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24 low-budget ways to fall in love with NYC this autumn
By
Anthony Schneck
Published Sep 19, 2024
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Photo by Shelley Mulshine / Courtesy of Stone Street Oktoberfest
By
Anthony Schneck
Published Sep 19, 2024
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Fall in New York brings relief from summer's oppressive heat and humidity. It features apple- and pumpkin-flavored everything, it gives us Halloween and Thanksgiving, and it’s not murderously cold and windy outside yet.
Still, it’s nice to experience the simple pleasures of fall in the city without having to drain your bank account or rack up credit card debt. With that in mind, here are some of the best low-budget activities to put on your to-do list this fall.
Join the literati at the Brooklyn Book Festival, which kicks off Sept. 22
Courtesy Brooklyn Book Festival
Crack open a book at the Brooklyn Book Festival
Hang out with the literati at the Brooklyn Book Festival. It kicks off this year on Sept. 22 with events around the borough, but the marquee production is Festival Day, which is Sept. 29 at Borough Hall and nearby venues.
Hundreds of writers, including heavy-hitters like Judy Blume, Michael Cunningham and Lorrie Moore, have already been confirmed.
A scene from Japan Fes 2023.
Courtesy of Japan Fes.
Eat your way through JAPAN Fes
My hot take? It’s the best fes in New York City, hands down. More than 50 Japanese vendors will set up in various neighborhoods around the city, peddling delectable treats from the other side of the Pacific. Ramen, karaage (Japanese fried chicken), takoyaki (a dough ball often filled with octopus and pickled ginger), and sushi will be available on different days throughout the city. You can check out the full schedule, which runs through early November, here.
Who needs a car to see fall foliage? Central Park is a great option for leaf peeping.
Go leaf-peeping in (or near) the city
Leaf-peeping may sound like a crime, but it’s actually an enjoyable, free way to get out in nature and savor the colors of fall foliage. And if you think you need a car to escape the city and find the best autumn leaves, think again – plenty of places located in the city or just a train ride away offer fantastic foliage experiences.
Fort Tryon Park, Forest Park and Central Park are all great and easily accessible options with tons of trees. New York's foliage typically peaks in early November, but it’s a good idea to keep up with the parks department’s fall foliage page so you can be on top of your game this autumn.
Get haunted at Green-Wood Cemetery
New York’s most famous cemetery leans into its inherent spookiness in the fall. Some of the events it offers – including the popular Spirited Stroll – cost money. But many don’t, including the Death Cafe, which brings strangers together to discuss, well, death.
There’s also the free Game Night, featuring the Death Deck, where you draw cards designed to probe your deepest beliefs and fears. Then there’s the family-friendly Day of the Dead Family celebration, which will feature dances, costumes, altars, and music. There’s no reason NOT to be creeped out at Green-Wood this fall.
Courtesy New York Red Bulls
Cheer on the local soccer squads
Defending champs Gotham City FC have five home games this fall, with tickets available for as low as $15. The team plays at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey. NYCFC, meanwhile, still makes its home in Yankee Stadium's outfield. You can find tickets for less than $20, as long as you’re not attempting to see Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami team when they come to the Bronx.
The MLS' NY Red Bulls also play at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, though they only have a few home games left. Tickets are a bit pricier than those for Gotham City or NYCFC, but can still be had for around $36.
In a confusing twist, NYCFC will play its final two October “home” games in Harrison, because Yankee Stadium will be hosting baseball games. It looks like you’ll be taking the train to Harrison this fall.
Enjoy the harvest at NYC farmer’s markets
Yeah, you could go apple picking. That’s what EVERYONE does. But instead of paying for the privilege of picking the apples yourself, did you know that farmers will actually harvest their crops and sell them at markets around the city? So get out there and explore the harvest bounty on display at New York’s greenmarkets.
Union Square is the famous one, of course. Then there’s McCarren Park in Williamsburg, and the Carroll Gardens Greenmarket. Also… St. George Greenmarket on Staten Island… Forest Hills Greenmarket in Queens… Bronx Borough Hall! You can go to a farmer's market every day of the week with all the options available to you.
A scene from a previous year's Stone Street Oktoberfest.
Photo by Shelley Mulshine / Courtesy of Stone Street Oktoberfest
Say prost! At Oktoberfest
There are a ton of beer gardens and German bars around the city where you can grab a pint and soak up the party vibes. Stone Street in the Financial District puts on an official Oktoberfest street party, but bars also deliver an excellent festive experience. Loreley in Nolita is a good option, as is Bierhaus NYC in Midtown (if you don’t mind tourists). Spritzenhaus 33 in Williamsburg and Black Forest in Fort Greene will satisfy your hipster quota, or head down to the Clinton Hill outpost on Staten Island. But Astoria's Bohemian Hall is still the most legendary New York beer garden of all, and is definitely where you want to be to drink dunkels and listen to music all day and night.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, and around the city there will be parades, parties, and music to celebrate. The New York Public Library features a lineup for all ages including talks, classes and crafting activities. Head up to the Museum of Bronx History for a photo exhibition on 40 years of local Puerto Rican history, captured by six photographers known collectively as Seis del Sur … or check out the free Hispanic Museum and Library in Washington Heights. There are also smaller neighborhood events around the city, so keep an eye out for what’s happening near you!
Marianne Jean-Baptiste stars in Mike Leigh's latest film, "Hard Truths," which makes its U.S. premiere at this year's New York Film Festival.
Film at Lincoln Center / Courtesy of Bleeker Street
See new movies at the New York Film Festival
To be clear, attending some of the glitzier, high-visibility screenings or events at the New York Film Festival isn't exactly cheap. But you can usually find tickets for around $20 if you shoot for screenings of lesser-known movies and revivals. Here’s our list of what to see at the festival, which runs from Sept. 27 to Oct. 14..
Check out the holiday markets before the rush
Did you know that fall ends in late December? Wild, but true – just look at a calendar. That means many of the markets and special events associated with the holiday season in New York City will be up and running at some point this fall. You can go ice skating in Bryant Park starting in late October. Watch the tree lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center at the end of November. Browse the crafts at the Union Square holiday market.
Get up early for the Thanksgiving Day Parade
One of the longest-running fall traditions in New York City is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Everyone loves a giant balloon, don’t they? This year marks the 98th edition of the parade, which will take place on the morning of Nov. 28. Most of the giant balloons have yet to be confirmed, but you can expect a debut appearance of Extraordinary Noorah from the Elf on the Shelf universe.
The Whitney Museum is free on Friday nights and on the second Sunday of each month.
Photo by Nic Lehoux / Courtesy of the Whitney Museum of American Art
Hit up the Whitney Museum for free
One thing to look forward to at the Whitney this fall is "What It Becomes," an exhibit showcasing drawings from the museum's collection. You can get into the Whitney for free on Friday nights and on the second Sunday of each month. MoMA is free for NYC residents on the first Friday of the month from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and the Met is always pay-what-you-wish for New York residents.
Runners and spectators at the 2021 NYC Marathon.
Cheer for runners in the New York City Marathon
Although it's too late to sign up to run this year’s marathon, waking up early and posting up on the marathon route with a mimosa and some friends is always a good option. Bedford Avenue and Fourth Avenue in Brooklyn typically see plenty of action, with musicians and fans turning out to encourage the athletes. There are also several official watch zones in Manhattan along the race route. So get up early on Sunday, Nov. 3, to cheer and mingle with fellow New Yorkers.
A scene from the 2021 Village Halloween Parade.
Hang out in the Village for the Halloween Parade
The Greenwich Village Halloween Parade melds spectacle, chaos, drunken revelry, and Pride into New York City's premier Halloween event. Whether you want to see drag queens, sexy nurses, or NYU students trying desperately to get Mamoun’s Falafel, the Village Parade offers something for everyone. The 51st annual parade kicks off at 7 p.m. on Halloween, and runs from Canal Street to 15th Street along Sixth Avenue.
And while you can buy a ticket to march in the parade (there’s a special “Cat Ladies Unite” section this year) or donate to support the event, people-watching is entirely free.
Head to the Atlantic Antic Festival in Brooklyn
It’s a New York institution – it’s right there on the website! The 49th annual Atlantic Antic Festival goes down on Sept. 29 from noon to 6 p.m. on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn between Fourth and the Waterfront. It’s Brooklyn’s oldest street festival, and will feature a diverse offering of food, music, and entertainment throughout the day. Parents will appreciate the kids’ section, which has pony rides and bounce houses.
Dive into the history of graffiti at the Bronx Museum
New York City has long been a hotbed of street art, and this fall you can look back on the city’s rich graffiti tradition thanks to an exhibition at the Bronx Museum. It features a retrospective of the work of Futura 2000, who pioneered the art form and made a name for himself painting entire subway cars. Admission is free for everyone.
Vendor Thea Grant at the Brooklyn Flea in 2022. The market's operators are adding a new market this fall: the BQ Flea.
Sell – or buy – art and more at BQ Flea
A brand new flea market from the operators of Brooklyn Flea and Smorgasburg opens up under the BQE on Oct. 6. BQ Flea takes all that space under the BQE overpass on the Williamsburg-Greenpoint border and transforms it into a place where local vendors sell food, art, crafts, and vintage goods. It’s open every Sunday in October from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is still open to new vendors… especially anyone selling vintage rugs and furniture. Gather your wares and start wheeling and dealing!
Even more Frans at FranCon.
Scott Lynch for Gothamist
Dress up as Fran Lebowitz at FranCon
Who needs SantaCon? FranCon returns to the Holiday Cocktail Lounge for its fourth consecutive year. All you have to do is RSVP (recommended), dress up as famous New York curmudgeon Fran Leibowitz, and you’ll get to hang with like-minded, like-dressed people to talk and smoke real or candy cigarettes. This year will once again feature a “give one, take one” book exchange, so bring along that book you don’t want, but also don’t want to define you, and pick up a better one. Note: Fran Lebowitz herself is not invited. It’s happening Thursday, Oct. 24 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Holiday Cocktail Lounge in the East Village.
Boo! at the Zoo is back.
Photo by Julie Larsen Maher / Courtesy of the Bronx Zoo
Shout, “Boo!” at the Bronx Zoo
You don’t technically have to shout, “Boo!” but it could be fun if you did. Boo! at the Zoo returns to the Bronx Zoo on Saturdays and Sundays (plus Monday, Oct. 14) from Sept. 28 to Oct. 27. The family-friendly event invites visitors to dress up and explore the zoo after it’s been made-over with a Halloween theme. There will be face painting, stilt walkers parading in animal costumes, and a special Halloween maze for the first time this year. Tickets are regular daytime zoo admission, which costs $38 for adults and $29 for kids over 2.
If evening events are more your thing, you can check out the zoo’s Pumpkin Nights, which features 5,000 jack-o-lanterns in animal shapes. It’s open from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Sunday from Sept. 26 to Oct. 13, then it opens at 6:30 p.m. starting Oct. 17 through Oct. 27. Tickets run $35 for adults and $25 for kids, and children under 2 are free.
"The Chronicles of DOOM: Unraveling Rap’s Masked Iconoclast" by S.H. Fernando Jr. (also known as SKIZ) chronicles the hip-hop artist's life story.
Courtesy of Astra House
Celebrate the late, great MF Doom at Brooklyn Museum
MF Doom was one of hip-hop's most idiosyncratic, elusive and respected figures – to the point that the public didn’t find out he’d died until months after his death. At 7 p.m. on Halloween, the Brooklyn Museum will honor his legacy with a book signing and discussion surrounding a new biography of Doom by S.H. Fernando Jr. The night starts with a DJ set, followed by a conversation moderated by author Hanif Abdurraqib, then concludes with a book signing. Admission is $30 for members and $35 for non-members, and includes a copy of "The Chronicles of DOOM."
An aerial photo of the 2023 maze at the Queens County Farm Museum.
Courtesy Queens County Farm Museum
Trek through a maize maze in Queens
A labyrinth cut through corn crops is now open at the Queens County Farm Museum. This year, the Amazing Maize Maze is the shape of a butterfly to honor the museum’s status as a certified Monarch Waystation. Adult tickets are $14, and $10 for kids older than 3. The Maize Maze is open Fridays through Sundays until Oct. 26.
Get an extra dose of fall at the Queens Agricultural Fair
If you want even more fall fun at the fam, you can get tickets to the Queens Agricultural Fair, which runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct. 5 and 6. Admission plus maize maze access is $20, and you get to watch fun events like pie eating and corn husking contests.
"I Finished the Power Broker" mugs sell for around $20 at the New York Historical Society.
Kate Hinds / Gothamist
Finally read “The Power Broker"
Are you a New Yorker who doesn’t know how Robert Moses’ urban planning policies shaped an entire region? Have you never even heard of Robert Caro? Now is the time to educate yourself, as "The Power Broker" — Caro’s seminal biography of New York’s man-behind-the-curtain and the subject of a special installation at the New York Historical Society — turns 50. You can see the painstaking process Caro used to put together his profile of a government employee who wielded more power than governors and mayors during his 44 years on the job. The installation is open now through Feb. 2 – admission is pay-what-you-wish on Fridays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Historical Society also participates in Culture Pass, which means you can reserve free timed-entry tickets if you have a library card.
Get a "Nightmare Before Christmas" light experience at the New York Botanical Garden
One of the most enduring modern cultural representations of… Halloween? Christmas? Skeletons? is Tim Burton’s 1993 classic, "The Nightmare Before Christmas." This year, the New York Botanical Garden will illuminate the night with a themed light walk that will highlight all the classic characters from the stop-motion film, including Jack Skellington himself. Visitors will get a chance to see projections, sculptures, and brilliant light designs set against the garden's plant life.
The show runs from Sept. 27 to Nov. 30. Tickets start at $49 for adults, but if you get a group of four together, they go down to $39 per person. Kids 12 and under get tickets for $39.
If you can’t get enough of lights in botanical gardens, tickets are already on sale for the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s winter lightscape, which will open on Nov. 22.
Tagged
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art
Anthony Schneck
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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