As what’s arguably one of the biggest holidays of the year approaches on the horizon, countless spooky celebrations are already cropping up all over the city. Don’t miss our round of the best Halloween parades and celebrations, but don’t forget all the wonderful fall harvests, kids shows, and more going on this weekend. See our highlights below.
STARTING FRIDAY
Looking for a new Halloween costume or have some old parts to spare? At Ottendorfer Library’s swap, take and donate as many gently worn costumes as you for infants through age 12. More Here (Friday)
Love Shel Silverstein? The General Mischief Dance Theatre has created a whimsical show with yoga moves, wiffle balls, and more inspired by his poetry. Creative! (Friday)
Haven’t checked out New York Botanical Garden’s Haunted Pumpkin Garden yet? Now’s the time to explore the 500+ gourds and other spooky attractions–master carver Ray Villafane will be creating creepy pumpkin creatures live all weekend. Be brave! (Friday-Sunday)
Sing and laugh along as a talented storyteller/ guitarist shares the original tale of Lumpy Bumpy Pumpkin, a quirky character who must learn how to embrace his differences. Don’t be shy. (Friday-Sunday)
STARTING SATURDAY
Fall Kids Fest is back in Madison Square Park with a costume parade, local bites, face painting, a costume swap, and musical and magic shows galore. What’s not to love? (Saturday)
Celebrate the season at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Harvest Festival, where a pumpkin patch, mask making, costume parade, Zumba class, and more beckon. Jump in! (Saturday)
The Day of the Dead is just as spooky as Halloween. Learn all about the Mexican tradition with face painting, dance shows, and cool artifacts at El Museo del Barrio. Get cultured! (Saturday)
Honk! NYC, the global street music extravaganza, comes to the Children’s Museum of the Arts with a special event offering workshops, an instrument petting zoo, and a kids concert. Make some noise! (Saturday)
The Harvest Festival in Battery Park means local farm fun like live music, arts, scavenger hunts, and other entertaining games. More Here (Saturday)
“Me and My Shadow,” the newest Aussie production to hit New Victory stages, is all about a young girl’s imaginative adventure with–you guessed it–her shadow. Fun stuff. (Saturday & Sunday)
Get in the classical mood at Little Orchestra Society’s “Surprise Symphony” interactive concert, starring animal friends Buzz the Bee, Toot the Bird, and more. Get excited! (Saturday & Sunday)
SUNDAY ONLY
PhilharMONSTER features performances from young musicians at Symphony Space. The performers will be in their spookiest costumes-as attending families should be, too! Ready to rock? (Sunday)
Kid Row is back on Second Avenue in the UES for Octoberfest, featuring art projects, glitter tattoos, sports, and more with the help of neighborhood faves like Cozy’s Cut’s for Kids, Kids at Art, and Kids in Sports. More Here (Sunday)
Enjoy the best of all at Queens Botanical Garden’s Harvest Fest & Pumpkin Patch, bursting with crafts, live music, petting zoo, and pony ride fun–not to mention tasty treats. Dive in! (Sunday)
Family Fit Day at 14th Street Y gives kids a reason to be excited about staying healthy, with fun relay races, rock climbing, a dance concert, and, of course, healthy snacks. Get movin’! (Sunday)
Baby Loves Disco gets a Halloween twist at Le Poisson Rouge this weekend, with spooky contests, prizes, tricks, treats, and, of course, dancing. Feeling groovy? (Sunday)
BONUS TIP
This Saturday, Central Park East II Elementary school is hosting a fair in East Harlem for all, featuring carnival entertainment, bouncy houses, face painting, and tables with neighborhood establishments like the Museum of the City of New York. Get the scoop here.
