Halloween is only two weeks away, but don’t wait to celebrate. The spooky season has already begun in the city that never sleeps, and these are the best ways you can celebrate Halloween in New York.
Boo at the Zoo
Visit the Bronx Zoo any weekend from now until Sunday, October 28 for frightfully fun, wildlife festivities. You can take a hayride through a haunted forest, follow the candy trail, and watch live performances. There’s even a Bootoberfest for adults who want a chilled drink and a seasonal fair. Don’t forget to dress in costume for the parade!
Pumpkin Patch
What better way to ring in the fall season than a 3-hour session at the Queens Botanical Garden pumpkin patch. Pick out some gourds to take home, to carve into jack-o-lanterns, and to eat as pumpkin pie. Throughout the patch, there are several backdrops perfect for a fall-themed photoshoot. At a low additional cost, you can also explore a maze, enjoy some cider and roasted corn, and listen to live music. The last day is October 28.
Halloween Parade and Pumpkin Flotilla
On October 28, admire the fall foliage at Central Park while also listening to ghost stories, taking part in a costume parade, and carving a pumpkin. If you submit your jack-o-lantern to the Pumpkin Flotilla, you can watch it (and 40+ others) sail across the Harlem Meer at twilight. It’s all free!
45th Annual Village Halloween Parade
Take part in the biggest Halloween event of the year simply by wearing a costume. You’ll be joined by hundreds of puppets, over 35 bands, dancers, artists, and thousands of other New Yorkers to make up the wildest parade in the city. On Wednesday, October 31, line up on 6th Avenue at Canal Street at 6:30 p.m. and march it out. This year’s theme is “I AM Robot;” read more about how you can be part of this special section.
‘Hocus Pocus’ Screening
Looking for a more chill night on Halloween? Catch the free screening of ‘Hocus Pocus’ at the SVA Theatre downtown. Watch the Sanderson sisters rise from the dead for the 25th anniversary of the modern classic on October 31 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. You don’t need tickets, but seats are first-come, first served, so get there early and don’t forget your movie snacks.
View this post on InstagramHAPPY HALLOWEEN! Catch Hocus Pocus I’m Freeform ALL DAY!! 🎃 #hocuspocus #happyhalloween
Plan ahead, and choose which celebrations to take part in this Halloween in New York. If you’re more of a homebody, staying home and handing out sweets to trick-or-treaters also isn’t a bad idea. Learn more about our coliving homes across New York, and tour them today.