Whether you're a Big Apple resident, common city dweller, or a seldom visitor, the city is always filled with events and activities enjoyable for everyone. With fall beginning and Halloween around the corner, Manhattan is bustling with festivities that are fun, frightening, and even free! Plan a day, week, or month with the best New York City events of October 2016:
Adopt-A-Plant
On October 7, 2016 at Broadway and Whitehall Street from 10am to 12pm, come to the Alliance Plant Give-Away where the Alliance will be handing out free SunPatiens. Visitors are encouraged to take one plant per person and plants will be available until they run out. SunPatiens are beautiful, easy to care for, and bloom in any setting. The event is free of charge, along with the flowers!
Open House New York 2016
During the weekend of October 15 and 16, New York City is holding it's annual Open House Festival, a weekend-long event in which hundreds of historic buildings, landmarks, "architectural masterpieces" and other attractions are open to the public for walking tours, sightseeing and exploring parts of New York that are usually off-limits. Some tours require reservations which can be found on the website.
New York Comic Con
The biggest pop culture annual event in North America is back once again. From October 6 to October 9 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, you can enjoy the can't-miss panels, shopping, celebrity guests, and cosplay costumes at this "geek Mecca." Tickets are available on the NYCC website.
Village Halloween Parade
One of the best Halloween events in Gotham. Before heading to some of the awesome Halloween parties around the city, come dressed in your best Halloween costumes and/or Halloween makeup and march with over 50,000 zombies, witches, and more on October 31, 2016, from 7-11pm. Even if you aren't interested in dressing up or walking, get there early and reserve yourself a spot to watch; spectators are welcome! The Halloween Parade runs up Sixth Ave from Spring St to 16th St in Manhattan.
New York Food and Wine Festival
A collaboration between the Food Network, the Cooking Channel, and Food & Wine magazine, this festival is filled with culinary talent, cocktail showcases, and food-filled parties. The four-day, 9th-annual fest features individual tastings, dinners, and a backyard barbecue on Pier 92. It takes place from October 13 to October 16, 2016 at various locations throughout the city.
Drawing In The Park
Every Saturday in October from 10am to 12pm at South Cove of Pier A, come take part in some artistic therapy. Paint in watercolor, use pastels, chalk or charcoal to capture the views of the Hudson River and unique landscape of the site. An artist/educator will be present assisting participants of all levels. All materials provided, participation free of charge.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
Open from October 8, 2016 to April 1, 2017, come skate the city's most iconic rink. Since tourism and the holiday season picks up around November, October is the best time to visit to avoid the long lines and waits. $25 for regular admission; $15 for children under 11 years old; $12 for skate rental.
Outdoor Movie Night: Beetlejuice
On October 28, 2016 at Rockefeller from 7-9pm, bring some company, a blanket and some snacks or a picnic dinner and enjoy the outdoor movie screening, free of charge.
Haunted Lantern Tours
At 6:30pm on October 28 at Fort Totten Park, take this Urban Park Rangers tour and possibly spot a few spirits. Using the lanterns provided, explore the Water Battery Gate in the pitch-black setting while your tour guide tells stories of the hauntings and paranormal activities of the site. This tour is free of charge!
Volleyball After Work
Every Wednesday in October from 6 to 7:30pm at Battery Park's Esplanade Plaza, sweat off the stress from work and join others for some friendly drop-in volleyball. Scorekeeper and balls are provided, participation is free of charge.
New York Haunted Hayride
Created by Ten Thirty One Productions, this riveting haunted attraction located at Randalls Island Park allows hayriders to embark on three new experiences for the first time: House of Shadows, Purgatory Haunted Village, and Theatre Macabre. "Not for the faint of heart, the New York Haunted Hayride is all set to terrorize those who dare to enter. The Haunted Hayride takes place from October 13 to October 31 2016 and is $37 to participate.
Gravesend Inn Haunted Hotel
New York's most high-tech haunted house produced by students in City Tech's Theatreworks program is not only frightening, but provides educational value as well. Including skeleton pirates, talking paintings, and a ghastly bathroom, the hotel's scary surprises are triggered by sensors that respond to participants' movements. Located at Voorhees Theatre, it is open from October 20 to October 31, 2016, and is $8 for regular entry; $5 for students with ID.
Sunset Yoga
Every Wednesday in October from 7-8pm at Wagner Park, release the day's stress with an outdoor yoga session overlooking the New York Harbor. An instructor provides guidance with alignment and poses, and all levels are welcome. Bring your own mat, participation is free of charge.
Taste of the Seaport
This 7th annual fall festival celebrates the delicious food and beverage hub within the Financial District and South Street Seaport. Enjoy the festival with music entertainment, activities for children, and over 40 food and beverage providers. The proceeds from the event benefit arts and enrichment programs at two local elementary schools: PS 343 Peck Slip School and PS 397 Spruce Street School.
Blood Manor
This 5,000 square-foot convolution of horrors is filled with zombies, monsters and other creatures, and is deemed too scary for children under 14 years old without supervision. Located in Downtown Manhattan, Blood Manor takes place from October 6 to November 5, 2016, and is $35 for regular tickets; $30 for advance tickets.
Haunted Buildings, Restaurants and Sites
With Halloween season kicking in, here is a list of historically haunted attractions in New York City. From eerie hotels to haunted restaurants, explore and experience any of these spooky sites - if you dare, that is.
Courtesy of: TimeOut and Downtown Alliance
