The Many Ways to a Happy Halloween: Your Downtown Guide

A not-to-be missed Halloween attraction in Tribeca is the installation of ghoulish characters (some in motion and speaking!) at 21 Jay Street, created by Worth A Shot Events. It's on display every day until Halloween, from 4  to 11 pm Monday through Friday, and 11 am to 11 pm, Saturday and Sunday. Photo: Carl Glassman/Tribeca Trib

From pumpkin-picking and scavenger hunts to shadow puppetry and a parade, there are lots of ways for Downtown families to celebrate the spooky holiday. Here's a rundown of Halloween happenings in Lower Manhattan. All events are free, except where noted.

HALLOWEEN SHADOW ART

When Oct. 21, 2-4 pm

Where Museum of Chinese in the Americas, 215 Centre St.

Learn to tell stories through the 2,000-year-old art of Chinese shadow puppetry, with craft-making led by teaching artist Yu Rong. Free. Go here [1] to register.

PUMPKIN POINT, 2023

When Oct 21-22 & 28-29, 10 am-5 pm

Where Nolan Park, Governors Island

Pick your own pumpkin from the pumpkin patch (one per family). Visitors are encouraged to come early “to make sure you have your pick of the pumpkin patch.” Vendors will be on site for “fall-themed” food and drink.

HALLOWEEN PARTY AND COSTUME CONTEST

When Oct. 22, 10 am - 2 pm

Where Church Street School for Music & Art, 41 White St.

Live music, a costume contest, bagel brunch, art projects and more at the school’s annual event. Admission is $15 per person, free for kids under 2.

FIDI HAUNTED HISTORY & SCAVENGER HUNT

When Friday, Oct. 27, 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 [2] for more information and tickets.

BPC DOGS HALLOWEEN PARADE

When Oct. 28, 11:50 am

Where Participants assemble at South Cove

The 20th 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 [3]. 

HALLOWEEN BASH

When Saturday, Oct. 28, 12-3 pm

Where Brookfield Place

Lots of activities for costumed kids and their families, including arts and crafts, dance, science demonstrations, magic, math games, a movie and more. Go here [4] for more information.

PUMPKIN CARVING CONTEST

When Oct. 28, 3-6 pm

Where Washington Market Park, Duane & Greenwich Sts.

Drop off your creation between 3 and 5 pm, then stay for the judging. 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 the wide variety of entrees at this popular annual event.

HALLOWEEN WEEKEND AT THE SEAPORT

When Oct. 28 and 29, 11 am -5 pm

Where Seaport Museum, 12 Fulton St., Bowne & Co. Stationers, 211 Water St. 

Come in costume for treats plus all-ages family activity stations as part of a Seaport Halloween block party. Arts and crafts activities, a scavenger hunt and other activities. A scavenger hunt on the “Wavertree” takes place on Sunday, Oct. 29.

WASHINGTON MARKET PARK HALLOWEEN PARADE

When and Where Oct. 29, 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.

PIPES AT ONE: HALLOWEEN PERFORMANCE

When Oct. 31, 1-2 pm

Where St. Paul’s Chapel

A special Halloween organ performance by Ethan Hoffman, who is both an improviser and composer.