The air is a little cooler, and the days are a little shorter, but there is still plenty of fun to be had this season! Scroll down to check out the fun fairs, festivals, and parades that New York City has in store for you in October!
Psst… Check Out Free Kid and Family Activities in NYC: 10 Free Things to Do This Week
Manhattan
Harvest Festival
Randall’s Island Park, 10 Central Road, Urban Farm + Fields 62/63, Randall’s Island
Sunday, Oct. 4, noon – 3 pm
Ages 5 and older
Free
Celebrate the end of the growing season with a family-friendly day of outdoor fun. Explore the pumpkin patch, watch seasonal cooking demonstrations, enjoy live performances, get creative with face painting, and discover nature through hands-on activities with local partners.
89th Annual Pulaski Day Parade
Parade begins at 5th Ave. and 41st. St., Midtown
Sunday, Oct. 4, 12:30 pm
All ages
Free
The 89th Annual Pulaski Day Parade honors the legacy of General Casimir Pulaski, who sacrificed his life for America’s independence and freedom. As the oldest ethnic parade established in the 20th century and the second oldest in New York City history, it continues to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and the significant contributions made in all aspects of American society. The parade will feature government leaders, first responders, classic cars, motorcycle groups, marching bands, festive floats, and so much more!
New York Hispanic Day Parade
Parade takes place on 5th Ave. bet. E 43 St. and E 66 St., Midtown
Sunday, Oct. 11, noon – 6 pm
All ages
Free
Experience a vibrant celebration featuring more than 10,000 marchers representing 21 Spanish-speaking countries, along with traditional costumes, live music, lively dancing, and colorful floats.
Columbus Day Parade
Parade runs along 5th Ave. Bet. 44th St. and 72nd St., Midtown
Monday, Oct. 12, 11:30 am – 3:30 pm
All ages
Free
Join this grand celebration of Italian-American pride and heritage as Fifth Avenue comes alive for the iconic Columbus Day Parade. Join the Columbus Citizens Foundation for a stirring day of pageantry, tradition, and community—honoring history, culture, and the enduring contributions of Italian Americans in New York and beyond.
Fall Festival 2026
Dyckman Farmhouse Museum, 4881 Broadway, Inwood
Saturday, Oct. 17, 10 am – 3 pm
All ages
Free
This annual event returns with exciting new activities plus the all-time favorites. Unleash your inner artist with fall-inspired stop motion animations and mind-bending optical illusions, sip on apple cider fresh from the press, dance to live music from local musicians, test your skills on the lawn games, explore the historic Hessian Hut and the iconic Dyckman Farmhouse Museum free of charge, and more.
Harlem Stage KIDS DAY!
150 Convent Ave., Hamilton Heights
Saturday, Oct. 24, 10 am – 3 pm
All ages
Free
Advanced registration required
This joy-filled celebration created just for kids and families brings together live music, hands-on activities, and community spirit for an unforgettable afternoon. Don’t miss a special guest appearance by Gracie’s Corner, along with performances by Divi Roxx Kids, FYUTCH & Aura V, Lucy Kalantari and the Jazz Cats, Melissa Smith of Stemmiverse, and DJ Willy Wow, keeping the energy going all day long.
Bronx
Woodlawn Family Fun Day
Van Cortlandt Park, Broadway and Mosholu Ave., Van Cortlandt Park
Saturday, Oct. 3, 1 – 4 pm
All ages
Free
Bring the family out for face painting, nature walks, crafts, games, a performance by Shannon & John: Celtic and Americana Music Duo, and more.
Bronx Night Market
161st St. & Grand Concourse, Concourse
Friday, Oct. 10, noon – 7 pm
All ages
Free admission
Advanced registration required
This open-air food festival features 50+ vendors representing more than 40 countries, Bronx makers, and DJs, live bands and cultural performances all afternoon.
Brooklyn
University Settlement’s 140th Birthday Block Party
P.S. 133 William A. Butler School, 610 Baltic St., Park Slope
Saturday, Oct. 3, 11 am – 5 pm
All ages
Free
University Settlement, America’s first settlement house, invites New Yorkers of all ages to enjoy an afternoon of outdoor fun, music, games, art, food and community. Activities include a kickball tournament, carnival games, face painting, a DJ dance party featuring 90s hip hop, doo-wop and Motown, dance and music performances, a community art project, community resources, indoor art making and more. Plus, enjoy Jamaican patties, popcorn and ice cream while celebrating 140 years of University Settlement and the Brooklyn community.
Brooklyn Charter School Fair & Kids Activity Expo
Major R. Owens Health & Wellness Community Center, 1561 Bedford Ave., Crown Heights
Saturday, Oct. 3, noon – 3 pm
All ages
Free
Register in advance
The Brooklyn Charter School Fair & Kids Activity Expo, hosted by Brooklyn Family, will be a special afternoon where charter school representatives, afterschool programs, and community and family resources come together under one roof! Learn about Brooklyn charter schools, ask questions, and even complete same-day applications, while discovering afterschool activities, community resources, support services, health and wellness programs, and more. Plus, there will be plenty of fun to be had, including games, interactive activities, and giveaways for kids and families.
Nets Fest
Major R. Owens Health & Wellness Community Center, 1561 Bedford Ave., Crown Heights
Sunday, Oct. 4, noon – 4 pm
All ages
Free
Advanced registration required
The Brooklyn Nets will host Nets Fest, a free fan festival, bringing the team into the heart of Crown Heights on Eastern Parkway. Fans can enjoy appearances from current players and franchise alumni across the Main Stage and two basketball courts, plus scheduled autograph sessions and photo opportunities.
31st Annual Panamanian Parade
Parade begins at Franklin Ave. And Bergen St., Crown Heights
Saturday, Oct. 10, 10 am
All ages
Free
Be there for the largest Panamanian parade in the world, outside of the Republic of Panama, to celebrate and honor the leaders, educators, artists, and celebrities that have left a cultural footprint on this nation. The parade features a diverse range of participants, including community organizations, folkloric groups, schools, marching bands, and elected officials from the U.S. and Panamá.
Harvest Festival
Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 6 Liberty Lawn, 334 Furman St., Brooklyn Heights
Saturday, Oct. 17, 11 am – 3 pm
All ages
Free
Enjoy a day of autumnal fun for the whole family with live music, arts and crafts, storytelling, lawn games, face-painting, educational activities and more.
Fall Harvest Festival at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Ave., Crown Heights
Saturday, Oct. 24, 11 am – 5 pm
All ages
$17 – $38
Celebrate the fall season surrounded by some of Brooklyn’s most fabulous foliage. Enjoy live music, hands-on activities for families, and more. Come dressed in your best flannel—or a costume for an afternoon parade!
Queens
5th Annual Rockaway Dog Parade
94th Street Amphitheater, Beach 94th St. & Shorefront Parkway, Far Rockaway
Saturday, Oct. 3, noon – 2 pm
All ages
$5
The beach is going to the dogs in the best way possible with an unforgettable afternoon of costumes, community, music, and canine celebration. This year’s whimsical theme, “Under the Sea,” invites dogs and their humans to dress as mermaids, sailors, sea creatures, pirates, tropical fish, and ocean-inspired characters for one of New York City’s most joyful pet-friendly events.
Annual Woodhaven Street Fair
Jamaica Ave. from Woodhaven Blvd. to 80th St., Woodhaven
Sunday, Oct. 4, noon – 6 pm
All ages
Free
The fair will transform Jamaica Avenue into a vibrant street festival featuring live entertainment, exciting activities, and plenty of shopping!
Harvest Festival
The Vander Ende-Onderdonk House, 1820 Flushing Ave., Ridgewood
Sunday, Oct. 11, noon – 4 pm
All ages
$10; free for children younger than 12
Celebrate autumn with fun for the whole family, including complimentary pumpkins for kids (with advance registration of a free children’s ticket), arts & crafts, games, butter churning, apple pressing for cider, and more!
The College Point Street Fair
14th Ave. – 20th Ave. on College Point Blvd., College Point
Sunday, Oct. 18, 10 am – 5:30 pm
All ages
Free
Bring the family out for great food, fun games, shopping, and free rides!
Staten Island
8th Annual Lighthouse Point Fest
National Lighthouse Museum, 200 The Promenade at Lighthouse Point, St. George
Sunday, Oct. 4, noon – 5 pm
All ages
$3; free for children younger than 12
This fun-filled day for the whole family features live performing artists, a magician, and activities for kids. Your admission also includes entry to the National Lighthouse Museum, where you can explore the fascinating history of America’s lighthouses and the people who kept their lights shining. Plus, enjoy a delicious People’s Choice Soup Contest, featuring friendly competition between local international restaurants and fire departments. Sample the soups and cast your vote for your favorite!
Mt. Loretto Italian Festival
Mount Loretto, Hylan Blvd., Pleasant Plains
Oct. 9 – 12; see website for schedule
All ages
$5
Join Catholic Charities of Staten Island for the Italian Festival at The Mount! The event will feature rides and games, beer and sangria gardens, live music on stage, vendors, food, eating competitions and of course a fireworks spectacular on Saturday!
Healthy Path Foundation Fall Festival
Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, 1000 Richmond Terr., Randall Manor
Saturday, Oct. 17, noon
All ages
Free; $10 suggested donation.
This annual fall festival features local vendors and activities for kids. Discover how nutrition & physical activity go hand in hand in building lifelong health.
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