It’s a “bootiful” month at the New York Botanical Garden — complete with bugs, bats, parades, parties, and more!
“Gourd-gous” gourds will be created when Food Network star and pumpkin parer Ray Villafane is on hand on Oct. 20 and 21, from 11 am to 5 pm, weaving his carving tools and turning pumpkins into terrifying zombies, and other outta-this-world critters. His creations will be on view through the end of the month.
Fearless thrill-seekers ages 5 to 12 can stroll through the Haunted Adventure Garden Spooky Nighttime walk on Oct. 20 through 28, from 6:30 to 8 pm to get the goosebumps going — if they dare! Bring your flashlight and courage, but don’t forget your costume. Admission is $20 and $15 for non-members.
The Haunted Pumpkin Garden is open all day for exploration from 1:30 to 5:30 pm and 10 am to 5:30 pm on weekends, from Oct. 6 through Halloween.
If music gets your bones jangling, Eddie, Sonya and Michael of the Little People Palooza will stage a live show and rock out the gardens with their sweet brand of kiddie rock-and-roll on Oct. 6, 7, 13, and 14. Showtimes are at 10:15 am and 12:15 pm.
Foodies can head for the Green Market, held every Wednesday from 9 am to 3 pm through Nov. 21. Admission is free and features the very best of baked-goods, veggies, fruits, and other tastebud tinglers. General admission, unless otherwise noted, is $20 for adults and $8 for children under 12.
The New York Botanical Gardens [200th St. at Kazimiroff Blvd. in Belmont, (718) 817–8700, www.nybg.org].