same room.

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29.Mystical Moon Embroidery Workshop
  • Things to do
Mystical Moon Embroidery Workshop

Calling all crafty witches! Unleash your creativity and create your own celestial keepsake to tribute mother moon at this Mystical Moon Embroidery Workshop, hosted by crafting expert and content creator Jessie Katz Greenberg at Dutch Baby Bakery in Washington Heights (813 West 187th Street) on October 25.

Perfect for beginners, this hands-on class will guide you through every step of the project, from learning the best practices for creating a Stick n’ Stitch embroidery pattern to getting tips on how to use crystals to set intentions and manifest your desires. As you stuff your moon ornament, you’ll sew a quartz crystal inside, infusing it with your personal intentions for the autumnal season ahead.

30.The Ned NoMad x The Box Halloween Spectacle
  • Nightlife
Photograph: By Rommel Demano/Courtesy of BFA.com

For a more exclusive Halloween experience, the members-only social club Ned's Club NoMad is collaborating with the team behind the infamous and very iconic nightlife venue The Box for an event that is open to the public.The party—yes, there will be DJ sets—is based on the theme Carnevil, which willbegin witha journey through Ned's Club Downstairs before leading into the Haunted Hotel on the second floor where performances and spooky surprises are sure to abound.

The experience will begin at 10pm on Otober 26 and continuetill late into the night.

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31.Monster Ball
  • LGBTQ+
Photograph: Courtesy of Joanne Trattoria

The Upper West Side’s intimate speakeasy dinner theater from Joe Germanotta—yes, that's Lady Gaga's father—is bringing a twist to their weekly Drag Me To Joanne’s drag and dinner show on October 30, when they'll hosttheir second-annual Monster Ball.

Expect a drag dinner extravaganza where Jupiter Genesis will be joined by NXTHING and where attendees will be encouraged to arrive to dinner dressed upin their favorite Gaga-inspired attire. Reserve your spot on OpenTableto make sure you get a seat.

32.Find Your Boo "Rescue Me" Singles Party
  • Nightlife
Photograph: Courtesy of Intellectual Blonde Events

Whether or not they admit it, everyone has a type, and ifyour type just so happens to be a firefighter, there's a Halloween singles party that wascreatedwith you in mind. This year's rendition of "Find Your Boo"at Housewatch in the East Village is onlyopen to men who are legitimate and active or retired Firefighters, EMS/paramedics and millitary (the event is open to women of any and all professions).

The party starts at 7pm on Thursday, October31 and goes until the break of dawn. Wear a costume and get ready to mingle and maybe even find your "boo." Our favoritebonus? First responders with legitimate agency ID drink free 7pm to 8pm, just enough time to loosen up.

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33.Killing an Evening with Edgar Allan Poe
  • Drama
  • Noho

Photograph: Joey Stocks

John Kevin Jones, whose annual performance ofA Christmas Carolat the Merchant's House Museum has become something of a local tradition, has expanded into Halloween territory. He'll present this hit one-man performance (directed by Rhonda Dodd)of classic works by 19th-century scare king Edgar Allan Poe.

Back with12 performances from Halloween night through November 10, Jones will summon the seminal author in the museum's landmark1832 double parlors, sharing by candlelight such timeless tales as"The Tell-Tale Heart," "The Pit and the Pendulum," "The Cask of Amontillado" and, of course, "The Raven."

34.MCNY Halloween Bash: Best of Broadway
  • Things to do
Dave Jeffers

Love Broadway and Halloween? Don’t miss the MCNY Halloween Bash at the Museum of the City of New York on Saturday, October 26, which welcomes spirited revelers to step into the spotlight as their favorite Broadway character for a night of theatrical thrills and NYC chills.

Attendees can enjoy live dance performances by ThrillerNYC, costume contests with exciting prizes, themed cocktails at the MCNY Bar and live sets on the museum’s South Terrace with DJ Misbehaviour and Stormin Norman. Need a break from the dance floor? You can stroll after-hours through MCNY exhibits like You Are Here: An Immersive Film Experience and Art Deco City: New York Postcards from the Leonard A. Lauder Collection.

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35.Haunted House FearFest
  • Movies
Haunted House FearFest

Horror fans, get ready to indulge in all things scary and spine-tingling: The Haunted House FearFest will get pulses racing with a curation of independent horror films, video games and more from Thursday, October 24 through Saturday, October 26 at the Triad Theater on the Upper West Side.

Whether you’re into slashers, zombies, gore and more, there will be something to tickle your freaky fancy—among selected titles at the festival this year include Academy Award-nominee John R. Dilworth’s short film Howl If You Love Me (the filmmaker will be in attendance at the festival to introduce the film), as well as a special screening of season 3 of HauntTV’s hit series Haunted Discoveries, with host Mustafa Gatollari also on hand to present a selected episode from the new season.

36.“Defying Gravi-Tea” Afternoon Tea at The Plaza
  • Tea rooms
Photography: Courtesy of The Plaza – a Fairmont Managed Hotel

Something wicked is brewing atThe Plaza Hotel. The Palm Court's iconic stained-glass dome is now bathed inemerald light, and beneath the dome, patrons are dining on aWicked-themed tea with plenty of green and pink accents.

The Plaza's newly launched "Defying Gravi-Tea" afternoon tea service is available through November 3. The delectable tea celebrates the Halloween seasonin New York City, as well as the belovedmusicalWickedon Broadway. The experience launched last year, and it's now back by "popular" demand.

Dine on sweet and savory treats while sipping tea (and a cocktail, if you wish) at this fun and festive afternoon experience.

Time Outtip: The Plaza always encourages guests to dress nicely for afternoon tea (refrain from wearing shorts, men’s sleeveless shirts, casual hats, ripped denim and athletic wear). We recommend taking that to the next level: Wear green or pink for the occasion, just like Elphaba and Glinda would do.

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37.Jimmy Fallon's Tonightmares
  • Things to do
  • Events & Festivals
Photograph: Courtesy of NBC Universal

What does Jimmy Fallon dream about? Coming up with bits for The Tonight Show? Rocking out with his band, The Roots? Or perhaps something more sinister?

At this new Halloween experience called Jimmy Fallon's Tonightmares, you can peek inside the mind of therenowned host. This haunted maze experience at Rockefeller Center is open now with 10 chilling rooms, each featuring one of Jimmy Fallon’s spine-tingling nightmares. Tickets are on sale now for about $37/person.

Themaze features acornfield with killer scarecrows, an abandoned subway with not-so-human-like creatures, and even a performance from a zombie boy band, making for a truly thrilling evening. Those brave enough to enter can expectan immersive experience with terrifying sets, practical effects and scares behind every corner.

38.Tricks and Treats at Bryant Park
  • Things to do
Bryant Park Corporation

Bryant Park’s free spook-tacular annual Halloween event, Tricks and Treats, is making its grand return to the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park on Thursday, October 31. Head over from 4pm to 6pm for a family-friendly afternoon of magic, entertainment and, of course, plenty of sweet treats doled out at select holiday shops. (Pick up a free trick-or-treat bag at Le Carrousel.)

Take part in activities such as face painting, pumpkin decorating, a Hocus Pocus magic show with Magician Looney Louie, storytelling sessions, festive arts and crafts and a costume parade led through the park by the Triad Brass Band.

Note: all of the eerie fun is first-come, first-served, and weather permitting, so consult the event's websiteahead of the event.

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39.Halloween in East Midtown
  • Things to do
Courtesy of the East Midtown Partnership

Businesses in the East Midtown district are throwing open their doors to welcome trick-or-treaters aged 12 and under and their families to their 10th annual Halloween celebration on Thursday, October 31 from 3pm to 7pm.

Besides trick-or-treating at dozens of businesses around East Midtown—participating venues include Rosa Mexicano, 58th Street Library, Orangetheory Fitness, Manhattan Espresso Cafe, La Cava, Etain, Custom Ink, Engel & Volkers, Loews Regency New York, and many more)—families can enjoy a special pumpkin painting activity with the seniors at the assisted living facility Sunrise at 139 E 56th St and take pictures at a spooky jack-o'-lantern display by Maniac Pumpkin Carvers at 919 Third Ave.Here's a map so you can plan out your candy route!

Celebrating its decennial this year, Halloween in East Midtown has welcomed tens of thousands of families to the Manhattan neighborhood over the years and has been repeatedly named one of New York City's best Halloween events for families.

40.The Drunk Texts
  • Comedy
  • DUMBO

Photograph: Courtesy of the artist

Thyfavorite scary movie, oh, what is't?Brooklyn’s Random Access Theatre’s boozy-geeky Drunk Texts series muddles classical texts—or modern ones reimagined as classical—into a cocktail of drinking games, improv and audience interaction, in which the audiences chooses which thespians take shots.

Now the gang returns for Halloween with a pair of cheap Friday-night shows in Dumbo: Thou Wilt Scream(October 18), Robert Price's mock-Shakespearean gloss on horror flicks; and All Hallows Eve or, The Tragedy of Michael Myers (October 25),Andrew Sanford's take onHalloween.

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41.Drunk Dracula
  • Comedy
  • Midtown West

Photograph: Courtesy Travis Emery Hackett

In this spooky-seasonal variation on the long-runningDrunk Shakespeare, five actors gather to perform avampire-in-New-York storyloosely adapted by Lori Wolter Hudson from Bram Stoker's batty gothic thriller.

The twist? One ofthem gets plastered before the performance and it's up to the fourremainingcastmembersto keep the show from going down for the Count.The cast includesPreston Mulligan, Sarah Goldstein, Aubrey Lace Taylor, Chris Trindade and Nate Betancourt.(Audience members can buy alcoholic drinks of their own to get into the spirit.)

42.Pretty Polly Presents: FREAK SHOW
  • Things to do
Pretty Polly

Freak feminist folk band Pretty Polly (a.k.a. the semi-Satan-worshiping duo of performance artists-slash-musicians Sarah Lawrence and Liz Olear) is back and they’re better—and bloodier—than ever this Halloween.

Taking place on Monday, October 28 at 7pm at East Williamsburg venue Sleepwalk, the act’s new Freak Show is a haunting variety hour inspired by traveling circus sideshows, with a bewitching bill filled with live musicians, stand-up comedians, horror drag queens, professional mimes and “any performer who doesn’t quite fit into one medium,” like a woman who walks on champagne bottles. Brace yourself for a safe space to indulge and explore “your deepest, darkest, freaky fantasies,” organizerstease.

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43.Dead Sexy
  • Hell's Kitchen

Photograph: Courtesy Don Spiro

You’ll find plenty of tricks and treats at Jonny Porkpie’s ghoulish burlesque comedy, which is back—from the dead?!—after a hiatus of several years.Joining the core cast of Porkpie, Jo Weldon, Syn Sultress and Tigger!for this monster mash note areguest stars Peekaboo Pointe (October 12 and 19), Mr. Gorgeous (October 19) and the Maine Attraction (October 26).

  • Things to do
Burger Joint

It’s just a jump to the left, and a step to the ri-i-i-ight. Show off your Time Warp moves and your best Frank-N-Furter cosplay with a special screening of that campy classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show, taking place at the Thompson Central Park’s speakeasy-style burger spot, Burger Joint.

On Thursday, October 31, Burger Joint will make like a retro drive-in theater with three festive screenings of the 1975 fan-favorite horror musical—which memorably stars Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick—at 5pm, 7pm and 10pm. The latter airing will also feature a Rocky Horror costume contest, with the chance to win a Burger Joint gift pack, including branded merchandise and a voucher for future visits.

Adding to the fun, the restaurant will offer several themed food-and-drink items, including the “I’m Eating Eddie?!” burger, a delicious tribute to Meat Loaf’s iconic character, and the “Cherry Red Lips” shake, made with vanilla ice cream, cherry purée, chocolate syrup, and topped with a special red lips straw.

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45.Somewhere Nowhere: Halloween and Day of the Dead Parties
  • Nightlife
Photograph: Courtesy of Somewhere Nowhere

From October 24 through November 1, Somewhere Nowhere's rooftop and bar will be transformed into a world of eerie, mutated creatures for a series of Halloween parties featuringsome of the best views anywhere.

On October 25, the Annual Villain's Ball will bring headling rapper Sheck Wes; October 27 will bring a Creatures of the Forestpartypresented by Forest Döwn Under with Oscar G;and onHalloweenNight,the venuewill welcomeTech House StarClaptone. For the first time ever, Somewhere Nowhwere will also have a Dia de Los Muertos celebration on November 1, which will feature performances and sets by Latin DJs.

Visit their Dice pageto check out individual events.

46.Halloween Masquerade at Aman New York’s Jazz Club
  • Nightlife
Photograph: Courtesy of Aman New York

On Halloween night, The Jazz Club at Aman New York is hosting amasqueradesoirée where attendees can show offthe mostingeniouscostumes they can find.What's even better is that the music will still take center stage—the night will include soulful rhythms and music byDJ Frank Delour, who will be on the decks all night.

At $2,000 per table, this experience is anythingbut cheap, but keep in mind that theclub hasasound system from Meyer Sound Laboratories that adapts to different performances anddesign by Jean-Michel Gathythat capturestheunderground NYC vibe with moody tones and luxe finishes. Costumes and reservations are required, and guests should emailreservations@thejazzclub.comto securetheir tickets.

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47.Pumpkin and apple picking near NYC
  • Things to do
Photograph: Courtesy Twin Star Orchards

Autumn is the time to pick two of the season’s most emblematic fruits: apples and pumpkins. Fortunately there are some fantastic farms where you can go apple and pumpkin picking near NYC. These farms and orchards will get you into that fuzzy fall feeling in no time.

There’s nothing quite like taking a bite out of a crisp apple straight from the tree (even better, taking home a basketful for making pie), and yourHalloweenpumpkin will be that much more special when you pick it right off the vine. You’ll find a wide variety of apples and pumpkins at these farms, plus fun activities like hayrides, corn mazes and petting zoos. Don’t miss hot apple cider and other fresh-made treats at the farmstand.

48.Halloween bars
Photograph: Courtesy of Loreley Beer Garden

From pumpkin kegs tomolecular mixology, these bars go all out for the season. Expect creepy decor and maybe even a haunting or two.

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49.Oktoberfest celebrations
  • Things to do
  • Festivals
Photograph: Courtesy of Loreley Beer Garden | Oktoberfest? More like Oktobeerfest.

One of the top things to do in New York this fall includes drinking some of the best beer in NYC during Oktoberfest. Take in the beautiful fall foliage while drinking at one of the best beer gardens andGerman eateries in New York City. Oktoberfest New Yorkers, take advantage of this glorious holiday to sample fine Bavarian beer and food. Prost!

Other things to do for Halloween

Halloween in NYC guide
  • Things to do
Photograph: Courtesy Historic Hudson Valley/Tom Nycz

Get ready ghouls and girls for an epic Halloween in NYC! The city is bursting with terrifying haunted houses, Halloweenparties and more pumpkin-packed events.

The scariest haunted houses NYC has to offer
  • Things to do
Photograph: Courtesy Blood Manor

It’s the freakiest time of year, and we couldn’t be more excited to scream our guts out at the scariest haunted houses NYC has to offer.Haunted houses maybring plenty of frights, but if you’re looking to get shaken to your core this season, check out these immersive experiences thatwill bring outyourdarkest, deepestfears from killer clowns toclaustrophobic.

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The best Halloween bars in NYC
Filip Wolak

ComeOctober 31st, New Yorkers will more than likely want to include a stop at some of the Halloween bars NYC has to offer.

The most haunted places in NYC
  • Things to do
Photograph: Shutterstock/Brian L

In the city that never sleeps, there are haunted places in NYC whose inhabitants might keep you up at night or heading home early. From historic haunted houses to long-time taverns, the tenants at these venues might give off an eerie feeling or prompt a sudden urge to change your plans.

Don’t miss the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze!

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze guide
  • Things to do
Photograph: Courtesy Jennifer Mitchell

One of the best things to do in the fall in New York is check out The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze in Hudson Valley, New York. Trust us, it’s worth the trip.

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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