October has arrived, bringing crisp fall weather, Halloween fun, and countless ways to get out and about in the city. From a legendary parade to vibrant floral displays, here are five things to do in NYC this month.
Get Spooky at the Village Halloween Parade
Put on your best costume and head downtown for the 53rd annual Village Halloween Parade. This year’s theme, “Body & Soul,” will feature a spectacular Firehorse puppet performance, followed by thousands of creatively costumed participants making their way through Greenwich Village. Everyone is welcome to watch, but you must wear a costume to join the parade.
Greenwich Village, Manhattan | Oct. 31, 7 p.m. | Free
Go Behind the Scenes During Open House New York
Ever wondered what’s behind the doors of some of New York’s most interesting buildings? Open House New York offers a chance to explore more than 300 destinations across all five boroughs, including iconic buildings, cultural spaces, artist workshops, and more. Most locations are free to visit, although some require advance tickets.
All five boroughs | Oct. 16 – 18 | Free at most sites
Hear Music Inspired by the ‘Lily of Quito’
Head to the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola for The Lily of Quito, a new cantata by composer and soprano Stephanie Susberich, DMA, about St. Mariana de Jesús de Paredes, the 17th-century mystic and patroness of Ecuador. The performance by the Choir of St. Ignatius Loyola and Park Avenue Consort will combine contemporary music with works by Joaquín Rodrigo and Juan Gutiérrez de Padilla. A composer talk will precede the concert and a reception will follow.
Manhattan | Oct. 28, 7 p.m. | Tickets: $25 – $90; Fordham students get 20% off select seats with code FORDHAM20.
Enjoy Halloween at the Bronx Zoo
Boo at the Zoo returns this month with family-friendly Halloween activities alongside the Bronx Zoo’s animal exhibits. Enjoy a hay maze, carnival games, costume parades, magic shows, crafts, pumpkin displays, and more on weekends throughout October. NYC undergraduate college students can receive complimentary admission with a valid student ID.
Bronx | Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 26 – Nov. 1 | Free for NYC undergraduates
Celebrate Día de los Muertos at NYBG
Experience Día de los Muertos at the New York Botanical Garden, where colorful marigolds, calaveras (skulls), a community altar, and a larger-than-life Catrina (or handmade skeleton) will bring the Mexican tradition of honoring dead loved ones to life. On Nov. 1, visitors can watch the Día de los Muertos parade at 2 p.m.
Bronx | Oct. 3 – Nov. 2 | $35 – $39; free admission for Fordham students
