The best Halloween events for 2024 in NYC

Get a chance to feel like you're inside the mind of the one and only Tim Burton. The New York Botanical Garden is hosting the worldwide debut of a new light trail entirely inspired by the 1993 classic Disney film Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas.

The trail is comprised of over 8,300 square feet of light installations with interactive video projections, intelligent LED lighting and 3D printed sculptures of the film's iconic characters. 

The outdoor adventure runs from September 27 through November 30; get tickets here. 

Carving a jack-o'-lantern may be a time-honored American tradition for many, but nobody—and we mean nobody—does pumpkin carving quite like Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze.

Every fall, pumpkins aplenty decorate two locations of this festive, family-friendly attraction. This year promises thousands of intricately carved jack-o'-lanterns in mesmerizing displays, plus dazzling new experiences in honor of the event's founding 20 years ago. 

Blaze: Hudson Valley runs at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson in Westchester County from September 13 through November 17. Blaze: Long Island runs at Old Bethpage Village Restoration in Old Bethpage, Long Island from October 4 through November 3. Tickets are on sale now.

After the sun goes down, the Bronx Zoo will light up this fall with more than 5,000 animal-themed jack-o’-lanterns in incredible displays. Officially called Pumpkin Nights, this festivity is back for its second year after a popular debut in 2023. 

Expect to see intricately carved jack-o'-lanterns set up in different animal ecosystem scenes, such as the Amazon rainforest, Himalayas, Congo, bioluminescent deep-sea, an African Savanna waterhole and many more. Pumpkin Nights will be held on select dates from September 26 through October 27 with tickets on sale here. 

This year's festivities include an expanded and enhanced jack-o'-lantern trail that stretches for half a mile. As you walk through the experience, you'll be met with atmospheric sounds, music, costumed characters, fog, bubbles and colored lights. Last year's carved creations included a furry bear, a wrinkly elephant and a dramatically decorated leopard.

Promising to get us all in the Halloween spirit, a spooky pop-up bar is rising from the dead, bringing goth, ghouls and all the scary good times.

Starting October 1, Black Lagoon will bring mixology and the macabre to Someday Bar (364 Atlantic Avenue). Described as “an immersive, creepy-as-hell cocktail experience,” expect skeletons, life-sized coffins you can take a selfie in, illuminated skulls, and themed cocktails.

Prepare to scream in horror. Blood Manor is back from September 28 through November 3, marking more than two decades of terrifying New Yorkers. 

The 10,000 square-foot mansion at 359 Broadway in Manhattan boasts plenty of blood-chilling rooms, spooky corridors and a labyrinth filled with surprises that will make you jump in abject horror. But there's more: a great cast of actors equipped to instill maximum jump scares and state-of-the-art special effects and technology that combine reality with fantasy so that you don't quite know what's real and what isn't. Snag your timed entry tickets here.

At this beautiful annual event, look on as the Harlem Meer lights up with a flotilla of floating pumpkins at twilight on Wednesday, October 30. Plus, see a magic show, listen to not-so-scary stories and make some crafts at this family-friendly Halloween event at Harlem Meer. Activities start at 4pm.

If you would like to see your own jack-o'-lantern float in the parade, bring your masterpiece to the information table at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Plaza before the event starts (between 4-5:30pm). If there's space, they'll let you know where to drop it off. Space on the float is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The flotilla begins at 6pm. 

Pumpkin owners may retrieve their gourds after the flotilla ends at 7pm. Pick-up is at the Harlem Meer Beach near Fifth Ave and E. 108th Street.

Make sure to abide by the following guidelines when working on your pumpkin:

- Artificial decorations are off limits as they will pollute the Harlem Meer. So make sure not to use any paper, food dye, paint, glitter or plastic when carving.

- Choose a regular-size pumpkin. It should weigh about 8 pounds after it's carved and be about the size of a soccer ball. Super big and/or mini gourds won't be accepted.

- Make sure to bring the top of your carved or gutted pumpkin.

- Floats, bulbs and candles will be provided to you by the staff on site, so you don't need to bring any of that stuff along with you.

Each year, the Amazing Maize Maze's shape changes, and this year, it's designed like a butterfly. The species starts their life cycle on the farm's milkweed plants before they migrate nearly 3,000 miles to Mexico every year. The maze is not only a fun family activity this year, but also an homage to a threatened species that we should all protect.

You can visit the Amazing Maize Maze at the Queens County Farm Museum every Friday through Sunday until October 26. Tickets are $14 for adults and $10 for children ages 4-11. Entry is free for children under 3 years old. Online tickets are required before you visit and you can get them through their website. 

At Rooftop Cinema Club this October, you can scare yourself silly (or laugh yourself into a fit if that’s more your style) with its slate of festive films. 

Rooftop Cinema Club promises to put the "sin" in cinema with a lineup of haunting and horrifying films—if you’re brave enough to watch. On the calendar for October: Hocus Pocus, Friday the 13th, Mean Girls, The Shining, Beetlejuice, Death Becomes Her, Halloweentown, Practical Magic, American Psycho, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Halloween, Scream, and more. Here's the full lineup and how to get tickets.

The scrappy immersive-theater troupe Broadway Murder Mysteries conjures up a new production in time for Halloween season: a 1920s soirée at which the celebrated medium Margery tries to convince the skeptical stage magician Harry Houdini of her supernatural powers. The show is inspired by the real encounters, facilitated by Houdini's more credulous friend Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, that led to Houdini's 1924's exposé A Magician Among the Spirits. Co-conceived by writer Monica Hammond and director Sarah Sutliff, the show features Krystyn Lambert as Margery and Patrick Terry as Houdini; to fill out the atmosphere, the evening includes close-up magic and period cocktails. 

Looking for something a little more interesting than costumes and candy for Halloween? The Feast of Signs & Symbols is a lush, interactive re-imagining of The Eleusinian Mysteries—specifically the story of Persephone and Hades—told via three acts across five stories in a secret Soho location (the address of which will be revealed upon ticket purchase).

Alongside immersive readings, actor interactions, aerial moments, live music and more, the performance will include a feast table (light food included in the ticket price) and personal readings by seers based on your sign and symbols. The event runs through November 2.

The trolley tour that's outfitted to look like a Victorian funeral parlor—think chandeliers and velvet curtains—and takes you on a trip through the shadows of historic Brooklyn is back. The tour visits the secret location where Murder, Inc. disposed of bodies, alien abduction sites along the Brooklyn Bridge, a brothel and more spooky sites spanning 400 years of Brooklyn history. 

Even if you're a supernatural skeptic, it's fascinating to see hidden cemeteries, mobster dumping grounds, and an EPA Superfund site. Plus, get the chance win prizes with spooky trivia.

The Pumpkin Arch in the Seaport has been installed for the season, and this incredibly Instagrammable installation is worth checking out for free through November 3. 

What is a pumpkin arch exactly? Think of a balloon arch but with decorative pumpkins instead of balloons, plus some fall foliage and vines to add to the autumnal energy. You can find it on the Heineken Riverdeck on the north side of Pier 17 in the Seaport. In the background, you'll see the Brooklyn skyline and the East River. If you frame your photograph just right, you can even get the Brooklyn Bridge perfectly aligned in the background. It's open 24/7 for photographs.

More a full-fledged festival than a mere ball, this spirited event has been a tradition at Theater for the New City since 1976. Costumes or formalwear are highly encouraged, and live performances and music contribute to this monster bash. The outdoor events, from 3:30pm to 7pm, include a variety show emceed by Mary Tierney, a children's costume competition and The Red and Black Masque, a short Medieval ritual show performed by torchlight.

The action moves indoors from 7pm through 11pm with 10-minute cabaret performances—by artists including stage icon Austin Pendleton, fire juggler John Grimaldi, composer Peter Dizzoza and belly dancer Carol Tandava—as well as short plays, vaudeville, aerial dance, a scream contest and a "Monsters and Miracles Costume Parade." The swing orchestra Art Lillard's Heavenly Big Band (8pm–9:30pm) and Mr. Pablo's Latin Dance Band (9:45pm–11pm) help keep the ballroom moving. 

House of Yes and ZERO are bringing us an immersive Halloween music and arts festival at Industry City in Brooklyn this weekend. The City of Gods Halloween Festival will take place on October 25 and 26 across two warehouse buildings filled with art, music, labyrinths, body paint, and more.

One unique feature of the festival is that they keep their DJ lineup across seven different stages a secret, so you're just going to have to be there in person to find out who's playing.

You can check out all the festival's offerings and get your tickets here. 

Calling out cat lovers! We’ve found the purr-fect way for you to celebrate Halloween: Catbaret, a cat-themed cabaret hosted by Gemma Smith, will take place at Caveat on Thursday, October 31, featuring a night of comedy, music, magic and burlesque (or purr-lesque—yes, the cat puns will end soon but not today!). 

Partygoers are invited to don their most "cat-tastic" costumes for a chance to win the audience costume contest—free cat ears will be given out to all attendees, to give your fit an extra-feline boost—and there will also be a-meow-zing raffle prizes up for grabs. In a special partnership with Rescue NYC, Catbaret will also highlight adoptable cats during an intermission slideshow.

Choose from more than 10,000 gourds sourced from upstate New York at Cityside Pumpkin Patch at The Summer Club rooftop in Long Island City. The pumpkins will be spread across 25,000 square feet of space at 8-08 Queens Plaza South from October 4 through Halloween.

In addition to the pumpkin patch, expect photo ops to archery sessions, face painting, tarot card reading, a smash-o-lantern activation and—of course—food and drink offerings to boot. Tickets are on sale here.

This fall, Green-Wood Cemetery is hosting a wide array of programming, from performances in its catacombs to trolley tours to powerful discussions about grief.  

Nightfall, a two-day spectacle with after-dark immersive experiences, is among the fan favorites, and it's coming back in October. Other stand-out events include the trolley tour Gay Gothic and Spirited Stroll, a pre-Halloween walking tour with tales of murder, mayhem, and captivating oddities. Here's the full list. 

This new immersive experience at Rockefeller Center is based on the story of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman. The experience starts at the Sleepy Hollow Harvest, where you'll encounter characters from the Headless Horseman tale. Then, you'll make your way through the Hollows and the cornfield before you arrive at Ichabod’s Enchanted Grove. The journey winds through a few more experiences before ending at the Jack O’Lantern Atelier.

“Sleepy Hollow: Autumn’s Harvest” runs through November 10. Tickets start at $24. You can plan your visit on their website here. 

Once upon a time, people lived in building now called the Merchant’s House Museum in Noho. Then they died ... but their spirits may not have moved on. This 50-minute tour reveals the dark, haunted past of this old structure—as well as its spooky present.

Try the Candlelight Ghost Tour where doors slam, floorboards creak, and voices call into the dead of night. Has all that construction nearby has dredged the ghosts from their slumber?

During this tour, you may just find out. 

During this two-hour stroll through New York’s busiest part of town, you’ll learn about Broadway and Vaudeville Stars from the great beyond, dance the Time Warp, sing songs from Phantom of the Opera and visit legendary haunted theaters.

Ghoul, you better put that sex trivia knowledge to work at this Spooky Sex Trivia Night on October 30. Bring your boo (or find a boo there) for this evening of outrageous and thought-provoking sex trivia, mixed with spooky Halloween games and fun prizes. 

Sex educator extraordinaire Niki Davis-Fainbloom will pose trivia questions about the human body, pleasure, and, of course, all things sex. Expect a bewitching evening full of tricks, treats, and lots of laughs at Greenpoint Beer and Ale Co. in Brooklyn.

Join the Gay Ghoul for an eerie evening of sketch comedy. On Thursday, October 31 at 7pm, head to the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre to hear creepy chronicles straight from ghoul’s grimoire of gruesomeness. He will be joined onstage by a frighteningly funny lineup of sketch comedy performers, including Andrea Coleman, Kevin Delano, Kate Gauthier, Tim Girrbach, John Xavier Miller, Brian Olsen and Ann Marie Yoo.

The Greenwood Park Beer Garden (555 Seventh Ave. in Brooklyn) has transformed into Greg’s Great Pumpkin Patch with plenty of family-friendly fun through All Hallows Eve. Pick from a massive selection of pumpkins, fancy gourds and festive Halloween decor, from corn stalks to fall mums. 

Autumn-loving kids and adults alike can participate in pumpkin painting, pose in Instagram-ready photo set-ups, wander through a hay maze and, if they've got a family pooch at home, get their furry friend all dressed up and enter them into the fan-favorite dog costume parade on October 12 at 1pm. 

Are you afraid of the dark? After exploring Dark Matter, a new immersive art exhibition at Mercer Labs in Lower Manhattan, you just might be. 

The exhibition, running on select evenings from October 4 to 30, is the brainchild of experimental artist Roy Nachum, Mercer Lab’s co-founder and creative director. Through immersive visuals, interactive displays, audio installations, oil painting and robots, Dark Matter explores the depths and darkness of the human psyche and paranormal expression. The show is available from 8pm-midnight in October; get tickets here for $52/adult.

In creating the exhibition, Nachum drew on his own nightmares for inspiration; "the exhibit explores surreal and hypnotic themes of darkness and the human psyche and the unsettling realm of nightmares, inner demons and paranormal occurrences," he tells Time Out.

If a queer Halloween rave with drag queens sounds like your speed, then you'll definitely want to check out Brooklyn Horror Story on Thursday, October 31 at the powerhouse, multi-room Bushwick venue 3 Dollar Bill. The theme, of course, is the infamous and beloved Ryan Murphy series American Horror Story and will include an impressive lineup of well-known drag queens from Drag Race and Dragula, including Yvie Oddly, Marcia Marcia Marcia, and Jay Kay. 

Thirty of Brooklyn’s funniest comedians—including Benny Feldman, Jo Sunday, Tatiana Frank, Rylan Sylvester and dozens more—are lining up to roast the biggest jerk of them all: Dracula. See who wins at this jam-packed audience interactive roast show being held on Halloween night at Williamsburg's Fiction Bar and Cafe, hosted by Gone Peecock and Riylan Chills.

In the spirit of All Hallows Eve, every comedian will be taking the stage wearing a festive Halloween costume—oh, and the entire show is free to all! Just register in advance here.

Get ready to howl—with laughter, of course—at The Stand’s Halloween bash on October 31. Hosted by comedian Sienna Hubert-Ross, the evening will kick off with a pre-show open bar with drinks courtesy of Superbird Tequila, followed by an 8pm comedy lineup that includes Hubert-Ross, Lucas Zelnick and more. The grand finale is a late-night dance party powered by live DJs, an on-site tattoo artist and a fittingly freaky appearance by Terrifier's Art the Clown.

Costumes are strongly encouraged and tickets are required for the open bar and the comedy show, but entry to the party is free for all, so grab your ghoulfriends!

Described as a "deftly crafted jukebox nostalgia trip," MJ the musical brings Michael Jackson's pop music to the stage. One of the most powerful songs in the show is a climactic dark-carnival staging of "Thriller," which is ostensibly about Jackson’s fear of his controlling father but also involves demon versions of himself.

On the Halloween night performance, the MJ cast does a special post-show performance of the music video version of "Thriller" after the show. So if you're planning to go see the show, grab those tickets for October 31.

The Upper West Side’s intimate speakeasy dinner theater from Joe Germanotta—yes, that's Lady Gaga's father—is bringing a twist to their weekly Drag Me To Joanne’s drag and dinner show on October 30, when they'll host their second-annual Monster Ball.

Expect a drag dinner extravaganza where Jupiter Genesis will be joined by NXTHING and where attendees will be encouraged to arrive to dinner dressed up in their favorite Gaga-inspired attire. Reserve your spot on OpenTable to make sure you get a seat.

Whether or not they admit it, everyone has a type, and if your type just so happens to be a firefighter, there's a Halloween singles party that was created with you in mind. This year's rendition of "Find Your Boo" at Housewatch in the East Village is only open to men who are legitimate and active or retired Firefighters, EMS/paramedics and millitary (the event is open to women of any and all professions).

The party starts at 7pm on Thursday, October 31 and goes until the break of dawn. Wear a costume and get ready to mingle and maybe even find your "boo." Our favorite bonus? First responders with legitimate agency ID drink free 7pm to 8pm, just enough time to loosen up.

John Kevin Jones, whose annual performance of A Christmas Carol at the Merchant's House Museum has become something of a local tradition, has expanded into Halloween territory. He'll present this hit one-man performance (directed by Rhonda Dodd) of classic works by 19th-century scare king Edgar Allan Poe.

Back with 12 performances from Halloween night through November 10, Jones will summon the seminal author in the museum's landmark 1832 double parlors, sharing by candlelight such timeless tales as "The Tell-Tale Heart," "The Pit and the Pendulum," "The Cask of Amontillado" and, of course, "The Raven."

Something wicked is brewing at The Plaza Hotel. The Palm Court's iconic stained-glass dome is now bathed in emerald light, and beneath the dome, patrons are dining on a Wicked-themed tea with plenty of green and pink accents.

The Plaza's newly launched "Defying Gravi-Tea" afternoon tea service is available through November 3. The delectable tea celebrates the Halloween season in New York City, as well as the beloved musical Wicked on Broadway. The experience launched last year, and it's now back by "popular" demand.

Dine on sweet and savory treats while sipping tea (and a cocktail, if you wish) at this fun and festive afternoon experience. 

What does Jimmy Fallon dream about? Coming up with bits for The Tonight Show? Rocking out with his band, The Roots? Or perhaps something more sinister? 

At this new Halloween experience called Jimmy Fallon's Tonightmares, you can peek inside the mind of the renowned host. This haunted maze experience at Rockefeller Center is open now with 10 chilling rooms, each featuring one of Jimmy Fallon’s spine-tingling nightmares. Tickets are on sale now for about $37/person.

The maze features a cornfield with killer scarecrows, an abandoned subway with not-so-human-like creatures, and even a performance from a zombie boy band, making for a truly thrilling evening. Those brave enough to enter can expect an immersive experience with terrifying sets, practical effects and scares behind every corner.

Bryant Park’s free spook-tacular annual Halloween event, Tricks and Treats, is making its grand return to the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park on Thursday, October 31. Head over from 4pm to 6pm for a family-friendly afternoon of magic, entertainment and, of course, plenty of sweet treats doled out at select holiday shops. (Pick up a free trick-or-treat bag at Le Carrousel.)

Take part in activities such as face painting, pumpkin decorating, a Hocus Pocus magic show with Magician Looney Louie, storytelling sessions, festive arts and crafts and a costume parade led through the park by the Triad Brass Band.

Note: all of the eerie fun is first-come, first-served, and weather permitting, so consult the event's website ahead of the event.

Businesses in the East Midtown district are throwing open their doors to welcome trick-or-treaters aged 12 and under and their families to their 10th annual Halloween celebration on Thursday, October 31 from 3pm to 7pm.

Besides trick-or-treating at dozens of businesses around East Midtown—participating venues include Rosa Mexicano, 58th Street Library, Orangetheory Fitness, Manhattan Espresso Cafe, La Cava, Etain, Custom Ink, Engel & Volkers, Loews Regency New York, and many more)—families can enjoy a special pumpkin painting activity with the seniors at the assisted living facility Sunrise at 139 E 56th St and take pictures at a spooky jack-o'-lantern display by Maniac Pumpkin Carvers at 919 Third Ave. Here's a map so you can plan out your candy route!

Celebrating its decennial this year, Halloween in East Midtown has welcomed tens of thousands of families to the Manhattan neighborhood over the years and has been repeatedly named one of New York City's best Halloween events for families.

In this spooky-seasonal variation on the long-running Drunk Shakespeare, five actors gather to perform a vampire-in-New-York story loosely adapted by Lori Wolter Hudson from Bram Stoker's batty gothic thriller.

The twist? One of them gets plastered before the performance and it's up to the four remaining cast members to keep the show from going down for the Count. The cast includes Preston Mulligan, Sarah Goldstein, Aubrey Lace Taylor, Chris Trindade and Nate Betancourt. (Audience members can buy alcoholic drinks of their own to get into the spirit.)

It’s just a jump to the left, and a step to the ri-i-i-ight. Show off your Time Warp moves and your best Frank-N-Furter cosplay with a special screening of that campy classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show, taking place at the Thompson Central Park’s speakeasy-style burger spot, Burger Joint.

On Thursday, October 31, Burger Joint will make like a retro drive-in theater with three festive screenings of the 1975 fan-favorite horror musical—which memorably stars Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick—at 5pm, 7pm and 10pm. The latter airing will also feature a Rocky Horror costume contest, with the chance to win a Burger Joint gift pack, including branded merchandise and a voucher for future visits.

Adding to the fun, the restaurant will offer several themed food-and-drink items, including the “I’m Eating Eddie?!” burger, a delicious tribute to Meat Loaf’s iconic character, and the “Cherry Red Lips” shake, made with vanilla ice cream, cherry purée, chocolate syrup, and topped with a special red lips straw.

From October 24 through November 1, Somewhere Nowhere's rooftop and bar will be transformed into a world of eerie, mutated creatures for a series of Halloween parties featuring some of the best views anywhere.

On October 25, the Annual Villain's Ball will bring headling rapper Sheck Wes; October 27 will bring a Creatures of the Forest party presented by Forest Döwn Under with Oscar G; and on Halloween Night, the venue will welcome Tech House Star Claptone. For the first time ever, Somewhere Nowhwere will also have a Dia de Los Muertos celebration on November 1, which will feature performances and sets by Latin DJs.

Visit their Dice page to check out individual events.

On Halloween night, The Jazz Club at Aman New York is hosting a masquerade soirée where attendees can show off the most ingenious costumes they can find. What's even better is that the music will still take center stage—the night will include soulful rhythms and music by DJ Frank Delour, who will be on the decks all night. 

At $2,000 per table, this experience is anything but cheap, but keep in mind that the club has a sound system from Meyer Sound Laboratories that adapts to different performances and design by Jean-Michel Gathy that captures the underground NYC vibe with moody tones and luxe finishes. Costumes and reservations are required, and guests should email reservations@thejazzclub.com to secure their tickets. 

Autumn is the time to pick two of the season’s most emblematic fruits: apples and pumpkins. Fortunately there are some fantastic farms where you can go apple and pumpkin picking near NYC. These farms and orchards will get you into that fuzzy fall feeling in no time.

There’s nothing quite like taking a bite out of a crisp apple straight from the tree (even better, taking home a basketful for making pie), and your Halloween pumpkin will be that much more special when you pick it right off the vine. You’ll find a wide variety of apples and pumpkins at these farms, plus fun activities like hayrides, corn mazes and petting zoos. Don’t miss hot apple cider and other fresh-made treats at the farmstand. 

From pumpkin kegs to molecular mixology, these bars go all out for the season. Expect creepy decor and maybe even a haunting or two. 

Get ready ghouls and girls for an epic Halloween in NYC! The city is bursting with terrifying haunted houses, Halloween parties and more pumpkin-packed events. 

It’s the freakiest time of year, and we couldn’t be more excited to scream our guts out at the scariest haunted houses NYC has to offer. Haunted houses may bring plenty of frights, but if you’re looking to get shaken to your core this season, check out these immersive experiences that will bring out your darkest, deepest fears from killer clowns to claustrophobic.

Come October 31st, New Yorkers will more than likely want to include a stop at some of the Halloween bars NYC has to offer.

In the city that never sleeps, there are haunted places in NYC whose inhabitants might keep you up at night or heading home early. From historic haunted houses to long-time taverns, the tenants at these venues might give off an eerie feeling or prompt a sudden urge to change your plans.

One of the best things to do in the fall in New York is check out The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze in Hudson Valley, New York. Trust us, it’s worth the trip. 

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