Halloween 2024: Your Guide to Downtown Holiday Happenings

For Tribeca, Halloween Central is at 21 Jay Street, near Greenwich, where there's an installation of ghoulish charcters, some in motion and creepily speaking. "Nightmare on 21 Jay Street," created by Worth a Shot Events, is out to haunt you from 4 to 11 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Photo: Carl Glassman/Tribeca Trib

There’s pumpkin-picking, scavenger hunts, a parade, and more this year for Downtown families to celebrate Halloween. Here's a rundown of those Lower Manhattan happenings. All events are free, except where noted.

PUMPKIN CARVING CONTEST

When Saturday Oct. 26, 3-6 pm

Drop off your creation between 3 and 5 pm, then stay for the judging. 

Where Washington Market Park, Duane & Greenwich Sts.Winners will be announced at 5:30 pm. There are five categories: scariest, funniest, cutest, most realistic, and most creative. Even if you don’t enter, come view these creative and often whimsical entries. Go here for more information.

PUMPKIN POINT, GOVERNORS ISLAND

When Oct. 26 & 27, 10 am-5 pm

Where Nolan Park, Governors Island

Pick your own pumpkin from the pumpkin patch, free with a suggested donation (one per family). Visitors are encouraged to come early “to make sure you have your pick of the pumpkin patch.” Costumes are encouraged, with trick-or-treating at Nolan Park’s historic houses on both days. Vendors will be on site for “fall-themed” food and drink.

BPC DOGS HALLOWEEN PUPPY PARADE

When Saturday Oct. 26, 11:50 am

Where Participants assemble at South Cove

The 22nd annual parade of costumed canines and their keepers proceeds down the Esplanade to Esplanade Plaza where judging takes place in a number of categories. Plus, there’s a raffle. More information here. 

WASHINGTON MARKET PARK HALLOWEEN PARADE & PARTY

When and Where Sunday Oct. 27, 12:45 pm. Queue at Greenwich and Hubert Streets

As they do each year in this long-running Tribeca tradition, costumed revelers parade down Greenwich Street to a ghoulishly decorated Washington Market Park, led by The Queer Big Apple Corps marching band (formerly the Gay & Lesbian Big Apple Corps). More music and fun awaits in the park. Sponsored by Friends of Washington Market Park.

THE PUMPKIN ARCH

When Every day, 11 am until 11 pm, until Nov. 3

Where Atop Pier 17 on the north side, 89 South St.

An arch of pumpkins and fall foliage frames the Brooklyn Bridge from atop Pier 17. A perfect backdrop for seasonal photos. 

HALLOWEEN WEEKEND AT THE SEAPORT

When Saturday Oct. 26 and Sunday Oct. 27

Where Throughout the Seaport campus

On Saturday, Oct. 26, 11 am - 5 pm, free admission to the Seaport Museum, with a scavenger hunt on the 1885 tall ship “Wavertree,” plus pumpkin or gourd decorating inspired by maritime scrimshaw techniques. (Bring your own pumpkin if you like.) Tarrot card readings take place from 2 pm to 4 pm.

Also on Saturday, from 3 pm to 5 pm, there is the Seaport Kids Halloween Block Party. Guests, including their dog companions, are encouraged to wear costumes. Live music at 4 pm from “urban cowboy” musician Hopalong Andrew. Go here for more information and to rsvp for the free event.

Sunday, Oct. 27. A scavenger hunt returns to the “Wavertree” (with pay-what-you-want admission) plus a Halloween inspired soundscape in the ship’s cargo hold.

Halloween Concert in Duane Park

When Thursday Oct. 31, 4-5:30 pm

Where Duane Park, Duane and Hudson Streets

Church Street School for Music and Art performs in the park during the peak time for trick-or-treating.

FIDI HAUNTED HISTORY & SCAVENGER HUNT

When Thursday Oct. 31, 5 pm

Where Meet at Fraunces Tavern, 54 Pearl St.

This is a 90-minute Halloween event for the over-21 crowd. After meeting up at Fraunces Tavern, begin roaming the streets as you work in teams in search of clues, trying to solve a mystery based on stories you’re told. Participants return for eating, drinking and socializing. Prizes for the teams who find the most clues. Tickets are $30. Go here for more information and tickets.