20+ Top Things to Do in NYC This Week (October 13-19)
The middle of October always feels like crunch time—fall is in full swing, and every week seems packed with things to check out. To help you plan, this guide to things to do in NYC (October 13-19) rounds up the best events happening around the city. And since not everything exciting happens right in Manhattan or Brooklyn, I’ve also listed a few events outside the city for when you’re up for a quick trip.
It’s always a good idea to double-check event details on official websites or social media, just in case anything’s changed. And a quick heads-up: “free admission” doesn’t always cover everything. You might still need to RSVP or pay for food, drinks, and activities.
Fun Things To do In NYC This Week (October 13-19)
Free Fun Events
JAPAN Fes
Who needs a flight to Tokyo when JAPAN Fes is popping up across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens? It’s like a flavor marathon — ramen, takoyaki, sushi, matcha, you name it.
- When: October 18 (East Village) and October 19 ( Upper West side)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.japanfes.com
- Best for: Food lovers
OktoberFest NYC at Watermark
Pier 15 transforms into a fall beer garden, complete with steins, mini-kegs, giant pretzels, and skyline views that enhance the taste of everything. It’s Oktoberfest, but with an NYC atmosphere.
- 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 fans
Oktoberfest at Loreley Beer Garden
Pumpkin beer… in an actual pumpkin. Loreley goes all-in with keg tappings, pig roasts, and cocktails that scream fall.
- When: Until October 31, 2025
- Where: 7 Rivington St, New York
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.loreleynyc.com
- Best for: Fall drinkers
Smorgasburg
Your weekend food crawl is sorted. Smorgasburg is back with 70+ vendors serving everything from pani puri explosions to potato puff poutine.
- 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
Paid & Ticketed Events
Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival
This one’s for the food TV fans. The Wine & Food Fest takes over Manhattan’s Seaport with tastings, pier parties, and boozy brunches hosted by your favorite chefs.
- When: October 15-19, 2025
- Where: Seaport in Lower Manhattan
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://nycwff.org
- Best for: Foodies
Manhattan Vintage – Fall 2025 Show
End your week by treasure hunting through NYC’s biggest vintage show. With 100+ dealers, you might walk out with retro streetwear, couture, or just a very cool conversation starter.
- When: October 17-19, 2025
- Where: Metropolitan Pavilion (125 West 18th Street, New York)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://manhattanvintage.com
- Best for: Vintage lovers
NAILCON
Finally, a festival for nail enthusiasts. Expect live demos, masterclasses, and even performances. After all, nail culture deserves its own stage.
- When: October 18-19, 2025
- Where: 440 W 15th St, New York
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://nailconmedia.com
- Best for: Beauty fans
Ragas Live Festival 2025
Here’s a change of pace: 24 hours of music blending South Asian classical with modern sounds. Expect sitars, qawwali, electronic experiments, and tributes to legends.
- When: October 18, 2025
- Where: Pioneer Works (159 Pioneer Street, Brooklyn)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://ragaslive.com
- Best for: Music explorers
Oktoberfest at Black Forest Brooklyn
Brooklyn’s biergarten throws weekend-long parties with oompah bands, pretzels, and even a costume contest. Basically, all the Oktoberfest fun without hopping on a plane to Munich.
- When: Until October 25 (Saturday afternoon and evenings, plus some Friday evenings, and Sunday afternoons)
- Where: Fort Greene (733 Fulton Street, Brooklyn) / Smith Street (181 Smith Street, Brooklyn)
- Tickets: Starts at $15
- Website: https://www.blackforestbrooklyn.com
- Best for: Beer lovers
Van Gogh Floral Afternoon Tea
For something calmer (and Instagrammable), sip tea inspired by Van Gogh’s florals at The Peninsula. Tiny artful pastries and a side of elegance make this an afternoon upgrade.
- 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
The zoo goes full Halloween with glowing trails, pumpkin carving, and even a nighttime dino safari. Perfect if you want spooky without the nightmares.
- When: Until October 31, 2025
- Where: 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://bronxzoo.com
- Best for: Families
Ridgewood Asylum and Haunted House
More than just jump scares, this haunted house comes with escape-room twists and full storylines. It’s basically a horror movie where you’re the star.
- When: Until November 1, 2025
- Where: 272 Seigel St, Brooklyn
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.theridgewoodasylum.com
- Best for: Horror fans
Black Lagoon Pop-Up at Someday Bar
Of course, the spooky season calls for spooky sips. You’ll enjoy bubbling potions, smoky drinks, and goth décor that makes sipping a martini feel spooky chic.
- When: Until November 2, 2025
- Where: 364 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn
- Price: Varies
- Website: https://blacklagoonpopup.com
- Best for: Cocktail lovers
Blood Manor
If you prefer jump scares over happy hour, Blood Manor is waiting. Ten thousand square feet of terror, complete with actors who live for your screams.
- 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 in intricate displays that make your DIY carving look… well, sad. Don’t worry, you still get Instagram pics without cleaning pumpkin guts.
- When: Until November 16, 2025
- Where: Van Cortlandt Manor (525 S Riverside, Croton-on-Hudson)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://pumpkinblaze.org
- Best for: Families
The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail
NYBG turns into Tim Burton land with glowing trails and sing-along-worthy scenes. It’s Halloween meets Christmas, and it works.
- When: Until November 30, 2025
- Where: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://thenightmarebeforechristmaslighttrail.com
- Best for: Families
Concerts
The Cult Return to the Road!
If your playlist still rocks “She Sells Sanctuary,” here’s your sign to see The Cult live. This one’s basically a nostalgia trip with guitar riffs.
- When: October 14, 2025
- Where: Beacon Theater (2124 Broadway, New York)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://thecult.us
- Best for: Rock fans
Laufey – A Matter of Time Tour
Laufey’s dreamy jazz-pop will make you feel like you’re sipping wine in a candlelit café. With her buttery vocals and diary-entry lyrics, expect a concert that’s equal parts cozy and magical.
- When: October 15-16, 2025
- Where: Madison Square Garden
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.laufeymusic.com
- Best for: Romantics
David Archuleta – Earthy Delights Tour
Remember swooning during American Idol? Yeah, David Archuleta still has that effect. Expect a mix of nostalgic hits and new tracks that’ll have you smiling the whole night.
- When: October 16, 2025
- Where: Gramercy Theatre (127 E 23rd St, New York)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://davidarchuleta.com
- Best for: Pop fans
Tate McRae – The Miss Possessive Tour
Fast forward to Gen Z’s current fave — Tate McRae. She dances, she sings, and she brings the kind of energy that makes TikTok trends look chill.
- When: October 18, 2025
- Where: Madison Square Garden
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.tatemcrae.com
- Best for: Gen Z pop fans
Ana Gabriel – Claro de Luna Tour
Switching gears, Latin music icon Ana Gabriel is ready to pour her heart out on stage. From “Ay Amor” to “Quién Como Tú,” this show will have the whole room singing along.
- When: October 18, 2025
- Where: UBS Arena (2400 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://cmnevents.com
- Best for: Latin music fans
Other Events/Activities to Check Out
- LIPS: Rocky Horror – October 16, 17, 23, & 30 at Wyckoff Avenue, Brooklyn | Ticketed
- Aly & AJ – Silver Deliverer Tour – October 17 at Terminal 5 | Ticketed
- Joshua Radin – October 18 at Sony Hall (235 W 46th St, New York) | Ticketed
- Disability Pride Parade NYC – October 19 at Madison Square Park, 23rd to 26th Sts. (bet. Fifth and Madison Aves.) Manhattan
- New York Film Festival – Until October 13 at Film at Lincoln Center (70 Lincoln Center Plaza 4th fl., Manhattan) | 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
Ready for More Spooky Fun?
Once you have checked out this week’s events, you can find even more seasonal fun in our ultimate guide. See all the best haunts and happenings in our guide to 20+ Halloween Activities in NYC This 2025
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