By Fiona Moriarty-McLaughlin
As summer comes to an end, and the leaves begin to fall, New Yorkers find themselves in a season of festivities. I am here to tell you how to celebrate autumn in the city that never sleeps.
Oktoberfest in Central Park
Noch ein Bier, bitte—another beer, please. While many like to dig into a plate of bratwurst or wiener schnitzel, Oktoberfest’s fame comes from its beer, a foundation of Bavarian culture. Luckily, you don’t have to spend a grand on a plane ticket to Munich this autumn harvest to enjoy one. Oktoberfest is here in Central Park. Strap on those lederhosen, you don’t want to miss it!
Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
The tri-state area’s largest pumpkin event returns to the historic Hudson Valley this Sept. 29 through Nov. 25. Not only will you be surrounded by jack o’lanterns, but also by a jack o’lantern Statue of Liberty. You might even spot the Headless Horseman! If so, you’re in for a hell of a ride, complete with chilling sound effects and synchronized lighting.
New York Film Festival
Head down to Lincoln Center for the 55th annual New York Film Festival, presented by the Film Society of Lincoln Center. New releases include Jean-Stéphane Bron’s L’Opèra among others. NYFF will also be hosting three galas: Richard Linklater’s Last Flag Flying (Opening Night), Todd Haynes’s Wonderstruck (Centerpiece) and Woody Allen’s Wonder Wheel (Closing Night). Oscar strategists agree that the reaction to films shown at NYFF is a good indication of Oscar contenders. Tickets are on sale now for the festival which runs from Sept. 30 through Oct. 16.
Cider Week
Autumn harvest calls for apples, but what’s better than apples? Cider! From orchard to glass, you will be able to sample selections of New York’s finest ciders. Join the hard cider revival and don’t miss cider week from Oct. 20 through 29. The New York Cider Association in partnership with Glynwood Farm is reviving interest New York’s local orchards and their heirloom apple varieties one apple at a time.
Tompkins Square Park Halloween Dog Parade
Grab your furry friends and dress them up from head to paw for the annual Tompkins Square Park Halloween Dog Parade on Oct. 21. Hundreds of pooches and their owners will be competing for thousands of dollars in prizes. The New York Post says, “Halloweiners Bow Wow’em,” and that’s just what they’ll do. If you don’t have a dog, join the rest of the spectators and capture a cute Snapchat of the procession of haunted hounds.
Giant Pumpkin Weekend
We live right across from the New York Botanical Garden. Hopefully, you have been there, but if you have not now is your chance to experience Giant Pumpkin Weekend, Oct. 21 and 22. Massive pumpkins grown across the country, ranging from 25 pounds up to one ton, are scattered throughout the Garden. Did I mention Fordham students get in for free? It’s a no-brainer.
Village Halloween Parade
Before hitting the best Halloween parties in the city, you should definitely walk the Village Halloween Parade this Oct. 31. Only those in costume are welcome to join in the most electrifying parade in New York City. Stop by a Halloween store now and get ready to “fight for your life inside a killer thriller tonight,” as Michael Jackson would say.
New York City Marathon
What better way to burn off all that Halloween candy than to run a marathon with the world’s most finishers? This year, it takes place the first Sunday of the month, Nov. 5. Athletes and tourists alike from all over the world lace up and go head to head on this 26-mile course. Join the New York Road Runners and hit all five boroughs.
Mark your calendars, because you should be set from now until late November. Whether you are into taking a stroll and admiring the colors or having a leaf brawl in Central Park, this autumn will be packed with activities that will ensure that you make the most of the city’s most vivid season.
