October is the perfect month to visit New York City, with crisp fall air, changing leaves, major festivals, and Halloween traditions. Whether you want skyline views, family-friendly activities, pop culture events, or a classic spooky-season experience, the city offers something memorable throughout the month.
Discover some of the best things to do in NYC in October 2026 below.
Things to Do in NYC in October 2026: At a Glance
- “Hocus Pocus” Movie Night at the Empire State Building: Oct. 30–31, with two screenings each day
- Silent Disco at the Empire State Building: Oct. 3 and Oct. 17
- New York Film Festival: Through Oct. 12
- New York Comic Con: Oct. 8–11
- Open House New York Weekend: Oct. 16–18
- Boo at the Zoo: Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 1, plus Oct. 12
- Village Halloween Parade: Oct. 31 at 7 p.m.
- “Stranger Things: The First Shadow”: On Broadway throughout October
Celebrate October at the Empire State Building
A visit to the Empire State Building Observation Deck belongs at the top of any list of things to do in NYC in October. From the open-air 86th Floor Observation Deck and the enclosed 102nd Floor Observation Deck, guests can see the city’s landmarks, fall colors in Central Park, and the skyline from the heart of Midtown Manhattan.
Before they reach the views, guests can explore immersive museum galleries that tell the story of the building’s construction, Art Deco design, pop culture legacy, and place in New York City history. The full experience helped earn the “World’s Most Famous Building” recognition as the #1 Top Attraction in the United States in Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things to Do – so it is not to be missed on your NYC itinerary.
Watch "Hocus Pocus" High Above New York City
The Empire State Building Observation Deck will bring back its fan-favorite “Hocus Pocus” Movie Night for Halloween weekend. Guests can watch the cult-classic film on the building’s 80th Floor, enjoy complimentary drinks, snacks, and treats, and visit the 86th and 102nd Floor Observation Decks.
Screenings will take place on Oct. 30 and Oct. 31:
- Early screening: Arrival at 4:30 p.m.; movie begins at 5:15 p.m.
- Late screening: Arrival at 7:45 p.m.; movie begins at 8:30 p.m.
Space is limited, so reserve tickets in advance for this unforgettable Halloween movie night in NYC.
Dance Above the Skyline at a Silent Disco
Two themed Silent Disco nights will take over a private section of the 86th Floor Observation Deck in October. Hip-Hop, R&B, and Rap take center stage on Oct. 3, followed by EDM on Oct. 17.
Each limited-capacity event runs from 9–11 p.m., with arrival at 8:30 p.m. Guests can use wireless LED headphones to switch among Pop/Top 40, Hip-Hop hits, ’80s/’90s/Y2K, and Latin music while a live DJ performs against 360-degree nighttime views.
Tickets start at $69 and include access to the immersive museum, the 86th Floor Observation Deck, and one pair of wireless LED headphones.
Family-Friendly Halloween Events in NYC
Boo at the Zoo
For a daytime Halloween activity with children, head to the Bronx Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo. The annual event takes place on Saturdays and Sundays from Sept. 26 through Nov. 1, with an additional event date on Monday, Oct. 12.
The 2026 program includes animal chats, a new hay maze and challenge trail, carnival games, costume parades, dance parties, face painting, a candy trail, pumpkin displays, and live carving demonstrations. Activities come with Bronx Zoo admission and are free for members. Families can pair the Halloween programming with a visit to seasonal animal attractions that remain open through Nov. 1.
Village Halloween Parade
The Village Halloween Parade returns to Sixth Avenue on Saturday, Oct. 31 at 7 p.m. The 53rd annual parade will fill Greenwich Village with giant puppets, bands, dancers, artists, and thousands of costumed participants.
Spectators can watch for free from the sidelines. Those who want to join the parade must wear a costume and enter the lineup area at Canal Street and Sixth Avenue. Arrive early for a viewing spot along the route and expect large crowds throughout the neighborhood.
Experience NYC's Biggest October Festivals
New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con will return to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center for its 20th anniversary convention from Oct. 8-11. The four-day event brings fans together for celebrity appearances, panels, cosplay, exclusive merchandise, major entertainment reveals, and hundreds of exhibitors and creators.
Comic book readers, movie and television fans, gamers, and anime enthusiasts can explore the show floor, Artist Alley, Cosplay Central, Family HQ, and interactive brand experiences. Review ticket availability and the daily schedule before your visit, as access and programming vary by ticket type.
New York Film Festival
Film fans can catch the final days of the 64th New York Film Festival, which runs through Oct. 12. Presented by Film at Lincoln Center, the festival features anticipated new films, filmmaker appearances, talks, and special screenings.
The 2026 festival also brings select screenings beyond Lincoln Center to venues in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and the Bronx. Browse the lineup and reserve tickets early for screenings with limited availability.
Discover New York Architecture and Live Entertainment
Open House New York Weekend
See parts of the city that the public rarely gets to explore during Open House New York Weekend, set for Oct. 16–18. The 24th annual citywide festival opens approximately 300 sites across all five boroughs for tours, talks, and special activities centered on New York’s architecture, infrastructure, design, and culture.
Many locations welcome visitors at no cost on a drop-in basis, while others require advance tickets for security or capacity reasons. Review the official lineup before you go and create an itinerary that groups nearby sites.
"Stranger Things: The First Shadow" on Broadway
For another supernatural October experience, step into Hawkins with “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” at the Marquis Theatre. The stage production explores the origins of familiar characters through theatrical illusions, technical effects, and a story that expands the world of the hit series.
The Broadway production will play its final extension through Jan. 3, 2027, which makes October an ideal time to catch the show during spooky season. Performances run Tuesday through Sunday, with weekend matinees available. Check the official calendar for performance times and ticket availability.
Plan Your October 2026 Visit to NYC
October draws visitors with comfortable sightseeing weather, fall scenery, cultural festivals, and Halloween events across the five boroughs. Popular experiences can sell out, especially on weekends and near Halloween, so reserve timed tickets early and confirm event schedules before you travel.
Start your day or evening at the heart of Manhattan with tickets to the Empire State Building Observation Deck.
Visit The Heart of NYC
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in NYC in October 2026?
October activities in NYC include a visit to the Empire State Building Observation Deck, “Hocus Pocus” Movie Night, Silent Disco nights, New York Comic Con, the New York Film Festival, Open House New York Weekend, Boo at the Zoo, the Village Halloween Parade, and “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” on Broadway.
Is October a good time to visit New York City?
Yes. October typically offers cooler temperatures, seasonal color, major cultural events, and Halloween festivities. Pack layers because temperatures can change between daytime and evening.
When are the Empire State Building "Hocus Pocus" screenings?
Screenings will take place on Oct. 30 and Oct. 31, 2026. Each date offers a 5:15 p.m. screening with 4:30 p.m. arrival and an 8:30 p.m. screening with 7:45 p.m. arrival.
What does the Empire State Building "Hocus Pocus" ticket include?
The $135 ticket includes the movie screening on the 80th Floor, complimentary drinks, snacks, and treats, plus access to the 86th and 102nd Floor Observation Decks.
Do October events in NYC require advance tickets?
Some do. Reserve ahead for “Hocus Pocus” Movie Night, Silent Disco nights, New York Comic Con, New York Film Festival screenings, select Open House New York tours, Broadway shows, and the Bronx Zoo. The Village Halloween Parade is free to watch from the sidelines.
