Best Fall Events in New York City

The season of harvest, foliage and heart-warming drinks offers more than meets the eye. Travelers who are in New York during fall will find not only a stunning display of autumn colors, but also cultural, sports and culinary celebrations. Here are the top fall events in New York City.

Spooky Pumpkin Garden

When: September 22-October 31, 2018
Where: New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY 10458
Every year, the New York Botanical Garden turns the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden into a fun and family-friendly fall festival. Adults and children alike will enjoy the unique decorations of scarecrows, carved pumpkins and gourds. The festival also includes educational events, pumpkin carving demonstrations and live presentations of snakes, lizards and bats.

Day of the Dead 2018

When: October 26-28, 2018
Where: East Yard of St. Mark's in-the-Bowery, 11th Street and 2nd Ave in Manhattan,New York, NY 10003
The Mexican version of Halloween is celebrated every year on the first days of November to honor the dead. Learn about this holiday in an outdoor festival that will feature Mexican folk art, culture, food and music. If you’re wondering about its authenticity, fear not! This event is organized by Mano a Mano: Mexican Culture Without Borders.

New York City Cider Week

When: November 2-11, 2018
Where: Various venues in New York City
Fall is not only about pumpkins. Apple orchards reach their peak season at this time of the year and that means one thing: cider. Many tourists aren’t familiar with traditional cider, so why not learn a little about this drink while supporting local cider makers? The festival features tastings, food pairings and special dinners.

New York City Marathon

When: November 4, 2018
Where: Consult the marathon course to pick your favorite viewing spot
The most exciting running event in New York is a must. Where else will you get the chance to see the world’s best elite athletes trying to beat world records? Read our spectator’s guide to the NYC marathon to plan ahead of time.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade

When: November 22, 2018
Where: The start will be at West 77th Street & Central Park West and the end at Macy’s Herald Square.
The parade that everyone looks forward to every year is almost here. Macy Day’s parade signals the beginning of the holiday season in a colorful and cheerful celebration. Get up early, wear a warm jacket and comfortable shoes, and enjoy the floats, music, entertainment, marching bands and much more.

If you want to make the most of this season, check out our guide to Central Park in the fall. And don’t forget that you’ll find the best hotel deals in New York at the Manhattan at Times Square.