22 AMAZING Free Things to Do in NYC in the Fall (2024)
When fall hits New York City, the possibilities for free fun multiply like leaves on the ground. From festivals to tours, exhibits to community events, the five boroughs offer a slew of budget-friendly activities for everyone. Want to enjoy the perks of the season without spending a cent? With this list covering the best free things to do in NYC in the fall, you are sure to soak up all the sights, sounds, and flavors of the Big Apple without emptying your wallet.
Free Things to Do in NYC in the Fall
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01
Visit one of the Night Markets
Other Events in Bronx
The Night Markets are some of the best places to find foods that celebrate New York City’s boroughs. Each spring, this event supports the city’s food scene by offering world-class events that are affordable. Be ready to celebrate cuisine and culture, as it represents NYC’s diverse offerings and encourages people from all around the city to experience this.
You’ll find just about every type of food, from ice cream, latkes, and pastries, to tamales, soul food, and vegan options. There are also other types of local merchants and live entertainment.
When & where?
- West Harlem, October 10, 4 PM, Under the Arches
- Quisqueya Plaza, October 18, 4PM, Dyckman
- Fordham Plaza, 🎃 October 26, 4PM, Bronx
- Brooklyn, October 28, 4 PM, Industry City
- Fordham Plaza, November 2, 4PM, Bronx
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02
Central Park
Park in Midtown ManhattanOur Highlight
With over 800 acres to explore, Central Park has something for everyone. In fact, this sprawling urban oasis is the crown jewel of free things to do in NYC in the fall. Here, you can admire the breathtaking scenery, find relaxation on emerald lawns, engage in various sports activities, or indulge in bird watching.
Do you prefer sightseeing? The list of must-see attractions includes Bow Bridge, Bethesda Fountain, The Mall, The Ramble, Strawberry Fields, and Belvedere Castle.
My tip: check out my article When is the Best Time to See Fall Foliage in NYC in 2023?
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03
Village Halloween Parade (October 31, 2024)
Parade in West Village
Join the spooktacular Village Halloween Parade, the largest and most creative public Halloween celebration in the whole country. Gathering thousands of participants, it showcases costumes of all kinds ranging from scary to funny and bizarre. The parade is much-loved for its giant puppets, floats, bands, and dancers.
You can join the procession without spending a dime, although you’ll need a costume. The fun starts at 7 p.m. on October 31 and lasts for about three hours.
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04
Brooklyn Book Festival (September 22-30, 2024)
Other Events in Downtown Brooklyn
If books are your thing, there is one more place to go, the Brooklyn Book Festival. From September 22-30, 2024, this year’s edition of the biggest free literary event in NYC features writers of all possible genres and backgrounds. A plethora of readings, panels, workshops, and signings, as well as the largest book market in the Northeast, are there to satisfy your bibliophilic itching.
My tip: There a plenty of other amazing Fall festivals in NYC to choose from!
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05
Hudson Kayaking (Until October 14, 2024)
Pier in Dumbo
Feel the crisp fall air on your face as you paddle down the mighty Hudson! Manhattan Community Boathouse at Pier 96 invites you on fantastic aquatic adventures along Riverside Park. Kayaks, gears, changing rooms, and lockers are available for free (or for a small donation). This year, kayaking ends on October 14th, 2024, so don’t miss this opportunity to experience NYC from a different perspective.
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06
Socrates Sculpture Park
Park in Long Island City
Before, it was once an illegal garbage dump, now you’ll find the beautiful Socrates Sculpture Park. The park is an open-air museum for local artists and creative residents. At the same time, it’s an exceptional recreational area located right next to the East River. There are many events that occur on this park throughout the year, such as an outdoor cinema during the warmer months.
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07
Big Screen at Hudson Yards
Other Events in Hudson YardsFrom May to October, major international sporting events are shown on the big screen at The Big Screen at The Backyard at Hudson Yards. Sports enthusiasts can watch soccer, Formula 1, golf, tennis tournaments, baseball playoffs, women’s soccer and more on the approximately 30-foot screen.
Starting in September, there will be additional Movie Nights here again, where you can watch big blockbusters.
This is the schedule:
- September 13th: A Cinderella Story
- September 20th: Barbie
- September 27th: You’ve Got Mail
- October 4th: He’s Just Not That Into You
- October 11th: No Reservations
- October 18th: Monster-In-Law
- October 25th: The Witches (2020)
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08
Friday Nights at the MoMA (for New Yorkers)
Museum in Midtown Manhattan
The Museum of Modern Art, or MoMA, is a beacon for art enthusiasts. With its expansive collection of modern and contemporary works, it provides a deep dive into the art world’s evolutions and revolutions. Come fall, the museum opens its doors for free every Friday evening, granting locals a golden opportunity. Surrounded by the rustling leaves of nearby trees and the cool autumnal air, diving into art at MoMA becomes an even more immersive experience.
My tip: Here you find all free museums in NYC (free admission!)
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09
Green-Wood Cemetery
Other Attraction in Park Slope
While cemeteries might not be on everyone’s list of places to visit, Green-Wood in Brooklyn is an exception. It’s not just a resting place but also a historical landmark and a green space offering tranquility. During the fall, its rolling hills, serene ponds, and Gothic architecture become even more enchanting, draped in the colors of the season.
This free-to-visit locale offers both a peaceful environment and a touchstone to New York’s rich history, making it a unique spot for autumn contemplation.
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10
The High Line (+ free guided walking tour!)
Park in Meatpacking DistrictOur Highlight
Once a railroad track, today it is one of the most breathtaking parks, offering a perfect escape for those seeking free things to do in NYC in the fall. The 1.45-mile elevated green space provides stunning views of the city and the Hudson River, along with well-maintained gardens, multiple art installations, and food vendors. It is beautiful year-round, but in fall, as the leaves change color and create a striking contrast with the urban landscape, it radiates even more charm.
You can access the High Line from various points, but we recommend starting your journey from the Vessel at Hudson Yards and gradually making your way to the Edge, the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere.
My tip: There is also a free guided walking tour from September til October – check out the events page here.
September – October:
- Tuesdays, 5 – 6:30pm
- Wednesdays, 10 – 11:30am
- Saturdays, 10 – 11:30am
November – April:
- Wednesdays, 10 – 11:30am
- Saturdays, 12 – 1:30pm
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11
Visit on of the Chelsea NYC Art Galleries
Gallery in Chelsea
After exploring the High Line’s landscaped parks and city views, make a stop at Chelsea’s art galleries– they are in the same neighborhood. Just walk over to view groundbreaking contemporary art at venues like Gagosian, David Zwirner, Pace Gallery, and dozens of others.
Although displays change all the time, you are guaranteed to come across stunning paintings, sculptures, prints, and installations from world-known and aspiring young artists alike. Every Thursday night is a chance to get to know New York’s vibrant art scene for free. Oh, and there are also complimentary wine and snacks!
My tip: here you can find the best art galleries in Chelsea NYC and here the best art exhibitions in the fall.
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12
The Feast of San Gennaro (September 12 - 22, 2024)
Other Events in Little Italy
Since 1926, The Feast of San Gennaro has been a stunning display of Italian culture and traditions in Manhattan’s Little Italy. Spanning 11 days (from Thursday, September 14 through Sunday, September 24), the festival features processions, music performances, pizza and cannoli eating contests, carnival games and rides, and of course, lots of delicious Italian food.
With so much entertainment on multiple stages, this is a quintessential New York experience worth adding to your travel calendar.
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13
Oktoberfest NYC (September 14 – October 24, 2024)
American Restaurant in Financial District
Watermark Restaurant & Bar Pier 15 NYCYou don’t have to go to Germany to celebrate Oktoberfest. You can do it right here, in NYC. Running from September 14th to October 24th, the Big Apple’s festival features beer, pretzels, schnitzel, and other authentic German delicacies. While free to attend, it is a good idea to reserve tables or buy express entry. Don lederhosen or dirndls and revel in festivities. Prost!
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14
Prospect Park
Park in Park Slope
Often dubbed Brooklyn’s Central Park, Prospect Park offers a sprawling green space for residents to escape urban life. As autumn approaches, the park comes alive in a riot of colors, with its vast tree canopy transitioning from green to golds, reds, and browns.
Whether it’s a leisurely stroll, a weekend picnic, or simply some quiet reflection by the lake, Prospect Park’s fall scenery provides a free and soulful retreat for locals.
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15
New York Public Library
Building in Midtown Manhattan
Nestled in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the New York Public Library’s main branch is more than a repository of books—it’s an architectural masterpiece. With its majestic lion statues guarding the entrance and its intricate interiors, visiting the library is akin to stepping back in time.
And in the fall, as the adjacent Bryant Park dons its autumnal attire, there’s something magical about diving into a good book within this historic setting. Best of all, it’s free for all to explore and get lost in its vast corridors of knowledge.
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16
Staten Island Ferry
Cruise in Staten Island
A ride on the Staten Island Ferry isn’t just a commute—it’s an experience. As autumn sets in, the ferry becomes an unmatched vantage point for witnessing the transformation of the city’s skyline. With the shimmering waters reflecting fall colors and the iconic sights of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island in the distance, this free journey offers both residents and tourists a picturesque, moving panorama of New York in its autumnal glory.
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17
Enjoy Public Art
Other Events in Theatre District
New York City’s streets and parks become an open-air museum in the fall, with public art installations cropping up citywide. These pieces, ranging from contemporary to avant-garde, offer both aesthetic and cultural value. As the leaves turn and the city adopts a more muted, golden tone, these installations stand out, offering a free, enriching experience for locals keen on blending their art appreciation with the seasonal beauty around them.
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18
Brooklyn Bridge
Building in DumboOur Highlight
The Brooklyn Bridge, a marvel of 19th-century engineering, provides a free and immersive experience, especially in the fall. As locals traverse its pedestrian path, they are met with unmatched views of Manhattan’s skyline and the East River. Autumn adds a special touch, with the crisp air and changing colors of nearby foliage enhancing the experience.
The bridge connects two iconic boroughs, making it not just a pathway, but a journey through history and culture. Walking its length offers a unique perspective of the city’s vastness, all under the canopy of a fall sky. For NYC residents, it’s a refreshing escape and a reminder of the city’s enduring grandeur.
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19
Almost free: Roosevelt Island Tramway
Other Tours in Midtown Manhattan
Roosevelt Island, positioned between Manhattan and Queens, is a fall haven for locals. With its walking paths framed by vibrant autumn leaves, it offers clear views of the city’s skyline. The Roosevelt Island Tramway, a unique mode of transport, provides aerial views of the East River and surrounding foliage.
Historical sites like the Blackwell House and Renwick Ruin stand as quiet testaments to the area’s past, further enriched by the season’s colors. For New Yorkers seeking a straightforward autumn escape close to home, Roosevelt Island is a top choice.
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20
Visit Little Island
Other Attraction in Meatpacking District
Not far from the Meatpacking District and the High Line, Little Island is one of the newest attractions in New York and is something very special: a park on 132 beautiful tulip-shaped concrete stilts in the Hudson River!
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21
Enjoy the Views from Rooftop Pier 57
Pier in Chelsea
Right next to the beautiful Little Island is the Pier 57 Rooftop NYC. As the name suggests, you can go up to the roof of this huge pier and enjoy a sensational view of the city skyline and the Hudson River – for free!
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22
Take a picture of 42nd Street and the Chrysler Building
Other Attraction in Murray HillThe Tudor City Bridge is a small bridge over 42nd Street and it is just a short walk away from Grand Central Terminal. The bridge itself is not that exciting, but the view over 42nd Street to the west including the Chrysler Building is even more beautiful. Definitely a great photo opportunity – and completely free.
NYC in the Fall
From gorgeous parks and iconic landmarks to neighborhood festivals and outdoor activities, there are endless ways to make the most of your journey to New York without breaking the bank. The options for fun are as vibrant as the changing foliage. With some (or all of them!) of the free things to do in NYC in the fall, you are guaranteed to soak up the energy and spirit of the iconic metropolis.
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