October has arrived at long last so bust out your sweaters and Halloween decorations, it’s time for spoiled NYC’s Spooktacular October Guide!
Tuesday, October 2nd
Game Night at Boulton and Watt’s (5 Avenue A, Lower East Side @ 6 PM)
Looking to get your game on, on a Tuesday? Look no further, since Boulton and Watt’s is hosting their Game Night every Tuesday starting October 2nd. Enjoy a game of Jenga, checkers, Monopoly, and more at this Lower East Side bar and restaurant. You can even bring your own games if you want!
Thursday, October 4th-Sunday, October 7th
New York Comic Con (655 W 34th St, Manhattan @ 7 AM)
New York Comic Con is the yearly nerd pilgrimage any self-respecting comic book fan has at least considered attending. If you can make it, you cannot miss out. Comic Con is known worldwide for its previews, sneak peeks, first looks, exclusive panels, and of course, the dealer’s room. Comic Con will bleed your wallet dry if you let it. Just be ready to wait in some long lines if you want a shot at meeting some of your favorite celebs of nerdom fame.
Wednesday, October 3rd-Monday, October 8th
The Mile-Long Opera (The High Line, Chelsea @ 7 PM)
The Mile-Long Opera: the biography of 7 o’clock is a project meant to share the stories and lives of hundreds of New Yorkers in the city that never sleeps. To quote the website about the project: “The work focuses on the changing meaning of 7:00 pm, the time the performance begins each evening, and a time that represents a transition from day to night, when people shift from one activity to the next. It is also a time traditionally associated with family, stability, and home, yet today, those associations are less predictable. The diverse stories told in The Mile-Long Opera are inspired by first-hand interviews with New Yorkers from all walks of life. Their individual experiences reflect unique ways of coping with the contemporary condition—anxiety, humor, nostalgia, vulnerability, joy, and outrage—that together form a biography of 7 o’clock.”
Monday, October 8th
Rockefeller Ice Rink Reopens (600 5th Ave, Midtown)
As the year winds down and the holiday season approaches New York slowly but surely transforms into the picturesque winter wonderland depicted in film upon cheesy film. That transformation has got to start somewhere (and some time) and that place and time is Rockefeller Ice Rink. The ice rink reopens Monday, October 8th so grab (or rent) your skates and get ready.
Friday, October 14th-Sunday, October 16th
The New York Coffee Festival (125 West 18th Street, Chelsea)
Coffee is the blood that keeps the city alive and deserves its weekend-long festival. Check out the New York Coffee Festival and celebrate everyone’s favorite hot beverage. Get the inside scoop of what’s new and exciting for coffee coming up and learn about the most artisan ways to make the perfect cup. And of course, enjoy some really good coffee!
Tuesday, October 16th
Urban Bush Women: Talk 'Trane (647 Fulton Street, Brooklyn)
Get behind the scenes of Walking With Trane with Talk’ Trane presented by the Urban Bush Women. The composer of Walking With Trane George Caldwell will share excerpts from the soundtrack of Walking and how he gained his inspiration and interpretation of Coltrane’s work. Attendees will also get a chance to dance along with Caldwell’s piano work and watch as the Urban Bush Women do the same.
Sunday, October 21st
Chelsea Film Festival (208 W 23rd St, Chelsea @ Assorted times)
New films, new actors and raw talent?!
Highlighting the work of emerging actors and filmmakers, this is a film festival that intends to portray the ever-changing culture of film. The non-profit CFF focuses on showcasing films that shed light on important global issues and current events, using the opportunity to meld talent, passion, and service.
Monday, October 22nd
Taste The City’s Best (269 St 11th Avenue, West Village @ 7 PM)
Enjoy wine, oysters, steaks, and cocktails prepared by the food industry elites!
Tickets are a bit pricey, but they include open bar and unlimited food from all of the chefs. The menu is vast, including more than 40 different chefs and mixologists, representative of many restaurants and cuisine style. Serious foodies with a taste for the glamorous might want to hurry up and snag their ticket to this exclusive dinner.
Tuesday, October 23rd
Through A Different Lens: Stanley Kubrick Photographs (1220 5th Avenue 103rd Street, East Harlem @ 10 AM)
Timeless moments, captured during day and night!
There’s a habit we New Yorkers sweep under the rug: people watching! In this revealing and raw collection, Kubrick’s collection of photographs from his time working at “Look” magazine, viewers can see life through his lens. The exhibit will run through the month, get your tickets while you can!
Wednesday, October 24th
Food And Film Festival (172 Norfolk St, Lower East Side @ 5 PM)
The 12th annual Food And Film Festival is coming back to New York City.
This year’s festival will start off with exclusive content from CNN’s Original series, “Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown.” Other film and content on the schedule will bridge the gaps between political, cultural, social conditions and cuisine right in the city.
Thursday, October 25th
Photography Expo (655 W 34th St, Manhattan @ 10 AM)
A crash course on flashbulb photography and digital imagery? Sign me up!
With social media, video and media coverage on the rise, this expo is a must-attend for many professionals and amateurs alike. The participants include leading innovators in photography, video and digital imaging and nearly 200 exhibitors. Those attending can choose to test out new gadgets, sit in for workshops, educational seminars or check out the master's classes.
Friday, October 26th
The Halloween Masquerade Ball (605 W 48th St, Hell’s Kitchen @ 9 PM)
Drinks, wigs, and masks for the win!
Get your ticket to the Halloween Masquerade Ball, and fill up on all the theatrics! This is no normal party. Guests will be adorned with their greatest costumes, masks and accessories, Venetian style. If you’re interested in a cold drink, a side of seduction and a case of mistaken identity, this nighttime extravaganza might be your type of celebration.
Friday, October 26th-Sunday, October 28th
Day of the Dead by Mano a Mano (131 E 10th St, East Village @ 12 PM)
Mano a Mano: Mexican Culture Without Borders presents their annual Day of the Dead celebration at St. Mark’s Church-In-The-Bowery. Take the time to remember and revere passed relatives and family members during the festival and celebrate their lives with food, dance, poetry, music, and more. Mano a Mano presents the event free of charge but do consider donating to continue supporting local Mexican culture in NYC.
Saturday, October 27th
Great Pupkin Dog Costume Contest (Washington Park St, Brooklyn @ 10:30 AM)
A parade’s worth of paws and perfect costumes!
We’ve had plenty of costume contests in our day, but have they been full of adorable pups?! This annual costume competition invites viewers into Fort Greene Park to celebrate the season with other animal lovers. There is no cuter way to get festive for Halloween than bringing your four-legged friend over to spectate or participate.
Sunday, October 28th
Tour De Bronx (Grand Concourse at 164th Street, Bronx @ 8:30 AM)
A long meditative workout in an open group setting, plus a complimentary shirt and live music?
Since 1994, this tourism focused bike ride has been letting health conscious explorers explore the most scenic areas in the Bronx. You’ll be amongst other bikers, helmeted and hydrated, guided by one well-educated leader as you view waterways, iconic neighborhoods, and landmarks!
Monday, October 29th
Elite Art Fair (643 Park Avenue, Lenox Hill @ 12 PM)
Inside the fine art, sculpture and design showcase by TEFAF (The European Fine Art Fair), visitors will view pieces that have passed the 29 category criteria for authenticity and quality. It’s a fantastic showcase to explore, with the chance to see all the fine art and antiques from antiquity to 1920.
Tuesday, October 30th
Carmen: An Opera (30 Lincoln Center Plaza, Upper West Side @ 7 PM)
Opening night is sure to deliver lots of attitude and talent!
Get a ticket to Carmen, an opera all about seduction, passion, and turmoil. George Bizet’s story follows the blossoming connection between a gypsy and a corporal. Class differences, family history and social circumstances all weigh down on the future of the pair.
Wednesday, October 31st
Village Halloween Parade (6th Avenue North of Spring Street, The Village @ 7 PM)
The annual Halloween parade welcomes creative spirits from all over the city to participate or spectate. The parade is filled with audio, visual and performance art to engage with and tons of festive costumed folk. It is a free event and monumental tradition to see every year!
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