October in New York is special. It’s the time of the year when you can fully enjoy the colorful foliage and crisp air of fall, with summer heat in the rearview mirror and winter chill not yet on the radar. A renewed energy envelops the city as pumpkin-strewn stoops signal the arrival of spooky season.

A simple walk through Central Park can turn into an all-day affair as you enjoy the picture-perfect weather, but if you’re looking for something more concrete to do with your days, there’s no shortage of fall-inspired activities to choose from.

Start by picking up some fall vegetables at the GrowNYC Greenmarket at Rockefeller Center to make a nourishing soup at home — and don’t forget to grab a freshly baked loaf of pumpkin bread for dessert.

Whether you want to catch an award-winning film, admire the fall foliage or root for your favorite New York team, there’s something for everyone on this list. And of course, all month long you can expect seasonal family fun at Top of the Rock. Below, find our recommendations for the seven best things to do in New York City in October.

Wondering what else is going on at Rockefeller Center in the fall? Scroll through our upcoming events, and sign up for The Center Newsletter to get the latest news delivered to your inbox.

Two women dressed in animal costumes greeting a group of children at the Bronx Zoo

Photo by Terria Clay/Julie Larsen; courtesy of Bronx Zoo

1. Bronx Zoo Harvest Glow

September 25-October 31

The Bronx Zoo’s Halloween bash is back and better than ever. Known as the Harvest Glow, this after-dark event is held Thursdays through Sundays while the season lasts. A treat for adults and kids alike, expect a 5,000-pumpkin-long jack-o’-Lantern trail (with a fitting animal theme) and an animatronic dinosaur safari with 11 new life-sized dinos. There’s classic favorites like pumpkin carving and face painting, entertainment at the Wildlife Theater, and lots of outdoor games. The Bronx Zoo’s real animals won’t be on display after hours, but you won’t even have time to miss them.

Still of actor George Clooney from the film "Jay Kelly"

Courtesy of New York Film Festival

2. New York Film Festival

September 26-October 13

Nothing beats the experience of watching a movie in theaters. The 63rd annual New York Film Festival features 34 films in the Main Slate from household names like Julia Roberts (“After the Hunt”) and Bradley Cooper (“Is This Thing On?”), as well as exciting newcomers. The Spotlight Gala selection this year is Scott Cooper’s “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere,” and yes, the Boss will be in attendance, along with members of the cast. There are film passes available that include admission to six or 12 shows, so clear your week and save room for popcorn.

Exterior of the "Law & Order" Dun Dun Diner

3. Law & Order “Dun Dun Diner” at Rockefeller Center

October 3–5

In celebration of the 25th season of Law & Order, NBC is bringing the series’ signature “dun dun” to Rockefeller Center with a limited-run, NYC-diner-inspired fan experience. Open for just three days, the immersive pop-up lets fans step inside the world of the Elite Squad while indulging in diner classics created in collaboration with Milk Bar and Dinner Service NY. Guests can also shop exclusive squad merchandise and explore interactive moments that call back to the franchise’s most iconic cases and characters. Free reservations are available beginning September 19 at noon ET, but act fast—spots will fill quickly.

Aerial view of the Hudson River in the fall

Photo by Danny Nanni via Unsplash

4. Fall Foliage Cruise on the Hudson

Select dates October 4-November 16

Even the most city-obsessed New Yorker finds solace in the ethereal moment when the leaves change. If you want to celebrate the turning of the seasons without risking exposure to the elements, you can toast to New York in style on this foliage cruise up and down the Hudson River. The boat itself is heated, and large windows allow glimpses of New York City sights, skyscrapers, and, of course, the colorful trees as it cruises from Chelsea Piers to the Upper West Side and Palisade cliffs. Each ticket includes a complimentary drink with the option to purchase light snacks while on board. You can find tickets for the two-and-a-half-hour trip here.

A group of people attending the New York City Wine & Food Festival

Courtesy of Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival

5. New York City Wine & Food Festival

October 15-19

The New York City Wine & Food Festival bills itself “the ultimate celebration of food, wine, culture, and community,” and with hundreds of chefs and winemakers bringing their A-game to more than 50 events in five days, it’s hard to argue. Food Network stars like Bobby Flay, Alex Guarnaschelli, and Ayesha Nurdjaja will host incredible dining experiences, while culinary influencers talk trends and mingle at FoodieCon. Held at the waterfront Invesco QQQ Festival Campus in The Seaport this year, the festival is bringing back its signature Grand Tasting, where guests can sample unlimited dishes served by top restaurants from all five boroughs, watch live cooking demos, meet chefs, and sip wines and spirits. Sofia Vergara and her gourmand son, Manolo will be hosting during the day, and Flay will take over by night.

Black and white photo of jazz performer Reggie Workman

Photo by Richard Kohler; courtesy of BRIC JazzFest

6. BRIC JazzFest

October 17 & 18

The 2025 edition of BRIC JazzFest will feature a marathon of performances across two music-filled nights. Curated by producer and composer Adrian Younge, half of this year’s musical groups are led by women. The global lineup includes Ethiopian jazz, Moroccan Gnawa, Afro-Cuban beats, the sounds of the Caribbean, and more. Three-time Grammy Award–winning singer and songwriter Dee Dee Bridgewater will perform, along with a suite of rising stars and artists who draw on a variety of musical influences. The events will take place at the BRIC House in Downtown Brooklyn. Tickets start at $62 and can be purchased here.

A crowd of people watching a New York Rangers game at Madison Square Garden

Photo by Seth Hoffman via Unsplash

7. Catch an NHL or NBA Game at Madison Square Garden

All month long

Opened in the late 1960s, Madison Square Garden is one of the most iconic sporting venues in all of New York. It’s also the home arena for New York Knicks basketball and New York Rangers ice hockey, hosting both pre-season and regular season games in October. The Rangers will play their first regular season game at MSG against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Oct. 7, and the Knicks will take on the Cleveland Cavaliers in their first official home game on Oct. 22.