There are two weekends left till October, and we all know what that means–Halloween celebrations are in full swing. From big venue bashes to cool community fests, it’s all here in this post. But if you need a break from all the spooky thrills, plenty of circus spectacles, Dr. Seuss-inspired workshops, and other family fun await, too.
STARTING FRIDAY
It’s skating galore at Chelsea Piers’ Sky Rink, host to Ice Theatre of New York’s Home Season shows. So cool! (Friday-Saturday)
STARTING SATURDAY
The Big Apple Circus is back at Lincoln Center with its new Legendarium show, full of aerial stunts, contortionism, juggling, and more. Who’s excited? (Saturday-Sunday)
Celebrate the holidays with The Grinch at CMOM, where new Dr. Seuss-inspired workshops honor everything from Halloween to New Year’s. Day-glo masks, wacky words, and a Who-Ville mural–oh my! (Saturday-Sunday)
Enchanted Wave Hill comes alive this weekend with fairy crafts, bewitching stories, and silk painting. Oooh, magical. (Saturday-Sunday)
Calling all animal lovers: AKC’s Meet the Breeds is bringing 225 breeds of cats and dogs to the Javitz Center. Get the canine scoop here. (Saturday-Sunday)
Families affected by autism gain early admission to the Intrepid Museum for a story-telling and art-making hour just for them. Fly on over. (Saturday)
Aspiring chess masters should head to Soho for Chessfest 2012, where student stars from the new “Brooklyn Castle” documentary welcome new opponents. Game on–and see our film review here. (Saturday)
More circus fun: The Bindlestiff Family Cirkus celebrates Family Day at the Bard Graduate Center with stilt walkers, face painting, workshops, and other fun fare. Spectacular! (Saturday)
Carnegie Kids makes classical music fun for children ages 3-6 at its ClassNotes concert, all about deconstructing music through storytelling and interactive jammin’. Rock on! (Saturday)
Halloween gets a marine twist at the Queens Museum of Art, whose Underwater Spectacle includes a shipwreck treasure hunt, sea monster masks, and other aquatic fun. Dive in!(Saturday)
Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Harvest Festival brings the pumpkin patch right to the city, plus fall-themed crafts, live music, and more. More here. (Saturday)
It’s a carnival-Halloween hybrid at the Brownstone School, where bouncy castles, a Candy Land course, and train rides thrill. All aboard! (Saturday)
Looking for a fancy-pants celebration? The Harvest Fest in Battery Park City provides face painting by Sephora, spooky ‘dos from Bumble & Bumble, and mini-golf from Chelsea Piers. Gotta love it all. (Saturday)
Halloween at Socrates Sculpture Park means costume-making workshops, local harvest food, live music, and even a costume contest for Fido–what’s not to love? (Saturday)
SUNDAY
No need to wait till 10/31 for your sweets–City Reliquary’s Annual Havemeyer Sugar Sweets Festival in Brooklyn boasts cookies, pies, cakes, and everything you dream of. Remember to brush after! (Sunday)
BONUS TIP
Overwhelmed? The “Get Up, Get Going, Or Just Get Over It” panel at The JCC in Manhattan next Thursday is all about taking back your life. Featured speakers like Karen Amster-Young–author of upcoming book 52 Weeks, about trying something new every week–will be presenting their best tips on transitioning into a better, healthier life that you love.
