Free & Paid Things To Do in NYC This Week (October 20-26)
Only in New York can one week serve up concerts, cultural must-sees, fall food festivals, and haunted happenings—sometimes all in the same night. If you’re hunting for ideas, this guide to things to do in NYC (October 20-26) offers the best events around the city. And because New Yorkers love a quick escape, I’ve also listed options just outside the city for when you want a change of scene.
Always confirm event details on official websites or social media pages, as plans can change. Remember that even at free events, some activities, food, and drinks may have a separate cost or require an RSVP.
20+ Best Things to Do in NYC This Week (Oct 20-26 Guide)
Free Fun Events
FAD Market – Fall Pop-Up
Cobble Hill’s fall pop-up brings together fashion, art, and design from local makers and fresh faces. Perfect for picking up a unique piece or getting a head start on holiday gifts.
- When: October 25-26, 2025
- Where: St. Paul’s Church (190 Court Street, Brooklyn)
- Tickets: Free admission (RSVP recommended)
- Website: https://fadmarket.co
- Best for: Shoppers.
40th Annual Bronx Halloween Parade
The Bronx is throwing a party in the streets with floats, costumes, and live performances. In costume or just spectating? Either way, the energy is all treats, no tricks.
- When: October 25, 2025
- Where: Westchester Ave & Southern Blvd, The Bronx
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.bxcb2.events
- Best for: Families.
JAPAN Fes
Tokyo feels, no flight required. JAPAN Fes is back with ramen, takoyaki, and more Japanese eats than your stomach can handle.
- When: October 26, 2025
- Where: Upper West side
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.japanfes.com
- Best for: Street food fans.
Smorgasburg
NYC’s favorite food destination is still going strong this October. With 70+ vendors spread across WTC, Williamsburg, and Prospect Park, you can snack on global eats without leaving the city.
- Fridays: WTC
- Saturdays: Marsha P. Johnson State Park (90 Kent Ave, Brooklyn)
- Sundays: Breeze Hill, Brooklyn
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.smorgasburg.com
- Best for: Foodies.
BUBS Candy “Sweeteasy” Pop-Up
Candy lovers, you can now enter a colorful, Wonka-style wonderland with Swedish treats, photo ops, a massive pick-and-mix station, and quirky merch. And you’ll probably leave with more sugar than planned.
- When: Until October 22, 2025
- Where: 69 Mercer St, SoHo
- Tickets: Free admission
- TikTok: @bubs_us
- Best for: Sweet tooths.
OktoberFest NYC at Watermark
Beer steins and skyline views? It’s peak fall in New York. Watermark at Pier 15 is pouring German classics like Hofbräu and Weihenstephan alongside brats and pretzels.
- When: Until October 26, 2025
- Where: 78 South Street, New York
- Tickets: Free admission (RSVP required) / VIP Fast Pass & Royalty Open Bar Tickets also available
- Website: https://oktober-fest.nyc
- Best for: Beer lovers.
Oktoberfest at Loreley Beer Garden
Pumpkin beer tastes better when it’s poured out of an actual pumpkin, right? Loreley doubles down on fall atmosphere with keg tappings, pig roasts, and cocktails that scream October.
- When: Until October 31, 2025
- Where: 7 Rivington St, New York
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.loreleynyc.com
- Best for: Seasonal sippers.
Seaport Pumpkin Arch
Pier 17 is glowing again with its famous pumpkin arch. By day, it’s a cute fall stroll with Brooklyn Bridge views. By night, it lights up into one of NYC’s most photogenic spots.
- When: October 22-November 17, 2025
- Where: Heineken Riverdeck, North Side of Pier 17 (89 South Street, New York)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://theseaport.nyc
- Best for: Instagrammers.
La Beauté Louis Vuitton Pop-Up
Louis Vuitton is stepping into beauty with lipsticks, balms, and shadows crafted by Pat McGrath. The futuristic pop-up feels like a fashion week runway turned into a makeup playground.
- When: Until December 31, 2025
- Where: 104 Prince Street, New York
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://eu.louisvuitton.com
- Best for: Beauty fans.
Paid & Ticketed Things To Do
Van Gogh Floral Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea with an artsy upgrade? The Peninsula New York teamed up with the New York Botanical Garden to serve sweet and savory bites inspired by Van Gogh’s flowers.
- When: Until October 26, 2025
- Where: The Peninsula New York (Gotham Lounge)
- Tickets: $135 per guest (not including tax or 18% gratuity)
- Website: https://www.peninsula.com
- Best for: Art and tea lovers.
Bronx Zoo Harvest Glow
Halloween gets a family-friendly spin at the Bronx Zoo with glowing jack-o’-lantern trails, pumpkin carving, and even a nighttime dino safari. Yep, it’s spooky, but make it wholesome.
- When: Until October 31, 2025
- Where: 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://bronxzoo.com
- Best for: Families.
Black Lagoon Pop-Up at Someday Bar
Someday Bar has gone full goth mode. You’ll experience smoky cocktails, eerie lighting, and spooky décor that feels like a Halloween movie set.
- When: Until November 2, 2025
- Where: 364 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn
- Price: Varies
- Website: https://blacklagoonpopup.com
- Best for: Cocktail lovers.
Blood Manor
With terrifying actors, twisted rooms, and special effects that mess with your head, Blood Manor is one of NYC’s scariest haunted houses. You’ll scream, then laugh at yourself after.
- When: Until November 8, 2025
- Where: 359 Broadway, New York
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.bloodmanor.com
- Best for: Thrill seekers.
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
Thousands of hand-carved pumpkins light up the night in jaw-dropping displays that make your DIY carving look… a little sad. Skip the mess at home and just stroll through this glowing wonderland.
- When: Until November 16, 2025
- Where: Van Cortlandt Manor (525 S Riverside, Croton-on-Hudson)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://pumpkinblaze.org
- Best for: Instagrammers.
The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail
Jack Skellington and friends take over the New York Botanical Garden with glowing trails, themed BOOths, and sing-alongs that make you think whether it’s Halloween or Christmas.
- When: Until November 30, 2025
- Where: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://thenightmarebeforechristmaslighttrail.com
- Best for: Movie fans.
Concerts
Lea Salonga
Broadway royalty is on tour once again. From Miss Saigon to Disney princess ballads, Lea Salonga’s voice will give you goosebumps within the first note.
- When: October 20, 2025
- Where: The Town Hall (123 W 43rd St, New York)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.leasalonga.com
- Best for: Broadway fans.
Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard And Soft
Billie’s back with her genre-bending sound and moody swagger. From “Ocean Eyes” to “Bad Guy,” her live shows are equal parts hypnotic and high energy.
- When: October 25-26, 2025
- Where: UBS Arena (2400 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://store.billieeilish.com
- Best for: Pop fans.
Sabrina Carpenter – Short N’ Sweet Tour
She’s topping charts, breaking TikTok, and now taking over NYC. Sabrina Carpenter brings her mega-hits like “Espresso” and “Please, Please, Please” to the stage.
- When: October 26,28, 29, & 31 and November 1, 2025
- Where: Madison Square Garden
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://store.sabrinacarpenter.com
- Best for: Pop fans.
Other Events/Activities to Check Out
- Pierce The Veil – The I Can’t Hear You World Tour – October 21 at Northwell Health | Ticketed
- Neko Case – October 22 at Beacon Theater | Ticketed
- Will Downing – October 23 at Sony Hall | Ticketed
- The Ridgewood Asylum and Haunted House – Until November 1 at 272 Seigel St, Brooklyn | Ticketed
- Fall Foliage Cruise on the Hudson – Until November 16 at Classic Harbor Line (62 Chelsea Piers Pier 62, New York) | Ticketed
- Madame Morbid’s Trolley Tours – Until November 2025 at 510 Driggs Ave, Brooklyn | Ticketed
- Movies at Rooftop Cinema Club – Select Days at 60 W 37th St 3rd Floor, New York | Ticketed
How about finding that perfect fall photo op without the headache of renting a car? We’ve mapped out the best and easiest-to-reach spots in our guide to 10+ Best Pumpkin Patches Near NYC (Even Without a Car).
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