New York is fun to visit all year round, but October is ideal for certain activities. Walks, sports activities, Halloween parties, big events… Here is a little bit of what awaits visitors to New York City at this time of year. Find out in this short guide all the answers to your questions if you don’t know yet what to do in New York in October.
NYC in October : is it a good idea?
October heralds the change of season. Autumn is approaching, but the weather in New York is still great for a variety of outdoor activities. Here are some of them:
- Visit the historical monuments and the large buildings in New York: the Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square…
- Explore the city’s most iconic streets and neighborhoods: 5th Avenue, Greenwich Village, Wall Street…
- Treat yourself to its best views: The Empire State Building, the Top of the Rock, The Summit One Vanderbilt, One World Observatory…
- Take a trip on the famous Staten Island Ferry or take a cruise to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.
A tip: take advantage of this, as the cold will set in as the month progresses.
At this time of the year, the city is quieter (much quieter than in September). This is interesting because you can spend your holiday as you would during the rest of the year, but more quietly than in previous months. There are a few less tourists in the city and at the entrance to the major attractions in New York. This is perfect for attending shows, including Broadway musicals, or visiting New York’s best museums such as the Met, MoMa and Guggenheim Museum.
Travel is also cheaper if you come in October: your airfare is much cheaper.
In general, every month offers unique experiences for visitors, and October is no exception! Let’s see what events are available exclusively in October.
The New York programme in October 2025
Halloween
On the night of 31 October to 1 November, New Yorkers celebrate the festival of fear. But the city has been preparing for Halloween for over a week now. All over New York City, you’ll find carved pumpkins and other wacky decorations. As bats, witches, ghosts, skeletons and vampires roam the streets.
Wherever you go, Halloween in New York is celebrated like no other place on earth. The atmosphere of mystery is all around the city, especially in the evening in Greenwich Village. For even more thrills, visit the catacombs of the former St Patrick’s Cathedral. Alternatively, celebrate Halloween with a fancy dress party at one of New York’s many clubs and bars.
A walk through the city’s most beautiful parks
October could well be one of the best months of the year for nature walks. The city’s parks are exceptional in autumn: the trees are still sporting their thick foliage and will change color as the month progresses to take on their final autumnal coloring. Head to Central Park to discovering the beauty of this landscape. You can then continue your walk in New York’s other parks, including Hudson River Park, Prospect Park, and The High Line Park.
At the end of the summer, nature offers you a magnificent spectacle for the eyes. Take the opportunity to take some photos before ending your walk in Bryant Park for a moment of relaxation..
Attend a sporting event
In October, you can attend some major sporting events. There’s plenty to choose from:
Latest MLS Soccer matches
There are 3 soccer matches on the programme in October: a match for the New York Red Bulls on 19 October at the Red Bull Arena and two matches for New York City FC on 2 and 5 October at Yankee Stadium.
NBA pre-season games
October marks the return to the courts of the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets, the two New York teams with a smooth run in the NBA championship. The schedule for the 2025-2026 season will not be unveiled until August 2025, but around ten games are expected to take place in October, so don’t hesitate to sign up for our newsletter or follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with future games.
As soon as the new calendar is released, find out more about the New York Knicks’ pre-season matches:
The Brooklyn Nets will also be playing preseason games at the Barclays Center:
NHL with New York Rangers
The New York Rangers will finish their preseason games in the first week of October, before kicking off the regular hockey season in mid-October. Watch all the Rangers games at Madison Square Garden as soon as the 2025-2026 schedule is published:
The American Football season is in full swing
October is the second month of the NFL regular season, the time when teams have to pull out all the stops to place themselves at the top of the standings if they hope to reach the finals in January.
Watch the New York Giants games at MetLife Stadium as soon as the schedule for the 2025-2026 season is known:
Watch the 2025-2026 New York Jets games at MetLife Stadium :
Other events not to be missed in October 2025 in New York
In addition to Halloween, major sports and leisure activities, other events are scheduled :
Columbus Day, 13 October 2025
An event paying tribute to Christopher Columbus, who discovered America during four voyages. On this occasion, 100 bands will march down Fifth Avenue, from 47th Street to 72nd Street.
October 2025 : “Bronx Tower”
An event inspired by the Tour de France, but taking place in the Bronx.
Now you know everything you can do in New York in October.
Have a good trip.
