The Best Fall Festivals Coming to NYC

Every autumn, New York City transforms into a vibrant tapestry of cultural celebrations just as vibrant as the turning leaves. The fall months bring an extraordinary lineup of festivals that showcase the city's diverse spirit, from pop culture extravaganzas to culinary adventures to showcases of architectural wonders. Seeking the authentic pulse of the Big Apple? These New York City fall festivals offer an unparalleled window into what makes the city truly magical.

NY Latin Food Fest — Sept. 13–14

First up, foodies will find paradise on a plate at this can’t-miss culinary celebration. The NY Latin Food Fest combines gastronomy with entertainment, featuring authentic dishes from across Latin America alongside live music and cultural performances. Don't miss the quirky "Chancla Throwing World Championship", a playful competition that adds humor to the serious business of celebrating Latino culture and cuisine.

Brooklyn Book Festival — Sept. 14–22

Literature enthusiasts will gravitate toward the Brooklyn Book Festival, a week-long celebration of authors, publishers, and readers. This festival transforms Brooklyn's cultural venues into literary salons where established and emerging writers share their work, participate in panel discussions, and connect with audiences hungry for storytelling and intellectual exchange.

The Atlantic Festival — Sept. 18–20

Put on your thinking cap and get ready for the début of The Atlantic Festival, bringing together notable speakers, journalists, and thought leaders for conversations that shape contemporary discourse. This event transforms venues across the city into forums for exploring pressing issues, from politics to technology to social justice, offering visitors opportunities to engage with ideas that influence national and global conversations.

New York Film Festival — Sept. 26–Oct. 13

Cinema takes center stage with the 63rd annual New York Film Festival, presented by Film at Lincoln Center. This prestigious event attracts filmmakers and cinephiles from around the world, screening carefully curated selections that represent the year's finest international cinema. From avant-garde documentaries to highly anticipated premieres, NYFF provides cultural immersion that extends far beyond typical movie-going experiences.

New York Comic Con — Oct. 9–12 

The season continues with New York Comic Con at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. This four-day pop culture phenomenon draws hundreds of thousands of fans from around the globe, transforming Midtown Manhattan into a cosplay paradise. Beyond the spectacular costumes, NYCC offers exclusive previews of upcoming films and TV shows, celebrity panels, interactive exhibits and an unbeatable vendor lineup. Whether you're a die-hard comics enthusiast or simply curious about geek culture, the energy is infectious as attendees celebrate everything from marquee superheroes to anime favorites.

Columbus/Indigenous People’s Day Parade — Oct. 13

The Columbus/Indigenous Peoples' Day Parade brings cultural reflection and celebration to Fifth Avenue, honoring both Italian-American heritage and Indigenous peoples' history. This evolving tradition represents New York's ongoing dialogue about identity, heritage, and inclusive commemoration, offering visitors a chance to witness how the city navigates complex historical narratives while celebrating diverse communities.

New York City Wine & Food Festival — Oct. 15–19

The NYC Wine & Food Festival elevates dining to an art form, bringing together celebrity chefs, wine experts, and food enthusiasts for tastings, demonstrations, and exclusive dinners. This multi-day celebration showcases New York's position as a global culinary capital, offering everything from street food innovations to haute cuisine experiences.

Brooklyn Horror Film Festival — Oct. 16–25

Have a taste for the macabre? The Brooklyn Horror Film Festival provides a chilling counterpoint to Comic Con's superhero spectacle. This celebration of independent horror cinema showcases emerging filmmakers from around the world, offering attendees spine-tingling scares and thought-provoking narratives alike. The multiple intimate venue settings across the area create an atmosphere where horror aficionados can discover their next favorite film while mingling with industry professionals and fellow genre enthusiasts.

Open House New York — Oct. 17–19

Architecture enthusiasts shouldn't miss Open House New York Weekend, an annual celebration that unlocks the city's most fascinating buildings and design spaces. This unique festival offers rare access to architectural gems typically closed to the public, from historic landmarks to cutting-edge contemporary structures. Guided tours provide insights into the city's built environments, revealing hidden stories and design innovations that shape New York's distinctive skyline.

Diwali Motorcade — Oct. 18

The Diwali Motorcade illuminates the streets with the festival of lights, bringing South Asian culture to the forefront of New York's autumn calendar. This vibrant celebration features colorful floats, traditional music, and community participation that transforms ordinary city blocks into scenes of joy and cultural pride. The motorcade demonstrates how immigrant communities have woven their traditions into New York's vibrant cultural fabric.

Village Halloween Parade — Oct. 31

No discussion of fall festivals would be complete without mentioning New York's most iconic October celebration: the Village Halloween Parade. This legendary Greenwich Village tradition transforms Sixth Avenue into a mile-long procession of creativity and imagination. From elaborate handmade costumes to political satire and artistic installations, the parade embodies New York's spirit of self-expression. Spectators line the streets while thousands of participants create a moving feast of visual artistry that has inspired Halloween celebrations worldwide.

Experience it All at Hotel Beacon

Each of our city’s festivals offers unique perspectives on New York's multifaceted identity, from its role as entertainment capital to its position as cultural melting pot. The autumn months provide ideal weather for exploring these diverse celebrations, with comfortable temperatures perfect for walking between venues and soaking in the city's electric atmosphere.

Eager to attend? Hotel Beacon offers the ultimate festival experience, providing a centrally located “home base” for exploring all that autumn in New York has to offer. Located in the heart of Manhattan's Upper West Side, our prime location puts you within easy reach of every major festival venue while providing a comfortable retreat after days filled with cultural adventure. Check out our special NYC travel offers designed specifically for festival-goers, and let us help you make the most of New York's most exciting season!