There is no better place to be for the spooky season than the city that never sleeps. This year there are many events that will leave you shrieking in terror and joy. Whether you are in the mood for a trick or a treat, the city has plenty to offer…

1) The 29th Annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade

When: October 20th, 2019, Noon-3PM

Where: East River Park Amphitheater

Cost: Free

Come on down to the lower east side and enjoy some of our furry friends strutting their stuff in adorable and beyond creative costumes. Hundreds of dogs compete to win their owners a cash prize (hopefully some treat money). There will be music and Halloween festivities, and did I mention dogs? Buy some coffee on the way, enjoy the cool fall breeze along the East River, and watch as a dog dressed up as Frodo from Lord of the Rings chases their tail.  Dogs in costumes? Sounds less like a Nightmare on Elm Street, and more like a dream come true on Cherry Street!

2) Halloween Pumpkin Flotilla

When: October 30, 2019, 4 PM to 7 PM

Location: Charles A. Dana Discovery Center (inside Central Park at 110th Street between Fifth and Lenox Avenues)

Cost: Free (Unless you want a pumpkin)

Feeling crafty? Join the Central Park Conservatory for an evening of pumpkin carving, ghost stories, costumes, and a pumpkin flotilla across the Harlem Meer. The pumpkin festivities kick off at 4 PM and if you want your chilling creation to be apart of the flotilla make sure to submit it by 5:45 PM to the designated area… Because who doesn’t want to see their jack-o-lantern baby take sail across the water in the twilight of Central Park? 

3) All of Them Witches

When: All of October

Location: Nitehawk Cinema

Cost: $13 for entry (optional: food and drink)

It is the season of the witch! Let’s celebrate at the Nitehawk Cinema in Williamsburg. This theater offers a unique and fun viewing experience with food and drinks. Also, for those who are 21+, there is a special cocktail called a Witch’s Garden that is guaranteed to cast a spell on you. All through October, Nitehawk is paying homage to the witchcraft throughout the film. The witchy films being screened and their dates are posted on the website under the Nitehawk Williamsburg Schedule. Bubble, Bubble, Toil, and trouble; I need a spooky movie night or maybe a couple! Bad witches only.

4) Blood Manor – Student Nights

When: Every Sunday until November 9th, 6 PM-10 PM

Where: 359 Broadway New York, NY. 10013

Cost: $25 with Student ID at the door

Looking for things that go bump in the night? Look no further than New York City’s premier haunted attraction: Blood Manor. A haunted house full of actors depicting nightmarish scenes that will make your skin crawl. This experience is not for those of the light-hearted. Be prepared to be scared in this walk-through haunted house, designed to make you scream and jump with pop-up scares and in your face scenes. Now offering an awesome student discount on Sundays with a school ID. If you can’t make it on a Sunday check the website for other dates and times. If you like the adrenaline rush from a good scare, I promise you don’t want to miss out on this!

5) 46th Annual NYC Village Halloween Parade

When: October 31st, 2019. 7 PM-10:30 PM

Where: On 6th Avenue North of Spring Street to 16th Street

Cost: Free

Last, but certainly not least, is the Village Halloween Parade. Dress up and join your fellow New Yorkers for an amazing parade of elaborate costumes, bands, and floats. Everyone will be dancing in the street to the harvest moon. If you would like to walk in the parade there is a fee and general line-up admission that can be found on their website. But just by attending you will already be immersed in a sea of costumes and Halloween spirit. The crowds are big, so plan accordingly with time and train… But don’t let that spoil your fun, let loose and enjoy the Wild Thing theme parade!

This is a short list compared to the hundreds of Halloween events going on in the city. If you love to celebrate the spooky season, but none of these are your cup of Pumpkin Spice Latte make sure to do your own research and not miss out on the chilling Halloween adventures the city has to offer. There are ghost tours, costume parties, haunted tours, concerts, themed bars, and restaurants, galore! Whether it be at the Village Halloween Parade, just admiring the decor and season change, or staying in with a good book or movie… Have a Happy Halloween and stay safe!