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What to Do in New York City in October 2024

By The Center Magazine StaffSep 18 2024
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October in New York is special. There’s only one month a year when you can enjoy the changing colors of the leaves and crisp air of fall before winter comes. There’s a sort of stillness that envelops the city as you quite literally feel the seasons change. Just deciding to go on a walk through Central Park can turn into an all-day affair as you bask in the picture-perfect weather. But if you’re looking for something more concrete to do with your days, there’s no shortage of fall-inspired activities to choose from. Don’t worry, this city may take Halloween seriously, but this month is more than just spooky stories and costumes.

Yes, the rumors are true, Jimmy Fallon is launching a new nightmare-inspired maze at Rockefeller Center, but there’s also live jazz on the Plaza thanks to Italian caffé Lodi, fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables to enjoy via GrowNYC’s Greenmarket, and illustrations to browse at Shantell Martin’s Art in Focus exhibit.

Whether you want to spend the day at a museum, among the fall foliage, or rooting for your favorite New York team, there’s something for everyone on this list. Below, find our recommendations for the seven best things to do in New York City in October.

Wondering what else is going on at Rockefeller Center in the fall? Scroll through our upcoming events, and sign up for The Center Newsletter to get the latest news delivered to your inbox.

Still of actress Saoirse Ronan and a child actor in "Blitz"
Courtesy of New York Film Festival
Courtesy of New York Film Festival

1. New York Film Festival

September 27- October 14

Film buffs have gotten used to watching new releases from the comfort of their homes, but nothing beats the experience of watching a movie in theaters. This year’s New York Film Festival lineup features 32 films in the Main Slate from household names like Julianne Moore and Adrien Brody, as well as many exciting newcomers. There are multiple VIP packages available and exclusive experiences like orchestra seating at the documentary Elton John: Never Too Late, including an appearance by the legend himself and a reception after the screening. You can explore all pass options here. Steve McQueen’s Blitz, a tale from World War II-era London starring Saoirse Ronan, will make its North American premiere to close out the festival.

Poster for Jimmy Fallon's Tonightmares at Rockefeller Center

2. Jimmy Fallon’s Tonightmares

September 20 - October 31

Jimmy Fallon may be known for his sense of humor, but the Tonight Show host is no stranger to night terrors, apparently. Jimmy Fallon’s Tonightmares brings a terrifying, 10-room haunted maze experience to Rockefeller Center, all based on bringing his own nightmares to life. Those brave enough to enter can expect killer robots, werewolves, a mad scientist, and more creepy creatures waiting to give them a fright. Tickets start at $36.90, and the maze takes about 10 minutes to get through. It’s not recommended for children under the age of 13, and no costumes are allowed.

Black and white photo of jazz performer Reggie Workman
Photo by Richard Kohler; courtesy of BRIC JazzFest
Photo by Richard Kohler; courtesy of BRIC JazzFest

3. BRIC JazzFest 2024

October 17-19

The 10th anniversary of BRIC’s JazzFest will feature a marathon of performances across three music-filled nights. Curated by harpist Brandee Younger, the lineup includes Indigenous bassist Mali Obomsawin, named emerging jazz artist to watch in 2024; Reggie Workman, known for his work with John Coltrane; and Lakecia Benjamin, a three-time GRAMMY-nominated saxophonist and composer. All of the performances offer a suite of boundary-pushing artists that draw on a variety of musical influences, making the festival a great fit for a broad audience. The events will take place in BRIC House, a 40,000-square-foot complex in the former Strand Theatre. Tickets start at less than $54 and can be purchased here.

Aerial view of the Hudson River in the fall
Photo by Danny Nanni via Unsplash
Photo by Danny Nanni via Unsplash

4. Fall Foliage Cruise on the Hudson

October 18-20, 25-27

Even the most concrete jungle-obsessed New Yorker finds solace in the ethereal moment when the leaves change, and if you want to celebrate the turning of the seasons without risking exposure to the elements, you can toast to New York in style on this foliage cruise up and down the Hudson River. The boat itself is heated, and large windows allow glimpses of New York City sights, skyscrapers, and, of course, the colorful trees as it cruises from Chelsea Piers and up to the Upper West Side and Palisade cliffs. Each ticket includes a complimentary drink — beer, wine, soda, Champagne, coffee, or tea — with the option to purchase light snacks while on board (bringing your own snacks is also allowed). Tickets are $108 per person, and you can purchase them here.

Large group of people dressed in costumes and walking in the Village Halloween Parade
Courtesy of the Village Halloween Parade
Courtesy of the Village Halloween Parade

5. Village Halloween Parade

October 31

Perhaps the most iconic October event on this list is the Village Halloween Parade, which takes place on the boisterous streets of the West Village. The parade has a different theme every year, and this year’s is “Meow!” The “cat lady” parade will be in full swing – rain or shine – between 7 and 11 pm, and the best way to “skip the line” is to put on your best costume and buy a spot to march in the parade for $100. The price includes admission to a Halloween Parade after-party at Webster Hall (or “Webster Hell”). Otherwise, it’s completely free to watch from the sidelines.

The Met Opera performs "Grounded" on stage
Photo by Ken Howard; courtesy of the Metropolitan Opera
Photo by Ken Howard; courtesy of the Metropolitan Opera

6. See a Show at the Metropolitan Opera

All month long

On September 23, the Metropolitan Opera’s 2024-25 season begins with the opening night premiere of Grounded, a new opera by Tony-winning composer Jeanine Tesori that was commissioned by the Met and is headlined by mezzo-soprano Emily D’Angelo as a female fighter pilot. Other performances include classics like Giacomo Puccini’s political thriller Tosca and Giuseppe Verdi’s always-heartbreaking Rigoletto. Regular tickets start at $35, but same-day rush tickets are available on the Metropolitan Opera site and app for $25, and under-40 opera fans get special deals on Fridays. See the full lineup of shows here.

A crowd of people watching a New York Rangers game at Madison Square Garden
Photo by Seth Hoffman via Unsplash
Photo by Seth Hoffman via Unsplash

7. Catch an NHL or NBA Preseason Game at Madison Square Garden

All month long

Opened in the late 1960s, Madison Square Garden is one of the most iconic sporting venues in all of New York. It is also the home arena for New York Knicks basketball and New York Rangers ice hockey. The Rangers will play their hometown rivals, the New York Islanders, twice in the preseason (once at home and once at the Islanders’ UBS Arena on Long Island). The Knicks’ first home game of the preseason is against the Washington Wizards on October 9. Catching a preseason game brings almost all the excitement of the regular season events, but tickets are heavily discounted.

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