‘Spooky Season’ has begun! The internet’s favorite time of year is here, and all the pumpkin-spice and ghoul delights you could ever dream of has arrived. Halloween is just around the corner. You can finally splurge on all the candy you want with no questions asked and dress up as your favorite character for an entire 24 hours.
Before you choose your costume, don’t forget to check out all that New York City has to offer to make your Halloween unforgettable! This city has so much more than just haunted houses – from picking picture-perfect pumpkins to parading around your dog in its adorable costume to classic movie screenings, there’s plenty of unique things to do in the days leading up to the 31st.
Queens Farm Pumpkin Patch
WHEN: Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 5-26
WHERE: Floral Park
Who doesn’t love an old-fashioned pumpkin patch? Go enjoy the crisp autumn air with your family and friends and soak in the beautiful 47-acre landscape as you begin the quest for the ideal pumpkin. The Queens County Farm has got you covered with plenty of pumpkins and some more activities, including a maize maze to get lost in, hayrides and even live country music to keep the excitement alive. There is a small fee, prices varying from $8 to $15 depending on the activity, but if you can find a pumpkin to perch on your front-porch or dorm-window and also have a great day out, it is so worth it.
The Annual Tompkins Sq. Halloween Dog Parade
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 20
WHERE: East River Park Amphitheatre
Halloween costumes for dogs are absolutely adorable. Just imagine seeing hundreds of them in a myriad of costumes, from butterflies to Amelia Pawharts, all in one place. Well, no need to imagine – the annual Tompkins Square dog parade is back this year for its 29th run. There is no entrance fee – just head out to the amphitheatre that weekend and join the crowd of 10,000 others to witness this sweet competition for “Best In Show” between our furry friends. It’s their time to shine!
Halloween Harvest Festival
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 26
WHERE: Socrates Park, Long Island City
Get in your extra dose of spooky in at Socrates Park starting at noon for free! This years theme is Fet Gede, which refers to the Haitian Festival of Ancestors. Experience a tarot card reading session and enjoy the live dance and music performances scheduled for that day. If you couldn’t get enough of dogs in costumes at the Tompkins Square Dog Parade, fear not! Socrates Park will also be hosting their own annual Doggie Costume Contest with prizes and a panel of local judges from Astoria. There will be plenty of sweets to satisfy your sweet-tooth and activities like lantern-making to keep you busy.
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
WHEN: Now until Saturday, Nov. 30
WHERE: Van Cortlandt Manor
You have never seen the starry sky so up close and personal before … wait, those aren’t stars, they’re pumpkins! Visit Westchester County and walk through the Pumpkin Promenade, with thousands of carved Jack O’Lanterns lighting the way along the Hudson river. This astonishing masterpiece is handcrafted every year by volunteers and professional artists and all proceeds from the event will support a local nonprofit. Do not miss out on your only opportunity to see a Jack O’Lantern Statue of Liberty! Book your tickets today.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show Screening
WHEN: Every Friday and Saturday at Midnight up to and including Thursday, Oct. 31
WHERE: Cinépolis Chelsea
If you have never seen this film in theaters before, don’t be scared if people start screaming at the screen or throwing toilet paper. This yearly screening of the classic 1975 film, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” attracts fanatics and spooky aficionados from all over the city for an unforgettable evening. It is an interactive movie experience coupled with performers dancing in front of the screen. If think you are ready to be an active participant and hurl things at the screen, then buy your midnight tickets today before they sell out.
