A pile of orange pumpkins in assorted sizes, filling the frame.

The Best Ways to Celebrate Halloween in NYC

NYC Maria Fernanda Roda Roca October 26, 2022

October has arrived in the Big Apple and no matter your age, scare affinity, or favorite fall festivities, NYC has the perfect Halloween event for you. I’ve rounded up some of the most haunted tours, wildest parades, and best places to dance in your costume all Halloweekend long- along with a heart-melting dog parade.

TAO Downtown

If you want to go to a party with friends this is a very good option. You just have to go with your costume and dance.

Oct 28, 2022 at 11:00 PM
TAO Downtown Nightclub
369 West 16th Street
New York, NY 10011

Crowded restaurant with a wooden balcony and large blue artwork on the back wall.

Buy a ticket here

Village Halloween Parade

The iconic Greenwich Village parade on Halloween night is back with over 50,000 costumed New Yorkers planning to march, dance, and “float” the night away.

This year’s theme is “Freedom” and a section of the parade will feature The Brooklyn United Marching Band playing “Freedom!” by Jon Batiste along the route. New Yorkers who join in are encouraged to wear costumes representing the things that make them forget their troubles and feel carefree. The parade begins north of King Street and ends at 15th Street. The event is free and open to the public.

Oct 31, 2022 at 7:00 pm

Greenwich Village, along Sixth Ave. between King St. and 15th.

Halloween parade performers ride a red multi-wheeled bicycle as a crowd watches.

More info here

Central Park Pumpkin Flotilla

See over 100 glimmering jack-o-lanterns set sail in the annual Pumpkin Flotilla at Central Park. Anyone interested in submitting their own gourds can. There will also be Halloween crafts, festive entertainment, and a pumpkin patch the day before the float on October 26th.

The Pumpkin Flotilla is free and open to the public. The sail starts at dusk!

October 27, 2022 at 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Where: The Harlem Meer, Central Park (west of Fifth Ave. and south of 110th St.)

Glowing carved pumpkins arranged on a wet surface at night.

More info here

Halloween Dog Parade

The country’s biggest furry friend costume parade is back for its 32nd year creating the most adorable line-up of dog-testants possible at Tompkins Square park! Expect hundreds of dogs in their Halloween best competing in costume contests (best celebrity theme, best food theme, best Chihuahua, etc). If you have a pup you’d like to enter, registration starts at 12 PM, and the judging begins at 1 PM. The parade is free for spectators, we just suggest bringing warm layers, snacks, and a phone charger to take endless puppy pics throughout the event.

October 22, 2022
Where: Tompkins Square Park, E 10th St