There are so many things that make fall a wonderful season- especially in New York City. The humidity fades and we graciously welcome the crisp air into our lungs, allowing us to walk around for more than ten minutes without breaking a sweat. Autumn is a great time to either visit NYC, or take advantage of everything around you’re a resident.
It’s the little things we love about fall- pumpkin spice lattes, candy corn, chunky sweaters, football season, comfort food, and of course getting out and enjoying the beautiful atmosphere that the season brings. So throw on your cutest scarf, heat up a cup of apple cider, and take a walk through Central Park- you’ll notice the changing leaves bring to mind real-life works of art.
We’ve put together a list of things to do in NYC when you have a free weekend or laid back weekday afternoon:
1. Attend Harvest in the Square - a giant outdoor buffet in Union Square, where for $125 (proceeds go to a worthy cause), you can try unlimited samples from over 50 note-worthy restaurants. Wine and beer pairings will also be provided. Thursday, September 20th, 7:30pm-9:00pm
2. Check out the Tompkins Square Park Dog Halloween Parade - If you’re picturing dogs strutting their stuff in over-the-top costumes for everyone to see, you’ve got it right. Enter your own pooch in the contest to win prizes or just watch for fun – a $5 donation is suggested. Saturday, October 20th.
Hipster Dog
(check out the best of last year’s costumes here)
3. Swing by The Affordable Art Fair - A fun four-day event hosting over 60 galleries and a huge array of contemporary art ranging from $100 to $10,000. If you have a wall to fill or enjoy art and walking around, this event is perfect for you! Takes place at The Tunnel on 11th Avenue at 28th Street. October 4th- Ocbotber 7th, times here.
4. Hit the bar for some good old pumpkin ale because it’s delicious and why not have another reason to grab a drink with friends after work? We’ve done some research and found bars all around NYC that offer the latest and greatest beer on tap! Brooklyn Brewery (Brooklyn), The Pony Bar (Upper East Side and Hell’s Kitchen), and The Ginger Man (Midtown). Here’s a list of some more bars that have pumpkin beer.
5. Navigate your way through a 3-acre corn maze, pick out the perfect pumpkin, and sip on some hot apple cider at the Queens County Fair. Open on Saturdays and Sundays from September 15th until October 28th from 11am until 4:30pm.
The 2012 Corn Maze, "Once Upon A Time"
6. Stop by The Museum at FIT- one of the largest and most impressive collections of clothing, textiles and accessories in the world, including some 50,000 costumes and fabrics dating from the 5th century to present-day. From September 14th until January 5th, The Ivy Style Exhibition Gallery celebrates one of the most enduring clothing styles of the 20th century, which began during the early years of the century in all-male American universities, such as Harvard, Yale, and Princeton.
7. Hit the town with your significant other or some friends – check out a Broadway show! There are some awesome shows out right now… Mamma Mia, The Newsies, The Lion King, and Rock of Ages are all great options to check out. Go to a matinee show then enjoy a long dinner outside enjoying the crisp fall air.
8. Get active and do something good for the community at the same time! Run a 5K or participate in a bike race, all while enjoying the weather and the changing leaves that autumn brings. The annual Bike for MS event takes place this year on October 21st and has options of either 30, 55, or 100 miles. Biking not your thing? Walk or run 4K to support The Brothers & Sisters Club in NYC on September 29th!
9. Take your weekend cheat day to a whole new level at Smorgasburg in Brooklyn. Food vendors from all over the city gather every Saturday through November 17th, allowing you to try all different types of food, all different types of ways. View all of the vendors here.
10. Scream at the top of your lungs at a Haunted House – The Blackout Haunted House was named “the scariest haunted house in New York City” by The New York Post and “the extreme theater event of the year” by The New York Times.
Rules for Blackout Haunted House
