As badly as we wanted it to stay summer forever, it looks as if fall is officially upon us.
But there's plenty out there to lift your spirits this October– and it's not all just pumpkins and Trick or Treats!
Whether you're a foodie, a film buff, or even just a hardcore party animal, you're sure to find something exciting to do on our round up of the season's most awesome events.
So you now have no absolutely no excuse not to get your party on this October– just make sure to stay safe enough that you don't have to come back as a zombie to read our November recs!
[anad]
1. The Food Film Festival (October 19th-22nd)
The 11th Annual Food Film Festival has arrived! This event has mastered a very particular form of entertainment. Festival-goers will be watching films about certain types of food, while simultaneously tasting the dishes they are observing. Clearly, they want us to really get the full experience!
It's like those times you'd watch a commercial or a cooking show and say to yourself, "oh god that looks so good. I wish it was being served to me right this very second." Well here we are, it's happening!
The multi-day festival will hold a number of screenings and tastings, check out the schedule here, and buy those tickets!
2. Cider Week NYC (October 20th-29th)
We can't say no to sipping some delicious cider in that brisk, Autumn air. NYC is bringing us this week-long craft cider celebration, with tastings, dinners, and even cider classes at various locations around the city.
The week will bring us a variety of events from a kickoff Cider/Beer fest at Eataly, to a naked Flock Cider Tasting.
Check out the schedule for the week!
3. DoSomething Social Impact Bootcamp (October 21st)
Are you ready to change the world? If so, you may want to apply to join 150+ other young leaders at the DoSomething.org’s Social Impact Bootcamp!
This enlightening event will run from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m, and offers attendees a choice of 12 sessions with experienced leaders as well as includes a panel discussion, networking, keynote speakers and even a speed pitching session where you'll have a shot at pitching your ideas to some senior industry greats.
Applications are due by October 3rd, and selected attendees should be notified by the 8th!
4. Brew Hop 5K (October 21st)
Feel like running a 5k? Ok, what if you knew there was a kicka$$ party, and unlimited tastings from over 15 local craft breweries waiting for you at the finish line? If you're at all motivated, then you may want to snag a ticket to this year's Brew Hop 5k at Randall Island Park!
Proceeds from the event will benefit Oceanic Global, and all participants will receive a gift at the finish line, with special merch packages available for the top three finishers. Check in starts at 10 am, and the race itself will begin at noon.
The festivities, which will include live music, food vendors, a photo booth, and lawn games along with the brews, will continue 'til 4 p.m. And if even the promise of booze can't get you to put on your running shoes, we totes won't judge you for skipping out on the exercise and heading straight to one of these other awesome Oktoberfest events.
There's always next year, right?
5. 27th Annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade (October 21st)
Suit up your pup and head to Tompkins Square Park for the largest dog costume parade in the world. From 12 p.m. to 3 p.m, witness these doggos let their alter-egos shine in some of the cutest and most creative outfits you've ever seen. The competition is fierce for these canines— dog eat dog, some might say— and the top fashionistas win thousands of dollars in prizes.
No pup? No problem. Witness the dogs strut their stuff— no registration required!
6. Taste of the Seaport (October 21st)
This year will be the 8th Annual Taste of the Seaport, the family food festival hosted by The Howard Hughes Corporation.
From 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM, you can experience a delicious spread from the best local and Lower Manhattan Vendors, as well as carefully selected entertainment from local talent. Musical performances, face-painting, and even a raffle giving away a number of exciting experiences including two round trip, domestic flights on JetBlue.
AND all proceeds from the event go towards art and enrichment programs at two local schools; P.S. 397 The Spruce Street School and P.S. 343 The Peck Slip School!
The event will be held at the Seaport District on Front Street between Fulton Street and Peck Slip.
7. Boutique Bazaar: Halloween Market (October 22nd)
Scared that you'll have nothing boo-tiful to wear come Halloween weekend? Well fear no more! House of Yes will be hosting a sprawling Halloween edition of their Boutique Bazaar to serve all your seasonal fashion needs.
From 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., the venue will be abuzz with tons of vendors of everything from crafts to costumes, and cocktails will be available at the bar to help you through the browsing process. Entry is free, just register here!
8. New York Television Festival (October 23rd-28th)
Ever wanted to get involved in the television industry but never knew how to get your foot in the door? Then check out this year's New York Television Festival! This event aims to foster development among independent television artists and to connect them with networks, studios, agencies, production companies, and brands.
You can browse the list of this year's screenings and events here, and keep an eye out for next year if you want to submit a pilot yourself!
9. Uptown Forever Ladies' Night (October 26th)
This monthly party for those at the top of the map returns with a night of music, drinking, dancing and all kinds of shenanigans. But this time, they're focusing on the ladies.
Music artists Rodney Hazard, Silky Black, Grand Dru and other special guests host this party at 221 Dyckman Street.
Featuring games, a live DJ lineup and adult beverages, the party starts at 8 p.m. so don't be late!
10. NYC Horror Film Festival (October 26th-29th)
Hoping to get some screams in this Halloween season? You can get 4 days and over 50 film's worth at the Cinepolis Chelsea as part of the NYC Horror Film Festival!
Located at 260 West 23rd Street, this event will feature screenings of dozens of independent horror films and culminate in an awards ceremony honoring the best of the best. Also on the agenda this year is an appearance by genre Lifetime Achievement Award honoree Brad Dourif, a Golden Globe winner for One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.
Take a look at the schedule here!
11. STILLDRMN Volume 5 (October 27th)
The latest installment of the monthly series Still Dreaming, this night brings party and performance into one intimate setting.
Head over to 224 Manhattan Avenue for live contemporary hip-hop and R&B performances by artists Rodney Hazard, Silky Black and other rising stars. The party starts at 10 p.m. and doesn't stop until 4 a.m. Doors open at 9 p.m. and get your $10 tickets in advance because they're $15 at the door!
There's even free pizza to sweeten the deal!
12. Black Art Matters The Pop Up (October 28th)
Looking for a socially conscious way to get your groove on? You may be interested in this worldwide pop-up showcasing the work of artists of color.
Taking place at a TBA location in Brooklyn from 4-11 p.m, for a suggested donation of $10 at the door, you'll be able to enjoy visual art installations and displays, live DJ sets and performances, a business card exchange, raffles, and more! RSVP or submit your work at this email address!
13. Monster Ball 2017 (October 28th)
Looking forward to someplace to dance the night away and show off your bangin' new costume? Look no further than Stage 48's Monster Ball!
Running from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at 605 West 48th street, this epic bash will feature a costume contest with an $1,000 cash prize along with live DJ sets from some of the best in a "high-fashion" atmosphere that spans 50,000 square feet, three floors, and several expansive bars. Grab your tickets here!
14. Wizard Fest 2017 (October 28th)
Always dreamed of getting that Hogwarts letter? You're in luck. From 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. at White Eagle Hall at 337 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, you can put on your best dress robes, and get insane like you just passed your O.W.L.s at this Harry Potter-themed bash.
Try your hand at Quidditch pong, compete for cash prizes in a costume contest, or maybe just sip on Firewhiskey, Butterbeer, and other themed cocktails until you forget you're a muggle. Grab your tickets now!
15. Chihuly (Until October 29th)
The Chihuly Exhibit at the Bronx Botanical Garden is an incredibly exciting and jaw-dropping experience, to add a bit of artistic culture to your schedule this October. Beautiful and completely unique works by the renowned artist; Dale Chihuly. And on the weekends there will be special events including exclusive film celebrations, poetry readings, and even crafts/activities for kids.
Bring your camera! And be sure to check it out at night, when all the artworks displayed in the garden are lit up!
16. Village Halloween Parade (October 31st)
Don't miss out on one of New York City's most fun and most notorious October events! Anyone in a costume is free to join in the 44th Annual Village Halloween Parade. If you want to participate in the trek and be eligible to win a prestigious best costume prize, all you have to do is show up at 6th Ave and Canal Street between 6:30 and 8 pm.
If not, feel free to watch the action from the comfort of your street clothes on 6th Avenue North of Spring Street to 16th Street from 7:00pm-10:30pm or from the comfort of your home on channel NY1 from 8 pm-9:30pm.
If you're still deciding on a costume and want to tailor your approach, this year's theme is Cabinet of Curiosities: An Imaginary Menagerie. 21+ afterparty to follow!
[Feature Image Courtesy morningagclips]