Best Things to Do in New York in October 2026

Best Paid Things to Do in New York in October

Go Ice Skating at The Rink at Rockefeller Center

If you’ve always wanted to go ice skating in New York, October is when you can start ticking it off your list because The Rink at Rockefeller Center opens for the 2026–27 season on 10th October. This is probably the most famous ice skating rink in New York and it’s right underneath the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree area, although obviously the tree itself won’t be there yet in October.

The rink is celebrating its 90th anniversary season in 2026, making this an especially interesting year to visit. A general skate session includes 60 minutes on the ice and prices start from $22, although you’ll pay extra if you need to rent skates. The rink is located between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, with the entrance on the rink level via 49th Street.

It’s also worth remembering that October in New York can still feel fairly mild during the day, so don’t expect the full Christmas atmosphere you see in December. That said, skating at Rockefeller Center surrounded by the skyscrapers is one of those very New York experiences that I’d still add to an October itinerary.

Price: From $22 for a 60-minute general skate session, skate rental extra
Location: Rockefeller Center, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York
Dates: From 10th October 2026
Time: Seasonal hours vary

Go Ice Skating at Wollman Rink in Central Park

If you want to combine ice skating with some time in Central Park, Wollman Rink is another option that opens in October. The rink is located towards the southeast corner of Central Park, close to 59th Street and Sixth Avenue, so it’s easy to get to if you’re already exploring Midtown.

The 2026–27 season opens on 24th October, with opening weekend taking place on 24th and 25th October. One of the biggest differences between Wollman Rink and Rockefeller Center is the setting because you’re skating with Central Park and the Manhattan skyline around you.

I’d probably choose this one if you’re looking for something a little less focused on the classic Rockefeller Center experience and want to combine it with a walk around Central Park. The rink also has evening sessions, which could be a fun option if you’re visiting New York as a couple or on a girls trip. If you’re already planning to visit Central Park, though, this is an easy seasonal activity to add to your itinerary.

Price: From $16
Location: Wollman Rink, southeast corner of Central Park, near 59th Street and Sixth Avenue
Dates: From 24th October 2026
Time: Opening hours vary by day

Watch a Film At Rooftop Cinema Club

If you’re looking for something to do in New York at night, Rooftop Cinema Club is another option worth checking out in October. The New York location is in Midtown at 60 West 37th Street, with the screen framed against the Empire State Building.

The October programme includes films such as 10 Things I Hate About You, Mean Girls, Practical Magic, Scream and other seasonal screenings. There are also themed events throughout the month, including a Scream screening with a drag event and a Practical Magic night.

The doors open before the film starts, so you can arrive early, grab a drink or some food and take in the views before the screening. You’ll also get wireless headphones for the film, which means the noise of Midtown doesn’t completely ruin the experience.

Price: From $23
Location: 60 West 37th Street, 3rd Floor, Midtown
Dates: Throughout October 2026
Time: Varies by screening

Take A Row Boat Around Central Park

If you’re visiting New York in early October, you can still squeeze in one of my favourite Central Park activities before the row boats disappear for the winter. The Central Park row boats operate from the Central Park Boathouse and each boat can hold up to four people, so they’re a good option if you’re travelling as a small group.

In 2026, rentals cost $25 per hour Monday to Thursday and $30 per hour Friday to Sunday. The boats operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so you can’t reserve one in advance.The location is also really easy to combine with the rest of Central Park because the dock is at East 72nd Street and East Drive.

I’d try to do this earlier in the month rather than leaving it until the end because the boating season closes in mid-October. If you’re visiting with friends, it’s also a relatively affordable way to spend an hour in the park compared with some of New York’s more expensive attractions.

Price: $25 per hour Monday–Thursday; $30 per hour Friday–Sunday
Location: Central Park Boathouse, East 72nd Street and East Drive
Dates: Available until mid-October, weather permitting
Time: From 10am until 7pm or dusk

See An Off-Broadway Show For Less During NYC Off-Broadway Week

If seeing a show is on your New York bucket list, October is a good month to look at Off-Broadway rather than only the big Broadway productions. NYC Off-Broadway Week runs from 5th to 18th October 2026 and gives visitors the chance to get 2-for-1 tickets to participating shows.

Shows participating include productions such as Friends! The Musical Parody, Alice in Wonderland and The Play That Goes Wrong, although the exact participating list can change.I’d recommend checking the dates before planning your itinerary because not every performance will necessarily be included.

Off-Broadway can also be a good way to experience New York theatre without committing to the price of some of the biggest Broadway productions. If you’ve already done the usual sightseeing during the day, an evening show is an easy way to fill one of your nights.

Price: 2-for-1 on participating performances
Location: Various Off-Broadway theatres across Manhattan
Dates: 5th–18th October 2026
Time: Varies by show

Best Pop-Ups & Festivals in New York in October

Visit Winter Village at Bryant Park

One of the biggest signs that the festive season is starting in New York is the opening of Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park. The 2026 Winter Village opens on 28th October, so if you’re visiting at the very end of October you can get an early taste of Christmas in New York.

The centrepiece is the 17,000-square-foot ice rink, where admission is free if you bring your own skates. If you don’t have your own skates, rentals are available and currently range from $18.72 to $64.48 depending on the session and ticket type.

There are also more than 180 holiday shops around the park, selling gifts, food, drinks and plenty of things you’ll probably want to take home. The Lodge also opens as part of Winter Village, giving you somewhere to grab food or a drink while watching people skate.

I’d say this is one of the best things to do in New York in October if you’re visiting from 28th October onwards because you get the seasonal atmosphere without having to wait until November or December. Just bear in mind that the full Christmas atmosphere will build throughout November and December, so October is more of an early preview.

Price: Free to enter; ice skating is free with your own skates, skate rental from $18.72
Location: Bryant Park, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues
Dates: 28th October 2026 – 28th February 2027
Time: Daily, 8am–10pm

Celebrate Oktoberfest at Watermark Pier 15

You don’t need to fly to Germany to celebrate Oktoberfest because New York has its own waterfront version at Watermark Pier 15. The event runs from 10th September until 31st October 2026, so you can visit throughout October.

You’ll find German beer, giant pretzels, bratwurst, live music and views across the waterfront towards the Brooklyn Bridge and the New York skyline. The location at Pier 15 is a big part of the appeal because you’re right by the East River rather than inside a traditional beer hall.

General admission is free with an RSVP, although you’ll obviously need to pay for any food and drinks. The event is also open to all ages, so it isn’t just an adults-only drinking event.

Price: Free general admission with RSVP; food and drinks extra
Location: Watermark, Pier 15, 78 South Street, New York, NY 10038
Dates: 10th September–31st October 2026
Time: Mon–Thu 4pm–10pm, Fri 2pm–12am, Sat 12pm–12am, Sun 12pm–11pm

Go To The Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade

If you happen to be in New York on 17th October, put the Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade on your list. The event is now in its 36th year and brings thousands of New Yorkers and their dogs to the East Village for one of the city’s most unusual Halloween traditions.

The dogs are dressed up in elaborate costumes and there’s also a costume contest as part of the event. You don’t need to own a dog to enjoy it, so it’s an easy event to add to a day exploring the East Village.

The 2026 parade takes place on Saturday 17th October, although the organisers are still confirming the exact viewing location and time. The event is free to watch, and you can also visit the festival area around the parade.

Price: Free to watch
Location: East Village / Tompkins Square Park area
Date: Saturday 17th October 2026
Time: Mid-morning; exact details to be confirmed

Watch The Village Halloween Parade

If you’re visiting New York on Halloween itself, the Village Halloween Parade is probably the biggest event to know about. The 2026 parade takes place on Saturday 31st October, starting at 7pm and running along Sixth Avenue through Greenwich Village.

The parade features thousands of costumed participants alongside giant puppets, dancers, artists and live music. One of the best things about it is that you don’t have to buy a ticket to stand along the route and watch.

The route begins around Canal Street and heads north along Sixth Avenue towards the West 15th Street area. I’d arrive early if you want a good viewing position because the parade attracts huge crowds and the streets become very busy.

Price: Free to watch; free to participate in costume
Location: Sixth Avenue, from Canal Street towards West 15th Street
Date: 31st October 2026
Time: From 7pm until approximately 11pm

Best Free Things to Do in New York in October

See The Halloween brownstones on the Upper East Side

You don’t need to book a Halloween attraction to see some impressive decorations in New York because some of the best displays are outside people’s homes. The Upper East Side is one of the areas I’d recommend exploring if you want to see elaborate Halloween brownstones.

Some of the streets that are worth checking include East 76th between Madison Avenue and Fifth Avenue, East 70th between Park Avenue and Lexington Avenue and East 71st between Park Avenue and Lexington Avenue.

East 82nd between Third Avenue and Park Avenue is another area to look at, including the famously named “Upper East Died” stoop. You’ll also find decorated homes around East 67th between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue, with orange foliage and figures displayed in the windows.

The displays tend to become more elaborate as Halloween gets closer, so I’d aim for the second half of October rather than the first few days of the month. Remember that these are residential homes, so take photos from the pavement and be respectful of the people who actually live there.

Price: Free
Location: Upper East Side, particularly East 67th–82nd Streets; Greenwich Village and West Village
Dates: Throughout October, with many displays at their best in the second half of the month
Time: Daytime or early evening

Watch A Free Film At Hudson Yards

Hudson Yards is running free outdoor movie nights throughout October, which is a great option if you want to do something in the evening without spending money on another attraction. The films are shown on the huge Big Screen in Public Square and Gardens as part of the fall 2026 programme.

The October line-up includes Chicago on 2nd October, Back to the Future on 9th October, Wicked on 16th October, Hairspray on 23rd October and Beetlejuice on 30th October.

Admission is free and seating is first come, first served, so I’d arrive early if there’s a particular film you really want to see. You can also bring your own blanket, which makes the experience much more comfortable once the temperature drops in the evening.

Price: Free
Location: Public Square and Gardens, Hudson Yards
Dates: Every Friday in October 2026
Time: Doors open 5pm; films from around 6pm–8pm

Is October a Good Time to Visit New York?

Yes, October can be a really good month to visit New York if you want cooler weather and lots of seasonal events without waiting until the Christmas period. The first half of October is generally better if you want to prioritise outdoor activities such as Central Park, the row boats and walking around the city.

The second half is better if you want Halloween events, ice skating and the start of Winter Village. If you’re visiting towards the end of the month, I’d pack layers because temperatures can change quite a bit throughout the day.

October is also a great month for walking around neighbourhoods such as Greenwich Village, the West Village and the Upper East Side because you’re not dealing with the same summer heat.

If you’re hoping to see autumn colours, Central Park is one of the easiest places to add some seasonal scenery to your itinerary. I’d also keep some indoor activities on your list because October can bring rainy days. That’s why museums, Off-Broadway shows and Rooftop Cinema Club are useful to have as backup options.

What to Wear in New York in October

I’d pack layers if you’re visiting New York in October because you can get a mixture of mild afternoons and much cooler evenings. A jacket is definitely worth bringing, particularly if you’re planning to be outside after dark. Comfortable shoes are also essential because you’ll probably end up walking much more than you expect. I’d pack jeans or trousers, tops that you can layer and a lightweight jacket rather than relying on one heavy coat.

If you’re visiting towards the end of October, I’d also bring something warmer for evenings. An umbrella is worth throwing into your bag too because autumn weather can be unpredictable. If you’re planning to go ice skating, remember that you’ll be outside for a while so you may want an extra layer even if the weather feels mild earlier in the day.

And if you’re planning to watch an outdoor film at Hudson Yards or visit the Halloween Parade, definitely check the forecast before you leave your hotel.

Thank you so much for reading and I hope this guide on the best things to do in New York in October has given you plenty of inspiration for your own trip. Feel free to check out the rest of my New York City guides here or below:

Check out my other New York guides here:

• New York City Travel Guide for First Time Visitors
• 31 Best Things To Do in New York City
• 4 Days in New York City Itinerary
• 4 Days in New York Christmas Itinerary
• The BEST Hotels in New York City With a View
• How to Get From JFK Airport to Manhattan by Subway (Under $20)
• New York Monthly Guides