The 46 Best Things To Do in New York in October 2023
New York City Events in October
New York City in October is amazing as preparations for the holiday season begin. With countless things to do, concerts to attend, and New York October events happening throughout the city, one thing is for sure – your trip won’t be boring! Below we have summarized all of our favorite things to do in New York in October.
One additional tip: October attracts millions of visitors every year (and for good reason!). To save on waiting time, take a look at NYC’s attraction passes – they’re a quick, easy way to save big bucks. Throughout this month you can get up to 40% off with my code LNYOffer 🔥.
46 Amazing Things to Do in October in New York
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01
Celebrate the 1st birthday of the best observation deck auf NYC!
Building in Midtown ManhattanOur Highlight
The New York City skyline is one of the most famous and recognizable skylines in the world. It’s a city filled with skyscrapers and tall buildings. In most recent years, it has been expanding which made way for new observation decks. The newest observation deck is located at the top of the One Vanderbilt Building and is called The Summit. This deck is the second-highest outdoor deck in NYC which follows the Edge and has been open since October 2021.
It celebrates its 1st birthday on October 21, and for the grandiose views alone, it’s one of my MUST SEE for October. Because then you see the first colorful leaves of Central Park up close!
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02
SummerStage Festival: One last concert in October in NYC
Other Events in Midtown ManhattanOur Highlight
At this event you can visit over 100 concerts & shows for free in many parks all over New York. It’s one of the most popular summer events in New York and a MUST DO for locals. Even though it is called Summer Stage, there is still one concert in October. So don’t miss it!
- Central Park (October 1, 2022)
- Band: Cigarettes After Sex, start 7 p.m.
My tip: these are all fall festivals in NYC this year.
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03
New York Comic Con (October 6 - 9, 2022)
NYC Events 2023 in Hell's Kitchen
Attention all comic and anime fans! New York in October holds the world-famous Comic Con, where you can meet the actors of your favorite childhood comic series and other legends of the industry. Cosplay is a very popular activity during this event, so if you’re out in the city, and you are met by people dressed up as comic heroes, don’t be surprised. Comic Con usually takes place at the Jacob Javits Center next to the Westside highway.
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04
Take a fall foliage cruise along Hudson River
Cruise in Chelsea
What could be more beautiful than marveling at the colorful autumn leaves on board a historic ship? That’s exactly what you can do on these fall foliage tours, which are among the most popular boat tours in autumn.
This year there are several different tours to choose from. What they all have in common is the destination: the Hudson Valley. The Hudson Valley is located north of Manhattan, and on the way there on the Hudson River, you’ll pass through the famous George Washington Bridge and be able to enjoy the view of the impressive rock formations called Palisades.
Here you can find the 7 Best Fall Foliage Cruises in New York.
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05
Movie Nights Are Back!
Other Events in Hudson Yards
In October, you can once again enjoy outdoor movies at Hudson Yards. Free and first-come-first-served! These are the dates:
- October 6: Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy Season Premiere.
- October 13: The Wizard of Oz
- October 20: Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory
- October 25: The Goonies
- October 28: Beetlejuice
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06
Have fun at New York’s ice skating rinks
Christmas Market in Midtown ManhattanOur Highlight
The first ice skating rinks open by the end of October preparing you for a smooth transition into the winter. Ice skating is fun regardless of the season, so we’d recommend taking advantage of it! Ice skating in New York is always one of the most fun things to do. It’s a great fall activity, especially if you are traveling with children.
Besides ice skating rinks, some Christmas markets will also be open starting in end of October / early November. The Bank of America’s Winter Village at Bryant Park (behind the Public Library), the famed Rink at Rockefeller Center and the Wollman Rink in Central Park are just three of New York City’s finest ice rinks.
My tip: These are our favorite Ice Skating Rinks in NYC.
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07
The 26 Best Broadway Shows in October 2022 in New York
Broadway Show in Theatre District
The answer to whether you should or should not see a Broadway show when visiting New York in October is crystal clear: YES, it absolutely belongs on your bucket list! What is not always as clear, however, is which show to pick.
In order to help you out, we’ve created an overview of the absolute best Broadway shows in NYC in October!
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08
The Village Halloween Parade in New York City (October 31, 2022)
Other Events in West Village
Ah yes. Halloween. The original Celtic custom is celebrated on this day and is a popular day in the USA. Every year in New York in October, countless children are dressed in costumes and go door to door “scaring” people and yell out “trick or treat”. The major attraction on this day is New York’s Greenwich Village Halloween Parade which brings out more than two million spectators.
My tip: this is our complete guide with amazing Things To Do on Halloween in NYC!
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09
Walk the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
Other Events in Outside of New York City
This is a view of the The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y. on October 8, 2016. (Photo by Tom Nycz)Taking a stroll through the NYC boroughs to see the carved pumpkins is a tradition. But if you want to see something truly impressive, it’s worth making the short trip out to either Long Island or Hudson Valley for the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze.
Featuring thousands of hand-carved pumpkins alongside impressive displays, the Blaze is a great all-ages event. Though some elements can be considered spooky, families can rest assured that there aren’t any shocking or scary elements.
For more information on the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze and to reserve your tickets, check out the Pumpkin Blaze website.
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10
Zum Schneider
Bar in Bushwick
Because German emigrant Sylvester Schneider missed his beloved beer gardens, he simply founded his own in 2000 and quenched his homesickness for original German beer, food and beer garden culture with a restaurant called “Zum Schneider”.
It had its home in Alphabet City for 20 years, will host Oktoberfest, which will be held at the Bushwick Inlet in Greenpoint / Brooklyn from September 30th through October 9th.
Join the celebration with pretzels, hax’n and delicious beer – accompanied by a typical Bavarian live band.
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11
Enjoy Open Streets Columbus Avenue (every Sunday)
Other Events in Upper West SideThis is fun: every Sunday the Columbus Avenue will be close to cars (68 to 77th streets). Here you can enjoy outdoor dining, visit the famous Bazaar at 77th street or just stroll around.
When?
- Sundays 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- October 2, 2022
- October 9, 2022
- October 16, 2022
- October 23, 2022
- October 30, 2022
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12
Free Event: Curtain Up Broadway Festival (October 1 - 2, 2022)
Other Events in Theatre District
Broadway fans take note: there’s a great and free event you won’t want to miss! From September 30 to October 2, you can experience the Curtain Up Broadway Festival at the Theatre District!
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13
Visit Governors Island
Other Attraction in Outside of New York City
Though Governors Island is no longer a secret spot, it hasn’t lost its charm and remains one of our favorite places in New York. Throughout October, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Manhattan from the island, ride bicycles, and participate in a large variety of events hosted here.
Usually Governors Island closes at the end of October, from 2021 on you check it out even during fall, winter and spring! A ferry ride to the island typically costs $3 but if you decide to come on a Saturday or Sunday before noon, it’ll be free!
My tip: check out the amazing spa at Governors Island!
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14
New York Film Festival (Through October 16, 2022)
Other Events in Upper West SideOver 40 different films from very different genres will be presented. Locations include the Walter Reade Theater, the Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center and Alice Tully Hall (all at Film at Lincoln Center). In addition, all boroughs are represented, as there are public festival screenings at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the Bronx Museum of the Arts, the Maysles Documentary Center in Harlem, the Museum of the Moving Image in Queens, and the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Staten Island.
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15
Plan a Fall Weekend Getaway from NYC
Day Trip in Outside of New York City
Looking for the best fall day trips from NYC? We got you covered! New York State has many wonderful places to enjoy the colorful autumn. With Massachusetts, New England and Washington, D.C., there are several destinations that are only a day trip away from New York City and that have a lot of history, culture and nature to offer. I myself have been to the Green Mountains and White Mountains as well as Niagara Falls several times for a weekend in the fall – you’re guaranteed to get goosebumps here, it’s that impressive!
My tip: These are the 15 best fall day trips from NYC.
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16
Pizza Wine Movie Nights at Rooftop Reds: a very romantic event in October in NYC
Other Attraction in DumboOur Highlight
On a roof of the Brooklyn Navy Yards you can sit in a real winery: Rooftop Reds grows wine here, which you can taste and enjoy at their Rooftop Red Tours & Tastings!
In October you can watch movies with a view of the skyline and a glass of wine in your hand. Tickets are available here.
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17
Columbus Day and the Columbus Day Parade (October 10, 2022)
Other Events in Midtown Manhattan
On Columbus Day, New Yorkers commemorate the “discoverer” of America, Christopher Columbus. Each year, a grand parade is organized in New York, which runs across Fifth Avenue. 35,000 people including bands, fleets, and Marines take part in this parade, which attracts around a million visitors and another million people in front of the TV in their living rooms.
The parade starts at Fifth Avenue on the corner 44th Street. It heads north up to 72nd Street (start: 11:30 AM, end: 3:00 PM). Want to get more information?
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18
New York City Wine & Food Festival (October 13 - 15, 2022)
Other Events in Gramercy
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 14: Tyler Blevins, David Burtka, Neil Patrick Harris, and C.J. Mosley attend the Blue Moon Burger Bash presented by Pat LaFrieda Meats hosted by Rachael Ray during the Food Network & Cooking Channel New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One at Pier 86 on October 14, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for NYCWFF)This is for all of the foodies and wine connoisseurs. The New York City Wine and Food Festival offers more than 80 events over 4 days. There’s everything from tastings of America’s favorite foods to intimate dinners with world-renowned chefs, cooking classes, nutrition seminars, wine tasting, and parties. Prepared and served by America’s favorite food stars, this event is a real highlight for New Yorkers and tourists from around the world.
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19
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (Through October 15, 2022)
Other Events in Harlem & Washington Heights
As the U.S. city with the largest Hispanic population, there may be no better place than New York City to celebrate and honor Hispanic Heritage Month. This annual celebration of Hispanic and Latino heritage takes place in September and October, and New Yorkers make sure to fill up the whole month with parades, events, film festivals, and more.
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20
Enjoy the Fall Foliage and Take a walk through New York’s most idyllic parks
Other Events in Upper West Side
Fall in NYC is the perfect time to wander through the many beautiful parks as the trees change colors. Some of our favorite parks to see the best fall foliage in New York City are Central Park, Prospect Park, and The High Line.
For an even better experience, you can consider taking a helicopter tour over New York. From up there, you’ll have the most amazing views of Central Park’s fall foliage. There are different helicopter routes, so be sure you choose one that includes Central Park.
My tip: Here you find everything you need to know about Central Park Fall Foliage.
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21
Go Shopping at the NYC Autumn Bazaar (October 16, 2022)
Christmas Market in Upper West Side
During the fall, Grand Bazaar hosts a seasonal version of its iconic flea market. The curated market takes place on Sundays on Manhattan’s Upper West Side yearlong but pulls out all the stops during autumn in NYC. Anyone interested in furniture, vintage clothing, jewelry, and crafts will feel like they are in a Yuletide paradise here. Each week, the bazaar features a variety of merchants on rotation, offering tchotchkes, antiques, and delicious local cuisine. Be sure to come hungry!
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22
Cheer on your favorite team at a football game ...
Sport Events in Outside of New York City
Football is New York. Whether it’s a game of the New York Giants or the New York Jets, both American Football teams are definitely worth checking out (ok, I do prefer the Giants 😉 )
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23
... or watch an NBA game ...
Sports Tickets in Midtown ManhattanOur Highlight
The NBA season kicks off this month and we’re always looking forward to watching one of the many NBA games in New York. Whether it’s the Brooklyn Nets or the New York Knicks, both teams like try their best to show-out in front of the home-town crowd.
Get Brooklyn Nets tickets here and New York Knicks tickets here.
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24
... visit Rangerstown: Ice Hockey in New York!
Sport Events in Midtown ManhattanOur Highlight
October is always a very special month for sports enthusiasts like us, because in addition to the NBA, the NHL season also starts with many exciting matches. We ourselves have already been to several games of the New York Rangers in Madison Square Garden and can only recommend a visit. The atmosphere is terrific!
Here you can get tickets for the New York Rangers and everything about the sporting events in our article about sports events in New York.
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25
Have a good time on a Dinner Cruise
Cruise in Chelsea
We have already tested many dinner cruises in New York for you. One that we have liked the best of all so far is the Bateaux Dinner Cruise. With a glass roof, the ship heads towards the Brooklyn Bridge. Especially when the weather is nice, the wine or prosecco tastes especially good on the outdoor area of the boat.
You can find more unique dinner cruises in NYC. fantastic brunch cruises, lunch cruises and jazz cruises in this overview.
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26
BRIC JazzFest (October 20 - 22, 2022)
Other Events in Downtown BrooklynThe BRIC JazzFest 2022 will be held for the 8th time. From October 20-22, you can experience legends of the jazz world and rising stars at BRIC House in Downtown Brooklyn. The artists will bring in their very own style of music – for example, jazz will be combined with hip-hop, which promises real innovations!
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27
Spend your evening at one of the rooftops of New York
Rooftop Bar in Lower East SideOur Highlight
If you think the rooftop bar season is over in the fall, then think again! Not in New York! There are many rooftop bars in NYC that offer fresh air even in the cold season. For me, the cloudM Rooftop Bar is one of the most beautiful rooftop bars not only in the Lower East Side, but in all of New York. It is located on the roof of the citizenM New York Bowery Hotel and offers everything that makes a good rooftop bar: a great view, beautiful design and relaxed atmosphere.
My tip: these are the best rooftop bars in NYC.
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28
The Annual Pumpkin Flotilla at Central Park (October 31, 2022)
Other Events in Harlem & Washington Heights
One of the highlights of the Halloween celebration is the Pumpkin Flotilla. As is gets dark around 6:30 pm, priorly carved pumpkins are released into the Harlem Meer and will be float around for 30 minutes. The spectacle draws hundreds of visitors to the northeast corner of Central Park.
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29
Take photos of the famous Pumpkins Arch at Pier 17 (end of October)
Other Attraction in Financial District
One of the most famous and beautiful photo motifs in autumn in New York is the Pumpkins Arch at Pier 17. From here you can look wonderfully at the Brooklyn Bridge and the East River and take really beautiful photos.
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30
Enjoy the Sunset in Williamsburg
Park in Williamsburg
This beautiful park opened up in Williamsburg in 2018. It’s called Domino park because the former Domino Sugar factory was located at that very spot. Now, it’s filled with greenery, food vendors and a playground for kids. It is located directly on the East River and you have a great view of the city from here. The park invites you to play volleyball or have a picnic.
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31
Experience New York like a local: Willy Wall!
Cruise in Lower ManhattanOur Highlight
This has been my discovery of the last summer – and if you’re in New York until mid-October, you absolutely have to go there. It is the floating boathouse of the Manhattan Sailing Club, is called Honorable William Wall and is located right next to Ellis Island. Especially in the evening, when you look at the illuminated Manhattan, it is just sensational here.
This is my review (AWESOME!) of the Honorable William Wall.
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32
Visit Little Island at Pier 54
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 280 beautiful tulip-shaped concrete stilts in the Hudson River!
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33
The New Yorker Festival (October 7 - 9, 2022)
Other Events in Midtown Manhattan
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 12: Speaker Nancy Pelosi (R) talks with Jane Mayer at the 2019 New Yorker Festival on October 12, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images for The New Yorker)The New Yorker Festival, organized by the publisher of the same name, will take place for the 22nd time. It is one of the most popular fall festivals in New York, bringing you the “biggest names in politics, literature, film, music, art, and pop culture on panels, discussions, and performances” over 7 days.
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34
The New York Coffee Festival (October 7 - 9, 2022)
Other Events in Chelsea
This annual coffee event takes place in New York again and is obviously for coffee lovers who can’t function in the morning without their caffeine.
The New York Coffee Festival is New York’s flagship coffee event, celebrating the amazing specialty coffee scene in New York City. All profits are going to charity (Project Waterfall) and visitors get to taste the best coffee in town, meet the artisans and hang out with a bunch of local coffee lovers.
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35
Walk the High Line
Park in Meatpacking DistrictOur Highlight
The green terrace in the middle of Manhattan is a great experience in fine weather. The decommissioned freight rail track was once overgrown completely as it fell out of use. Based on the plants that grew there, a park was built in homage to the interesting plants that flourish in the city.
Walk from the Meatpacking District (Gansevoort Street) on the High Line towards Uptown and enjoy the beautiful spring weather. Since 2014, Manhattan has been enjoying this highlight and attracts countless visitors every day. There are many lovely cafés, galleries and great bars – and with Gallow Green one of my favorite rooftop bars in the city.
My tip: these are the best spots along the High Line for me.
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36
Spend some time in Little Italy, SoHo and Chinatown
Walking Tour in Hudson SquareOur Highlight
Now known for their many excellent restaurants, shops and tourism, Manhattan’s SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown neighborhoods offer the most varied stories of New York City. Take a 2-hour tour with a local guide and discover hidden gems and 19th century buildings.
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37
Bushwick Film Festival (October 19 - 23, 2022)
Other Events in Bushwick
This 5-day Indie Film Festival is finally back. For the 15 time, the film festival will take place in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn and will offer you many virtual and accompanying events in addition to live screenings.
This event is especially popular with New Yorkers. Take advantage of a visit to get to know Bushwick better. It’s worth it!
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38
Open House New York Weekend Festival (October 21 - 23, 2022)
Other Events in Civic CenterThe annual Open House New York event allows tourists and locals to access the city’s main buildings for 3 days. The main thing here is to experience the city differently and to meet the people who design and build New York. All sorts of buildings can be visited, from the very historic to modern apartments or industrial buildings that are scattered all over the five boroughs.
There will be tours, lectures, performances and events around the meaning of architecture and urban design. All the information about this cool event can be found here.
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39
Happy Birthday Statue of Liberty (October 28th)
Building in Lower Manhattan
On October 28th in 1886, the Statue of Liberty was ceremoniously opened and is without question one of the most important landmarks of New York. What you can experience there and whether the crown tickets are worth it (no!), you will learn in our guide to the Statue of Liberty New York.
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40
Enjoy really cool waterfront restaurants
Sea Food Restaurant in TribecaOur Highlight
Visit this celebrated oyster bar aboard the historic wooden schooner, Sherman Zwicker right on the Hudson River. Hudson River Park was able to set up a pretty sweet deal for the Grand Banks, which now has a row of tables for two running along the south side of the pier. By doing so, they are now able to serve drinks within that space.
This is my favorite spot in New York City!
My tip: these are the best waterfront restaurants in NYC right now!
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41
Harvest Festival at Pier 6 Brooklyn Bridge park (October 22, 2022)
Other Events in DumboWe love Pier 6 in the summer because it’s home to PILOT Brooklyn, one of our absolute favorite spots in all of New York City.
The annual Harvest Festival celebrates the change from summer to fall. You can expect live music, a small procession, lawn games and much more. You can enjoy all this with the skyline of Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge in the backdrop.
The full list of events can be found here.
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42
Spend the day in one of the best museums of NYC
Museum in Upper West Side
The season is perfect for a museum visit to New York, and the Big Apple really doesn’t lack choices. After the theatrical release of “The Night of Museum” series, (The first movie took place in the New York Museum of Natural History) you really feel like going to the place of the event? In the footsteps of dinosaurs, aborigines and many other historical creatures, the Natural History Museum on Central Park West is always a good idea for a museum outing.
My tip: These are the 36 Best Museums in NYC
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43
Fotografiska NYC: Visit one of the best art exhibitions in town
Museum in Gramercy
Fotografiska New York is a wonderful museum in NYC for all art and especially photo art enthusiasts. Originally founded in Stockholm in 2010, the museum also exists in Tallinn (Estonia) and since 2019 in New York. It is located in a beautiful building from 1892 and extends over 6 floors. In addition to changing exhibitions, there is a restaurant and cocktail bar to round out your visit.
My tip: These are the best art exhibitions in NYC. and here you find my complete (!) guide to Contemporary Art in New York.
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44
Crossing The Line Festival (September 9 – October 28, 2022)
Other Events in Upper East SideEstablished by the French Institute Alliance Française, this year marks the 15th edition of the festival. It celebrates its core values of “innovation, intellectual inquiry, openness to others and the world, friendliness, and a strong desire to engage with the issues of our time”. The latter is especially in demand at the moment! It is curated by Florent Masse and Mathilde Augé.
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45
Celebrate International Tacos Day (October 4)
Mexican Restaurant in Bushwick
I love going out for Mexican food. In New York City, you have a huge selection of taquerias to celebrate International Tacos Day!
My tip: Here you get the best tacos in NYC.
The 50 Absolute Best Things to Do in New York (90+ pages)
We’ve chosen the 50 best spots, events and activities to showcase the full diversity of New York City. Even after more than 20 visits, the city never gets boring for us. And with our recommendations, you’ll have a really good time in New York, too, and you’ll have plenty left for your next visit. If you’re not planning a trip yet, you’re sure to get wanderlust after perusing this list!
New York for First Time Visitors: Everything You Need to Know for Your Trip (70+ pages)
Here you’ll find everything you need for your New York trip: the most important checklists, travel and visa questions, everything you need to know about the boroughs, airport transfers and our money-saving tips. It’ll help you save $100 right away on tickets!
The Weather in New York City in October
Monthly Avg DAY | Monthly Avg NIGHT | Rainfall days | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|
64.4°F / 18°C | 50°F / 10°C | 7 days | 7 hours daily |
The most popular tours in October
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Enjoy the most beautiful fall foliage in New York by taking a scenic cruise! | The best observation deck in NYC! | Explore New York's highest observation deck, regardless of the weather! | Spend a great evening onboard our favorite dinner cruise in New York! | Seeing a Broadway show is always a good idea, especially if you have a discount code for your tickets! |
$110 | $42 | $38 | $90 | from $30 |
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We are visiting New York on the 5th October to 15th October and were looking to go to a basket ball match. Are there any available on these dates?
Hi Lisa, please check this article if you’re interested in the Brooklyn Nets and this read for infos on the Knicks. Enjoy! Best, Sabrina
I think 4th October 2019 for Columbus Day I not correct! Second Monday is 14th October.
Best regards