By Katherine Kelly
As the season of swimsuits, surf, sand and ice cream comes to a close, the season of sweaters, school, multicolored leaves and cider emerges. Fall offers not only a refreshing atmosphere with a crisp breeze, but many outdoor activities as well. Whether you prefer food and art, pumpkin and apple-picking or apple cider and hot cocoa, fall in New York City has fairs, parades and festivals for all.
The world’s melting pot has unique events during this special time of year that invite families and friends to come together to enjoy food and fun. So if you want to stuff your face with savory dishes during the Feast of San Gennaro, grab a sweeter treat from the Honey Festival or want the best of both worlds from Smorgasborg, New York City’s fall festivals are perfect ways to take a break from studying or recover from your favorite football team’s loss. Here are some featured festivals to attend this fall:
If you missed the Fordham favorite Ferragosto on Arthur Ave on Sept. 13 and want to compete with those Instagrams from your friends studying abroad in Rome, travel to Little Italy in Manhattan where you can get a taste of authentic Italian cuisine and culture at the Feast of San Genarro Festival. Although typically a religious holiday, Little Italy makes this feast a week and a half-long celebration welcoming all New Yorkers. The best restaurants dish out delicious food, giving visitors a taste of Italy. The aromas of pasta, sausage and pastries make it hard to stay away. If that is not enough of an incentive, live music serenades visitors as they stroll the streets all day and night from Sept. 10 to Sept. 20.
The New York City Wine and Food Festival is another foodie favorite. This festival, running from Oct. 15 to Oct. 18 is presented by Food and Wine. It is not only a tasty event, but also for a good cause, as all proceeds benefit No Kid Hungry and Food Bank for New York City.
If you are looking for a relaxing way to spend the final days of summer, take a trip to Coney Island to enjoy some great films under the stars. The Coney Island Film Festival is Sept. 18 to Sept. 20.
A more upbeat and celebratory option, the annual German-inspired holiday, Oktoberfest, and the Steuben Day Parade come to town. Make sure you have your lederhosen clean to celebrate in Central Park on Sept. 19. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time for this day filled with authentic German beer and music.
For a more traditional day of Autumn activities, head to Rockaway Beach and enjoy a pumpkin patch and hayride on Oct. 19. The annual Halloween Parade in Greenwich Village takes place on Halloween night. Ghosts and goblins are encouraged to stay home this year, as the parade’s theme is “Garden of Earthly Delights.” So dress up as Mother Earth and make your way downtown for this New York City classic event.
After the pumpkin-picking and haunted houses come to an end, it is time to celebrate Dia de Los Muertos! Celebrate Mexican culture on Dia de Los Muertos from Oct. 24 to Nov. 1 in the beautiful Botanical Gardens, just across the street from Fordham. The celebration of life will take place within the special Frida Kahlo exhibit in the garden. Kids are encouraged to design and paint masks to wear for the festivities.
These next two months are your chance to try one of those famous Smorgasborg ramen burgers that everyone has seen on Instagram. A New York City must-do, Smorgasburg in Brooklyn is open from April to October. You will not regret taking the time to pay a visit, enjoy cuisine from the tastiest vendors and shop around looking at trendy antiques.
There are many opportunities to embrace all the city has to offer this fall. Whether you choose to stay close to campus or travel all the way downtown, you are guaranteed to have a great time. So put those books aside, turn off that Netflix, go outside and fall in love with fall at one of New York City’s festivals.
