Post Overview: Roundup of the best October & Halloween events in New York City 2022

If you’re looking for the best Halloween events in New York City you’ve come to the right place. I’m a sucker for all things orange & spooky, and have made it my personal mission to maximize October in NYC to be the ultimate Halloween party.

This is my list of the best Halloween events in NYC I’ve found during my 10 years living here. There are activities for the whole family as well as adult-only Halloween parties you won’t want to miss out on.

I’m not one for small talk and I know what you’re here for. So without further ado let’s get into the best Halloween events New York City has to offer in 2022.

Best Halloween Events in New York City

Take part in the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade

Date: October 31st 2022

This year is the 49th annual Halloween Parade NYC has hosted in Greenwich Village. The tradition started with a solo mask maker and puppeteer who walked his neighborhood streets for the local kids’ entertainment.

By the third year the NYC Halloween parade developed into a non-profit organization full of volunteers who dedicate themselves to keep the tradition alive. With more than 50,000 costumed participants a year I’d say the parade is very much alive and well.

As far as Halloween events in New York City go, the Halloween parade in Greenwich Village tops the list. If you’re in the city on October 31st this is where you want to be. The parade can be viewed on both sides of 6th Avenue between King St. and 15th St.

There are also a handful of ways to participate. The Halloween parade is always looking for volunteers and if you want a more flashy role consider actually being in the parade. This year the theme is freedom.

There will be a costume contest, which you automatically enter just by showing up in costume. The Halloween Parade has “secret scouts” out looking for the most original and fun costumes. Prizes are announced after the parade.

Local’s Tip: if you aren’t comfortable being around so many spooky figures consider watching the NYC Halloween Parade at home. The TV Channel NY1 will be covering the parade from 8 to 9:30 PM. Also, most of the local news channels will show spot coverage here and there throughout the night.

Address: 6th Avenue between King St. and 15th St.

Village Halloween Parade October events NYC — Image Courtesy Forbes

Get Spooked at Blood Manor

Dates: September 30th to November 5th 2022

Allow me to begin by saying that horror is subjective, and some people only want to be a little spooked where as others want to fight real ghosts and werewolves. With that being said, Blood Manor in Tribeca is one of the best Halloween events in New York City.

Blood Manor takes pride in their work, outfitting out their space with props and graphic images that are sure to make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. The actors commit to their role and at times can seem like the real deal.

What makes Blood Manor really stand out is that they offer two “lights out” nights (on Nov. 4th/5th) where, you guessed it, you walk through the attraction completely in the dark. I’m talking pitch black and all they hand you is a measly little glow stick.

Blood manor is not for the faint of heart, but is seriously one of the best Halloween events in New York City.

Local’s Tip: Purchasing tickets ahead of time is highly recommended. You can get your tickets here. Tickets can be purchased at the door, but there is a limited quantity and you usually have to wait in line.

Blood Manor Halloween October — Kevin Hart & Jimmy Fallon at Blood Manor | Image Courtesy NBC

Visit a Haunting in Hollis

Dates: October 1st to October 31st

Located in Queens, this New York City Halloween event takes place in a residential home. The house is fully stocked with spooky decor and actors just waiting on you. There’s a haunted house, as well as escape rooms available.

In the haunted house you’ll be chased through 5 floors and if you get too scared you have two options. You can either say the safety word “peanut butter” and call it quits or you use your laser gun and teach those ghouls a lesson! Did I mention the only way out is down a 20 ft slide?

In the escape room you have one hour to get out while dealing with a virus that causes people to eat each other. Sounds twisted, right? If that doesn’t sound creepy enough there is a second escape room where a new form of dementia causes you to age backwards and a doctor locks you in to use you as a test subject.

For one day, on October 10th, from 1:00PM to 6:00PM a Haunting in Hollis is hosting a Halloween Lights event that is kid friendly.

All age-inappropriate props and decor will be removed for the day and kiddos can enjoy one of the most joyous New York City Halloween events. You can expect to find friendly staff, arts & crafts and goodie bags filled with candy.

Pricing: Tickets for the 5 story haunted house are on sale for $20 a person ($40 for express)Tickets for the escape rooms are $40 a person

Address: 21117 Hollis Ave, Queens, NY 11429

Make the trek to the Headless Horseman

Dates: September 24th to October 30th

I’m hesitant to mention this New York City haunted house because it is quite a ways away from the city. Without a car, it’s pretty difficult to make it to Ulster Park in New York.

But I feel like I would be doing a disservice not sharing this gem with anyone who is in a position to make the trip. Headless Horseman is one of the most epic Halloween events in New York City and worth the trek.

Its won numerous awards, including recently being ranked among the country’s 10 Best Haunted Attractions of 2021 by USA Today.

This is one of the most disturbing Halloween events near New York City (in a good way). The outdoor attraction is made up of 8 haunted houses, a dark harvest corn maze and a dark and spooky outdoor walk. There’s also escape rooms, but those are available at an extra cost.

If you can make it out to Ulster Park, you can expect to spend a couple hours bopping around the multiple attractions. There are places to buy snacks and drinks, as well as a gift shop.

And for the little ones, Headless Horseman hosts two Children’s Days. They are on October 8th and 22nd from 11:30 to 4. Kids can expect a tiny taste of terror with music and a maze among other activities.

Local’s Tip: Purchasing tickets ahead of times is strongly recommended. Not only will it save you from having to wait in line, they’re actually less expensive when booked in advance. There’s also a Scream Pass for sale that lets you skip the lines available for an extra fee.

Address: 778 Broadway, Rte 9W, Ulster Park, NY 12487

Headless Horseman Halloween October — Image Courtesy Headless Horseman

Try your hand at BrainXcape

Dates: Year-round

For those of you have never heard of an escape room, the concept is simple. You are locked in a room with your friends and have to sift through clues left behind in order to escape before the allotted time runs out.

BrainXcape has two different spooky escape rooms perfect for your Halloween Party in NYC.

Rikers, 1932 is set in the infamous New York City prison and you only have an hour to escape. Good news, your cellmate has already worked his way out and left clues. Bad news, you can hear the evil prison guard outside and know you’re limited on time.

The Grange Hotel escape room is set in a luxury hotel that has been rumored to have been the site of more than one mysterious death. You and your party have an hour to escape the room before the haunting catches up to you.

Although the escape rooms are open year round, the best time to play is during NYC October. With New York City Halloween events in full swing, trying your hand at BrainXcape is one of the most fun activities to take part in.

Address: 160 Broadway 3rd floor, New York, NY 10038

Tour Haunted Manhattan

Dates: Year-round

For those of you that know that haunted houses are simply fake and that costume parties are just your coworkers dressed up as Dracula, may I suggest something a little more, real?

Every town has tales of hauntings, ghosts, and spirits and New York City is no different. The friendly folks over at Haunted Manhattan host walking tours to teach you of the creepy pasts of some of your favorite spots.

There are four tours to choose from, Greenwich Village, East Village, West Village and Five Points. With each walking tour being under 3 miles, you can expect roughly an hour and a half of thrilling and funny stories shared by charismatic guides.

Taking a tour is one of my favorite things to do every Halloween in New York City, since it’s interesting to learn creepy facts about the streets I walk every day. However sometimes the tales hit a little too close to home, and that’s where the real fun happens.

Address: 1357 Broadway # 127, New York, NY 10018, however the meeting point for your specific tour will be emailed to you after booking your tickets.

Trick or Drink at the Halloween Bar Crawl

Dates: October 28th, 29th, and 31st 2022

Looking for one of the best boozy Halloween events in New York City? Get ready to Trick or Drink.

Barcrawlerz is hosting this years annual Trick or Drink bar crawl, where for 3 days you can dress up and head to participating bars for drink specials surrounded by other ghouls and goblins.

The process is simple, simply buy your tickets and show up to the registration site on your confirmation email to get your wristband and map of the participating bars along with the specials they’re running. Then head to your first spot for no cover charge and drinks!

This is one of my favorite Halloween events in New York City. The people at the bars with you are usually participating at the bar crawl too and it’s a great way to make friends. Not to mention, if you decide to dress up it makes for quite the ice breaker to get the conversation going!

Trick or Drink Halloween Bar Crawl October Events — Image Courtesy Groupon

Take a NY Ghosts Tour

Dates: Year-round

New York City as we know it has been centuries in the making, and beneath the modern city it is today are tales of ghosts and the paranormal.

Notable people have called the city home, and some believe they have never left. NY Ghosts hosts tours showcasing haunted places and the legends that have made them infamous.

Take Mark Twain’s brownstone for example, which has informally come to be known as the house of death. Twain himself wrote about paranormal experiences he experienced in the home. Residents today have reported seeing the ghost of Twain at the bottom of the stairwell or just walking around.

I learned about this ghastly site on NY Ghosts’ tour, and read more about it on their blog. Sometimes real life events can be more frightening than made up tales and what better time to learn about them than at this NYC Halloween event.

Address: Meeting place for your tour is on the confirmation email after purchasing your tickets.

Have a drink at the House of Spirits

Dates: October 1st to October 31st 2022

If you’re looking for a spooky soiree there are few Halloween events in New York City better than the House of Spirits. It’s an evening cocktail party where you visit a haunted mansion.

This year is the Tale of Volkov Manor, a doctor who takes in his orphaned niece and nephew who are seemingly being protected by spirits of ghosts.

Guests are encouraged to come dressed in cocktail party garb to the NYC Halloween event. At the mansion there will be themed mini drinks available, as well as actors and props to make a spooky night of it.

There will also be tarot card readings, ouija boards and live music.

Pricing will depend on the package chosen. Starting at $79 with four mini drinks included, prices go up from there to include more drinks and early entries.

Address: 60 Pine St, 5 Story Mansion A, New York, NY 10005

Snap a picture at the Pumpkin Arch on Pier 17

Are you looking for one of the most instagrammable Halloween events in New York City? Look no more.

Since 2020 Pier 17 has put together a free art instillation made up of over 500 pumpkins in the shape of an arch for no reason other than to bring folks joy.

Drawing people from all over the city, not only does this perfectly orange pumpkin arch make for great photos, the Brooklyn Bridge as the backdrop is stunning.

Typically making an appearance mid-October this beautiful pumpkin arch is located on Pier 17 at South Street Seaport. Snapping a photo with this masterpiece is one of the best Halloween events in New York City.

While technically there are no rules for how long you can take pictures, be courteous of those around you. Try to take your pictures quickly to maintain the flow of the line.

Pro Tip: Visit the pumpkin arch at night for a magical experience. The arch is full of lights that when lit, add a whole other dimension to the arch and your photos.

Address: 89 South St, New York, NY 10038

Visit the Pumpkin Patch at Queens County Farm

Dates: October 1st to October 29th 2022

When I first moved to New York City eight years ago from the Pacific Northwest I was worried I’d be giving up essential fall activities.

My first thought was where the hell does someone get a pumpkin for Halloween? Sure bodegas are great and they get the can get the job done, but it’s not the same. I needed the full Halloween event in New York City

To my surprise, going to a pumpkin patch was one of the attainable Halloween events in New York City I wouldnt have to kiss goodbye! Thanks to Queens County Farm (and a hefty subway ride) I was able to get my fix of a pumpkin patch and corn maze.

Queens County Farm has been around for over 300 years and serving New Yorkers with the ultimate NYC October experience. One of my favorite Halloween events in New York City is to join Queens County Farm and attempt to do the corn maze at night.

The pumpkin patch is opened daily from October 1st to October 29th. Opened Monday thru Friday from 12 PM-4:30 PM and Saturday & Sunday from 10:00 AM-4:30 PM.

Best part? Free admission! Pumpkins are priced by size if you choose to get one.

Further reading: Checking out Queens County Farm is also on our list of 30+ Festive Fall Things to Do in New York City.

Address: 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy, Queens, NY 11004

Queens County Farm October Events New York City — Image Courtesy Queens County Farm Museum

Celebrate Oktoberfest

Dates: September 2nd to October 31st 2022

Unless you’re planning a trip to Germany any time soon, this NYC October tradition is the next best thing.

From September 2nd (yes really, a whole month early) to October 31st, New Yorkers and locals alike can enjoy this epic NYC October event. Did I mention it’s seven days a week? There is no rush when it comes to partaking.

Located on Pier 15 south of the South Street Seaport (a mere two piers from the pumpkin arch), head to Watermark Bar for this lively October event. We’re talking delicious food, tasty beer and all sorts of entertainment.

If drinking is not your style, no need to worry. Oktoberfest was set up to be a celebration that everyone can enjoy (kids included). Grab your friends and family and make a NYC fall day out of it. Soak in the amazing views of the Brooklyn and Williamsburg bridges and revel at the Brooklyn skyline.

Oktoberfest is a free event, you just register online and then pay for any beer or food while celebrating.

Address: 78 South St Pier 15, New York, NY 10038

Find the best Halloween Decorations

I currently have an on-going debate with my husband on which New York City neighborhood is home to the best Halloween decorations. I’m partial to the oh so charming Greenwich Village, while my husband argues the Upper West Side is where it’s at.

Regardless of which neighborhood you choose to visit, you won’t be disappointed! My suggestions is to make it one of your many New York City Halloween events and explore a new neighborhood whenever you can.

October in New York City is like no other. Charming brownstones lined with spider webs, skeletons and vibrant pumpkins turn every day strolls through the city into an experience. It’s exciting seeing my favorite city take every holiday seriously and the proof is in the pudding.

One of the best Halloween events in New York City in October is to make time to wander through different neighborhoods checking out the decorations. Grab your favorite warm drink, bundle up and explore the magic in NYC during the autumn.

Pick up a Pumpkin Keg from Loreley Beer Garden

Dates: September 22nd to November 6th 2022

Finding delicious pumpkin beer in New York City in October is a relatively easy thing to achieve. You can find great options at any local pub or bodega.

But what if I told you I know a spot that takes it one step further and they serve pumpkin beer in a Pumpkin Keg? It’s true! Loreley Beer Garden on the Lower East Side is the genius behind this fall concoction.

Between September 22nd and November 6th, grab your friends and enjoy a 60 oz Pumpkin Keg filled with pumpkin beer. The keg is fitted with a beer tap and you can roughly get 4-5 glasses of beer out of it.

If you’re not a fan of pumpkin beer but still want to experience the Pumpkin Keg, no worries. You have the option to substitute the flavored beer with any beer Loreley’s has on tap- no charge.

Address: 7 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002

Lorely Beer Garden Pumpkin Keg Halloween NYC

Grab a burger at Oscar Wilde

Dates: Year-round, Halloween decorations are up in October

Quick history lesson: Oscar Wilde was an Irish poet and one of the most popular playwrights in the late 19th century best known for his wit and flamboyance.

Unfortunately, Wilde’s reputation was tarnished after falling in love with a man. As you probably know, in the Victorian era being gay was not only frowned upon, but a crime. So much so that Wilde spent two years in prison because of it.

This Victorian style restaurant is a way to celebrate all that Oscar Wilde stood for. Hosting an impressive art (and object) collection dating back to the 1800’s you can enjoy a French fireplace from the 1840’s, stained glass from an Irish castle and so much more.

Making reservations at Oscar Wilde during October is paramount to experience one of the best Halloween events in New York City. The restaurant decorates for the holiday in a way that is unmatched.

Every inch of the place gets decorated (including the ceiling), minimalism has no place here. And don’t even think about leaving without trying the Wilde bacon cheeseburger and truffle fries.

PS, check out all the clocks in the restaurant. You’ll find that they are set to 1:50. The reason? That’s the time that Oscar Wilde died. No corners are cut when it comes to attention to detail here!

Address: 45 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001

Oscar Wilde Halloween Events New York City — Image Courtesy Oscar Wilde

Stop by the Tompkins Square Halloween dog parade

Date: October 22nd 2022

Yup, Tompkins Square throws an annual Halloween parade in NYC for dogs and it’s just as adorable as it sounds!

Folks from all over flood the East River Park Amphitheater with their pups dressed in ridiculously cute costumes creating one of the best Halloween events in New York City.

Since moving to NYC I learned New Yorkers don’t mess around when it comes to their dogs, so why would Halloween be any different? Especially when awards are to be had.

Clear your schedule on October 22nd because you’re not going to want to miss this. The creativeness and dedication leaves me speechless year after year. A lot of the dogs I see at the parade are dressed better than me!

Whether you own a dog or not, this is one of the Halloween events in New York City that is so stinking precious and you are guaranteed to melt into a puddle from all the cuteness.

Address: E 10th St, New York, NY 10009

Tompkins Square Dog Parade — Image Courtesy Tompkins Square Dog Run

Take an after-hours tour of Green-Wood Cemetery

Hear me out on this one. I know some folks might consider the mention of a cemetery as one of the best Halloween events in New York City creepy, but it’s true.

Green-Wood Cemetery has a plethora of NYC Halloween events to choose from. You can take tours of the cemetery (after dark), take part in a Crime and Catastrophe trolley tour or enjoy music and entertainment all while relishing in the ambiance of the cemetery.

Check out Green-Wood Cemetery’s calendar here and plan the prefect spooky night while visiting New York City in October.

Oh, and I should mention a fascinating 25-year creative installation located at the cemetery. The installation, called Here Lie the Secrets of the Visitors of Green-Wood Cemetery, is a grave designed specifically for secrets. Visitors can write their most intimate secrets on a sheet of paper and finally lay them to rest.

Address: 500 25th St, Brooklyn, NY 11232

Partake in the Medieval Festival

Date: October 2nd 2022

Now this New York October event isn’t for everyone, but for those who have an interest- you’re in luck! Located in Fort Tryon Park, back after a two year hiatus (thanks COVID), NYC Parks is bringing back the Medieval Festival.

This festival is a way for everyone to enjoy the spirit of the Middle Ages. Vendors dress their stands to the theme and folks from all over take this as an opportunity to express their style with Medieval costumes.

On October 2nd from 11:30 AM to 6:00 PM, performers, guests and knights on horseback all come out of the woodwork to partake in this NYC October activity. It’s a free event for all ages with authentic period music, jugglers & jesters and vendors selling medieval crafts and food.

Local’s Tip: If you plan on buying anything while enjoying this NYC October activity, there are no ATM’s on site. Plan to bring cash or a card.

Address: Riverside, Dr To Broadway, New York, NY 10040

Medieval Festival NYC — Image Courtesy Fort Tyron Park Trust

Fall-O-Ween at the New York Botanical Garden

Dates: Starts September 17th

One of my favorite New York Halloween events is Fall-O-Ween at the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG). Beginning September 17th, NYBG kicks off the fall season with loads of pumpkins, hordes of gourds and plenty of NYC autumn activities. I’m telling you, no trip to New York City in the fall is complete without checking one of their many events off your list!

A personal favorite of mine is the Pumpkin Parade Weekend. This year it’s held on October 22nd & 23rd between 11:00AM-4:00PM.

The entire weekend is chock-full of pumpkins, families and Halloween festivities. Kiddos dress up in their Halloween costumes and get to strut down Garden Way showing off the cutest looks. It’s one of the can’t miss Halloween events in New York City for anyone with kids!

Aside from the parade, you can expect to see pumpkins larger than life and pumpkin carvings like never before. Here is the calendar for New York Botanical Garden. Plan your trip the right way and be sure to include Fall-O-Ween into the Halloween events in New York City you’ll check out this year!

Pricing:

Adults: $30 | $15 NYC residents
Students (with valid ID)/Seniors (65+): $28 | $7 NYC residents
Children (2-12 years): $15 | $4 NYC residents
Children under 2: Free
Patrons/Members: Free

Address: 2900 Southern Blvd, The Bronx, NY 10458

Check out Boo at the Zoo

Dates: Saturday & Sundays October 1st- 30th

Finding Halloween events in New York City for kids isn’t always easy, which is why I really appreciate Boo at the Zoo. Every year the Bronx Zoo hosts a Halloween party in NYC the whole family can take part in.

Guests are encouraged to show up in costume and take part in a day of fun. The zoo has candy trails so kids can trick or treat alongside their favorite animals. It’s an educational day too, since the zoo shows what some of the animals’ favorite snacks are as well.

There’s a multitude of arts and crafts kids can take part in, as well as a magician, pumpkin carving shows, and a costume parade that takes place 3 times a day. Long story short, this is one of the best Halloween events New York CIty has for families looking for clean fun.

Pricing:

Adulst: $41.95
Senior (65+): $36.95
Children (3-12): $31.95
Child under 2: Free

Tickets must be purchased in advance and go on sale September 7th.

Address: 2300 Southern Blvd, The Bronx, NY 10460