Fall and Halloween season are officially here, with free pumpkin patches, haunted houses, arts-and-crafts, games, music and more taking place across NYC throughout October for New Yorkers of all ages to enjoy.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani and NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura announced a series of free, family-friendly fall festivals and Halloween events across the five boroughs this month.
Highlights of the events include haunted houses, pumpkin patches, obstacle courses, face-painting, seasonal crafts, music and games.
“It’s no trick: spooky season is taking over parks and rec centers across our city this month,” Mamdani said. “We’re bringing free family-friendly fun to every corner of New York City, and there’s something for everyone: from haunted houses and pumpkin patches to Mad Science demonstrations and arts and crafts. This is what it looks like to build a city that recognizes play and joy as a public good.”
The park festivities come as the city prepares for the return of Trick-or-Streets, with a record 160 car-free Open Streets and plazas in the city scheduled to host ore fall and Halloween events throughout October.
Shimamura said fall is one of the best times of the year to enjoy parks and recreation centers in the city.
“These free events give New Yorkers of all ages the opportunity to celebrate the season with their neighbors, whether they’re decorating pumpkins, navigating a haunted house, enjoying music and games or simply spending time together outdoors,” the commissioners said. “We look forward to welcoming New Yorkers to these special celebrations across all five boroughs.”
Fall festivals and Halloween events in the boroughs
Manhattan
Hallowscream Fright Walk and Fall Festival
Fright Walk: Friday, Oct. 16, 4 – 7 p.m.
Fall Festival and Fright Walk: Saturday, Oct. 17, 12 – 3 p.m.
J. Hood Wright Recreation Center and Park
Families can enjoy HallowScream, a two-day haunted house featuring elaborate sets, themed rooms and costumed characters. On Saturday, the event will also feature a family-friendly Fall Festival with a pumpkin patch, bounce houses, arts-and-crafts, and other seasonal activities.
The haunted house will continue indoors in the event of rain, while the outdoor festival will be rescheduled as needed. Registration required.
Bronx
Williamsbridge Fall Fiesta: Where Memories Take Flight!
Saturday, Oct. 17, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center
Families can enjoy pumpkin decorating, autumn-themed arts-and-crafts, carnival games, face painting, a Mad Science demonstration, a pumpkin patch, a pumpkin-weight guessing contest with prizes and a dog costume parade. In the event of rain, it will be rescheduled for Oct. 24.
Brooklyn
Haunted House and Hallow Gala
Friday, Oct. 30, 3 – 7 p.m.
Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center
Families can enjoy a spooky carnival, haunted house, arts and crafts, games, music, pumpkin decorating and costume and dance contests. The event is part of HalloWeek, a weeklong celebration with activities including karaoke, a pool movie, silent disco and additional haunted house programming. In the event of rain, the Hallow Gala will move indoors.
Staten Island
Ocean Breeze Fall Festival
Saturday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex
Families can enjoy a pumpkin patch, DJ, food trucks, arts and crafts, inflatables, interactive games, rides and entertainment. The festival will also feature the Ocean Breeze Youth Cross Country Spooktacular, a fall competition for young athletes ages 7–17. The event will move indoors in the event of rain.
Queens
Mad Monster Lab Haunted House and Fall Festival
Friday, Oct. 30, 4 – 8 p.m.
Bowne Park Field House
Families can enjoy a pumpkin patch, seasonal arts-and-crafts, active games, inflatables, popcorn and Halloween-themed music before the indoor haunted maze opens for those ready for a spooky challenge. In the event of rain, the haunted house will continue as scheduled, while the outdoor festival will be moved to Nov. 1.
Dining and Cooking