Falling for NYC: Fall Events in New York City

Food and Drinks

One of the best parts about fall is the food. The late summer harvests provide the freshest ingredients to bake the most delectable treats. Many of us wait all year long to sip a pumpkin spice latte or bite into an apple cider donut. There’s no denying that autumn is the peak eating season, so if you consider yourself a foodie, here are some New York City food festivals you don’t want to miss.

Feast of San Gennaro

Indulge in the feast of all feasts in Little Italy. The feast celebrates the life and martyrdom of San Gennaro, the patron saint of Naples. How did an Italian saint become such a big part of life in New York? Because the Italian immigrants who settled on the lower-east side of Manhattan decided to preserve their culture. Starting with a block party in 1926, the Feast of San Gennaro continued to grow, becoming the grand tradition it is today!

New York City Wine and Food Festival

This one is a mouthful, literally. The New York City Wine and Food Festival (NYCWFF) is a massive, multi-day event that showcases the world’s best chefs, wine and spirit producers, culinary personalities, and more! Even better, the NYCWFF supports a good cause! The festival supports God’s Love Deliver, a program that produces life-sustaining meals and nutritional counseling for New Yorkers living with severe illnesses.

Oktoberfest

Can’t fly out to Germany this year? No problem! New York City has an Oktoberfest to rival Berlin. Though it’s called “Oktoberfest”, this annual festival actually begins in September. Try authentic German beers, food, music, and games. Despite its reputation as a beer-focused celebration, Oktoberfest is a family-friendly event. All ages are welcome to join in the fun!

Arts and Culture

New York City is considered one of the most important hubs of arts and culture in the world. The city’s diverse population and thriving art scene drive creativity and innovation in many fields. The city has been a haven for the creative and ambitious for centuries. From starving artists to industry leaders, New York is still the place to see and be seen.

Fashion Week

New York Fashion Week is the most important semi-annual event in the fashion world. Designers from around the world come to showcase their newest collections on a grand scale.  Designers, models, stylists, critics, and celebrities can all be found at this star-studded event. Even if you don’t make it to a runway show, you can still catch some of the city’s best dressed strutting the streets of  Manhattan’s Fashion District.

New York Film Festival

Get your popcorn ready for the New York Film Festival. Every fall the festival highlights the best films and filmmakers from around the world. Learn from the best in the business with free talks and round table events open to the public. Catch special screenings at the Lincoln Center and other venues during this annual 2-week event. Get tickets for your choice viewings of festival darlings this year before they are all gone!

New York City Marathon

The countdown has already begun for the New York City Marathon. Every year thousands of people flock to New York to participate in the world’s largest marathon. Some run for charity, others for glory, and many others run for personal achievement. No matter their reason for running, New Yorkers are proud to support these athletes all along their 26-mile journey. It really is a sight to see!

United Nations General Assembly

This may seem like an odd one to add to the list, but nothing says “World Stage” like the United Nations. The General Assembly is the annual event in which all 193 representatives attend. Due to the large number of VIPs, and the sensitive topics that they may be discussing, the assembly hall is not open to the public. However, the hall and chamber can be viewed as part of a guided tour. Live coverage is also available on UN Web TV. If you’re lucky, you may be able to spot some of the representatives around the city between meetings.

Holiday Parades

As the leaves change color and the temperatures drop, that’s when the holiday season starts. New York is known for its large parades, and autumn is the time of year when some of the biggest take place. You’ve likely seen them on TV, so why not see them in person? Here are a couple of New York’s biggest fall parades. 

Columbus Day and Indigenous People’s Day Parades

Let’s start off with the most controversial: the Columbus Day Parade. Over the years this holiday has become less about the man it’s named after and more about celebrating Italian-American heritage. Despite the controversy over the parade’s name, it remains an important fixture in New York’s Italian-American community. Its counterpart, the Indigenous People’s Day Parade, is an event that honors the diverse cultures of those indigenous to the Americas. Though not as large as the established Columbus Day Parade, this event has been growing in popularity.

Village Halloween Parade

There is no bigger Halloween Party than the annual Village Halloween Parade. Unlike most parades, the Village Halloween Parade encourages as much public participation as possible. Why just watch when you can march?  Everyone is invited to join in; all you need is a costume with a mask! The parade is held on Halloween evening, rain or shine. So, grab your costume and mask, and have some fun!

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

What’s more synonymous with the holiday season than the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? Nothing, because this event has been kicking off the Christmas season for nearly a century. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade isn’t just a New York tradition. From the beloved big balloons to Santa’s sleigh, this iconic event has become as big a part of American culture as apple pie and student loans. If you really want to feel the holiday spirit, you should join the cheering crowds in person.

Sights Around New York

New York is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. From the famous skyline and architecture to the parks and the people, there’s always something to see in the city. While you can’t do it all, here are a few ways to view the New York sights this fall.

September 11th Memorial and Museum 

On a somber note, September is the ideal time to remember the tragedy of 9/11. For many Americans, especially New Yorkers, this is a day that forever changed their lives. The Memorial Museum tells the story of September 11th through media, artifacts, and personal narratives. You can honor those lost by reading names and leaving flowers at the memorial.  You can also celebrate the resilience of the survivors at The Survivor Tree.

Open House New York

If you love learning, this event is perfect for you. Open House New York is meant to “Unlock the City” and provide access to places, people, projects, and systems of New York. This program offers insider looks at the inner workings of the city. With over 300 sights and 1,300 tours available, guests can participate in boat tours, scavenger hunts, public policy talks, and more.

Fall Foliage Viewing

Have you ever noticed that some of the most iconic scenes in rom-coms were filmed at Central Park in the fall? That’s because autumn in New York is one of the most beautiful sights to see. Beginning in late September, the leaves around the city start to change color. The vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds of the fall foliage create a kaleidoscope of color in the parks. They also add a cozy, vintage feel to the cityscape that makes amazing photos for your socials.