NYC Insider Guide 2021 October Events Calendar
New York City Events October 2021 include New York Comic Con, Giants and Jets football, Nets and Knicks basketball, Wine & Food Festival, Halloween, Columbus Day Parade. Broadway is Back and Metlife Stadium is at at full capacity this season. Aint Too Proud, Girl From The North Country, Jagged Little Pill, Phantom of the Opera, Tina (Turner) and more shows return to the stage this month while the long awaited Mrs. Doubtfire premieres.
As October is usually the beginning of fall in NYC, the leaves, especially in Central Park, are just glorious and the first hints appear the holiday season is just around the corner. The whole city is gearing up for Halloween and lightweight coats are the dress code. If we’re lucky, the NY Yankees are on their way to the World Series and the NY Giants and NY Jets are doing well so far in football season.
Add your event to the New York City Events Activities October calendar.
Top NYC October Events
- More Broadway Shows Reopen
- Halloween in NYC
- New York Giants & Jets
- New York Comic Con
- un/mute Contemporary Art Exhibition
- Fall Foliage Cruises and Day Trips
- Summit One Vanderbilt Opens
- Ice Skating Rinks Open
- New York Film Festival
- Harry Styles: Harryween Fancy Dress Party
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October Featured Events and Businesses
Hot Sellers This Month
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Take a Fall Foliage Cruise or Trip
With dozens of discount tickets available, you can't miss with a trip in or out of the city to see the fall leaves in their glorious autumn colors. Take to the river and join Classic Harbor on one of their classic sailboats and head north up the Hudson River to take in the beautiful fall foliage.
More Fall Foliage Trips
- New York Fall Foliage Tours - helicopters, Circle Line: Bear Mountain Full-Day Cruise and more options
- Bear Mountain Fall Foliage Cruise - all day upstate cruise and onboard Oktoberfest with music, food and beer specials. Oktoberfest Cruise usually runs Saturdays and Sundays Sept-Nov.
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NYC October Sports
Make sure to add a NYC Game Day to your NYC vacation – it’s an absolute MUST in NYC! To many New Yorkers, Fall Equals the Holy Grail of Sports and this is why it is their favorite of the four seasons. It is possible to watch NINE NY Sports team live in October!!!!
- Giants and Jets Football Schedules
- NY Rangers Hockey @ MSG
- NY Islanders Hockey @ Nassau Coliseum
- NY Knicks @ MSG
- Brooklyn Nets @ Barclays
- Yankees Tickets and Schedule
- Mets Tickets and Schedule
- NYCFC Tickets and Schedule
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Free un/mute Contemporary Art Exhibition
September 22, 2021 - January 7, 2022
Free Admission, 7 days per week, 10am-6pm
Austrian Cultural Forum New York
11 E 52nd St, New York, NY 10022
On view at the Austrian Cultural Forum New York and Undercurrent, un/mute Contemporary Art Exhibition is the culmination of two online residencies launched in 2020 to provide European and NYC-based artists an opportunity for critical exchange and collaboration during the COVID-19 global pandemic. The free exhibition features sculptures, installations, films, drawings, photographs, and performances created by artists who confronted the parameters imposed by the lockdowns and found creative solutions from which we all might learn. More Info: un/mute Contemporary Art Exhibition
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Where to Stay during Fall in New York City
Fall is the perfect time to check into one of our hotels with an awesome roofdeck, free bicycles and/or right next to Central Park. Few activities in NYC are better than riding your free bike a few blocks into Central Park to see the fall foliage and having a snack at Tavern on the Green or the Boathouse.
NYC Hotels with Free Bicycles
If had to pick my FAVORITE way to explore NYC, it would be on bicycle! Don't miss out on your choice of NYC hotels with free bicycles, allowing you to explore hidden nooks of NYC you can't see any other way. Some of our top value picks include:
- Jane Hotel - Top NYC Budget Hotel, Right on West Side Bike Path
- Hyatt Union Square - stay in the center of Manhattan
- The Maritime Hotel - Hip Meatpacking District, Amazing Rooftop Cabanas
See the Insider Guide for dozens more NYC Hotels with Free Bicycles.
Central Park NY Hotels
These are NYC Insider hand picked hotels that are not just “near” Central Park, as most NYC hotels claim to be…but on the Park itself, either Central Park South, Central Park West or Fifth Ave. Many other hotels are nearby, or within a few blocks, but these are the closest, and all offer Park views from select rooms.
Some of our top value picks near Central Park include:
See the Insider Guide for dozens more Central Park NY Hotels and download our free Central Park map at Central Park NY Guide
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Summit One Vanderbilt Opens
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, NYC’s newest observation deck, is a 65,000 square foot, four-level entertainment space next to Grand Central. The experience is "a new, innovative destination that combines unparalleled vistas, curated multi-sensory experiences and cutting-edge technology to offer an unprecedented guest experience spanning art, nature, and design," offering an all glass elevator, indoor and outdoor observation decks with glass floors, Danny Meyers hospitality and much more.
Summit opens October 21st and tickets are on sale now. More Info: summitov.com
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New York Comic Con
October 7-10, 2021
Jacob Javits Center
11th Avenue at 35th Street
The East Coast’s largest and most exciting popular culture convention, letting you see and be seen with the latest and greatest in comics, graphic novels, anime toys, movies and television.
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Hotels Near NYC Javits Center
Coming to town for the Boat Show, Comic Con, Motorcycle Show, NYT Travel Show, BroadwayCon, International Toy Fair, Restaurant and Food, The Auto Show, Chocolate Show or any one of dozens of fashion, technology or other industry shows? If your goal is to work hard, play harder, you'll definitely want to stay as close to the Javits Center as possible. Here are our top picks for Hotels Near NYC Javits Center.
- Ink48 Hotel - about 10 blocks from Javits Center, right next to the Intrepid Museum and my ALL time favorite rooftop! (photo)
- Midtown Convention Center Hotel - the closest hotel to the JC, less than a block away. Small, clean rooms, geared towards convention exhibitors and attendees.
- Renaissance New York Midtown Hotel - new "digitally enhanced" hotel in Garment District, 15 min walk to JC, modern, though modest.
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Secret NYC Insider Tours
Explore our subways secrets with a local guide, go behind-the-scenes at the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, uncover surprising gems and historical tales of Grand Central Station, cocktail your way through Manhattan’s best and most secretive speakeasies and much more!
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Things To Do in New York in October
The best Things To Do in New York in October range from catching the tail end of our most popular outdoor activities and excursions to escaping the city for fall foliage cruises and apple picking. Some of our top October picks include:
- Fall Foliage Cruises – Take to the river and join Classic Harbor for the last leaves of fall. Jump aboard one of their classic sailboats and head north up the Hudson River to take in the beautiful fall foliage.
- NYC Ghost & Vampire Tours – Choose from dozens of spine-chilling, haunted and murderous NYC landmarks and neighborhoods. Take an East Village or West Village Gangster Ghost Pub Crawl, learn about the Ghosts of Greenwich Village and much more.
See All: Things To Do in New York in October
More New York City Events October
- New York African Restaurant Week – Oct 9-10, 2021
- Spooktacular Night Walks @ The Bronx Zoo – family and 21+
- Garment District Arts Festival
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Comedians with Ghost Stories
Thursday, Oct 21, Doors 9:00 PM, show 9:30 PM
Caveat
21 A Clinton Street, Manhattan 10002
Comedians with Ghost Stories was born when hosts Larry Mancini (The Tracys) and Emily Winter (writer for Nickelodeon’s "That Girl Lay Lay") asked: "What happens when scary things happen to funny people?"Find out when four accomplished comedians recount their brushes with the paranormal in this special, annual show. With never-before-told ghost stories from: MYQ KAPLAN (as seen on The Tonight Show, Conan, Seth Meyers, Comedy Central, Last Comic Standing, America’s Got Talent) NONYE BROWN-WEST (from NPR, Sway in the Morning, and New York Comedy Fest) and podcast favorites from: TRACY MCCLENDON (from MTV) and PETE STEGEMEYER (from CNN).
Tickets (in person & online): https://www.caveat.nyc/event/back-fat-variety-presents-comedians-with-ghost-stories-10-21-2021
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Download over 100 pages of NYC maps, information and recommendations in less than 5 minutes! Our NYC Insider Printable Map Guide Book, Travel Planner and Bonus Map Guides include organized, easy to follow, color coded guides, detailed maps of every neighborhood, weekly chart of Free Museum Days and Times and free weekly neighborhood tours, Best of NYC Categories and lists by ALL native New Yorkers. Download everything you need to know NYC Like a Pro and make the most of your NYC vacation.
Loving the guide so far! I’ve been studying it for our upcoming trip. My favorite part is that you’ve provided what to see and where to eat in each area! We will be taking our cheat sheets with us as we visit each place! Honestly, I am not sure what you could have done better – it is so detailed, I love it!
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Fun Things to do in New York in Fall
There is no shortage of fun things to do in Autumn in NYC. Whether it’s biking, sailing, boating, walking, horseback riding or cheering on one of our awesome New York sports teams, you can do it all with the glorious and vibrant colored leaves as your backdrop.
- Fall Foliage Cruises - Jump aboard a classic sailboat and head north up the Hudson River to take in the beautiful fall foliage.
- Explore Central Park on Bike or Foot or Horse Carriage Tour - the fall foliage is a don't miss in NYC!
- NYC Rooftop Lounge Tour - guaranteed access to exclusive nighttime hot spots as you ascend to the city’s rooftop bars to sip cocktails under the starry sky.
See All: Fun Things to do in New York in Fall
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October Broadway Show Picks
Check out our newest Broadway Shows and top NYC Insider Picks for October!
Tina - The Tina Turner Musical - Resumes October 8, 2021
From humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, to her transformation into the global Queen of Rock 'n' Roll, Tina Turner didn't just break the rules, she rewrote them. This new hit stage musical, presented in association with Tina Turner herself, reveals the untold story of a woman who dared to defy the bounds of her age, gender and race. Ages 14+
Aint Too Proud Broadway Musical - Performances resume October 16, 2021
Ain't Too Proud is the electrifying new musical that follows The Temptations' extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. With their signature dance moves and unmistakable harmonies, they rose to the top of the charts creating an amazing 42 Top Ten Hits with 14 reaching number one. Some of the group's treasured hits include “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Get Ready” and “Papa Was a Rolling Stone.” Previews Feb 28, Opens March 21, 2019. Ages 13+
Jagged Little Pill Broadway Musical - Performances resume Oct 21, 2021
The Healys are a picture-perfect family, but looks can be deceiving. When the cracks beneath the surface begin to show, they must choose between maintaining the status quo or facing harsh truths about themselves, their community, and the world around them. Featuring Alanis Morissette’s iconic songs including “Ironic,” “You Oughta Know,” and “Hand In My Pocket,” plus brand-new songs written for the show. Previews: November 3, 2019
The Lehman Trilogy Broadway Play - Sep 25, 2021- Jan 2, 2022
Directed by Academy Award®, Tony® and Golden Globe® winner Sam Mendes, The Lehman Trilogy follows three brothers from their arrival in America in search of a new life, to the collapse of the firm they established, to the resulting financial crisis, the largest in history. The Wall Street Journal says, "You should crawl across broken glass to see it." NYC Insider Guide saw this in London and it was AMAZING! The acting is superb, the characters indelible and the set design totally unique. This is a true New Yorkers play and a must-see.
Mrs. Doubtfire Broadway Musical Tickets
Helloooooooo! Mrs. Doubtfire is a musical now, poppets, and she's here to make everything better! Daniel Hillard, a struggling, out-of-work actor, will do anything for his kids. After losing custody in a messy divorce, he disguises himself as Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire in a desperate attempt to stay in their lives. As his new persona begins to take on a life of her own, Mrs. Doubtfire teaches Daniel more than he bargained for about how to be a father. Previews October 21, 2021. Ages 8+
Full List of Broadway Shows and Discount Broadway Tickets
Celebrities on Broadway
- To Kill a Mockingbird - Jeff Daniels (play adapted by Aaron Sorkin, Oct 5, 2021-open)
- The Music Man on Broadway - Hugh Jackman & Sutton Foster (Dec 20, 2021- open)
- Plaza Suite Comedy Play - Sarah Jessica Parker & Matthew Broderick (Feb 25 - Jun 12, 2022)
- Birthday Candles - Debra Messing (Mar 18, 2022)
- Take Me Out Broadway - Jesse Williams, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Patrick Adams (Spring 2022)
See More: Celebs on Broadway and All Broadway Shows
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Lincoln Center - Opera, Ballet, NY Philharmonic, Jazz, Broadway
You really haven't been to NYC until you experience THE beating heart of our Arts & Culture scene, Lincoln Center, home to the New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera, NYC Ballet, Julliard School, Broadway and so much more. See what NYC's (always amazing) classic cultural scene has to offer while you are here.
- Metropolitan Opera - Sept - May
- NYC Ballet - September - May; (Fall, Nutcracker, Winter, Spring)
- NY Philharmonic - Sept to June
- Jazz at Lincoln Center - all year
More: Lincoln Center Venue Guide
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Get Your October New York City Discount Pass
Save with a New York City Attractions Pass
Want to find the BEST NYC Attractions Pass for your trip? Compare All NYC Passes - Download our FREE side by side Comparison Chart.
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Halloween in New York City
The best things to do on Halloween in New York City, for both adults AND kids! The New York Halloween Parade in Greenwich Village is one of the largest and most famous in the world. There are tons of Halloween parties in NYC and all the best attractions, like Top of the Rock and Central Park, celebrate Halloween in New York City style.
See Halloween in New York City for the spookiest things to do in October.
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October New York City Concerts and Shows
NYC Concerts Shows October 2021 star Harry Styles & Jenny Lewis, Enrique Iglesias & Ricky Martin, Harry Styles: Harryween Fancy Dress Party, The Killers, Tedeschi Trucks, Styx, Judas Priest and more.
- Billy Joel – Nov 5 & Dec 20, 2021; MSG
- Harry Styles & Jenny Lewis – Oct 3, 4, 16+ 2021 @ MSG
- John Legend – Oct 15 @ Hulu Theater @ MSG
- Enrique Iglesias & Ricky Martin – Oct 17, 2021 @ MSG
- Harry Styles: Harryween Fancy Dress Party – Oct 30-31, 2021 @ MSG
See All: NYC October Concerts
NYC Festivals, Fairs and Parades Fall
Fall is chock full of Festivals, Fairs and Parades in NYC, so many, that we’ve created a whole guide just for NYC Festivals, Fairs and Parades in New York City.
Some of the awesome events include:
- New Yorker Festival
- Annual Columbus Day Parade
- New York Film Festival
- Annual ‘Open House’
- New York Comedy Festival
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Save HUGE $$$$ in NYC
- New York City Coupons Guide
- Save on NYC Hotels
- Half Price NYC Tickets
- Ticketmaster Deals
- NYC Museums FREE Days
- Free NYC Printable Maps
- NYC Restaurants and Food Discounts
- New York Attractions Discount Passes
- Free New York City Walking Tours
- Free Things to Do in New York City
- NYC Designer Sample Sales
- Visiting New York on a Budget
Ice Skating in New York City
For tourists and locals alike, ice skating at Central Park, Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park is a classic New York winter experience.
We also have several other Ice Skating Rinks around the city and outer boroughs.
Here are the details for Ice Skating in New York City, including rates and dates plus NYC Insider Tips for discounts and coupons.
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Big Apple Circus
Nov 11, 2021 – Jan 30, 2022 (Usually starts in October)
Lincoln Center Plaza in Damrosch Park
Big Apple Circus returns to New York City’s Lincoln Center this fall, putting a modern twist on a beloved classic and performing throughout the holidays and into the New Year. This all-new production will feature Guinness world record holder, daredevil, Nik Wallenda and his fearless family of highwire walkers. Joining the Wallendas is an international cast of gold-medal-award-winning, world-class circus artists in this Reenergized, Reimagined, and Reinvigorated production of circus artistry. See these performers, previously on America’s Got Talent, The X-Factor, or YouTube, “live” in this up-close and immersive event.
Tickets: Big Apple Circus
More info: bigapplecircus.com
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Times Talks – New York Times Live Interviews
TimesCenter
242 West 41st Street (7th/ 8th Aves)
Tickets usually $30
www.timestalks.com
Now, this is NYC! Times Talks are a diverse series of interviews, in a fairly intimate setting, with world-famous authors, actors, politicians and celebrities (I mean SUPER A-LIST), each facilitated by a New York Times reporter (Master of Ceremonies).
Top picks for October? See October Times Talks in NYC
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Giants & Jets MetLife Schedule 2021
MetLife Stadium will operate at full capacity for the 2021 season!!!!! Ready to see the Giants and catch our newest star recruit, Saquon Barkley? Perhaps you'd rather see football's newest stars on the Jets roster? Either way, there's nothing like a traditional American football game, so head on out to MetLife Stadium, where tickets start at just $40 per game!
- Giants Tickets: StubHub | Ticketmaster | Groupon
- Jets Tickets: StubHub | Ticketmaster | Groupon
- Insider Guides: NY Giants and NY Jets
NY Giants & Jets Schedule – Home Games October
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Rangers MSG Schedule
Get your New York Rangers tickets and schedule to see our NY hockey team live in action at Madison Square Garden. The NY Rangers have made the finals and/or playoffs the last six consecutive seasons. Their games are the easiest sporting events in NYC to attend, right in Midtown Manhattan, a block from the Empire State Building.
- Rangers Tickets: StubHub | Ticketmaster | Groupon
- Insider Guide: NY Rangers Tickets, Schedule, Directions
NY Rangers Schedule – Home Games October
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Knicks MSG Schedule
No matter how they are performing, Knicks games are always a blast and there's nothing like an event at MSG. Come join our NY basketball team live in action at Madison Square Garden, "The World’s Most Famous Arena." Go NYC style with cheap seats, fast paced sports action, hot dogs and beer and cheer on the New York Knicks today! As a general rule, with plenty of exceptions, basketball games start at either 7:30pm or 12:00pm, November through April.
- Knicks Tickets: StubHub | Ticketmaster | Groupon
- Insider Guide: NY Knicks Tickets, Schedule, Directions
NY Knicks Schedule – Home Games October
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Ongoing New York City Events October 2021
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New York City Events Calendar
Things to Do in NYC by Month
Our Event Calendars show you exactly which events occur by day, but our Things to Do monthly guides highlight seasonal tours, bike rides, best time for boat cruises, when to buy tickets, the biggest sales and all the optimal times to do activities by month. Check out our Monthly Things to do in NYC Guides.
- Things to do in New York in March
- Things to do in New York in April
- Things to do in New York in May
- Things to do in New York in June
- Things to do in New York in September
- Things to do in New York in October
- Things to do in New York in November
- Things to do in New York in December
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Help US Help Our site visitors by promoting YOUR NYC business. Have a great NYC restaurant, hotel, store or attraction? Want to offer a coupon to our guests? Want to share your favorite parts of New York City? We want to hear all about it. Learn More: Promote YOUR Business on NYC Insider Guide
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Superfine! Art Fair NYC 2021
September 30th – October 3rd, 2021
Center 415 on 5th Avenue in Midtown
Experience three art fairs across 20,000 square feet of space. Superfine is the #1 art fair for independent artists and art-lovers. Support living, working local & global artists and meet them in person at our fourth NYC edition, a unique, artist-forward art fair. 90% of art is accessibly priced from $50 to $3,000. Buy your tickets online now and save 20-40%!
More Info & Tickets: Superfine! Art Fair NYC 2021
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The Ride in Masquerade – NYC #1 Bus Tour
Closed October 2021, Resumes in November
The Ride in Masquerade – The Ride, one of NYC’s most popular bus tours, has more TV screens (40) and LED lights than any other tour bus, as well as a booming club-quality sound system, stadium seating and floor-to-ceiling windows. The Ride takes a twisted turn during the fall season! Experience the enchantment of the city all month long – complete with vibrant fall foliage, crispness in the air and a dose of “boo!”
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We are a group of 4 women, visiting from California, would love to see fall leaves, We’d love to bring out own picnic., how do we book a tour?
Hi Leslie – if I understand the question correctly, one option is to wander Central Park yourself and bring your own picnic. If you’d like to book a Central Park tour, please feel free to check out some options here: https://www.nycinsiderguide.com/central-park-ny
Another option is book one of our many Fall Foliage Cruises: https://www.nycinsiderguide.com/new-york-city-events-october#foliage. They usually offer drinks and food on board, either included or for purchase depending on the cruise, but I’m sure you can also bring your own picnic if you choose.