5 Fall Activities to do in NYC
Summer may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean the fun is over. With fall just around the corner, the city is about to trade in heatwaves for cozy sweaters, colorful leaves, and pumpkin-flavored everything. There’s just something about New York in the fall that makes you want to slow down, sip something warm, and soak it all in. From festive outings to casual city strolls, here are five ways to embrace the season.
Broadway Week: Get 2-for-1 Tickets
One of the best parts of fall in NYC? Broadway Week. This year, from September 8th to the 21st, you can score 2-for-1 tickets to some of the biggest shows on Broadway — from timeless classics to buzzy new hits. It’s one of the city’s most popular seasonal traditions because it makes seeing a show more affordable (and way less stressful than hunting for last-minute seats). Tickets go fast every year, so if you’ve ever dreamed of finally seeing The Lion King, Wicked, or the latest Tony-winning sensation, now’s the time to grab them before they’re gone!
San Gennaro Fest
Every September, Little Italy holds a lively street fair packed with food vendors, parades, live music, and more cannoli than you could ever dream of. This tradition has been going strong for nearly a century, drawing both locals and tourists who come for the Italian specialties, festive energy, and cultural celebration. From sausage-and-pepper sandwiches to zeppoles dusted in powdered sugar, it’s the ultimate foodie event. The festival will be held from September 11th to the 21st. Pro tip: weekends get crowded fast, so plan ahead and bring your appetite.
NYC Food and Wine Festival
If you’re a foodie, the New York City Wine & Food Festival is a must. From October 15th to the 19th, the city will be hosting a four-day celebration featuring tastings, cooking demos, and events led by celebrity chefs and top restaurants. From walk-around tastings to intimate dinners, it’s basically a playground for anyone who loves good food and drinks. Tickets tend to sell out quickly, especially for the marquee events, so it’s worth grabbing yours early.
Fall-O-Ween at NYBG
For something festive and family-friendly, Fall-O-Ween at the New York Botanical Gardens is a seasonal staple. From September 25th to November 30th, the gardens turn into a fall wonderland with giant pumpkin displays, pumpkin carving demos, and various harvest-themed activities. This year, the highlight is the return of Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail, where the gardens transform into a glowing, immersive world filled with displays that feel like they were pulled straight from the film. Kids can enjoy trick-or-treating and workshops during the day, while adults can soak in the stunning autumn landscapes and seasonal brews during special evenings. It’s the perfect mix of cozy fall vibes and Halloween fun to add to your October calendar.
NYC Ghost Tours
If you’re looking to lean into the spooky season, a ghost tour through New York City is the way to go. From the haunted corners of Greenwich Village to the eerie history of old theaters and churches, these tours mix storytelling with just the right amount of chills. Guides bring the city’s darker past to life with tales of restless spirits, mysterious happenings, and the legends that linger in historic neighborhoods. Whether you’re a true believer or just in it for the thrill, a ghost tour is the perfect after-dark fall activity.
Fall in NYC doesn’t just look good — it feels good. Whether you’re snagging discounted Broadway seats, wandering through Little Italy with a cannoli in hand, sipping your way through the Food & Wine Festival, strolling the glowing trails at the Botanical Garden’s Fall-O-Ween, or getting spooked on a ghost tour, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the season. So grab your scarf, your fall drink of choice, and maybe a friend or two. It’s time to make the most of the fall season in the city.
