“Autumn in New York, why does it seem so inviting?” So goes the classic song by Billy Holiday…and we couldn’t agree more. Every fall in New York, the trees turn dazzling colors, and the cultural calendar heats up, making it a wonderful time to spend time in NYC.
There’s so much to see, experience and savor, we’ve put together this list of the highlights of Autumn in New York.
Fall Culture in NYC
After a summer hiatus, New York’s renowned cultural institutions return with new seasons.
Opera, orchestras and ballet
At Lincoln Center, the Metropolitan Opera presents new productions and classic revivals, showcasing the world’s greatest stars of opera. Take a look at what´s on, or book a backstage tour if you want to see behind the scenes.
Every fall, The New York Philharmonic launches their new season, bringing world-class orchestral music back to the city after the summer break. Audiences can look forward to a fresh program of classic symphonies, innovative new works, and appearances by some of the most celebrated conductors and soloists.
The New York City Ballet also returns from its summer break with a rich repertory season. The company continues to perform at the David H. Koch Theater, showcasing their core classical and contemporary repertoire. For more details of the programme, check out their seasonal calendar.
A holiday classic: The Nutcracker at the New York City Ballet. Photo: NYCB
Theatrical productions and musicals
Another place on the hitlist is Carnegie Hall, which will host some of the world’s finest musical ensembles and artists in its three concert halls. Show tickets and guided tours are available for as little as $23.
Autumn in New York means that theaters on Broadway open up a new season with lots of new plays and shows. There are 41 official Broadway theaters in the Theater District (roughly between 41st and 54th Streets, and between Sixth and Eighth Avenues). The easiest way to find out more details, news and listings for the new Broadway season is to check out Playbill.com.
There are also lots of excellent theatrical offerings produced off Broadway as well. Off Broadway Week gives you a chance to enjoy the shows with 2-for-1 tickets. Or, if you are happy to go with the flow and book last minute, you can bag $20 tickets 20 minutes before the curtain rises with 20at20.
Fall Festivals in NYC
Film festivals
Organized by the Film Society of Lincoln Center, the New York Film Festival will screen classics, documentaries, full-length features, and host special events. In addition, the eclectic Coney Island Film Festival offers innovative shorts, campy classic features and some wild parties.
Arts festivals
Brooklyn Academy of Music’s annual Next Wave Festival presents an abundant roster of avant-garde music, theater, opera and dance, as well as artist talks and events. The DUMBO Arts Festival is an annual celebration that includes galleries, stages and installations, with poets, dancers and buskers performing indoors and on the streets.
Fall Nature in NYC
Fall Foliage
New York’s parks will be ablaze as their trees burst with vibrant colors. Some of the best spots in the city for savoring the seasonal colors include Prospect Park, Fort Tryon Park, Staten Island’s Greenbelt, and, of course, Central Park. See our guide to NYC’s Fall Foliage for more details.
If you want to get out of town and take in the technicolor scenery, there are a number of options for you to experience.
I Love NY Fall Foliage publish a map and updates showing the status of leaf color across New York State. NY Waterway’s “Shades of Autumn” cruises offer Hudson River foliage cruises (2-hour and 4-hour options). Moreover, Metro-North Railroad provide access to Hudson Valley destinations which are favorable for autumn leaf-peeping, and stops like Poughkeepsie link you to attractions like the Walkway Over the Hudson.
Harvest activities
Queens County Farm Museum presents harvest-themed activities throughout October. The Pumpkin Patch is a fall staple where visitors can pick pumpkins and stroll the farm grounds and also enjoy the Amazing Maize Maze. The seasonal harvest / fall celebrations include special fall decor, food vendors, family-friendly activities, and hayrides (weather permitting).
Another option at this time of year is Decker Farm, in Staten Island’s Historic Richmond Town. It´s origins date back to circa 1810, and the farmhouse and property have historical significance. During the autumn season, you can pick pumpkins, tour the 200-year-old grounds, see farm animals and enjoy hayrides.
NYC Holidays and Events
Food festivals
City foodies have many reasons to welcome the coming of autumn. Annual food festival include the New York City Wine & Food Festival (NYCWFF), Pig Island Barbecue Festival at Snug Harbor, and OktoberFest NYC at Watermark with German‐style food, beer, and entertainment.
Halloween
It will come as no surprise that New Yorkers love Halloween. In fact, the Halloween holiday is celebrated throughout the whole month of October, not just on 31st! Some of the highlights include the New York Botanical Garden’s Pumpkin Patch, Coney Island Halloween Parade, and park events like the Central Park’s Pumpkin Sail. Greenwich Village is a also a favorite neighborhood with its historic streets decorated for Halloween.
Of course, the climax of the festivities is the Village Halloween Parade, the world’s largest Halloween bash. However, if you are brave, there is also a creepy way to experience the Halloween season, by visiting one of the cities most haunted locations.
The New York City Marathon
The New York City Marathon takes place on the first Sunday in November. It spans all five NYC boroughs en route to the finish line in Central Park. Around 50,000 people run it each year, and millions come to watch and cheer on the runners.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Last but not least, The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is also a beloved spectacle that brings millions to the streets of Manhattan. Take the opportunity to see celebrities, Broadway performers, clowns, marching bands, floats and enormous floating balloons, all in one place. The inflating of the massive balloons the night before the parade is a wonderful Thanksgiving tradition as well.
FAQ´s – Autumn in New York City
What is the weather like?
Autumn in NYC (September–November) usually brings mild, crisp weather. Temperatures range from around 55–75°F (13–24°C) in September to 40–60°F (4–16°C) in November. A light jacket or layers are recommended.
Are prices higher during the fall?
Yes, fall is peak season for travel to NYC, especially around Halloween, the Marathon, and Thanksgiving. Hotel rates and airfare are often higher, so booking in advance can save money. However, dining and attractions cost the same year-round and many fall events, like the Central Park Pumpkin Sail or watching the Macy’s Parade, are free. Discount Broadway tickets are another way to experience the city without overspending.
If all this sounds enticing but you are not sure where to start, then consider taking a walking tour around the city’s top landmarks and historic neighborhoods. From our Statue of Liberty Express Tour to the yummy Lower East Side Food & History Tour, our local guides will provide lively and historic insight into what makes this city so wonderful.
