This weekend · Oct 17–18

Things to Do in NYC This Weekend (Oct 17–18): 9 Picks — Dogs, flowers and fall color across the city

This weekend in New York, the best plans are outdoors and a little seasonal. Saturday brings a rescue-dog block party in Hell's Kitchen and the last day of a Nihonga show in Tribeca; Sunday has a plant market in Long Island City. Ikebana at the Noguchi Museum runs just two days, while foliage cruises, a Halloween weekend at the Bronx Zoo, Gowanus studios and a free dog-sculpture show in Central Park round out the list.

Saturday

  1. Muddy Paws Rescue Block Party Takes Over a Hell's Kitchen Block

    Muddy Paws Rescue Block Party Takes Over a Hell's Kitchen Block

    W 54th Street between 9th and 10th Aves · 2026-10-17–2026-10-17

    Saturday, October 17, W 54th Street between 9th and 10th Avenues in Hell's Kitchen. Muddy Paws Rescue's annual street fair offers same-day dog and cat adoptions, a costume contest, a photo booth, food, drinks and local vendors.

  2. Kaori Someya: The Light Within

    Kaori Someya: The Light Within

    Ippodo Gallery, Tribeca · 2026-09-10–2026-10-17

    Last day is Saturday, October 17, at Ippodo Gallery in Tribeca. Nihonga painter Kaori Someya places metal leaf behind thin washi, so a soft glow rises around kimono-clad women. Check the gallery's hours before going.

Sunday

  1. NYC Plant Market Returns to Culture Lab LIC on October 18

    NYC Plant Market Returns to Culture Lab LIC on October 18

    Culture Lab LIC, Long Island City · 2026-10-18–2026-10-18

    Sunday, October 18, 1 to 7pm at Culture Lab LIC in Long Island City. Dozens of vendors sell plants, ceramics and fiber art, with a community plant swap and a free plant clinic on the program.

All weekend

  1. Ikenobo Ikebana NYC 40th Anniversary Exhibition at The Noguchi Museum

    Ikenobo Ikebana NYC 40th Anniversary Exhibition at The Noguchi Museum

    The Noguchi Museum, Education Studio (Level C), Long Island City · 2026-10-17–2026-10-18

    Two days only, October 17 and 18, in the Education Studio (Level C) of the Noguchi Museum in Long Island City. About 45 arrangements by masters and members mark 40 years of Ikenobo's New York chapter.

  2. Boo at the Zoo at the Bronx Zoo

    Boo at the Zoo at the Bronx Zoo

    Bronx Zoo, Bronx Park · 2026-09-26–2026-11-01

    The Bronx Zoo's daytime Halloween event adds a hay maze, animal chats and a carnival this year, plus costume parades, pumpkin displays and puppet shows. Weekends through November 1, included with admission.

  3. Classic Harbor Line Fall Foliage Cruises on the Hudson

    Classic Harbor Line Fall Foliage Cruises on the Hudson

    Classic Harbor Line vintage yachts (Hudson River), Chelsea · 2026-10-03–2026-11-15

    Classic Harbor Line's fall foliage sails on the Hudson run aboard 1920s-style vessels past the GW Bridge and Palisades. Brunch cruises and schooner options exist, with a complimentary beverage included. Through November 15.

  4. Camille Henrot: Dogs

    Camille Henrot: Dogs

    Doris C. Freedman Plaza, Central Park, Manhattan · 2026-09-09–2027-08-29

    Twelve larger-than-life dog sculptures by Camille Henrot, in bronze, stone, steel and concrete, fill Doris C. Freedman Plaza at the entrance to Central Park. Free, presented by Public Art Fund through August 29, 2027.

  5. Gowanus Open Studios (30th annual)

    90+ locations across Gowanus · 2026-10-17–2026-10-18

    The 30th Gowanus Open Studios, October 17 and 18, noon to 6pm. More than 400 artists, businesses and venues open across 90-plus former factory and warehouse locations. Free.

  6. I'm So Happy You Are Here: Japanese Women Photographers from the 1950s to Now at ICP

    I'm So Happy You Are Here: Japanese Women Photographers from the 1950s to Now at ICP

    International Center of Photography, Lower East Side · 2026-10-15–2027-01-11

    Newly opened at ICP on the Lower East Side, a survey of Japanese women photographers from the 1950s to now, on view through January 11, 2027. Admission is $18, or $5 on Thursday evenings.