2026 Halloween Guide: Family Things to Do and Places to Go

The annual Washington Market Park parade and park concert, led by the Queer Big Apple Corps marching band, takes place on Oct. 25. Photo: Carl Glassman/Tribeca Trib

Once again this Halloween season, Downtown families can celebrate with pumpkin-picking, scavenger hunts, parades for humans and dogs, and more. Here’s a rundown of those Lower Manhattan happenings. All events are free, except where noted. 

NIGHTMARE ON 21 JAY STREET

When Oct. 10 through Halloween

Monday-Thursday 4 - 10 pm, Friday - Sunday 4 pm -11 pm

Where 21 Jay Street, at Greenwich Street

This ghoulish installation of characters, some in scary motion and creepily speaking, is out to haunt you, especially when viewed after dark. Designed and installed by Worth a Shot Events. On Halloween, Jay Street is closed for a free block party, including a DJ and walkable, inflatable haunted maze.

When Wednesdays in October, 7 pm

Where Sadie's NYC Garden Bar, 19 Fulton St.

These free weekly outdoor screenings include Beetlejuice (Oct. 7), Halloweentown (Oct. 14), Practical Magic (Oct. 21) and Hocus Pocus (Oct. 28).

HALLOWEEN PAPERCRAFTS AND LETTERPRESS PRINTING AT THE SEAPORT

When Sunday, Oct. 11, 12 - 2 pm

Where Bowne & Co., 207 Water St. 

Visit anytime between 12 and 2 pm for a free hands-on experience crafting Halloween paper decorations, paper chains, and folded paper bats. Designers can also guide visitors who would like to craft their own letterpress-printed broadside posters using a 19th-century printing press from the Seaport Museum’s working collection.

'SPOOKTACULAR' AT TPAC

When Sunday, Oct. 18, 3 pm

Where Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers St.

Vampires, skeletons, acrobatic cats and other spooky characters covert in a humorous, high-flying circus. Go here [1] for tickets and more information.

THE PUMPKIN ARCH

When Beginning Oct. 22

Where North side of Pier 17 roof deck, 89 South St.

Frame yourself in an arch crafted from hundreds of pumpkins and draped in fall leaves, with the Brooklyn Bridge as the backdrop.

PUMPKIN CARVING CONTEST

When Saturday, Oct. 24, 3 - 6 pm

Where Washington Market Park, Duane and Greenwich streets.

Drop off your creation between 3 and 5 pm, then stay for the judging. Winners will be announced at 5:30 pm. Trophies go to winners and runner-ups in six categories: Most creative, funniest, scariest, cutest and most realistic with a trophy also going to the overall winner. “Master blade” wins a cash prize. Even if you don’t enter, come view these creative and often whimsical entries. Go here [2] for more information. Sponsored by Friends of Washington Market Park.

BPC DOGS HALLOWEEN PARADE

When Saturday, Oct. 24, noon; rain date Sunday Oct. 25, noon.

Where Wagner Park

The annual parade of costumed canines and their keepers takes place this year in Wagner Park, where participants can compete in a number of categories. More information on this event will be coming.

HALLOWEEN PARADE AND PARTY,

WASHINGTON MARKET PARK

When Sunday, Oct. 25, 12:45 pm. Queue at Greenwich and Hubert streets

Where Greenwich Street to the park, Greenwich and Duane 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. More music and fun awaits in the park. Sponsored by Friends of Washington Market Park.

PUMPKIN POINT AT GOVERNORS ISLAND

When Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 24 and 25, 10 am - 5 pm

Where Nolan Park, Governors Island

Pick your own pumpkin (one per family) from the pumpkin patch, free with a suggested donation. Visitors are encouraged to come early “to make sure you have your pick of the pumpkin patch.” Costumes are encouraged. Other activities include trick-or-treating, Governors Island ghost tours, fall foliage walks, and live music. Vendors will be on site for “fall-themed” food and drink. Go here [3] for more information.

BOOGARDUS HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR

When Sat. Oct. 31, 3 - 7 pm

Where Bogardus Plaza, Hudson Street between Chambers and Reade

Free interactive haunted garden adventure with lights, sounds and surprises. Recommended for kids 5 to 12.

TREATS AT BARNETT NEWMAN TRIANGLE

When Sat. Oct. 31, 1 - 4 pm

Where Barnett Newman Triangle, 6th Avenue and White Street

Friends of Barnett Newman Triangle is participating in Trick-or-Street, an annual city-wide event that turns selected streets and plazas into Halloween-themed destinations. Visitors to the Triangle will be treated to a ghoulish photo op and free candy.

STONE STREET HALLOWEEN BAR FEST

When Saturday, Oct. 31, 12 - 8 pm

Where Stone Street

For revelers 21 and over, Stone Street is transformed into a Halloween-themed happy hour, with games and contests. Nine participating bars. Costumes are encouraged. Go here [4] for tickets and more information.