Whether you want to party or prance on Halloween, chances are New York City has something for you.
From the legendary Village Halloween Parade to a corn maze in Queens to the seemingly endless dance parties happening this Halloweekend, here are 9 fun (and spooky) things to do around the city – good luck choosing!
Strut down Sixth Avenue for the Village Halloween Parade
The Greenwich Village Halloween parade, now in its 50th year, is a must-see, at least once. Famous for its oversized puppets, it takes place every year on Halloween. This year’s theme is Upside Down/Inside Out. The parade steps off at 7 p.m. on 6th Avenue at Canal Street, and all are welcome to march in costume toward 14th Street. The event is free. You can also watch along the route.
A scene from the 2021 Village Halloween Parade
Get groovy with the Ying Yang Twins in Bushwick
Whether you’re a hip-hop head, you only dance to house music, or you just love some good reggaeton, you’ll be able to find something at Elsewhere on Halloween. The Brooklyn club’s massive space features multiple rooms to support the stacked lineup, from Chilean neoperreo artist Tomasa del Real to hip-hop legends Ying Yang Twins. Come in costume or your best party outfit to dance under the pulsating colored lights. The event is 21+ and goes from 7 p.m. until late. Admissions starts at $50. You can learn more about the lineup and buy tickets here.
A scene from last year's Halloween party at Elsewhere in Brooklyn.
Photo by Luis Nieto Dickens / Courtesy of ElsewhereGet lost in a corn maze under the moon in Queens
For those seeking a slightly more meditative vibe, the Queens County Farm Museum holds its annual Maze by Moonlight every weekend in October. The well-known corn maze stays open after dark for visitors to navigate by flashlight. Mazegoers can head over to the Donut Shop and Cider Stand after finding their way out of the corn. Tickets are $18 and entrances are at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
See how long you can last at Staten Island’s spookiest Halloween attraction
At Hallow’s End, a pop-up haunted house in Staten Island located right by the ferry terminal, fright-seekers can opt to be chased by witches, accosted by creepy clowns, or simply plunge into a dark abyss. The venue features actors who are there to draw shrieks and screams from every participant. The attraction runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until Halloween. Tickets are around $40 per person and available for purchase online.
Feel some feelings at Hallow's End in Staten Island.
Enjoy live music at a brewery in the Boogie Down
On Thursday, Oct. 26, gear up for Halloweekend at the Bronx Brewery and listen to some spooky-styled jazz remixes by DJs Will Spliff and Pai Sho. The brewery’s open patio is the perfect spot to gather for some seasonal brews, including their pumpkin IPA or Oktoberfest lager. Costumes are encouraged and entrance is free. The music starts at 7 p.m.
You can enjoy live music and seasonal beer at the Bronx Brewery.
Ghost hunt your way through Brooklyn Heights
Boroughs of the Dead offers walking tours all over New York City, and "Haunted Brooklyn Heights" takes you through one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. You’ll learn the ghostly history of the area while visiting sites including the former home of horror legend H.P. Lovecraft. The neighborhood street lamps will illuminate the paths where these spirits supposedly frequent, and visitors will find the “Gate to Hell” from the famed 70’s horror flick "The Sentinel." The tour is Thursday, Oct. 26, at 7:30 p.m., and tickets start at $35.
Learn the ghostly history of New York City.
Solve a murder mystery and enjoy some jazz in Astoria
On Friday, Oct. 27, the Rabbit Hole bar in Astoria turns its second floor into a Prohibition-era speakeasy complete with jazz and burlesque, inviting audience members to solve a murder shrouded in scandal and lies. Guests should expect to dress up in their finest Gatsby-inspired outfits. After the mystery is solved, head downstairs to dance the night away with the DJ. Tickets start at $85 and include two cocktails and entrance to the show and dance party. You can learn more about “Murder Madness” here.
The Rabbit Hole in Astoria, Queens
Enjoy a “spooky” cocktail and some miniature golf
Swingers, a miniature golf venue, recently boosted its profile with an appearance on “Real Housewives of New York City.” The venue is a British import that elevates the game with grownup cocktails and a DJ. If you just wish to golf, you can buy a pass for $28. If you're feeling spendier, bottomless brunch starts at $90 and includes Halloween-themed cocktails like the Black Margarita, featuring agave, lime, tart raspberry and black simple syrup. Learn more here.
Head to a dog paw-ty in the East Village
Admittedly this takes place during the day, but it's worthy of any Halloween roundup: The 33rd Annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade is back by popular demand (and after some drama). It takes place on Oct. 21 at 12:30 p.m. Costumed dogs and their owners will promenade along Avenue B from 13th Street down to 7th Street. While marching in the parade is free, those who wish to compete must arrive by 12:30 p.m. sharp. You can learn more about this and other dog parades around town here.
