It is officially fall in New York. Though we remain vigilant in following all of the necessary safety protocols to stop the spread of COVID-19, our city is very much beginning to feel like itself again.
The new season brings change in many forms: we see the beautiful transformation of fall foliage, feel the temperatures drop, and shift our daily routines as the sun sets a bit earlier each day. We also have Halloween and Thanksgiving to look forward to, albeit holiday traditions with family and friends will be quite different this year.
As our city welcomes fall – with more businesses turning around their “Open” signs and students heading back to school – we have found ourselves in hybrid mode; a new normal of daily life filled with both virtual and in-person activities.
This Happenings Guide Hybrid Edition accommodates those who are eager to get outside and take part in New York’s (modified) lineup of fall events, as well as those who feel more comfortable participating from home. So, get cozy and tune in or layer up to experience one of the city’s many in-person seasonal offerings – just don’t forget to wear a mask!
Ahhh, crisp autumn air. The changing of colorful leaves. There is nothing quite like fall in New York. From physical fitness to outdoor cinema, there is a wide range of activities to get outside and get active.
Credit: Howard Hughes Corporation
The Seaport Cinema at The Greens on Pier 17’s rooftop is screening select movies from Shrek to Ferris Bueller’s Day Off now through October 14. Reservations are required and donations are appreciated to support The Bowery Mission. View the schedule here.
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The incredible Edge sky deck at The Shops at Hudson Yards has partnered with Equinox gym to provide yoga classes 1,100 feet above the city. Classes take place on Tuesday and Wednesday at 9am, and Fridays at 7:30am. Tickets are $50 and go on sale every Friday.
Credit: Max Guliani for Hudson River Park
Nestled on Tribeca’s waterfront, Hudson River Park’s Pier 26 has been nearly a decade in the making. The park’s Trust just opened to the public, featuring a “tide deck” intended to flood with the river’s daily tidal cycle—mirroring wetlands that once lined the city’s shoreline.
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Race the five boroughs virtually! Join runners from all over the globe and run 26.2M anywhere, anytime between October 17 and November 1. Runners who register for the Virtual TCS New York City Marathon pay no entry fee. Sign up and get off to the races.
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Revel in performances of all types from classical music to live theatre.
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From interactive ballet workshops to pop-up classrooms for the little ones, Lincoln Center at Home allows you to maintain a vital connection to the arts through an ongoing schedule of virtual series and programs.
Credit: Radial Park
Located at Halletts Point Play, the waterfront stretch in Astoria, this innovative hybrid approach combines the outdoor screening of movie musicals with the live mini-concerts of Broadway performances. Purchase tickets here.
Credit: The Public Theater
New York’s outdoor dining program is here to stay. The city’s Open Streets initiative, which designated dozens of city blocks to close to car traffic for dining in the street over the summer, will also be made a permanent fixture. Read more about what to expect here.
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Food Network and Cooking Channel’s beloved annual NYC Wine and Food Festival is going virtual this year, with more than 30 online cooking and mixology classes led by legendary chefs such as Valerie Bertinelli, Thomas Keller, Jessie James Decker, and more. Purchase tickets here for this ultimate foodie event that runs through October 17.
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In addition to some socially distanced in-person events, cider lovers can join in a roster of virtual tastings, panels, orchard tours and more in this week-long celebration of homegrown, New York State cider. Online registration is free but a portion of donations will be given to the Restaurant Workers Community Foundation focused on COVID-19 relief and social justice.
Arts and culture attractions are among the most distinctive institutions that make up our city’s DNA. Museums are re-opening, so check this guide for a list of opening dates and adjusted hours.
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This year, The New Yorker Festival returns in virtual form. Tune in for an eclectic mix of conversations, performances, and experiences with some of the most talented and influential figures of our time. Get your online tickets here.
Credit: Alexandre Ayer/Diversity Pictures for the Garment District Alliance
Six larger-than-life dog sculptures made from recycled materials have been installed on Broadway between 38th and 40th Streets by the Garment District Alliance’s public art program. ‘Doggy Bag’s’ by New York artist Will Kurtz is on display until November 20.
Credit: Public Art Fund, NY
A new outdoor exhibition consisting of five 4-foot tall bells made of bright orange bronze and housed within towering 14-foot structures will enliven the waterfront along Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 1. The bells, designed by San Francisco-based sculptor Davina Semo, symbolize the different modes of public address that unify communities and define the auditory landscape of cities.
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Whether you log on or venture out, this year’s Open House New York will reconnect you to the city’s great architecture and urban design, and remind us all why we love to live, work, and learn here. Detail’s on the weekends’ highly anticipate lineup are coming soon.
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The United Nations Virtual Tour experience is an exciting opportunity to learn about the organization’s history from the comfort of your home, guided by an expert tour guide. Currently, there are only group bookings for virtual tours, which you can sign up for online here.
Department stores and boutiques have reopened throughout the city. Also returning to the scene are our beloved outdoor markets and street fairs, though in limited capacity. Here are a few open-air markets welcoming back patrons this fall.
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Comb for treasures from 40+ veteran vendors at the revival of Chelsea Flea. Think: quirky furniture, mid-century art and ceramics, vintage clothing, records, and antiques. Smorgasburg will also be serving up delectable snacks from soon-to-be-announced food vendors.
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GrowNYC’s 60+ open-air markets and farmstands are as diverse as the five boroughs. No matter which one you visit this fall, you’ll find a new daily lineup of local producers to inspire your culinary curiosities. Find your nearest in-season location here.
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Known for its highly curated selection of NYC’s artisanal fashion, art, design, jewelry, crafts, music, and food vendors, Hester Street Fair creates a buzz-worthy experience that connects and collects the highest-quality entrepreneurs and under-the-radar brands. Check out their website for special events.
If you’re looking for a day trip outside the city, the Hudson Valley is a just a short drive or train ride away, with tons of festive fall activities for every age.
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A breathtaking display of more than 7,000 illuminated jack o’lanterns, all uniquely designed and hand-carved by different artisans. Now through November, make a reservation for this electrifying event in Van Cortlandt Manor.
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Celebrate Autumn and watch the leaves change on board a Fall Foliage Cruise, departing from Manhattan’s Chelsea Piers. The boat tour heads north up the Hudson River and lasts anywhere from 2.5-3.5 hours. Learn more about dates and reservations.
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