15+ Top Things to Do in NYC This Week (October 6-12)
Early October in New York is already offering cooler air, fall colours, and a calendar already filling up fast. To help narrow it down, this guide to top things to do in NYC this week (October 6-12) highlights the best picks for the week. From food festivals and art shows to concerts and outdoor fun, the city is stacked with options. Plus, for anyone who wants a quick change of scenery, I’ve also included a few events just outside New York.
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.
Free & Paid Things to Do in NYC This Week (October 6-12)
Free Fun Activities/Events
Smorgasburg
Hungry? Good. Smorgasburg is back with over 70 vendors serving everything from pani puri to poutine. Also, bring stretchy pants as you’ll need them.
- Fridays: WTC
- Saturdays: Marsha P. Johnson State Park (90 Kent Ave, Brooklyn)
- Sundays: Breeze Hill, Brooklyn
- Tickets: Free admissionÂ
- Website: https://www.smorgasburg.com
- Best for: Foodies, weekend wanderers, and snack-happy friends.
BFPL Beyond The Pages: Shrills and Thrills Book Drop
This week, you can grab a spine-tingling read for free. With mysteries, true crime, and NOMAD pocket editions, you’ll have something gripping for the subway, coffee shop, or cozy evening at home.
- When: October 7, 2025
- Where: Hudson Eats (230 Vesey St, New York)
- Tickets: Free admission (RSVP recommended)
- Website: https://bfplny.com
- Best for: Book lovers and mystery fans.
Kings County Fiber Festival
From weaving to knitting and spinning, explore handmade treasures and watch demos. You’ll also find unique crafts with stories behind every stitch.
- When: October 11, 2025
- Where: The Old Stone House (Brooklyn)
- Tickets: Free admissionÂ
- Website: https://www.kingscountyfiberfestival.org
- Best for: Craft enthusiasts and anyone who loves handmade artistry.
OktoberFest NYC at Watermark Bar
Beer steins and giant pretzels with skyline views? This is Oktoberfest with an NYC twist by the water and in the open air.
- 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: Casual dates and anyone who likes a big pour.
Oktoberfest at Loreley Beer Garden
Pumpkin beer in an actual pumpkin keg? Yep, fall doesn’t get more committed. Add weekend pig roasts and daily specials, and you’re set.
- When: Until October 31, 2025
- Where: 7 Rivington St, New York
- Tickets: Free admissionÂ
- Website: https://www.loreleynyc.com
- Best for: Seasonal sippers, pretzel lovers, and weekend squads.
Ticketed/Paid Things To Do
Beetlejuice The Musical
Stripes, chaos, and Tim Burton’s dark humor hit Broadway. Follow Lydia Deetz as she meets ghosts, demons, and hilarity—this musical is outrageous, fun, and visually wild.
- When: Starting October 8, 2025
- Where: The Palace Theater (160 W 47th St, New York)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://beetlejuicebroadway.com
- Best for: Musical lovers and Tim Burton fans.
New York Comic Con
Heroes, villains, and merch you’ll regret not buying—it’s Comic Con time. Panels, signings, cosplay, and family-friendly spaces mean there’s a little something for every kind of geek.
- When: October 9-12, 2025
- Where: Javits Center (429 11th Ave, New York)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.newyorkcomiccon.com
- Best for: Comic fans, cosplayers, and pop culture lovers.
Lainey Wilson – Whirlwind World Tour
Love country music? Fresh off her Grammy-nominated 2024 album Whirlwind, expect hits, energy, and plenty of storytelling from one of country’s brightest stars.
- When: October 10, 2025
- Where: Madison Square Garden
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.laineywilson.com
- Best for: live music lovers and country fans.
We Belong Here EDM Festival
The beats don’t stop just because it’s fall. Shake, shimmy, and let loose at this three-day EDM festival, now hitting downtown after Wollman Rink.
- When: October 10-12, 2025
- Where: Wollman Rink (Manhattan)Â
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.webelonghere.world
- Best for: EDM fans and dance lovers.
New York Greek Film Expo
How about taking a cinematic trip to Greece without leaving NYC? From dramas to comedies, the festival showcases Greek films that tell stories you won’t soon forget.
- When: October 10-12, 2025
- Where: Museum of the Moving Image (35th Ave at 37 St, Astoria)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://hellenicfilmsociety.org
- Best for: Film buffs and anyone curious about international cinema.
New York Film Festival
Film lovers, this is your week to get lost in the cinema. The festival brings screenings, panels, and lectures that showcase over 60 films, from premieres to thought-provoking documentaries and world cinema gems.
- When: Until October 13, 2025
- Where: Film at Lincoln Center (70 Lincoln Center Plaza 4th fl., Manhattan)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.filmlinc.org
- Best for: Cinephiles and date nights.
Oktoberfest at Black Forest Brooklyn
Raise your stein because Oktoberfest is back for its 12th year. You’ll enjoy authentic German décor, a lively oompah band, tasty food and drink specials, and even mug-holding and costume contests with prizes.
- 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 fans and friend groups.
Van Gogh Floral Afternoon Tea
Van Gogh meets afternoon tea. Sip, nibble, and marvel at floral-inspired treats while soaking up the artful atmosphere—and maybe sneak a sip of champagne or two.
- 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 lovers, foodies, and anyone looking for a relaxing, creative afternoon.
Bronx Zoo Harvest Glow
The Bronx Zoo lights up after dark with a family-friendly Halloween spectacular. Wander an animal-themed Jack O’Lantern Trail, explore the Dinosaur Safari at night, watch live pumpkin carving, and enjoy games and performances.
- When: Until October 31, 2025
- Where: 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://bronxzoo.com
- Best for: Families, fall photos, and easy weekend fun.
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
Thousands of pumpkins lit up like Halloween’s greatest flex. Bring your camera and maybe some extra storage space.
- When: Until November 16, 2025
- Where: Van Cortlandt Manor (525 S Riverside, Croton-on-Hudson)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://pumpkinblaze.org
- Best for: Road trips, date nights, and pumpkin lovers.
Fall Foliage Cruise on the Hudson
Swap skyscrapers for golden leaves and glowing sunsets. This heated Hudson River cruise lets you toast to fall while enjoying city views, colorful foliage, and a little boat-bound magic.
- When: Until November 16, 2025
- Meeting point: Classic Harbor Line (62 Chelsea Piers Pier 62, New York)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: 21018.partner.viator.com
- Best for: Nature lovers, couples, and anyone who enjoys a scenic escape.
The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail at NYBG
Jack and Sally take over the Botanical Garden with glowing scenes and sing-along moments. With more characters, scenes, and songs than ever, plus new treats and merchandise BOOths, it’s a spooky-fun outing the whole family can enjoy.
- When: Until November 30, 2025
- Where: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://thenightmarebeforechristmaslighttrail.comÂ
- Best for: Movie fans and families.
Other Events/Activities to Check Out
- BAM Next Wave Festival – October 8, 2025-January 17, 2026 at multiple venues | Ticketed
- David Byrne – Who Is The Sky? Tour – October 10-11 at Radio City Music Hall | Ticketed
- The Wailers – October 8 at Tarrytown Music Hall | Ticketed
- Borns – 10 Years Of Dopamine – October 10 at Webster Hall | Ticketed
- Yusuf/Cat Stevens – Cat On The Road To Find Out Tour – October 11-12 at Beacon Theater | Ticketed
- Amy Grant – October 12 at St. George Theatre | Ticketed
- Commentary on The Commute: A Century of The New Yorker’s Transportation Cartoons Exhibit – Until October 26 at New York Transit Museum Store and Gallery (Shuttle Passage, adjacent to the Station Master’s Office, Grand Central Terminal) | Free admissionÂ
Looking for More Live Music?
This week is packed with great shows, but there are even more concerts happening all month long.
For a complete look at every major show, check out our full guide to the Biggest Concerts in NYC This October (2025).
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