Whether you’re a film connoisseur, a burger aficionado, or a sucker for all things Fall related, there are plenty of fun activities for intrepid urban explorers to enjoy this fall in New York! Here are a few of my top picks.
NEW YORK CITY BALLET. PHOTO COURTESY OF NYCB
The New York City Ballet Fall Season
The New York City Ballet ranks among the most celebrated ballet companies in the world. This season will see the premier of new works by Lauren Lovette and Peter Walker, in addition to 14 new works by company co-founder George Balanchine. Get tickets to the New York City Ballet here.
Blue Moon Burger Bash
Burger and beer aficionados won’t want to miss this star-studded shindig on October 14th at Pier 92, where some of the city’s best burger makers will compete for the title of best burger in the city. This rooftop event will feature live music, great beer and spirits, and celebrity judges Michael Strahan and Neil Patrick Harris. Tickets are currently available.
Spa Week
From October 17th through October 23rd, the city’s best spas will offer a range of spa treatments and packages for as low as $50. Live a little! Book your spa day here.
PHOTO COURTESY OF TIMEOUT NY
Scarecrow Nights at the New York Botanical Garden
Through October 30th
The New York Botanical Garden’s new outdoor Halloween exhibit will feature the macabre larger-than-life sculptures of artist Ray Villafane. Spoiler alert: the scarecrows come to life after dark! Advance tickets are recommended.
Cider Week NYC
If an apple a day keeps the doctor way, what will a peck of apples in fermented liquid form do? Cider Week NYC begins on October 21st, and with over 50 participating bars, pubs, and wine sellers hosting workshops, food pairings, and free tastings, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a reason to abstain.
The Village Halloween Parade
The Village Halloween Parade has been a surreal and beloved NYC institution for years, a paradoxically bright and macabre spot in the city’s yearly calendar of events. This is a great way to get into the Halloween spirit before a late night Halloween party, but if you’re planning to march with all of the other ghouls and goblins of New York, make sure you show up in costume! The ghastly procession will begin at 7pm on October 31st.
The Big Apple Film Festival
Each November, the Big Apple Film Festival brings the best in local and international independent film to New York. The festival takes place at cozy Village East Cinemas, and will run from November 1st through the 5th. Tickets are currently available.
City Circle Line, Bear Mountain / Onboard Oktoberfest
Saturdays and Sundays through November 6th
Looking for a unique way to see Fall foliage and celebrate Octoberfest at the same time? Look no further than the City Circle Line day cruise to Bear Mountain Park and Onboard Oktoberfest! Passengers will be treated to a tour of the Hudson River Valley’s most well-known sites before docking at Bear Mountain Park where hiking trails and boating options are abundant. The Onboard Oktoberfest celebration will take place before docking and immediately upon departure, and will feature a large selection of German beers and even a German Ooh-Pa Band. Tickets are currently available.
Brooklyn Crush Artisanal Food and Wine Festival
If you enjoy artisanal bites and locally produced wine (and who doesn’t?), check out the Brooklyn Crush Artisanal Food and Wine Festival presented by Thrillist and Industry City. Sample over 175 different wines (at your own risk), and culinary creations from around the city, while you groove to jazz and blues. Featured restaurants will include Williamsburg’s Sweet Chick, and Park Slope’s Fonda. Tickets are currently available for the November 12th event.
SantaCon
On December 10, the Santas of Santacon will once again turn the streets of New York into a blizzard in red and white. If you do choose to participate in Santacon this year, (if only to have a story for the grandkids), follow these simple rules and you’ll be fine: rent a Santa suit. Ride the subway in a Santa suit. Find the bar with the most Santas. Try to blend in and drink to forget.
Main image credit: Henry Leutwyler.
