Best NYC Halloween Events Parties amp Things to Do in 2022 Thrillist
Best NYC Halloween Events, Parties & Things to Do in 2022 - ThrillistSkip to main content Like Thrillist on Facebook.Follow Thrillist on Instagram.Follow Thrillist on Twitter.Follow Thrillist on Snapchat.Subscribe to Thrillist on YouTube.Follow Thrillist on TikTok.SUBSCRIBEGo to NavigationNew YorkEventsHalloween
Astoria
Astoria Horror Club is bringing chills and thrills to the Heart of Gold bar all season long. Every Monday in October, the neighborhood group will invite anyone who craves a Halloween-time scare to pop in for beer and a show. Each week’s movie will be announced on social media in the days leading up to the screening, and if you’re still craving more as the month winds down, the club will be hosting a Halloween bash in the same space on Saturday, October 29.
Cost: Admission is free The Green-Wood Cemetery
Sunset Park
Cemeteries are by nature a little eerie, so it makes sense that Green-Wood Cemetery, a woodsy 478-acre necropolis featuring Gothic architecture, goes hand in hand with Halloween. The Green-Wood Historic Fund does a great job at making the cemetery’s centuries-old environment accessible to the public, and in October, it’s hosting numerous tours and events that play into the spookiness. Join the Spirited Stroll to hear murderous and supernatural stories while roaming through fall foliage; go on the Spiritualists and Suffragettes Trolley Tour to learn how an obsession with the dead fueled the Women’s Rights Movement; embark on the Crime and Catastrophe Trolley Tour to scratch your true-crime itch; walk the grounds and enter the catacombs after dusk on the Moonlight or After Hours tours; or drink beer to the sound of live music at the Nightfall party.
Cost: Ticket prices vary by event, but expect to pay $30+ for entry
Greenpoint
If you want an authentically metal experience, Saint Vitus Bar is the Satanic music venue hosting plenty of raucous events all month long. Shows aren’t technically Halloween-themed, but they certainly bring the rough edge people crave come October. Scroll their concert lineup to see what suits your fancy; if you need some help, might we suggest the two-day Sortilege of Hell event, or the ‘00s disco punk night?
Cost: Varies by event Boo at the Zoo Photo by Julie Larsen Maher
Bronx Park
As far as families are concerned, the annual Boo at the Zoo celebration is the Halloween spectacle. On Saturdays and Sundays, the Bronx Zoo turns especially lively with a costume-filled parade, on-site trick-or-treating, crafts, live pumpkin sculpture demonstrations, interactive magic shows, and a Halloweeny puppet musical. It’s educational too: Guests can explore an extinct animal graveyard and learn about species of yore—and how to prevent today’s animals from meeting the same fate.
Cost: Admission is priced by age and membership status, ranging from free to $41.95Thrillist TVHistory ofThe History of the McRib
Coney Island
Halloween Harvest celebrations at Luna Park are a reminder that New York City’s beaches enjoy life after Labor Day. The family friendly festival invites guests to participate in all the classic fall activities, with face painting, balloon twisting, pumpkin painting and Halloween-themed caricature drawings. Perhaps the best part, though, is the pumpkin spice–flavored menu, featuring Funnel cake and Fried Oreos. Plus, adults can enjoy specialty cocktails like the Pumpkin Martini and Poison Apple. Stop by on October 22 for a live pumpkin carving by professional artists.
Cost: Halloween Harvest wristbands add $18 to the regular park entry price Hellraiser cocktail Photo courtesy of Black Lagoon
East Williamsburg
Popular Halloween pop-up bar The Black Lagoon is taking residency at Our Wicked Lady this October with a combination of flavors and vibes straight out of your (favorite) nightmares. Specialty cocktails on offer include the Screaming Banshee (gin, apricot liqueur, pineapple syrup, Greek yogurt), Lilith’s Cup (rum, Aperol, vermouth, passionfruit syrup, glitter), and Hellraiser (tequila, spiced rum, Cointreau, spiced oat orgeat).
Cost: Admission is free; pay per cocktail Loreley Beer Garden
Lower East Side
It’s pumpkin keg season at Loreley, celebrating all things fall in the outdoor beer garden. Order a pumpkin keg filled with pumpkin beer, or try a number of pumpkin spice and cider drinks on the menu. On October 14, the beer garden will transition from a fall wonderland to a spooky paradise as the Halloween decorations roll out. And don’t worry about the changing weather; the outdoor space is heated, so you’ll stay warm while you live your autumnal fantasy.
Cost: Free admission; pay per drink Photo courtesy of Madhouse on Mulberry
Little Italy
Beneath the streets of Little Italy lies the Madhouse on Mulberry, a 5,000-square-foot labyrinth with enemies around every corner. Wander at your own risk, and know that if you’re brave enough to take your time going through the maze, you may find some hidden rooms—including a secret bar for guests over 21 years old. If you’re in it for the quick thrill and unwilling to spend a second longer than necessary down in the abandoned mental asylum, you’ll still be satisfied by the terror you face just hustling on through to the exit.
Cost: Starting at $24
Greenwich Village
The Mark Twain House, more commonly called the “House of Death,” is the former home of author Samuel Clemens. Equally notable, though, is how many spirits the building is said to have housed, dating back to the late-1800s. US Ghost Adventures takes guests to the House of Death and more on the Ghosts of Greenwich Village tour, exploring burial grounds, speakeasies, brothels, and the site of a fatal fire to tell stories about the spookiest locales in Lower Manhattan.
Cost: $26 Sleep No More Photo by Robin Roemer
Chelsea
Sleep No More is one of those quintessential NYC activities you just have to experience to understand. The environmental theater event acts as an immersive play, inspired by Macbeth and featuring a touch of Alfred Hitchcock. The idea of the three-hour show is that you’re living inside the performers’ world, roaming The McKittrick Hotel halls and sipping on drinks as actors around you stay in character. It’s fun, it’s thrilling, and while it’s not specific to Halloween, everyone knows October is the best time to lean into the madness.
Cost: Prices vary based on date and availability, but anticipate $100+ per ticket Photo courtesy of Blood Manor
Tribeca
If you crave fear, take a whirl through Blood Manor, New York City’s preeminent haunted house that even got Jimmy Fallon screaming. This year’s horrific experience includes maggots, beasts, killer clowns, Hannibal Lecter, a crypt, and a wake for Doll Face. Try to make it out alive, and don’t say we didn’t warn you if demons succeed in capturing your soul.
Cost: $40 Historic Richmond Town Photo by Marc Hermann
Richmond
Staten Island has spawned numerous creepy urban legends over the years—but are they all legends? Find out on one of Historic Richmond Town’s Paranormal Investigations tours. Lasting three hours, the tour begins with a brief lesson on the history and modern application of “ghost hunting” before the group sets off with seasoned investigator Vinny Carbone in an attempt to communicate with former residents of the historic neighborhood. The 18+ event will also occur on two dates in November if you’re unable to make it before Halloween.
Cost: $40
Gowanus
A lot will be happening at the Taylor Swift Halloween Party. One day after the pop icon’s new album Midnights debuts, the party will be an ode to all things Swift—her latest work, her earliest hits, and her deep cuts. Since the album coincides with spooky season, the party will incorporate themes of Halloween, including fun decor and a costumes-encouraged mantra (whether you dress as Taylor or go the classically Halloween route is up to you).
Cost: $23 The McKittrick Hotel's Halloween Ball Photo by Jane Kratochvil
Chelsea
The McKittrick Hotel has established itself as the premier autumn venue, and allegedly, its Halloween Ball will be the biggest celebration to date. On the Friday, Saturday, and Monday of Halloween weekend, you can enter the ball’s Lost Garden where “heavenly and hedonistic delights” intertwine—and turn debaucherous with the help of an open bar and live performances. The McKittrick even created a mood board to help you dress for the part.
Cost: Tickets start at $184 Candlelight in St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church Photo courtesy of Candlelight Concerts
Brooklyn Heights
Bet you never thought you’d hear a string quartet play the Beetlejuice theme in a Brooklyn church, did ya? Well now you can, at Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics in St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church. The 65-minute service is both entertaining and relaxing, lit only by candles and covering all the great Halloween songs, including tunes from Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Addams Family, Stranger Things, Psycho, and The Nightmare Before Christmas, to name a few.
Cost: Tickets range from $40 to $70 Flying Fox Tavern Photo by Jeanette D. Moses
Ridgewood
Flying Fox Tavern celebrates Halloween 12 months out of the year—and naturally, a self-proclaimed “classic horror bar” wouldn’t let October pass by without planning a celebration nearly every day. Among the tavern’s crowded lineup, one event in particular stands out: The Feast of the Vampires. Spread across two days and four seatings, the immersive dinner experience features a four-course prix fixe menu that will make use of the bar’s full kitchen. If you’re unable to stop in for a meal that weekend, keep an eye on the bar’s socials for other themed events—like a Halloween night party and month-long costume contest awarding its winner with two free drinks every day for a year.
Cost: $66.60, obviously
East Harlem
If you’ve never dreamed of dancing to DJs—and ballet performances—at a NYC museum after hours, you clearly haven’t dreamed. Cocktails and Culture: Twilight Zone Halloween Bash is the Museum of the City of New York’s grand event this year, featuring specialty cocktails, food from a pop-up cafe, and opportunities to boogie. Come dressed as your favorite Twilight Zone character and when you need to catch your breath, roam the select museum exhibits that will remain open for guests.
Cost: General admission is $20; senior, student, and member discounts apply
East Williamsburg
It’s the first Halloween since queer icon Vecna entered our lives, and Hot Rabbit is ready to worship him. The Haus of Vecna LGBTQ+ Dance Party will rage from 10pm till 6 am the next morning, led by “head witch” Andrew Barret Cox and featuring sexy performances from House of Oricci, House of Babylon, and Honey Burlesque. Dress to impress, because costume contest prizes include $500 cash and tickets to Hot Rabbit’s New Year’s Eve party, among others.
Cost: Early bird tickets begin at $22; prices will rise to $43 as the event draws near Want more Thrillist? Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat.Kyler Alvord is a former staff writer at Thrillist who keeps coming back for more. Find him on Twitter and Instagram, or in any Brooklyn coffee shop that serves bagels.By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.
18 Cool Ways to Celebrate Halloween in NYC All Month
Scare yourself silly with haunted houses horror films real-life ghosts and costume parties
By Kyler AlvordUpdated on 10/7/2022 at 3:26 PM The McKittrick Hotel's Halloween Ball Photo by Jane KratochvilThe McKittrick Hotel's Halloween Ball Photo by Jane KratochvilNew York City is best-known for bringing magic to the winter holidays, but locals know that the festive spirit begins long before Thanksgiving. Halloween is all about individual expression—something New Yorkers feed on—so it’s no surprise that the moment October rolls around, an indescribable energy fills the air. Of course, spooky season comes with its share of wholesome fall activities involving apple picking, and leaf peeping, but it also means adrenaline junkies can get their share of scares at haunted houses, shiver-inducing pop-ups, and more. Here are 18 cool ways to celebrate Halloween all month long in NYC.Get in on a weekly scary movie night
Every Monday in OctoberAstoria
Astoria Horror Club is bringing chills and thrills to the Heart of Gold bar all season long. Every Monday in October, the neighborhood group will invite anyone who craves a Halloween-time scare to pop in for beer and a show. Each week’s movie will be announced on social media in the days leading up to the screening, and if you’re still craving more as the month winds down, the club will be hosting a Halloween bash in the same space on Saturday, October 29.
Cost: Admission is free The Green-Wood Cemetery
Take a spooky tour of the historic Green-Wood Cemetery
Various dates in OctoberSunset Park
Cemeteries are by nature a little eerie, so it makes sense that Green-Wood Cemetery, a woodsy 478-acre necropolis featuring Gothic architecture, goes hand in hand with Halloween. The Green-Wood Historic Fund does a great job at making the cemetery’s centuries-old environment accessible to the public, and in October, it’s hosting numerous tours and events that play into the spookiness. Join the Spirited Stroll to hear murderous and supernatural stories while roaming through fall foliage; go on the Spiritualists and Suffragettes Trolley Tour to learn how an obsession with the dead fueled the Women’s Rights Movement; embark on the Crime and Catastrophe Trolley Tour to scratch your true-crime itch; walk the grounds and enter the catacombs after dusk on the Moonlight or After Hours tours; or drink beer to the sound of live music at the Nightfall party.
Cost: Ticket prices vary by event, but expect to pay $30+ for entry
Go full metal at a hardcore music venue
Various dates in OctoberGreenpoint
If you want an authentically metal experience, Saint Vitus Bar is the Satanic music venue hosting plenty of raucous events all month long. Shows aren’t technically Halloween-themed, but they certainly bring the rough edge people crave come October. Scroll their concert lineup to see what suits your fancy; if you need some help, might we suggest the two-day Sortilege of Hell event, or the ‘00s disco punk night?
Cost: Varies by event Boo at the Zoo Photo by Julie Larsen Maher
Bring the little ones to NYC s most family-friendly Halloween fair
Weekends in OctoberBronx Park
As far as families are concerned, the annual Boo at the Zoo celebration is the Halloween spectacle. On Saturdays and Sundays, the Bronx Zoo turns especially lively with a costume-filled parade, on-site trick-or-treating, crafts, live pumpkin sculpture demonstrations, interactive magic shows, and a Halloweeny puppet musical. It’s educational too: Guests can explore an extinct animal graveyard and learn about species of yore—and how to prevent today’s animals from meeting the same fate.
Cost: Admission is priced by age and membership status, ranging from free to $41.95Thrillist TVHistory ofThe History of the McRib
Live your pumpkin fantasy at Coney Island
Weekends in OctoberConey Island
Halloween Harvest celebrations at Luna Park are a reminder that New York City’s beaches enjoy life after Labor Day. The family friendly festival invites guests to participate in all the classic fall activities, with face painting, balloon twisting, pumpkin painting and Halloween-themed caricature drawings. Perhaps the best part, though, is the pumpkin spice–flavored menu, featuring Funnel cake and Fried Oreos. Plus, adults can enjoy specialty cocktails like the Pumpkin Martini and Poison Apple. Stop by on October 22 for a live pumpkin carving by professional artists.
Cost: Halloween Harvest wristbands add $18 to the regular park entry price Hellraiser cocktail Photo courtesy of Black Lagoon
Sip and savor at the Black Lagoon
Until Monday, October 31East Williamsburg
Popular Halloween pop-up bar The Black Lagoon is taking residency at Our Wicked Lady this October with a combination of flavors and vibes straight out of your (favorite) nightmares. Specialty cocktails on offer include the Screaming Banshee (gin, apricot liqueur, pineapple syrup, Greek yogurt), Lilith’s Cup (rum, Aperol, vermouth, passionfruit syrup, glitter), and Hellraiser (tequila, spiced rum, Cointreau, spiced oat orgeat).
Cost: Admission is free; pay per cocktail Loreley Beer Garden
Sip pumpkin ale in a beautiful beer garden
Until Sunday, November 6Lower East Side
It’s pumpkin keg season at Loreley, celebrating all things fall in the outdoor beer garden. Order a pumpkin keg filled with pumpkin beer, or try a number of pumpkin spice and cider drinks on the menu. On October 14, the beer garden will transition from a fall wonderland to a spooky paradise as the Halloween decorations roll out. And don’t worry about the changing weather; the outdoor space is heated, so you’ll stay warm while you live your autumnal fantasy.
Cost: Free admission; pay per drink Photo courtesy of Madhouse on Mulberry
Escape a haunted labyrinth below Mulberry Street
Until Sunday, November 6Little Italy
Beneath the streets of Little Italy lies the Madhouse on Mulberry, a 5,000-square-foot labyrinth with enemies around every corner. Wander at your own risk, and know that if you’re brave enough to take your time going through the maze, you may find some hidden rooms—including a secret bar for guests over 21 years old. If you’re in it for the quick thrill and unwilling to spend a second longer than necessary down in the abandoned mental asylum, you’ll still be satisfied by the terror you face just hustling on through to the exit.
Cost: Starting at $24
See Mark Twain s creepy former residence and other haunted Village spots
OngoingGreenwich Village
The Mark Twain House, more commonly called the “House of Death,” is the former home of author Samuel Clemens. Equally notable, though, is how many spirits the building is said to have housed, dating back to the late-1800s. US Ghost Adventures takes guests to the House of Death and more on the Ghosts of Greenwich Village tour, exploring burial grounds, speakeasies, brothels, and the site of a fatal fire to tell stories about the spookiest locales in Lower Manhattan.
Cost: $26 Sleep No More Photo by Robin Roemer
Step into a dark new world filled with actors
OngoingChelsea
Sleep No More is one of those quintessential NYC activities you just have to experience to understand. The environmental theater event acts as an immersive play, inspired by Macbeth and featuring a touch of Alfred Hitchcock. The idea of the three-hour show is that you’re living inside the performers’ world, roaming The McKittrick Hotel halls and sipping on drinks as actors around you stay in character. It’s fun, it’s thrilling, and while it’s not specific to Halloween, everyone knows October is the best time to lean into the madness.
Cost: Prices vary based on date and availability, but anticipate $100+ per ticket Photo courtesy of Blood Manor
Try to survive the scariest haunted house around
Until Saturday, November 5Tribeca
If you crave fear, take a whirl through Blood Manor, New York City’s preeminent haunted house that even got Jimmy Fallon screaming. This year’s horrific experience includes maggots, beasts, killer clowns, Hannibal Lecter, a crypt, and a wake for Doll Face. Try to make it out alive, and don’t say we didn’t warn you if demons succeed in capturing your soul.
Cost: $40 Historic Richmond Town Photo by Marc Hermann
Hunt ghosts with a paranormal investigator
Friday, October 14, and Saturday, October 15Richmond
Staten Island has spawned numerous creepy urban legends over the years—but are they all legends? Find out on one of Historic Richmond Town’s Paranormal Investigations tours. Lasting three hours, the tour begins with a brief lesson on the history and modern application of “ghost hunting” before the group sets off with seasoned investigator Vinny Carbone in an attempt to communicate with former residents of the historic neighborhood. The 18+ event will also occur on two dates in November if you’re unable to make it before Halloween.
Cost: $40
Taylor Swift meets Halloween at a chilling Midnights release party
Saturday, October 22Gowanus
A lot will be happening at the Taylor Swift Halloween Party. One day after the pop icon’s new album Midnights debuts, the party will be an ode to all things Swift—her latest work, her earliest hits, and her deep cuts. Since the album coincides with spooky season, the party will incorporate themes of Halloween, including fun decor and a costumes-encouraged mantra (whether you dress as Taylor or go the classically Halloween route is up to you).
Cost: $23 The McKittrick Hotel's Halloween Ball Photo by Jane Kratochvil
Dance and enjoy an open bar in the McKittrick Hotel s Lost Garden
Friday, October 28, to Monday, October 31Chelsea
The McKittrick Hotel has established itself as the premier autumn venue, and allegedly, its Halloween Ball will be the biggest celebration to date. On the Friday, Saturday, and Monday of Halloween weekend, you can enter the ball’s Lost Garden where “heavenly and hedonistic delights” intertwine—and turn debaucherous with the help of an open bar and live performances. The McKittrick even created a mood board to help you dress for the part.
Cost: Tickets start at $184 Candlelight in St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church Photo courtesy of Candlelight Concerts
Meditate to classic Halloween tunes in a candle-lit cathedral
Friday, October 28, and Sunday, October 30Brooklyn Heights
Bet you never thought you’d hear a string quartet play the Beetlejuice theme in a Brooklyn church, did ya? Well now you can, at Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics in St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church. The 65-minute service is both entertaining and relaxing, lit only by candles and covering all the great Halloween songs, including tunes from Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Addams Family, Stranger Things, Psycho, and The Nightmare Before Christmas, to name a few.
Cost: Tickets range from $40 to $70 Flying Fox Tavern Photo by Jeanette D. Moses
Feast like a vampire at a year-round horror bar
Friday, October 28, and Saturday, October 29Ridgewood
Flying Fox Tavern celebrates Halloween 12 months out of the year—and naturally, a self-proclaimed “classic horror bar” wouldn’t let October pass by without planning a celebration nearly every day. Among the tavern’s crowded lineup, one event in particular stands out: The Feast of the Vampires. Spread across two days and four seatings, the immersive dinner experience features a four-course prix fixe menu that will make use of the bar’s full kitchen. If you’re unable to stop in for a meal that weekend, keep an eye on the bar’s socials for other themed events—like a Halloween night party and month-long costume contest awarding its winner with two free drinks every day for a year.
Cost: $66.60, obviously
Bust a move at a museum s Twilight Zone theme night
Friday, October 28East Harlem
If you’ve never dreamed of dancing to DJs—and ballet performances—at a NYC museum after hours, you clearly haven’t dreamed. Cocktails and Culture: Twilight Zone Halloween Bash is the Museum of the City of New York’s grand event this year, featuring specialty cocktails, food from a pop-up cafe, and opportunities to boogie. Come dressed as your favorite Twilight Zone character and when you need to catch your breath, roam the select museum exhibits that will remain open for guests.
Cost: General admission is $20; senior, student, and member discounts apply
Meet fellow queer people at a sexy Vecna-themed rager
Saturday, October 29East Williamsburg
It’s the first Halloween since queer icon Vecna entered our lives, and Hot Rabbit is ready to worship him. The Haus of Vecna LGBTQ+ Dance Party will rage from 10pm till 6 am the next morning, led by “head witch” Andrew Barret Cox and featuring sexy performances from House of Oricci, House of Babylon, and Honey Burlesque. Dress to impress, because costume contest prizes include $500 cash and tickets to Hot Rabbit’s New Year’s Eve party, among others.
Cost: Early bird tickets begin at $22; prices will rise to $43 as the event draws near Want more Thrillist? Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat.Kyler Alvord is a former staff writer at Thrillist who keeps coming back for more. Find him on Twitter and Instagram, or in any Brooklyn coffee shop that serves bagels.By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.