The Best Things To Do in NYC in Fall

Central Park Bow Bridge in fall

The weather in NYC this weekend was dreadful but since the temp has really dropped, I (and I’m sure everyone else) is starting to get into the fall spirit! Bye-bye humidity…hello pumpkins and sweaters? Not sure we’re really there yet but I’m onboard, so today I wanted to share some of the best things to do in NYC in fall.

Foliage Stalking

By far one of the best things to do in NYC in fall is to stalk foliage! Central Park is of course my go-to, but this year I’m hoping to branch out (pun intended 🙂 ) and see where else I can spy great fall colors. The West Village is another go-to, and hopefully I’ll make it to Brooklyn Heights (been dying to spend a day there!).

Stroll the Farmers Market

I also love visiting the Union Square Greenmarket in fall to see the pumpkins, crunchy apples, and pretty flowering branches.

I’ve gathered up some fun events happening this fall in NYC that you might want to check out, including design events, sweets festivals, museum exhibitions and more!

Art Workshops at Rebecca Atwood’s Nolita Boutique

Ongoing

Rebecca Atwood is one of my favorite textile designers and she’s been having lots of fun events at her new boutique downtown, including watercolor nights, an embroidery workshop and more. Keep your eye on the site for more fun events through autumn!

Sweet September

Attention all sweets lovers – participating eateries like by Chloe, Lady M, William Greenberg Desserts and more will be donating a portion of proceeds from sales of desserts to City Meals on Wheels this month. Satisfy your sweet tooth while doing some good!

Harry Potter: A History of Magic Exhibit at the New York Historical Society

October 5, 2018 – January 27, 2019

In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the books, this exhibition will have tons of cool stuff relating to both Harry Potter, (like drafts from JK Rowling (!!), as well as magic and folklore in general throughout centuries (think: artifacts, old manuscripts, and more).

Open House New York Weekend

October 12-14

A celebration of the best in historic and contemporary New York City architecture, design, and urban planning – more event details will be available on September 18th.

New York Coffee Festival

October 12-14

Get your caffeine buzz at the Metropolitan Pavilion during this weekend-long celebration of the best in New York’s caffeine scene.

Archtober

All October long

October is New York City’s architecture and design month. All month long there will be a slew of events, tours and exhibitions related to these topics across all five boroughs – the Secrets of Grand Central tour sounds intriguing. Check the site to see a full list.

Holiday House NYC

October 24 – December 2, 2018

In addition to Kips Bay in spring, the NYC Holiday House is one of my favorite design showhouses to see in the city each year. You can see my favorite room from last year’s Holiday House here. 2018 designers will be announced soon!

Fashion Unraveled at FIT

Running currently through November 17,2018

I swear, the Museum at FIT is underrated but they have some really cool fashion exhibitions! Fashion Unraveled focuses on imperfections in fashion, such as traces of wear in haute couture. Normally deemed unusable for museum exhibitions, here these pieces are being highlighted for what they tell us about the wearer and the life of the piece. So interesting!

Jewelry: The Body Transformed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

November 12, 2018 – February 24, 2019

This exhibition about the meaning of jewelry throughout history at the Met looks really interesting – plus I can only imagine the cool pieces that will be on display.

Artisanal Sweet Treats Bazaar at Grand Bazaar NYC

Sunday, October 21 10AM – 5:30PM

I’ve never been to Grand Bazaar NYC (a curated weekly market that takes place every Sunday at 77th and Columbus Avenue), but this event promising treats from the city’s best artisanal sweets makers seems like the perfect time to check it out.

New York At Its Core at the Museum of the City of New York

Ongoing

Learn about 400 years of NYC history, from its humble beginnings as a Dutch settlement to present day.

Rebel Women: Defying Victorianism at the Museum of the City of New York

Currently on view through January 2019

Learn about the women of NYC who defied Victorian ideals and constraints in the early 19th century, such as Elizabeth Jennings Graham, an African-American woman who fought against segregation in 1854, Madame Restell, who provided abortion services in secret, Victoria Woodhull, the first woman to run for President of the United States, and more.

A few things I haven’t done before that I’m hoping to do this autumn:

Visit The Met Cloisters and see the rest of the Heavenly Bodies exhibit before it’s gone.

Visit the Brooklyn Botanical Garden when the leaves change.

Take a day trip upstate to the Hudson Valley to see the fall colors and maybe visit a farmers market or antique shop.

Take a trip up to Wave Hill.

Do you guys know of any cool things happening in NYC this fall? What are your favorite autumn activities? Let me know in the comments!

Leave a Comment

  1. Meghan wrote:

    I love this list! Wave Hill is AMAZING in the Fall – highly recommend. and happy to host you for a BK Heights day 🙂

    Published 9.16.18 · Reply
  2. Masu wrote:

    Nice list ,Brooklyn Botanical Garden is amazing garden- highly recommend.. Thank you for the great post.

    Published 3.16.20 · Reply
    • York Avenue wrote:

      You’re welcome!

      Published 4.11.20 · Reply