Visiting New York during the fall is a captivating experience that offers a blend of natural beauty and urban vibrancy. As the city’s parks and iconic landmarks become adorned with a rich tapestry of warm hues, such as Central Park’s stunning foliage and the golden glow of the Brooklyn Bridge, the atmosphere becomes truly enchanting.
The cooler temperatures provide a comfortable backdrop for exploring the diverse neighborhoods, indulging in seasonal treats from local bakeries, and attending cultural events like film festivals and art exhibits. From the festive energy of Halloween to the anticipation of Thanksgiving, New York in the fall captures the essence of the city’s dynamic spirit against a backdrop of breathtaking autumn colors.
Queens County Farm Museum
The bus or car ride to this Queens County gem is definitely worth it. The 47 acres feel like a different planet from Manhattan, having been continuously farmed since 1697, making it the longest continuously farmed property in the city. Take advantage of the fall season to pick pumpkins, walk through the Amazing Maize Maze, feed and pet the farm animals, including sheep, ponies and goats, and take a hayride.
Apple picking just outside the city
Grab an empty basket for a fall outing and put on your best plaid. You can discover a wide variety of apples at regional farms in the tri-county area, along with fun fall activities like petting zoos and corn mazes. No doubt you will also discover some cider doughnuts along your route!
The Feast of San Gennaro
Right now we could all use a big plate of pasta and a cannoli. The Feast of San Gennaro, an annual festival with parades, live music and, of course, delicious cuisine, fulfills these desires. There is even a cannoli-eating contest.
The festival takes place from September 14to 24 in Little Italy.
Navigate 10-acre Barbie corn maze
Long before Barbie’s $1 billion hit, the corn maze motif was developed. The 10-acre corn maze is divided into two sections: a quick, 15–25 minute walk and a longer section for maze fans that can take 45–60 minutes to wander, or more if you’re looking for that ideal Instagram moment in the Barbie corn maze.
Tickets for Happy Day’s Fall Festival are $25 and can only be purchased in advance online, Friday through Sunday. On Mondays, tickets are available for $21 cash only at the box office.
The Queens County Fair
The Queens County Farm Museum in Floral Park is hosting the city’s only corn maze, cider margaritas in a souvenir cup, body art, rides, corn shucking and pie eating contests and more the weekend of Sept. 8–10.
Tickets for the 40th Annual Queens County Fair start at $15.
Snap some beautiful photos at Color Factory
From Sept. 14 to Nov. 1, the Museum of Immersive Art in Soho will host Haunted Hues, a Halloween event filled with surprises and treats. Tickets are available online and cost $39.
Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
The landmark Winter Cathedral and a larger Fire Garden are both part of the illuminated Lightscape art trail, which features more than a million lights, colors and music. This year, the trail has been redesigned with a longer route and more mesmerizing experiences along the way. These experiences include a “Supernova,” a 24-foot-tall illuminated Moravian star, a glittering new Chandelier Walk and a giant red poppy flower from Floraison that floats above the path.
Admission ranges from $34-$39 for adults and $17-$19 for kids.
Check out Pumpkin Nights at the Bronx Zoo
Starting Sept. 28 and running through Oct. 29, from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Pumpkin Nights will debut at the Bronx Zoo.
Spanning more than a half-mile on a lantern path, this fall event will feature more than 5,000 carved animal-themed pumpkins. Pumpkin Nights for all ages will also feature live pumpkin carving demonstrations, games, festive fall candy and food trucks.
Prices range from $26.95-$36.95 for adults; kids’ tickets range from $24.95-$26.95.